mmm 


BX  3963  . A4  1923 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
U.S.  General  Assembly. 

A  digest  of  the  acts  and 
proceedings  of  the  Genera, 


Ml 


* 


i 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2019  with  funding  from 
Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Library 


https://archive.org/details/digestofactsprocOOpres 


I 


*. 


I 


» 


A  DIGEST 


OF  THE 


ACTS  AND  PROCEEDINGS 


OF  THE 


GENERAL  ASSEMBLY 


OF  THE 

PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH 


IN  THE  UNI  T  E  D  S  T  A  T  E  S, 


REVISED  DOWN  TO  AND  INCLUDING  ACTS  OE  THE  GENERAL 

ASSEMBLY  OF  1922. 


BY 


G.  F.  NICOLASSEN. 


RICHMOND,  VA. 

Presbyterian  Committee  of  Publication. 

1923. 


Copyright,  1923 

Presbyterian  Committee  of  Publication 
Richmond,  Va. 


WILLIAMS  PRINTING  CO.,  PRINTER 
RICHMOND,  VA. 


Printed  in  the  United  States  of  America. 


PREFACE 


The  last  decade  has  seen  a  very  remarkable  growth  in 
our  Church.  The  Systematic  Beneficence  Committee,  with  its 
Every  Member  Canvass  and  Progressive  Program,  has  brought 
our  people  to  a  point  of  giving  which  they  themselves  would 
have  considered  impossible  a  few  years  ago,  and  has  developed 
a  recognition  of  Stewardship  that  we  have  never  known  be¬ 
fore.  It  is  thrilling  to  read  the  story  of  this  spiritual  ad¬ 
vancement  ;  and  it  has  been  thought  advisable  to  make  the 
record  complete  so  far  as  it  is  shown  in  documents.  Hence, 
the  reports  of  the  Systematic  Beneficence  Committee  have 
been  included,  as  well  as  the  acts  of  the  Assembly  itself,  al¬ 
though  this  procedure  has  caused  some  repetition. 

The  remarkable  expansion  of  the  Woman's  Auxiliary  has 
been  a  large  factor  in  the  forward  movement.  Their  thorough 
organization  and  hearty  co-operation  have  contributed  very 
greatly  to  the  success  of  the  new  plans. 

As  a  matter  of  historical  interest,  two  pages  have  been 
added,  containing  fac-similes  of  the  signatures  of  Commis¬ 
sioners  to  the  first  General  Assembty  of  1861,  to  the  Address 
to  the  Churches. 

In  the  preparation  of  this  edition  of  the  Digest,  valuable 
aid  has  been  received  from  several  sources.  Rev.  J.  G.  Hern¬ 
don,  formerly  Stated  Clerk  of  the  Synod  of  Georgia,  sent  a 
correction  in  regard  to  that  Synod.  Rev.  Dr.  Thos.  H.  Law, 
while  he  held  the  office  of  Stated  Clerk  of  the  Assembly,  gave 
information  on  a  matter  that  was  referred  to  him.  The  pres¬ 
ent  Stated  Clerk,  Rev.  Dr.  J.  D.  Leslie,  analyzed  many  of  the 
judicial  cases  and  stated  the  essential  point  of  each  in  a  way 
that  rendered  it  very  easy  to  incorporate  this  material  in  the 
Index,  and  made  other  helpful  suggestions.  The  Secretaries 
of  the  several  Executive  Committees  and  of  the  Woman’s 
Auxiliary,  have  prepared  the  greater  part  of  the  statistics 
found  at  the  end  of  the  volume.  Mr.  R.  E.  Magill  and  Mr. 
J.  E.  Pleasants,  of  the  Publication  Office,  furnished  the  needed 
supplies,  and  superintended  the  Avork  as  it  passed  through 
the  hands  of  the  printers. 

A  feAv  words  from  the  supplement  published  in  1898,  may 
not  be  out  of  place :  “A  wider  use  of  the  Digest  would  check 
the  duplication  of  identical  overtures  year  after  year,  give 
greater  unity  to  the  deliverances  of  the  highest  court  of  the 


Church,  and  so  command  for  them  greater  respect  and  more 
general  observance.  It  would  also  aid  in  crystallizing  the 
methods  and  unifying  the  constructions  of  law  in  different 
parts  of  the  church.  A  large  portion  of  the  overtures  that 
go  up  annually  ask  for  constructions  on  points  already  de¬ 
cided  and  are  sent  up  in  ignorance  of  that  fact.” 

G.  F.  Nlcolassen. 

4 


Atlanta,  Ga.,  Feb.  1,  1923. 


CONTENTS 


The  references  are  to  the  number  of  the  page. 


Book  I. 

The  Constitution _  1 

Book  II. 

The  Congregation _ 18 

1.  Its  members _ 18 

2.  Ministers _ 36 

3.  Elders  _ 68 

4.  Deacons  _ 77 

Book  III. 

Church  Courts  _ 81 

1.  The  Session  _ 81 

2.  The  Presbytery  _ 96 

3.  The  Synod _ * _ 110 

4.  The  General  Assembly _ 127 

5.  General  Powers  of  Church 

Courts  _  164 

Book  IV. 

The  Agencies  of  the 
Church  _ 169 

1.  Foreign  Missions  _ 169 

2.  Home  Missions  _ 238 

a.  Evangelism _ 260 

b.  Church  Erection  _ 282 

c.  Pastoral  Support, 

( Sustentation ) _ 286 

d.  Mission  Schools _ 292 

e.  Mountaineers _ 297 

f.  Foreign  Speaking 

Peoples  _ 299 

g.  Colored  Evangelization  301 

h.  The  Frontier _ 339 

3.  Christian  Education  and 

Ministerial  Relief _ 343 

a.  Education  for  the  Min¬ 

istry  and  Missionary 
Service _ 346 

b.  Ministerial  Relief _ 373 

c.  Endowment  Fund _ 392 

d.  Schools  and  Colleges- _  397 


e.  Student  Loan  Fund _ 456 

f.  Home  and  School _ 458 

4.  Theological  Seminaries..  475 

5.  Publication  and  Sunday 

School  Work  _ 500 

a.  Publication  _ 500 

b.  Sunday  Schools  _ 527 

c.  Young  People’s  Socie¬ 

ties  _ 566 

6.  Systematic  Beneficence _ 580 

7.  General  Regulations _ 764 

8.  Trustees  and  the  Charter  793 

9.  Voluntary  Agencies _ 799 

Book  V. 

Ordinances _ 816 

Sabbath  _ 816 

Family  Worship _ 831 

Lord’s  Supper  _ 834 

Baptism _ 835 

Book  VI. 

Topics  Moral  and  Secular.  850 

Worldly  Amusements _ 850 

Intemperance  _ 856 

Gambling _ 862 

Divorce _  867 

Book  VII.  v 
Relations  with  other 

Bodies  _ 858 

1.  Non -Secular  Character  of 

the  Church _  885 

2.  Organic  Union  with  other 

Bodies _  909 

3.  Fraternal  Correspondence 

with  other  Bodies _ 923 

Book  VIII. 

Judicial  Cases _ 1097 

Book  IX. 

Statistics _ 1119 

Index  _ 1129 


CORRECTIONS 


P.  75,  §154,,  change  §38  to  60. 

P.  606,  11  lines  from  bottom,  change  1922  to  1912. 
P.  693,  §1142,  substitute  the  following: 


Richmond  (1918) 

Synod 

Durant 

J.  S.  Foster  __  _ 

.Alabama  _ 

.  — J.  S.  Foster. 

E.  W.  King _  . 

.  _  Appalachia 

Arkansas 

T.  C.  McRae. 

Florida  .  . 

A.  A.  Little 

.  — Georgia 

A.  A.  Little. 

J.  T.  Thomas 

_ _ Kentucky 

_  -T.  T.  Thomas. 

J.  A.  Lyon 

Louisiana  .  _ 

- 

J.  B.  Hutton 

.Mississippi 

C.  It.  Nisbet 

Missouri 

R.  A.  Brand 

North  Carolina 

A.  F.  Davidson 

.Oklahoma 

A.  H.  Ferguson. 

A.  D.  P.  Gilmour 

.South  Carolina 

W.  H.  Raymond 

Tennessee  - 

W.  H.  Raymond. 

Texas 

.  _ 

J.  W.  Friend 

Vira-inia, 

Ernest  Thompson 

.West  Virginia  - 

Ernest  Thompson 

P.  793,  §1226,  change  Securities  to  Secretaries. 


A  DIGEST 

OF  THE 

ACTS  AND  PROCEEDINGS 

OF  THE 

GENERAL  ASSEMBLY 

OF 

THE  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH 

IN  THE  UNITED  STATES 

Revised  down  to  and  including  Acts  of  the  General  Assembly  of  1922 


BOOK  I 


THE  CONSTITUTION 

1.  I Title  of  the  Church. — The  Constitution  declared 

1861,  p.  7.  Resolved ,  1.  That  the  style  and  title  of  this  Church 
shall  be  The  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  Confederate 
States  of  America. 

12.  That  this  Assembly  declare,  in  conformity  with  the  unani¬ 
mous  decision  of  our  Presbyteries,  that  the  Confession  of  Faith, 
the  Larger  and  Shorter  Catechisms,  the  Form  of  Government,  the 
Book  of  Discipline,  amd  the  Directory  of  Worship,  which  together 
make  up  the  Constitution  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States  of  America,  are  the  Constitution  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  Confederate  States  of  America,  only  substituting  the  term 
“Confederate  States”  for  “United  States.” 

2.  Title  of  the  Church  changed 

1865,  p.  357.  The  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  made  a 
report,  recommending  that  the  name  of  the  Church  shall  be  The 
Presbyterian  Church  in  tfie  United  States;  after  which 
various  other  names  were  proposed  by  members  of  the  Assembly. 
After  considerable  discussion  on  the  merits  of  the  names  proposed, 
the  vote  was  taken  with  the  following  result :  F or  the  name  proposed 
by  the  Committee,  42 ;  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  South,  7 ;  Amer 
ican  Presbyterian  Church,  2 ;  Protestant  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States,  2.  The  vote  was  then  made  unanimous. 


The  Constitution 


2 


[Book  I 


3.  How  the  Confession  of  Faith  and  Catechisms  may  be  amended. 

1883,  p  .50.  The  following  paper  was  adopted: 

Resolved,  That  inasmuch  as  the  provisions  for  amending  the 
Confession  of  Faith  and  Catechisms,  which  the  Synod  of  1788  in¬ 
corporated  in  the  act  by  which  it  adopted  said  formularies,  are 
nowhere  printed  in  our  Standards,  this  Assembly  hereby  requests 
all  the  Presbyterians  under  its  care  to  send  up  to  the  next  Assembly 
a  distinct  answer  to  the  following  question: 

Shall  Chapter  VII.  of  the  Form  of  Government  be  amended  by 
adding  a  third  section  to  read  as  follows: 

III.  Amendments  to  the  Confession  of  Faith  and  the  Catechisms 
of  this  Church  may  be  made  only  upon  the  recommendation  of  one 
Assembly,  the  concurrence  of  at  least  three-fourths  of  the  Presbyteries, 
and  the  enactment  of  the  same  by  a  subsequent  Assembly. 

1884,  p>.  250.  To  this  Overture,  forty-nine  Presbyteries  answer 
in  the  affirmative,  ten  in  the  negative,  and  two  give  modified  answers, 
claiming  that  the  provision  of  the  Synod  of  1788  is  the  law  of  the 
Church  on  this  subject,  and  must  be  complied  with  in  this  case. 

1884,  p.  248.  Resolved,  That  this  amendment  be,  and  is  here¬ 
by  enacted  as  Par.  3,  Chap.  VII.,  Form  of  Government. 

1885,  p.  401.  An  overture  asking  the  Assembly  to  annul  as 
unconstitutional  the  act  of  the  Assembly  of  1884,  providing  for  the 
amendment  of  the  doctrinal  standards  of  the  Church.  The  following 
answer  was  adopted:  The  Assembly  declines  to  take  the  action 
proposed,  as  in  its  judgment  the  act  complained  of  was  strictly 
constitutional  and  lawful. 

1885,  p.  411.  An  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  St.  Johns, 
asking  the  amendment  of  the  Book  of  Church  Order,  defining 
and  limiting  the  method  of  altering  the  doctrinal  symbols  of  the 
Church.  Answer :  The  Assembly  recommends  that  the  Form  of 
Government,  Chapter  VII.,  Paragraph  3.,  be  amended  by  adding  to 
the  said  paragraph  the  following  words,  viz. :  “The  provision  con¬ 
tained  in  the  preceding  paragraph  for  the  amendment  of  the  Book 
of  Church  Order  shall  not  apply  to  this  paragraph;  but  this  para¬ 
graph  shall  be  amended  or  altered  only  in  the  way  which  itself 
provides  for  the  amendment  of  the  Confession  of  Faith  and;  Cate¬ 
chisms  of  the  Church.”  And  the  Assembly  sends  down  to  the 
Presbyteries  this  amendment  for  their  advice  and  consent  thereunto.” 

188b,  p.  56.  'On  this  the  vote  was — Ayes,  51;  noes,  6.  It  was 
thereupon  enacted. 


4.  Marriage  with  a  deceased  wife’s  sister. 

The  discussion  of  the  subject  began  in  1881 ;  in  1886  the  following 
action  was  taken: 

Inasmuch  as  more  than  three-fourths  of  the  entire  number  of  the 
Presbyteries,  in  response  to  an  overture  from  the  Assembly,  have 
given  their  advice  and  consent  to  the  proposed  amendment  (i.  e.). 
to  strike  out  from  the  Confession  of  Faith  the  clause  in  Sec.  IV.  of 
Chap.  XXIV.;  therefore  this  Assembly  does  hereby  enact,  that  said 


Secs.  3-5] 


The  Constitution 


clause  be  stricken  out  of  the  Confession  of  Faith  of  our  Church. 
Adopted. 

To  the  action  of  the  Assembly  enacting  this  amendment,  a  protest, 
signed  by  Rev.  C.  W.  Humphreys  and  three  others,  was  admitted  to 
record  without  answer.  This  protest  is  found  on  page  49  of  the 
Minutes. 

1887,  p.  215.  Overtures  asking  the  Assembly  to  define  the  mar¬ 
riage  law  of  the  Church,  and  to  put  a  particular  construction  on  the 
amendment  to  the  Confession  of  Faith  enacted  by  the  last  Assembly 
as  only  referring  to  the  deceased  wife’s  sister. 

Answer.  1.  The  Assembly  cannot  give  a  more  definite  expres¬ 
sion  to  the  marriage  law  than  that  found  in  the  Confession  of  Faith. 

2.  The  Assembly  has  no  power  to  put  any  restrictions  upon  the 
constitutional  amendment  enacted  by  the  last  Assembly  on  the  mar¬ 
riage  question. 


5.  Elect  Infants 

1900,  p.  614.  An  overture  from  W.  E.  Shive  and  W.  M.  Kilpat¬ 
rick  asking  that  the  Confession  of  Faith,  Chap.  X.,  Sec.  3,  be 
amended  so  as  to  read:  “All  dying  in  infancy  are  elect  infants,  and 
are  regenerated,”  etc.,  was  declined,  inasmuch  as  the  present  lan¬ 
guage  of  the  Confession  cannot,  by  any  fair  interpretation,  be  con¬ 
strued  to  teach  that  any  of  those  who  die  in  infancy  are  lost. 

P.  643.  Resolved,  That  in  every  edition  of  the  Confession  of 
Faith  published  hereafter  the  Committee  of  Publication  be  instructed 
to  insert  as  an  explanatory  foot-note  the  action  of  this  Assembly 
regarding  infants  dying  in  infancy. 

1901,  p.  58.  To  overtures  from  six  Synods  and  twenty-nine 
Presbyteries,  asking  in  various  terms  that  this  action  be  rescinded, 
the  Assembly  made  response  granting  the  request,  but  declaring  that 
this  action  is  in  no  way  to  be  taken  to  modify  the  answer  made  to  the 
overture  of  W.  E.  Shive  and  W.  M.  Kilpatrick  by  the  Assembly  of 
1900. 

Concerning  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Norfolk,  asking 
that  the  Assembly  send  down  to  Presbyteries  the  following  overture, 
“Shall  Chap.  X.,  3,  of  the  Confession  be  changed  to  read,  ‘Infants 
dying  in  infancy,  being  elect,  are  regenerated,’  and  concerning  the 
overture  from  the  Synod  of  South  Carolina  that  this  be  not  done; 
and  concerning  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Fort  Worth, 
asking  that  the  Assembly  take  such  action  as  will  leave  no  doubt 
of  the  true  position  of  our  church  upon  this  subject;  and  concerning 
the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Chesapeake,  asking  that  the 
Assembly  send  down  to  Presbyteries  the  following  overture,  viz.: 

“Shall  the  word  ‘elect’  in  Chap.  X.,  3,  in  the  first  line,  of  the 
Confession  of  Faith  be  stricken  out?”  and  concerning  an  overture 
from  F.  H.  Johnston  and  eight  others,  asking  the  same  thing,  or, 
failing  this,  asking  that  the  word  “infants”  in  the  section  in  question 
be  changed  to  “persons” — 

Your  committee  recommends  that  no  action  be  taken,  for  the  fol¬ 
lowing  reasons: 


4  The  Constitution  [Book  I 

•1.  Because  it  is  unwise  to  initiate  at  this  time  the  agitation  of 
this  question  among  our  people. 

2.  Because  no  modification  that  does  not  eliminate  scriptural 
Calvinism  from  this  section  of  the  Confession  will  obviate  the  ob¬ 
jection  which  comes  from  Arminian  sources. 

!3.  Because  the  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith  is  the  first  Great 
Creed  which  taught  the  salvation  of  infants  dying  in  infancy,  on 
truly  scriptural  grounds. 

4.  Because  the  Confession  of  Faith  in  this  section  does  not  teach 
the  damnation  of  any  infants  dying  in  infancy,  for  the  reason  that 
the  contrast  made  in  it  is  not  between  elect  and  non-elect  infants 
dying  in  infancy,  but  between  elect  persons  who  die  in  infancy,  and 
elect  persons  who  do  not  die  in  infancy. 

5.  Because,  while  we  have  a  well  grounded  hope,  founded  on 
Scripture,  that  all  infants  dying  in  infancy  are  saved,  yet  the  Con¬ 
fession  of  Faith  goes  as  far  as  the  Scriptures  justify  a  positive 
credal  statement  upon  this  subject. 

In  addition,  your  committee  recommends  that  this  entire  report 
be  published  by  our  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  in  a  con¬ 
venient  form  for  distribution,  and  that  it  be  kept  on  sale  at  the 
Depository. 

1902,  pp.  259,  294.  The  Assembly  declined  an  overture  asking 
the  addition  of  a  foot-note  to  Chap.  III.,  Sec.  7,  and  to  Chap.  X., 
Sec.  3,  of  the  Confession  of  Faith. 

1902,  p.  264.  The  Assembly  on  a  yea  and  nay  vote,  declined  to 
recommend  and  send  down  to  the  Presbyteries,  for  their  concurrence, 
the  following  amendment  to  Chap.  X.,  of  our  Confession  of  Faith, 
namely,  that  in  place  of  the  language  now  contained  in  the  first 
sentence  of  Sec.  3,  of  said  Chap.  X.,  the  following  be  inserted: 
“All  infants,  dying  in  infancy,  are  included  in  the  election  of  grace, 
and  are  regenerated  and  saved  by  Christ,  through  the  Spirit,  who 
worketh  where  and  when  and  how  he  pleaseth.” 

P.  265.  The  following  was  adopted: 

Eleven  overtures  have  been  placed  in  the  hands  of  your  committee 
relating  to  the  subject  of  infant  salvation.  All  of  them  reveal  more 
or  less  dissatisfaction  with  some  parts  of  the  action  taken  by  our 
last  Assembly  touching  the  question  of  infant  salvation,  and  express 
a  desire  to  see  our  Church  authorize  some  positive  statement  as  to 
the  certainty  of  the  salvation  of  all  infants  dying  in  infancy.  The 
majority  of  said  overtures  ask  this  Assembly  to  rescind  some  parts  of 
the  action  of  the  last  Assembly.  (See  Minutes  of  1901,  page  59.) 
Others  call  for  a  declarative  or  explanatory  statement  which  shall 
clear  our  Church  of  the  false  charge  that  we  teach  or  hold  that  at 
least  some  infants  who  die  in  infancy  are  eternally  lost;  and  yet 
others  ask  that  this  Assembly  shall  take  the  proper  constitutional 
steps  to  have  our  Confession  so  amended  as  to  make  it  affirm,  in 
unmistakable  terms,  the  salvation  of  all  infants  who  die  in  infancy. 

In  response  to  these  overtures  your  committee  asks  the  Assembly 
to  make  answer  as  follows: 

1.  In  answer  to  the  overtures,  asking  for  the  rescinding  of  the 
one  or  the  other  part  of  the  whole  action  of  the  General  Assembly 


Sec.  5] 


The  Constitution 


5 


at  Little  Rock  in  1901,  concerning  Chap.  X.,  Sec.  3,  of  the  Confession, 
the  Assembly  does  hereby  rescind  the  fifth  reason  of  the  last  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  for  declining  to  amend  the  Confession,  which  is  in 
terms  following:  “Because,  while  we  have  a  well-grounded  hope, 
founded  on  Scripture,  that  all  infants  dying  in  infancy  are  saved, 
yet  the  Confession  of  Faith  goes  as  far  as  the  Scriptures  justify  a 
positive  credal  statement  upon  this  subject. 

2.  This  Assembly  is  fully  persuaded  that  the  language  employed 
in  Chap.  X.,  Sec,  3,  of  our  Confession  of  Faith,  touching  infants 
dying  in  infancy,  does  not  teach  that  there  are  any  infants  dying  in 
infancy  who  are  damned,  but  is  only  meant  to  show  that  those  who 
die  in  infancy  are  saved  in  a  different  manner  from  adult  persons, 
who  are  capable  of  being  outwardly  called  by  the  ministry  of  the 
Word. 

Furthermore,  we  are  persuaded  that  the  Holy  Scriptures,  when 
fairly  interpreted,  amply  warrant  us  in  believing  that  all  infants 
who  die  in  infancy  are  included  in  the  election  of  grace,  and  are 
regenerated  and  saved  by  Christ  through  the  Spirit.  Adopted. 

(Note. — Item  1,  above,  was  substituted  in  the  report,  and  then  adopted 
as  part  of  the  report;  in  lieu  of  the  following,  which  was  a  part  of 
the  committee’s  recommendations: 

“1.  That  the  request  to  rescind  the  action  of  the  last  Assembly 
(Minutes  of  1901,  page  59)  in  regard  to  the  foot-note,  which  was 
adopted  by  the  Assembly  of  1900,  be  respectfully  declined,  because  the 
relief  desired  can  be  secured  as  effectively  by.  other  forms  of  action.” 

By  accident,  this  amendment  was  not  inserted  in  the  report,  when 
made  a  part  of  it,  nor  did  it  come  into  the  hands  of  the  Permanent 
Clerk.  In  consequence  the  action  appeared  in  the  printed  Minutes  as 
it  came  from  the  committee,  and  not  with  the  substitute  which  by 
amendment  took  the  place  of  item  1.  The  clerks  called  attention  to 
the  inaccuracy  through  the  press,  also  called  the  matter  to  the  notice 
of  the  next  Assembly,  which  took  no  action  in  the  way  of  recognizing 
or  rectifying  the  inaccurate  minute.  Fidelity  requires  that  this 
note  be  appended. — A.) 

P.  288.  Resolved,  That  the  order  given  to  our  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Publication  by  the  last  Assembly  (as  printed  in  the  Minutes 
of  1910,  page  59)  for  publishing  the  report  adopted  by  that  Assembly, 
touching  the  subject  of  infant  salvation,  be  hereby  countermanded, 
inasmuch  as  a  vital  part  of  said  report  has  been  rescinded  by  this 
Assembly;  and  that  the  Committee  of  Publication  is  hereby  instructed 
to  print,  in  leaflet  form,  the  second  recommendation  of  the  Standing 
Committee  of  Bills  and  Overtures,  which  was  adopted  by  this  As¬ 
sembly  (see  report),  and  to  send  the  same  to  the  ministers  of  our 
church. 

1903,  p.  489.  In  response  to  an  overture,  that  the  Assembly  send 
down  to  the  Presbyteries  an  amendment  to  our  Confession  of  Faith, 
Chap.  X.,  Sec.  3,  so  that  it  shall  read,  “Infants  dying  in  infancy’' 
etc.,  instead  of  “elect  infants,”  etc.,  the  following  was  adopted: 

That  this  request  be  answered  in  the  negative,  for  the  reason  that 
the  section  as  thus  amended  would  not  fully  state  and  properly  cor¬ 
relate  the  doctrines  of  grace  as  held  by  our  Church  in  relation  to  the 
salvation  of  infants. 


6 


The  Constitution 


[Book  I 


By  a  yea  and  nay  vote,  the  Assembly  declined  to  send  down  to 
the  Presbyteries  for  their  advice  and  consent  the  following  two  ex¬ 
planatory  foot-notes  to  the  Confession,  Chap.  X.,  Sec.  3,  to-wit: 

“This  language  is  not  properly  construed  as  teaching  that  any 
infants  dying  in  infancy  are  not  saved,”  and  “The  Holy  Scriptures, 
when  fairly  interpreted,  warrant  us  in  believing  that  all  infants 
who  die  in  infancy  are  included  in  the  election  of  grace  and  are  re¬ 
generated  and  saved  by  Christ  through  the  Holy  Spirit.” 

1904,  p.  20.  The  Assembly  was  asked  to  appoint  a  committee  to 
inquire  into  the  meaning  of  Chap.  X.,  Sec.  3,  of  the  Confession  of 
Faith,  and  into  the  Scriptural  grounds  for  our  credal  statement,  and 
to  make  such  changes  in  the  Confession  as  may  conform  its  lan¬ 
guage  to  the  Word  of  God.  The  Assembly  declined  this  request, 
stating  that  the  deliverenees  of  the  Assemblies  of  1901,  p.  59;  1902, 
pp.  264,  265,  and  1903,  p.  489,  are  a  sufficient  statement  of  the 
Church’s  position  on  this  subject. 

1907,  p.  54.  The  Assembly  declined  to  add  a  declaratory  state¬ 
ment  on  Chapters  III.  and  X. 

1908,  p.  62.  Four  overtures  were  received,  one  asking  for  a  foot¬ 
note  to  the  Confession  of  Faith,  Chap.  III.,  Sec.  7,  and  to  Chap. 
X.,  Sec.  3;  one  that  the  Assembly  refrain  from  adding  explanatory 
foot-notes  to  the  Confession;  one  asking  for  an  amendment  to  Chap. 
X.,  Sec.  3;  and  one  asking  for  the  adoption  of  the  substitute  sub¬ 
mitted  in  said  overture. 

Answer :  In  view  of  the  widespread  difference  of  opinion  as  to 
the  necessity  of  changes  of  some  sort  to  Confession  of  Faith,  Chap. 
III.,  Sec.  7,  and  Chap.  X.,  Sec.  3,  this  Assembly  sends  down  to 
the  Presbyteries  this  question,  answers  to  be  returned  to  the  next 
Assembly,  to-wit:  Shall  any  change  be  made  to  Confession  of  Faith, 
Chap.  X.,  Sec.  3  ? 

1909,  p.  49.  Answers  have  been  received  from  sixty-eight  Pres¬ 
byteries,  that  twenty-four  answered  in  the  negative  and  forty-four 
in  the  affirmative.  A  number  of  those  which  answer  in  the  affirma¬ 
tive,  send  up  overtures  as  to  what  the  change  shall  be;  and  these 
suggestions  are  varied  and  diverse.  Thereupon  an  ad  interim  com¬ 
mittee  was  appointed  to  digest  these  overtures  and  report  to  the 
next  Assembly  as  to  what  change  shall  be  made,  and  all  the  Pres¬ 
byteries  are  requested  to  communicate  to  this  committee  their  views 
on  this  subject.  Committee:  A.  M.  Fraser,  W.  W.  Moon,  G.  L. 
Petrie,  H.  E.  Kirk  and  W.  L.  Lingle.  P.  70. 

1910,  pp.  46,  127.  The  second  recommendation  of  the  committee 
was  adopted: 

That  the  following  language  as  a  substitute  for  Chapter  X.,  Sec¬ 
tion  3,  be  sent  down  to  the  Presbyteries  for  their  advice  and  consent: 

“Of  those  whom  God  hath  given  to  the  Lord  Jesus  to  be  His 
seed,  such  as  are  incapable  of  being  outwardly  called  by  the  min¬ 
istry  of  the  Word,  are  regenerated  and  saved  by  Christ,  through  the 
Spirit,  who  worketh  when  and  where  and  how  he  pleaseth.” 

1911,  p.  28.  In  view  of  the  whole  situation  the  Committee  re¬ 
commends  the  sending  down  to  the  Presbyteries  of  the  following 


Secs.  5-8] 


The  Constitution 


7 


overture  to  amend  Sec.  3,  Chap.  X.,  of  the  Confession  to  read  as 
follows:  “Infants  dying  in  infancy  are  regenerated  and  saved  by 
Christ  through  the  Spirit  who  worketh  when  and  where  and  how 
He  pleaseth.  So  also  are  all  others  who  are  included  in  the  election 
of  grace  and  who  are  incapable  of  being  outwardly  called  by  the 
ministry  of  the  Word.” 

1912,  p.  35.  Touching  the  Elect  Infant  Clause,  Chap.  X.,  Sec. 
3,  of  the  76  Presbyteries  answering  the  overtures  either  wholly  or 
in  part:  38  consent  to  the  change;  34  decline  to  consent  to  the 
change;  4  return  no  answer. 

As  less  than  half  of  the  total  number  of  Presbyteries  (86)  agreed 
to  the  change,  the  overture  was  not  enacted. 

6.  Other  amendments  to  the  Confession  refused 

1907,  p.  54.  Overture  asking  for  amendments  to  the  Confession 
of  Faith  by  adding  chapters  on  the  Holy  Spirit,  the  Love  of  God  and 
Missions,  was  answered  in  the  negative.  P.  21.  An  overture  that 
the  Assembly  approve  amendments  to  the  Confession  of  Faith,  as 
made  by  the  Presbyterian  Church,  U.  S.  A.,  was  answered  in  the 
negative. 


7.  Declines  to  define  “ Necessity  and  Mercy,”  and  to  publish 
the  Confession  in  different  form 

1909,  p.  35.  In  regard  to  the  request  of  your  Standing  Commit¬ 
tee  that  the  Assembly  should  define  what  is  meant  by  “Works  of 
Necessity  and  Mercy,”  your  committee  is  of  the  opinion  that  it 
would  be  unwise  for  this  Assembly  to  undertake  to  specify  the  in¬ 
dividual  acts  that  would  fall  under  these  terms,  and  as  a  general 
statement  of  the  principle,  the  words  are  as  simple  and  plain  as  any 
that  could  be  used.  We  are  sure  that  a  conscience  alive  to  God,  and 
heart  in  love  with  Him,  to  which  the  Sabbath  is  a  delight,  and  eager 
to  reduce  all  work  to  be  done  on  that  day  to  the  smallest  minimum, 
will  never  have  any  difficulty  in  understanding  these  terms. 

1910,  p.  37.  The  Assembly  declined  to  publish  the  Confession  of 
Faith  in  different  form  and  style  on  account  of  the  expense. 

8.  Brief  Statement  of  Belief 

1913,  p.  44.  We  recommend  to  the  General  Assembly  that  the 
Brief  Statement  of  Belief  submitted  by  the  Ad  Interim  Committee 
be  approved  by  this  Assembly,  as  amended  by  this  special  Committee, 
for  general  information  and  distribution  as  a  tract,  and  that  it  be 
ordered  published  by  our  Executive  Committee  of  Publication,  with 
the  explanatory  note  of  the  Ad  Interim  Committee. 

A  brief  Statement  of  Belief,  Drawn  from  the  Standards  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States.  Prepared  by  a  Com¬ 
mittee  appointed  by  the  General  Assembly  at  Bristol,  May,  1912, 
and  submitted  to  the  General  Assembly  at  Atlanta,  May,  1913. 


8 


The  Constitution 


[Book  I 


Explanatory  Note. — Inasmuch  as  there  is  some  difference  of  opin¬ 
ion  concerning  the  status  and  use  of  any  report  which  it  may  make, 
this  Committee  desires  to  state  that  it  does  not  understand  that  the 
Assembly  instructed  it  to  provide  a  statement  of  doctrine  which 
shall  be  a  substitute  for,  or  an  addition  or  an  amendment  to,  any 
of  the  documents  contained  in  the  Constitution  of  the  Church,  or 
any  part  thereof. 

I.  God. — God  is  a  spirit,  infinite,  eternal,  and  unchangeable;  all 
powerful,  holy,  wise,  good,  true,  and  just,  hating  all  sin.  He  is 
merciful  and  gracious,  long  suffering,  and  abundant  in  goodness 
and  truth,  not  willing  that  any  should  perish  but  that  all  should 
come  to  repentance.  This  truth  is  summed  up  in  the  Bible  state¬ 
ment,  “God  is  love.”  He  exists  in  three  persons,  Father,  Son,  and 
Holy  Spirit,  who  are  one  God,  the  same  in  substance,  equal  in 
power  and  glory. 

II.  The  Bible. — The  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament, 
written  by  men  inspired  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  are  the  Word  of  God. 
They  are  the  revelation  of  God’s  will  for  man  and  of  man’s  duty 
to  God,  and  are  the  only  infallible  and  authoritative  rule  of  faith 
and  life. 

III.  God’s  Purpose. — The  eternal  purpose  of  God  includes  all 
events;  it  is  holy  and  wise,  and  does  not  deprive  man  of  freedom, 
nor  make  God  the  author  of  sin. 

IV.  Creation. — For  the  manifestation  of  His  own  glory,  God 
created  the  world  and1  all  things  therein,  whether  visible  or  invisible, 
and  all  very  good.  He  made  man  after  His  own  image;  male  and 
female  created  He  them,  with  immortal  souls,  endowed  with  know¬ 
ledge,  righteousness  and  holiness,  having  the  law  of  God  in  their 
own  hearts,  and  power  to  fulfill  it;  and  yet  under  a  possibility  of 
transgression,  being  left  to  the  freedom  of  their  own  will. 

V.  Sin  and  the  Fall. — Sin  is  the  violation  of  God’s  law,  either  by 
omission  or  commission.  Our  first  parents,  being  tempted  by  Satan, 
disobeyed  God’s  command,  and  so  by  their  own  choice  fell  from 
their  original  state  of  innocence  and  communion  with  God,  and  came 
under  the  power  of  sin,  the  penalty  of  which  is  eternal  death.  All 
men,  by  reason  of  their  relationship  to  Adam  as  their  representative 
head  and  common  ancestor,  are  born  with  a  sinful  nature  from  which 
all  actual  transgressions  proceed;  and  out  of  this  condition  no  one  is 
able  to  deliver  himself. 

VI.  Salvation. — God,  who  is  rich  in  mercy,  so  loved  the  world 
that  He  gave  His  only  begotten  Son  to  be  the  Saviour  of  sinners.  The 
salvation  thus  provided  is  freely  offered  to  all  men,  and  is  sufficient 
for  all,  but  becomes  efficacious  only  in  those  who  believe  in  Jesus 
Christ  unto  eternal  life. 

VII.  Election. — Before  the  foundation  of  the  world,  God  the 
Father  chose  unto  Himself  in  Christ  a  people  whom  He  gave  to 
His  Son,  that  they  should  be  holy  and  without  blame  before  Him 
in  love.  Those  who  come  to  years  of  discretion  receive  this  sal¬ 
vation  only  through  faith  in  Christ,  being  regenerated  by  the  Holy 
Spirit.  Those  who  die  in  infancy,  and  others  wTho  are  incapable  of 


Sec.  8] 


The  Constitution 


9 


exercising  choice,  are  regenerated  and  saved  by  Christ  through  the 
Spirit  who  works  when  and  where  and  how  He  pleases.  We  thus 
declare  that  God’s  electing  grace  has  peopled  heaven  with  a  mul¬ 
titude  that  no  man  can  number  and  has  never  sent  one  soul  to  hell. 

VIII.  Christ  the  Redeemer. — The  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  being  the 
eternal  Son  of  God,  became  truly  man,  being  conceived  by  the 
Holy  Ghost  and  bom  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  yet  without  sin;  so  that 
he  is  both  God  and  man,  ahd  the  only  perfect  mediator  between 
God  and  man,  by  whom  alone  we  can  come  unto  the  Father.  By 
a  life  of  perfect  obedience  and  by  His  sacrificial  death,  He  satis¬ 
fied  divine  justice,  made  a  perfect  atonement  for  sin,  and  recon¬ 
ciles  us  to  God.  He  rose  from  the  dead  and  ascended  into  heaven, 
where  He  makes  continual  intercession  for  us;  and  He  sits  at  the 
right  hand  of  God,  clothed  with  honor  and  power,  subduing  His 
people  unto  Himself,  mling  and  defending  them,  and  restraining 
and  conquering  all  His  and  their  enemies.  He  will  come  again  to 
receive  and  reward  His  people,  and  to  judge  the  world. 

IX.  The  Holy  Spirit. — The  Holy  Spirit,  the  third  person  of  the 
Godhead,  applies  the  redemption  purchased  by  Christ.  He  per¬ 
suades  and  enables  men  to  obey  the  call  of  the  gospel,  and  dwells 
continually  in  every  believer  as  the  Spirit  of  tmth,  of  holiness,  of 
power  and  of  comfort,  and  is  thereby  the  author  of  all  Christian 
experience. 

X.  Justification  by  Faith. — Everyone  who  humbly  relies  upon 
Christ  alone  foi  salvation  and  in  repentance  confesses  and  forsakes 
his  sins,  is  pardoned  and  accepted  as  righteous  in  God’s  sight, 
solely  on  the  ground  of  the  perfect  obedience  and  sacrifice  of  Jesus 
Christ.  Everyone  thus  pardoned  and  accepted  is  adopted  into  God’s 
family,  and  becomes  an  heir  of  God  and  a  joint  heir  with  Jesus 
Christ. 

XI.  The  Christian  Life. — The  Holy  Spirit  imparts  spiritual  life 
by  the  direct  operation  of  His  power;  so  that,  being  born  from 
above,  we  are  the  children  of  God,  created  in  Christ  Jesus  unto 
good  works,  which  are  not  the  ground  but  the  fruits  of  salvation. 
Dwelling  in  Christ’s  people,  He  purifies  them  more  and  more  from 
sin,  enables  them  to  render  a  cheerful  and  loving  obedience  to  God’s 
commandments,  and1  perseveres  in  His  sanctifying  work  in  theiir 
hearts  until  at  last  they  stand  perfect  in  the  presence  of  Christ  in 
glory.  Believers  may  at  times  backslide,  growing  indifferent  and 
cold,  and  even  falling  into  grievous  sins;  yet  God  does  not  cast 
them  off,  but  chastens  them,  and  restores  them  through  repentance 
to  fellowship  with  Him. 

XII.  The  Church. — We  acknowledge  one  universal  Church,  the 
same  in  all  ages,  of  which  Christ  is  the  head.  The  Church  invisible 
consists  of  all  the  redeemed.  The  Church  visible  is  composed  of 
all  those  throughout  the  world  who  profess  faith  in  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  together  with  their  children,  and  it  is  the  duty  of  all  believers 
openly  to  profess  their  faith  by  uniting  with  the  Church.  The  Church 
exists  to  bring  to  Christ  those  whom  the  Father  has  given  Him, 
and  to  establish  the  Redeemer’s  kingdom.  The  mission  of  the  Church 


10 


The  Constitution 


[Book  I 


is  spiritual,  and  its  work  is  to  witness  to  the  truth  of  God  to  the 
ends  of  the  earth,  and  to  preach  the  gospel  to  all  men  in  every 
generation.  We  believe  in  the  separation  of  Church  and  State. 
The  Scriptural  form  of  Church  government  is  by  elders  or  presbyters, 
chosen  by  the  members  of  the  Church;  but  we  do  not  regard  the 
form  of  government  of  a  Church  as  essential  to  its  existence.  We 
recognize  the  validity  of  the  ministry  and  sacraments  of  all  evan¬ 
gelical  churches,  and  seek  the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bonds  of 
peace.  Ministers,  elders  and  deacons,  at  their  ordination,  are  re¬ 
quired  to  subscribe  to  the  system  of  doctrine  contained  in  our  stand¬ 
ards,  but  the  sole  condition  for  membership  in  the  Church  is  a 
credible  confession  of  Christ  as  Saviour. 

XIII.  The  Sacraments. — There  are  two  sacraments,  baptism, 
which  symbolizes  the  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  the  Lord’s  Supper, 
which  symbolizes  the  sacrificial  death  of  Christ.  Sprinkling  or 
pouring  is  the  Scriptural  mode^rf  baptism,  but  the  mode  is  not  es¬ 
sential  to  the  validity  of  the  sacrament.  Children  of  believers,  be¬ 
fore  reaching  the  age  of  personal  accountability,  are  to  be  baptized 
on  the  faith  of  their  parents,  who  in  the  sacramental  act  enter  into 
formal  covenant  relations  with  God.  We  invite  to  the  Lord’s  table 
all  who  love  Him  in  sincerity  and  truth  and  who  are  in  good  and 
regular  standing  in  evangelical  churches. 

XIV.  Death  and  Resurrection. — The  souls  of  believers  are  at  their 
death  made  perfect  in  holiness,  and  do  immediately  pass  into  glory; 
and  their  bodies,  being  still  united  to  Christ,  do  rest  in  the  grave 
till  the  resurrection.  At  the  resurrection,  believers  being  raised  up 
in  glory,  shall  be  openly  acknowledged  and  acquitted  in  the  day  of 
judgment,  and  made  perfectly  blessed  in  the  full  enjoyment  of  God 
to  all  eternity;  but  the  wicked  shall  go  away  into  everlasting  punish¬ 
ment. 

XV.  The  Final  State. — There  are  but  two  states  of  future  ex¬ 
istence,  heaven,  the  home  of  the  redeemed,  and  hell,  the  abode  of  the 
finally  impenitent.  There  is  no  purgatory,  nor  is  there  any  proba¬ 
tion  after  death.  Man  retains  his  identity  after  death,  and  there  will 
be  recognition  in  the  future  life.  We  believe, in  the  ultimate  and 
complete  triumph  of  the  Saviour’s  kingdom,  and  with  all  His  fol¬ 
lowers  in  all  ages  we  toil  and  pray  for  the  speedy  coming  of  the 
day  when  our  glorious  Lord  shall  see  of  the  travail  of  His  soul  and 
shall  be  satisfied. 

9.  Simplified  form  of  Shorter  Catechism  declined 

♦1911,  p.  65.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  Rev.  J.  B.  Converse 
for  a  simplified  form  of  the  Shorter  Catechism,  we  reply  in  the 
negative,  for  the  reason  that  the  Publication  Committee  has  on 
hand  the  plates  of  fourteen  different  catechisms,  and  it  is  deemed 
unwise  to  change  or  modify  in  any  way  the  Westminster  Shorter 
Catechism. 


Secs.  8-13] 


The  Constitution 


11 


10.  New  Book  of  Church  Order 

The  discussion  was  begun  in  1861.  (See  Alexander’s  Digest  of 
1910,  pp.  11-18.) 

1879,  p.  17.  According  to  testimony,  nearly  all  of  which  is  of¬ 
ficial,  it  appears  that  one  Presbytery,  namely,  Muhlenburg,  declines 
to  vote;  in  one  Presbytery,  namely,  Fayetteville,  there  is  a  tie  vote; 
eight  Presbyteries,  namely,  Columbia,  Knoxville,  Maryland,  Meck¬ 
lenburg,  Nashville,  North  Alabama,  Western  District  and  Western 
Texas,  vote  to  reject;  and  the  remaining  fifty-six  Presbyteries  to 
adopt,  some  sixteen  of  them  nearly  unanimously. 

Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States,  sitting  in  Louisville,  Ky.,  May  19, 
1879,  hereby  declares  that  the  new  Book  of  Church  Order  has  been 
adopted  by  a  large  majority  of  the  Presbyteries,  as  shown  in  their 
official  reports  to  this  body;  and  that  the  said  new  Book  of  Church 
Order  is,  therefore,  hereby  declared  to  be  the  law  of  the  Church. 

The  Assembly  declined  to  incorporate  the  old  Book’s  chapter  on 
Preliminary  Principles  into  the  New  Book  as  a  preface. 

11.  Revision  of  the  Directory  for  Worship 

The  discussion  was  carried  on  at  intervals  from  1864  to  1894. 
In  this  year  the  final  form  was  adopted. 

12.  Sketch  of  Westminster  Assembly  as  Preface  to  the  Confession 

1879,  p.  55.  The  committee  on  the  revision  of  the  Book  of 
Church  Order  was  directed,  in  a  preface  thereto,  or  elsewhere  as  in 
their  discretion  may  seem  best,  to  add  a  short  sketch  of  the  West¬ 
minster  Assembly  of  Divines.  This  direction  was  never  complied 
with.  In  1904,  p.  50,  a  request  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
prepare  such  an  account  to  be  printed  in  future  editions  of  the  Con¬ 
fession,  simply  for  information,  was  declined.  This  request  was 
repeated  in  1906,  p.  24,  whereupon  the  Committee  of  Publication  was 
authorized  to  prepare  and  publish  the  brief  historic  statement  con¬ 
templated  in  the  overture,  when  a  new  edition  shall  be  issued. 

13.  The  Apostles'  Creed 

1904,  p.  20.  The  Assembly  declined  to  enjoin  its  Committee  of 
Publication  from  printing  in  Catechisms  and  other  Sunday  School 
literature  what  is  commonly  called  “The  Apostles’  Creed.” 

1878,  p.  652.  The  Assembly  does  not  regard  it  as  necessary  to 
omit  in  the  future  publications  of  our  Church  the  phrase  in  the  Creed, 
“He  descended  into  hell,”  since  the  phrase  objected  to  as  liable  to 
misinterpretation  is  satisfactorily  explained,  as  published  by  us,  in 
a  foot-note,  by  a  quotation  from  the  answer  to  the  50th  question  of 
the  Larger  Catechism. 

1910,  p.  66.  Same  action. 


12 


The  Constitution 


[Book  I 


14.  Revision  of  Proof -Texts  to  the  Doctrinal  Standards 

1902,  pp.  259,  294.  The  Assembly  returned  a  negative  answer 
to  an  overture  asking  for  a  revision  of  the  proof-texts  to  the  Confession 
of  Faith. 

1903,  p.  507.  The  Assembly  granted  an  overture  of  Lafayette 
Presbytery  asking  for  a  committee  ad  interim  to  revise  the  proof- 
texts  in  the  editions  of  our  doctrinal  Standards  now  published  under 
the  authority  of  the  General  Assembly  with  a  view  to  their  approval 
and  publication. 

A  Committee  of  five  was  appointed  with  Dr.  W.  T.  Hall  as  chair¬ 
man. 

1904,  p.  16.  The  committee  reported  progress  and  asked  to  be 
continued  until  the  meeting  of  the  next  Assembly. 

1905,  p.  13.  The  committee  presented  a  report  which  was  referred 
to  a  select  committee  to  examine  and  report  to  this  Assembly  concern¬ 
ing  approval  and  method  of  publication. 

This  ad  interim  report  is  found  on  p.  99.  It  says  that  an  inspection 
of  the  list  of  changes  thought  by  the  committee  to  be  advisable  will 
show  that  passages  of  doubtful  genuineness  or  interpretation,  to¬ 
gether  with  such  as  are  irrelevant,  have  been  rejected,  and  that 
additional  proof  has  been  supplied  where  required.  It  suggests 
that  all  proof-texts  be  printed  in  full  in  the  Standards,  except  when 
whole  chapters  are  cited — this  rule  to  apply  to  what  is  not  altered, 
as  well  as  to  what  is  added. 

P.  41.  The  select  committee  made  a  report,  which  was  adopted, 
and  is,  in  part,  as  follows: 

As  far  as  time  and  opportunity  at  our  disposal  would  allow,  we 
have  carefully  examined  the  work  assigned  to  us  by  the  General 
Assembly.  It  is  obviously  impracticable,  under  the  circumstances 
in  which  we  have  been  placed,  to  examine  in  detail  and  with  critical 
care  all  this  work.  The  utmost  we  could  do  was  to  note  rules 
adopted  by  the  ad  interim  committee,  and  to  ascertain  as  far  as 
practicable  in  a  general  way  how  these  rules  have  been  observed. 
These  rules,  so  far  as  the  rejection  or  selection  of  proof  passages  is 
concerned,  are  four — viz. : 

1.  Reject  passages  of  doubtful  genuineness. 

2.  Reject  passages  of  doubtful  interpretation. 

3.  Reject  irrelevant  passages. 

4.  Add  other  texts  where  required. 

So  far  as  we  have  been  able  to  judge,  the  added  texts  are  generally, 
if  not  universally,  apt,  and  are  neither  of  doubtful  genuineness  nor 
of  doubtful  interpretation.  In  some  instances  we  have  noted  f  that 
texts  which  seem  to  be  of  doubtful  interpretation  or  which  are  ir¬ 
relevant  have  not  been  rejected.  We  also  find  instances  in  which 
passages  cited  have  been  retained  about  which  it  may  be  said  that 
their  truth,  as  a  part  of  God’s  Word,  is  not  vouched  for  by  the 
inspired  authors  of  the  books  in  which  these  passages  occur.  At 
the  same  time  it  is  evident  that  the  ad  interim  committee  have  faith- 


Sec.  14.] 


The  Constitution 


13 


fully  and  diligently  executed  the  work  assigned  them,  and  for  this 
they  are  justly  entitled  to  the  thanks  of  the  Church. 

In  view  of  the  fact  that  it  is  possible,  in  our  judgment,  still  further 
to  improve  the  work  so  far  admirably  begun,  we  recommend  the 
following  action: 

1.  That  the  revision  so  far  accomplished  be  now  assigned  to  a 
new  committee  ad  interim,  with  instructions  to  examine  carefully 
the  work  already  done,  to  make  further  changes  as  they  may  deem 
desirable,  with  a  view  to  bring  the  work  still  nearer  to  perfection. 

(Item  2  thanks  the  former  committee.  Item  3  gives  new  committee 
of  sixteen,  Rev.  E.  C.  Gordon,  D.  D.,  as  chairman,  the  other  members 
being  grouped  in  threes  about  the  five  Schools  of  Theology  in  our 
bounds.) 

4.  That  the  report  of  the  former  committee  ad  interim  be  printed 
in  the  Appendix  to  these  Minutes,  and  otherwise  as  the  new  com¬ 
mittee  shall  determine. 

5.  That  our  officers  and  courts  be  requested  to  examine  the  work 
already  done,  and  to  make  to  the  new  committee  any  suggestions 
which  they  may  deem  desirable  to  secure  further  improvement  in 
the  citation  of  proof-texts. 

6.  That  the  new  committee  be  directed  to  give  due  regard  to  such 
suggestions,  and  to  report  their  further  revision  to  the  next  General 
Assembly. 

1906,  p.  44.  The  committee  was  granted  further  time  and  vacan¬ 
cies  in  the  committee  were  filled. 

1907,  p.  65.  The  committee  made  a  partial  report  of  work  done, 
and  was  continued.  Four  members  of  the  committee  resigned,  their 
places  were  not  filled,  the  remaining  members  being  deemed  sufficient 
to  complete  the  work  devolved  upon  it  by  the  Assembly.  The  partial 
report  of  the  committee  was  filed  with  the  Stated  Clerk. 

1908,  p.  54.  The  committee  to  which  was  referred  the  report  of 
the  ad  interim  committee  on  the  Revision  of  the  Citation  of  Proof- 
texts  to  our  Doctrinal  Standards  would  respectfully  report  that  the 
ad  interim  committee  submits  to  this  Assembly  a  complete  revision 
of  the  texts  for  the  Confession  of  Faith,  the  Larger  Catechism  and 
the  Shorter  Catechism. 

The  time  occupied  in  the  revision,  counting  the  work  of  the  first 
committee,  appointed  in  1903,  covers  a  period  of  five  years.  Although 
the  texts  are  merely  cited,  and  not  written  out,  the  report  covers 
sii.ty-two  large  pages,  closely  written,  and  represents  a  prodigious 
amount  of  work  for  which  the  Church  should  be  duly  grateful. 

The  names  attached  to  this  revision  are  a  sufficient  guaranty  of 
orthodoxy,  thoroughness  and  loyalty  to  truth,  and  we  should  have 
no  hesitation  in  recommending  the  immediate  adoption  of  the  report, 
if  the  revisers  were  unanimous,  or  nearly  so.  They  are  unanimous 
as  to  most  of  the  changes  proposed,  but  in  two  sets  of  cases  they 
report  serious  difference  of  opinion. 

^t  has  been  suggested  to  us  by  some  members  of  the  ad  interim 
committee  that  their  failure  to  agree  was  probably  due  to  the  fact 
that  they  conducted  their  work  largely  by  correspondence,  and  that, 


The  Constitution 


14 


[Book  I 


if  a  conference  of  the  whole  committee  could  be  held,  they  would 
probably  be  able  to  reach  practical  unanimity  on  all  points. 

On  account  of  the  expense  involved  in  holding  a  meeting  of  the 
whole  committee,  we  recommend  that  the  report  be  sent  back  to  the 
committee,  with  instruction  that  they  try  by  further  correspondence 
to  reach  substantial  agreement,  and  report  to  the  next  Assembly. 
Adopted. 

1909,  p.  28.  The  Select  Committee  on  the  report  of  the  ad  interim 
Committee  on  Proof  Texts  to  the  Confession  of  Faith  and  the  Larger 
and  Shorter  Catechisms  respectfully  report  that  they  find  that  the 
ad  interim  committee  has  done  its  work  with  commendable  care  and 
at  the  expense  of  great  labor;  and  recommend  that  the  report  be 
approved  with  a  single  change  which  will  be  indicated  below. 

The  additional  recommendations  which  your  committee  makes  to 
the  Assembly  are  these: 

1.  That  the  note  on  the  mode  of  establishing  the  Canon  of 
Scripture  be  changed  by  the  insertion,  after  the  word  “Apostles,” 
of  the  words  “of  ancient  manuscripts  and  versions,”  so  that  the  note 
will  read,  “The  Canon  of  Scripture  is  not  established  by  explicit 
passages;  but  by  the  testimony  of  Jesus  and  His  Apostles,  of  ancient 
manuscripts  and  versions,  of  ancient  Christian  writers  and  Church 
councils,  and  by  the  internal  evidence  exhibited  in  the  separate 
books.” 

2.  That  the  Committee  of  Publication  be  directed  to  print  a 
sufficient  number  of  copies  of  the  report,  thus  amended,  for  distri¬ 
bution  among  the  Presbyteries,  adopting  the  recommendations  of  the 
ad  interim  Committee  as  to  arranging  a  uniform  system  of  reference 
in  printing  the  proof-texts  of  the  Shorter  Catechism. 

3.  That  the  report  be  sent  down  to  the  Presbyteries  for  their 
answers  as  to  its  adoption.  Adopted. 

1910,  pp.  47,  48.  Fifty- five  Presbyteries  answered  in  the  affirma¬ 
tive,  eight  in  the  negative;  other  Presbyteries  make  various  sugges¬ 
tions.  As  a  majority  of  the  Presbyteries  have  given  their  approval 
the  Assembly  enacted  the  report  and  directed  the  Committee  of 
Publication  to  print  the  Standards  with  proof-texts  as  revised. 


15.  A  Chapter  in  the  Form  of  Government  on  Church  Property 

1907,  p.  57.  'An  ad  interim  Committee  was  authorized  to  prepare 
a  form  of  law  as  to  Church  Property  and  report  upon  same  to  the 
next  Assembly.  By  oversight  the  committee  was  not  appointed. 

1908,  p.  31.  This  matter  having  been  taken  up  and  considered 
by  a  select  committee,  the  Assembly  appointed  an  ad  interim  Com¬ 
mittee  to  prepare  such  a  law  and  report  to  next  Assembly.  The 
next  year,  not  having  completed  its  work,  it  was  granted  further 
time.  See  “Church  and  College  Property,”  under  Christian  Edu¬ 
cation  and  Ministerial  Relief. 


16.  Pending  Question 

1915,  p.  49.  It  was  ordered  that  the  “pending  question”  in  our 
Parliamentary  Rules  shall  mean  the  “immediately  pending  question.” 


15 


Secs.  14-21]  The  Constitution 

17.  Phraseology  of  the  Baptismal  Formula  restored  to  its  original  form 

1898,  p.  220.  The  Assembly  was  overtured  to  take  steps  to  have 
the  Baptismal  Formula,  found  in  Chap.  IX.,  Sec.  6,  of  the  Directory 
for  Worship,  restored  to  its  original  form — “I  baptize  thee  in  the 
name” — instead  of  into  the  name,”  etc.,  that  this  formula  may  be 
in  harmony  with  all  other  parts  of  our  Standards  in  which  the  sen¬ 
tence  occurs. 

This  petition  was  granted  and  the  Presbyteries  were  overtured  to 
give  their  advice  and  consent  to  the  restoration  of  the  original  form 
as  found  in  the  old  Directory. 

1899,  p.  434.  Answers  from  seventy  out  of  a  total  of  seventy- 
seven  Presbyteries  were  received.  Of  these  fifty-five  voted  for  the 
amendment,  fourteen  voted  against,  and  one  did  not  vote.  There¬ 
upon  it  was 

Resolved,  That  the  Directory  be  now  amended  by  enacting  the 
above  change. 

18.  Declines  to  insert  in  the  Directory  a  Chapter  on  Christian 

Giving 

1898,  p.  220.  The  Assembly  declined  an  overture  that  it  take 
steps  to  change  Sec.  6  of  the  Directory,  on  the  subject  of  Christian 
Giving,  which  is  part  of  Chap.  VI.,  entitled  “Of  the  Preaching  of 
the  Word,”  by  enlarging  said  paragraph,  with  a  view  to  magnifying 
the  duty  of  worshiping  the  Lord  with  our  substance,  and  by  erecting 
the  enlarged  paragraph  into  a  distinct  Chapter  on  Christian  Giving. 

19.  When  shall  vote  be  taken  in  Judicial  Cases 

1904,  p.  19.  Interpreting  Paragraph  261,  Book  of  Order,  as  to 
whether  the  members  shall  vote  immediately  after  they  have  expressed 
an  opinion,  or  after  all  the  members  have  expressed  their  opinion, 
the  Assembly  said:  After  all  the  members  have  expressed  their 
opinion. 

20.  Fatalism  in  the  Confession 

1909,  p.  48.  The  Assembly  was  asked  to  make  such  change  in 
Chap.  IIP,  Sec.  3,  of  our  Confession  of  Faith  as  will  eliminate  the 
appearances  of  fatalism,  and  thus  enable  us  the  more  successfully 
to  commend  our  doctrine  to  the  favorable  consideration  of  our  fellow- 
men. 

This  the  Assembly  declined,  for  the  reason  that  this  Section,  when 
read  in  connection  with  the  other  parts  of  the  Confession  furnishes 
no  ground  for  the  charge  that  it  has  even  the  appearance  of  fatalism. 

1910,  p.  67.  Similar  action. 

21.  Informality  in  sending  down  overtures 

1884,  p.  239.  The  Presbytery  of  Ouachita  calls  the  attention  of  the 


16 


The  Constitution 


[Book  I 


Assembly  to  a  want  of  compliance  on  the  part  of  the  last  Assembly 
with  the  constitutional  forms  in  the  manner  of  sending  down  the 
proposed  amendments  to  the  Constitution,  and  overtures  this  As¬ 
sembly  to  reconsider  the  matter  and  send  the  amendments  down  in 
the  form  required  by  the  rule. 

Answer,  Whereas,  the  General  Assembly  at  Lexington  did  send 
down  to  the  Presbyteries  certain  overtures  concerning  constitutional 
amendments  couched  in  such  language  as  does  not  in  itself  decide 
whether  it  intended  to  “recommend”  that  the  Presbyteries  “advise 
and  consent  thereto,”  or  not;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  regards  it  as  the  intention  of  that 
Assembly  to  comply  with  the  principle  of  the  Constitution  provided 
for  such  a  case,  and  will  act  accordingly;  and  therefore  recommend 
that  the  overture  be  answered  in  the  negative. 

22.  Interpretation  of  the  phrase  “ System  of  Doctrine ” 

1898,  p.  223.  The  Assembly  was  asked  to  give  a  deliverance  upon 
Paragraph  119,  Section  2,  Book  of  Church  Order,  relative  to  the 
meaning  of  the  words,  “system  of  doctrine.”  Can  a  minister  or 
officer  accept  the  Standards  as  a  whole  without  subscribing  to  each 
particular  doctrine  therein? 

The  Assembly  answered  as  follows:  First,  The  words  “system 
of  doctrine”  as  applied  to  the  whole  body  of  truth  contained  in 
the  Confession  of  Faith,  being  not  ambiguous,  but  sufficiently  definite 
and  plain,  the  Assembly  considers  it  unnecessary,  and  therefore 
declines  to  give  any  further  definition.  Second,  The  use  of  the  words 
“system  of  doctrine”  in  the  terms  of  subscription  precludes  the  idea 
of  the  necessary  acceptance  of  every  statement  in  the  Standards  by 
the  subscribers,  but  involves  the  acceptance  of  so  much  as  is  vital 
to  the  system  as  a  whole.  Differences  of  opinion  as  to  whether  an> 
divergences  are  or  are  not  vital  to  the  system,  when  of  sufficient 
importance,  should  be  determined  judicially  by  the  proper  ecclesi¬ 
astical  courts. 

23.  Amendments  to  Book  of  Church  Order 

1921,  p.  65.  On  transfer  of  Church  membership  (See  page 
of  this  Digest). 

Oversight  of  members  who  have  removed  from  the  bounds  of 
their  church.  (See  page  32  of  this  Digest.) 

Church  membership  of  divested  or  deposed  ministers.  (See  page 
51  of  this  Digest.) 


24.  Proposed  amendments 

1921,  p.  70.  We  (Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures)  recommend 
that  an  ad  interim  committee  of  five  members  be  appointed  by  the 
Moderator  and  that  the  following  matters  be  referred  to  this  Com¬ 
mittee  for  their  consideration  with  instructions  to  report  to  the  next 
General  Assembly: 


Secs.  21-24] 


The  Constitution 


17 


a.  Overture  from  the  Synod  of  South  Carolina,  asking  that  the 
Book  of  Church  Order,  paragraph  64,  be  so  changed  or  interpreted, 
that  a  member  of  the  Session  may  be  chosen  to  preside  at  a  meeting 
of  the  Session  in  the  absence  of  the  pastor. 

b.  Overture  from  the  Session  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church, 
Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  asking  that  our  Constitution  be  so  amended  or 
interpreted  as  to  allow  a  church  to  call  a  co-pastor  whose  term  of 
service  shall  be  limited  to  that  of  the  pastor. 

c.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Durant,  overture  from  the 
Presbytery  of  East  Hanover,  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Tygart’s 
Valley,  and  an  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Lexington,  all  asking 
that  steps  be  taken  to  make  the  Assembly  a  continuous  body. 

d.  We  recommend  further  that  this  ad  interim  committee  make  a 
study  of  paragraph  63  of  the  Book  of  Church  Order  with  a  view 
to  stating  in  clear  and  unambiguous  terms  what  constitutes  a  quorum 
of  a  Session. 

e.  We  also  recommend  that  the  Committee  call  the  attention  of 
the  next  Assembly  to  any  other  ambiguities  in  the  Book  of  Church 
Order,  and  suggest  to  the  Assembly  such  revisions  as  might  make 
the  Book  clearer. 

1921,  p.  71.  The  Moderator  appointed  the  following  committee: 
W.  L.  Lingle,  I.  S.  McElroy,  R.  C.  Reed,  C.  R.  Hemphill,  Ai.  G. 
Jones. 

1922,  p.  33.  The  report,  of  the  Ad-Interim  Committee  on  the 
amendments  to  the  Book  of  Church  Order  was  taken  from  the  docket, 
considered,  and  the  Committee,  with  the  addition  of  Rev.  G.  H.  Gil¬ 
mer,  D.  D.,  was  continued,  with  the  request  to  make  a  careful  revision 
of  the  Book  of  Church  Order  and  report  to  the  next  assembly. 


BOOK  II 


THE  CONGREGATION 


IT’S  MEMBERS 
CHAPTER  I 

25.  When  a  member  is  in  good  and  regular  standing 

1861,  p.  11.  Is  a  member  of  a  church  in  good  and  regular 
standing,  and  entitled  to  a  dismission  in  due  form  when  about  to 
remove  to  another  church,  who  has,  for  some  time  prior  to  his  appli¬ 
cation  for  such  dismission,  absented  himself  from  the  ministrations 
of  the  Word  and  the  ordinances  of  the  Church  on  account  of  personal 
prejudices? 

P.  37.  Answer :  In  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly,  every  member 
of  our  Church  is  entitled  to  a  dismission  in  good  standing,  unless 
process  be  commenced  against  him,  it  being  left  to  the  sound  discre¬ 
tion  of  the  Session  to  determine  from  the  circumstances  of  each 
particular  case  as  to  the  propriety  of  tabling  charges  against  him  or 
not. 

See  also  the  decision  in  the  first  Turner  case,  1881,  p.  378. 

See  Book  VIII,  Judicial  Cases. 

26.  Letter  of  dismission  necessary  before  receiving  a  member  from 

a  neighboring  church 

1896,  p.  590.  Does  Section  1,  Chapter  IV,  of  the  Rules  of 
Discipline  require  that  a  Session,  having  “other  satisfactory  reasons 
of  information”  in  regard  to  the  good  and  regular  standing  in  a 
neighboring  church  of  a  member  who  resides  in  their  bounds,  shall 
notwithstanding,  prior  to  receiving  him  as  a  member  on  his  appli¬ 
cation  for  transfer,  require  him  to  procure  a  letter  of  dismission 
from  the  church  with  which  he  has  been  connected,  provided  such 
letter  can  be  obtained?  Answer:  Yes. 

27.  Received  by  certificate  unless  examined  before  the  Session 

1915,  p.  29.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Suwanee,  on  recep¬ 
tion  of  members  not  presenting  certificates  of  dismission. 


Secs.  25-30] 


Its  Members 


19 


Answer:  Only  those  who  come  before  the  Session  and  are  ex¬ 
amined  as  to  their  faith  in  Christ  should  be  recorded  as  received  on 
examination;  all  others  should  be  recorded  as  received  by  certificate. 

28.  Members  received  on  restatement 

1921,  p.  69.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Athens,  asks  the 
Assembly  to  advise  whether  members  received  upon  “restatement” 
from  churches  which  do  not  grant  letter  should  be  reported  as  received 
by  certificate  or  upon  profession  of  faith.  We  recommend  the 
following  answer:  Paragraph  276  of  the  Book  of  Church  Order, 
as  amended,  allows  a  Session  to  receive  members  “upon  other 
satisfactory  testimonials”  when  it  is  not  possible  to  get  a  regular 
certificate  of  dismission.  If  such  “other  testimonials,”  including 
the  candidate’s  statement,  are  satisfactory  to  the  Session,  the  member 
should  be  reported  as  received  upon  certificate.  If  the  testimonials 
are  not  satisfactory  to  the  Session,  the  candidate  should  be  examined 
and  received  upon  profession,  and  so  reported. 

29.  When  transfer  of  membership  under  the  twelve  months’  rule 

shall  apply 

1896,  p.  590.  Does  a  member’s  removal  of  residence  from  the 
country  to  a  town  in  which  there  is  a  regularly  organized  church  of 
our  denomination,  and  his  ceasing  for  reasons  of  convenience  to 
attend  regularly  upon  the  services  of  the  church  whose  vicinity  he 
has  left,  bring  him  after  twelve  months  under  the  purview  of  the 
rule  (Sec.  2,  Chap.  XV.)  requiring  the  transfer  of  his  membership? 
Answer:  Not  necessarily. 

30.  A  member  neglecting  transfer  for  twelve  months  to  be  retired 

on  separate  roll 

1914,  p.  70.  Amendment  to  Rules  of  Discipline. —  (1)  Combine 
Paragraphs  277  and  279  so  that  Paragraph  277  shall  read:  “When 
a  Church  member  shall  remove  his  residence  beyond  the  bounds  of 
his  congregation  into  the  bounds  of  another,  if  he  shall  neglect  for 
twelve  months,  after  due  admonition  and  without  satisfactory  reasons 
given  to  the  Session  of  his  church,  to  have  his  membership  trans¬ 
ferred,  his  name  shall  be  retired  upon  a  separate  roll  until  he  shall 
appear  and  give  satisfaction;  of  which  due  record  shall  be  made. 
The  foregoing  provision  shall  also  apply  to  a  member  whose  residence 
is  unknown  for  three  years.”  (2)  Re-number  the  last  two  sections 
of  this  chapter,  IV  and  V,  respectively. 

1914,  p.  34.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  New  Orleans, 
asking  a  change  in  the  Book  of  Church  Order,  paragraph  279,  by 
the  following  addition:  “Also  the  same  action  may  be  taken  at  the 
discretion  of  the  Session  when  a  communicating  member  shall  neglect 
his  obligation  to  his  church  for  three  years,  though  his  residence  be 
known.” 

The  Assembly  answers  in  the  negative. 


20 


The  Congregation 


[Book  II 


31.  Meaning  of  the  word  “Church”  in  Book  of  Discipline,  and  how 

members  may  be  received  from  other  denominations 

Overture  from  Palmyra  Presbytery  to  the  Synod  of  Missouri  in 
1883:  1.  Does  the  word  “church”  in  Chap.  XV.,  Sec.  1.,  Rules  of 

Discipline,  refer  to  Presbyterian  churches  only,  or  to  churches  of 
other  denominations  as  well  as  Presbyterian? 

2.  Will  the  Synod  interpret  the  last  clause  of  the  section  above 
mentioned?  Does  it  authorize  the  reception  of  members  from 
Presbyterian  churches  only,  or  from  other  evangelical  churches  also, 
simply  on  the  recognition  of  the  fact  that  they  have  been  members 
of  the  Church? 

\ Answer  of  the  Synod:  1.  The  word  “church”  in  Chap.  XV., 
Sec.  1,  Rules  of  Discipline,  refers  to  churches  of  other  denominations 
as  well  as  to  Presbyterian  churches.  See  Form  of  Government, 
Chap.  I.,  Secs.  III.  and  VII. 

2.  The  last  clause  of  the  section  referred  to  in  the  overture  is 
to  be  understood  as  meaning  “other  satisfactory  means  of  information” 
as  to  membership  in  other  churches  as  well  as  Presbyterian. 

1884,  p.  253.  (The  Assembly  approved  the  records  of  the  Synod 
of  Missouri  with  two  exceptions.  The  second  of  these  had  refer¬ 
ence  to  the  answer  which  Synod  gives  to  the  overture  from  the 
Presbytery  of  Palmyra,  touching  the  definition  of  the  word  church , 
as  it  is  found  in  Chap.  IV.,  Sec.  I.,  Book  of  Discipline. 

32.  Dismissing  members  to  and  receiving  them  from  churches  not 

connected  with  this  Assembly 

1881,  p.  378.  The  usage  of  the  Church  is  to  grant  a  letter  of 
dismission  to  members  in  good  and  regular  standing,  to  churches 
not  connected  with  this  Assembly,  but  such  a  letter  cannot  be 
demanded  as  a  matter  of  legal  right. — Extract  from  the  decision  in 
the  first  Turner  case.  See  Book  VIII.,  Judicial  Cases.  Reaffirmed, 
1893,  p.  17. 

1882,  p.  572.  The  uniform  usage  of  the  Church  has  been  to 
grant  certificates  of  good  and  regular  standing  to  those  entitled  to 
them,  to  unite  with  any  evangelical  church,  and  to  receive  persons 
to  membership  upon  like  certificates  from  other  evangelical  churches. 

33.  Not  required  to  notify  the  Church  to  which  a  member  is 

dismissed 

1882,  p.  572.  The  Assembly  declined  taking  steps  to  amend 
Chap.  XV.  of  the  Rules  of  Discipline  by  adding:  “And  in  all  cases 
where  a  member  is  dismissed  to  a  particular  church,  the  Session 
dismissing  shall  inform  the  Session  to  which  said  member  is  dis¬ 
missed  of  the  fact,”  because  the  matter  is  not  of  sufficient  importance 
to  justify  an  amendment  to  the  Rules  of  Discipline;  but  it  added: 
“Presbyteries  may,  however,  in  their  discretion,  request  Session  to 
give  the  information  asked  for  in  this  overture.” 


Secs.  31-36] 


Its  Members 


21 


1898,  p.  222;  1899,  p.  406.  Similar  overtures,  embodying  the 
further  feature  that  the  Session  receiving  the  member  shall  notify 
the  Session  dismissing  of  such  reception,  were  declined. 

1885,  pp.  416,  425.  To  a  similar  overture,  the  answer  was  made: 
Whilst  it  is  very  desirable  that  such  certificates,  notifying  the  court 
issuing  the  letter  of  the  fact  of  reception,  should  be  given  and  whilst 
the  Assembly  would  urge  upon  Presbyteries  and  Church  Sessions 
the  importance  of  issuing  them,  it  is  not  deemed  best  to  incorporate 
this  provision  as  a  part  of  the  organic  law  of  the  church. 

(The  overture  had  reference  to  dismission  of  ministers  as  well  as 
members. — A.) 

34.  Dismissing  a  member  in  blank  irregular 

1906,  p.  24.  'Is  it  irregular  or  unconstitutional  for  a  Church 
Session  to  issue  a  letter  of  dismission  in  the  following  form  (to  a 
member  who  has  permanently  removed  beyond  its  bound)  : 

“This  is  to  certify  that  A.  B.  is  a  member  in  good  and  regular 
standing  in  the  C.  D.  church,  and  at  his  own  request  is  hereby  dis¬ 
missed  and  affectionately  commended  to  any  Presbyterian  church 
in  our  communion,  where  God,  in  his  providence,  may  cast  his  lot, 
and  when  so  received,  and  not  before,  his  special  relation  to  this 
church  will  cease.” 

Reply :  In  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly  such  a  letter  is  irregu¬ 
lar,  and  no  provision  is  made  for  it  in  the  Constitution. 

1908,  p.  34.  Must  the  name  of  the  church  be  given  to  which  any 
member  is  dismissed?  Answer :  The  name  of  the  church  to  which 
a  member  is  dismissed  should  ordinarily  be  given  in  the  certificate  of 
dismission. 

35.  By  whom  may  certificates  of  dismission  be  granted? 

1908,  p.  34.  Can  a  Session  empower  a  committee  or  commissioner 
to  grant  certificates  of  dismission? 

Answer :  The  Assembly  regards  the  granting  of  certificates  of 
dismission  to  members,  under  our  Constitution,  as  a  Sessional  act. 
(Par.  67.) 

36.  Session  may  not  decline  to  grant  certificate  to  a  member  in  good 

and  regular  standing 

1918,  p.  54.  We  would  recommend  this  answer  to  the  overture 
from  the  Presbytery  at  Muhlenburg,  asking  whether  “it  is  prerogative 
of  a  Church  Session  to  decline  to  grant  a  certificate  upon  request  of  a 
communicant  of  that  church  who  is  in  good  and  regular  standing, 
dismissing  him  to  another  church  of  our  communion  into  whose  bounds 
he  has  removed  his  residence.”  It  is  not  the  prerogative  of  a  Church 
Session  to  decline  to  grant  a  certificate  under  the  conditions  mentioned. 
-  (See  Case  of  W.  S.  Turner  vs.  The  Synod  of  Georgia,  Alexander’s 
Digest,  par.  1150.) 


22 


The  Congregation 


Book  [II 


37.  Baptized  non-communicants — their  relation  to  the  Church 

1890,  p.  24.  Overtures  respecting  the  relation  of  adult  baptized 
non-communicants  to  the  Church. 

Answer :  While  such  persons  fail  to  avail  themselves  of  their 
privileges  their  relationship  to  the  Church  is  not  thereby  severed, 
but  they  are  still  under  its  care.  (See  Book  of  Discipline,  Chap  II., 
Pars.  3,  4,  5.) 

38.  Who  are  baptized  non- communicants? 

1892,  p.  434.  To  interpret  the  meaning  of  the  words  “baptized 
non-communicants,”  in  the  statistical  tables. 

1.  Should  a  church  under  these  words  report  all  baptized  children 
not  yet  come  to  the  age  of  discretion  only? 

2.  Should  non-communicants  of  all  ages,  baptized  in  its  folds 
and  living  in  its  bounds,  be  included? 

•3.  Should  those  living  in  the  bounds  of  a  church,  recognized  as 
belonging  to  a  congregation,  known  to  have  been  baptized  in  other 
Presbyterian  churches,  be  included  ? 

The  Assembly  made  answer  to  the  first  question,  No.  To  second 
question,  Yes.  To  third  question,  Yes. 

39.  Letters  dismissing  members  must  include  their  children 

1866,  p.  13.  The  Assembly  was  asked  to  make  it  obligatory  on 
Church  Sessions,  in  granting  dismissions  to  heads  of  families,  to 
include  therein  the  baptized  children  under  their  care.  Reply :  This 
has  been  fully  provided  for  in  Chap.  II.,  Art.  VII.,  of  the  “Canons 

of  Discipline”  adopted  by  this  body. 

(The  Canons  of  Discipline  submitted  by  the  Assembly  of  1866  were 
not  adopted  by  the  Presbyteries.  They  are  valid,  however,  as  showing 
the  Assembly’s  answer  to  the  above  request. — A.) 

1873,  p.  312.  The  General  Assembly  enjoins  it  on  Presbyteries 
to  require  Church  Sessions,  in  dismissing  members,  to  bring  their 
practice  into  conformity  with  the  Standards  of  the  Church. 

40.  Specific  instructions  concerning  the  registry  of  dismission  of 

non-communing  members 

1874,  p.  504.  1.  Baptized  children  being,  according  to  our 

Discipline,  “members  of  the  Church,  and  subject  to  Church  govern¬ 
ment  and  Constitution,”  there  should  be  kept  by  the  Sessions  a 
register  of  the  names  of  such  persons.  (1873,  p.  312.) 

2.  Whenever  a  parent  or  parents,  in  full  communion  with  a  church, 
remove  from  such  church  to  another,  the  Session,  in  giving  the 
usual  certificate  of  dismission  to  such  parent  or  parents,  shall  also, 
on  the  face  of  such  certificate,  state  the  names  of  all  their  children 
resident  in  their  families  being  baptized  members  of  the  Church;  and 
such  names  shall  then  be  removed  from  the  register  of  that  church; 
and  on  the  presentation  of  the  certificate  by  the  dismissed  communi- 


Secs.  37-44] 


Its  Members 


23 


cants,  shall  be  entered  on  the  register  of  the  church  to  which  said 
communicants  may  be  dismissed. 

3.  Whenever  any  baptized  child,  not  a  communicant,  shall 
remove  from  the  bounds  of  any  church,  to  become,  prospectively  a 
resident  within  the  bounds  of  another,  such  child,  having  reached 
the  years  of  discretion,  shall  be  furnished  by  the  Session,  at  his  or 
her  request,  with  a  certificate  of  such  relationship,  to  be  transferred 
to  the  Session  of  the  church  within  whose  bounds  the  proposed 
residence  is  to  be  made. 

41.  Sessions  to  report  number  of  non-communing  members  in  their 

annual  statistics 

It  was  so  ordered,  1873,  p.  312.  In  1874  (p.  510),  a  column  foil 
such  was  ordered  added  to  the  statistical  tables.  Sessions  were  urged 
1907,  p.  55,  to  report  baptized  non-communicants  by  actual  count, 
instead  of  approximately. 

1901,  p.  36.  Your  committee  believes  that  it  would  be  better  to 
omit  the  column  for  baptized  non-communicants  from  our  statistics 
than  to  give  such  defective  and  misleading  reports  as  are  usually 
given  as  matters  now  are.  But  your  committee  also  believes  that 
an  effort  should  first  be  made  to  secure  uniform  and  accurate  reports 
as  to  the  number  of  baptized  non-communicants.  To  this  end  we 
recommend  that  the  Assembly  instruct  its  Presbyteries  to  call  the 
attention  of  pastors  and  Clerks  of  Session  to  the  defective  nature  of 
these  statistics,  and  to  the  use  made  of  them  against  our  church  by 
others,  and  to  urge  pastors  and  Clerks  of  Session  to  make  accurate 
reports  as  to  the  number  of  baptized  non-communicants  under  their 
care.  Adopted. 

42.  Column  for  baptized  non- communicants  to  be  hereafter  omitted 

1875,  p.  14.  The  Assembly  declined  to  order  the  column  for 
baptized  non-communicants  to  be  stricken  out  of  the  blanks  for 
Sessional  reports,  though  overtured  to  do  so,  because  the  action 
directing  the  insertion  of  such  a  column  had  been  so  recently  taken, 
and  had  not  been  sufficiently  tested  by  experience. 

1909,  p.  61.  This  column  was  ordered  stricken  out. 

1910,  p.  37..  It  was  decided  not  to  replace  baptized  non-commu¬ 
nicants  in  the  statistical  report. 

43.  Added  by  certificate  from  other  denominations 

1891,  p.  243.  The  Assembly  declined  to  order  a  change  in  the 
heading  of  a  column  in  the  statistical  report,  so  as  to  read,  “Added 
by  certificate  from  other  denominations.” 

44.  Number  of  names  on  the  side-rolls 

1890,  p.  41.  The  Assembly  declined  to  order  a  column  in  the 


24 


The  Congregation 


Book  II 


statistical  report  for  the  number  of  names  on  the  side-rolls  for  which 
the  Book  provides,  upon  the  ground  that  the  change  would  not 
subserve  a  purpose  commensurate  with  the  expense. 

1904,  p.  20.  The  Assembly  declined  a  similar  request  as  to 
reserved  roll  of  non-resident  and  suspended  members.  The  same 
in  1896,  p.  575,  where  the  attention  of  Sessions  is  directed  to  the 
requirements  of  Chap.  XV.  of  the  Rules  of  Discipline. 

45.  Losses  in  membership  by  deaths,  removals  and  discipline 

1875,  p.  14.  The  Assembly  declined  to  direct  Sessions  to  report 
the  losses  of  their  churches  by  death  and  removal  into  other  denomi¬ 
nations.  In  1905,  p.  54  and  1896,  p.  574,  declined  to  order  such 
changes  as  shall  indicate  dismissions  as  well  as  additions  to  the 
churches.  Similar  action  in  1893,  p.  36.  Refused  request  for  three 
additional  columns,  one  each  for  members  lost  by  death,  dismissal 
and  discipline,  1903,  p.  503.  Similar  action  as  to  retired  and 
absentee  members,  1903,  p.  503;  and  as  to  a  column  for  deaths  and 
removals  in  1890,  p.  41;  and  in  1894,  p.  206;  and  one  for  deaths, 
of  members,  1893,  p.  36;  and  for  losses  in  membership,  1907,  p.  55. 
In  1904,  p.  20,  the  Assembly  declined  to  require  report  of  either 
accessions  or  losses  to  be  reported  on  in  the  narrative  or  to  enlarge  the 
narrative  blank  for  that  purpose. 

46.  Loss  in  membership  by  removals 

1907,  pp.  59,  108,  With  references  to  defections  in  Church  mem¬ 
bership,  incident  to  removals  and  consequent  lack  of  pastoral  care, 
the  Executive  Commission  of  the  Alliance  of  the  Reformed  Churches 
made  the  following  suggestions  as  to  Church  guidance  and  oversight, 
which  were  adopted  by  the  Assembly: 

1.  Care  should  be  taken  to  exhort  those  who  are  changing  their 
location  that  they  be  faithful  in  attendance  on  Gospel  ordinances, 
and  especially  that  they  be  prompt  in  joining  another  congregation 
of  Christ’s  people. 

2.  Members  leaving  a  congregation  should  be  furnished  in  every 
case  with  certificates  of  standing  and  dismission.  Where  there  is 
neglect  in  applying  for  these,  Church  officers  should  take  the  initiative 
by  urging  the  application. 

3.  Each  congregation  should  have  a  Committee  charged  to  be  on 
the  lookout  for  visiting  Church  members,  to  extend  to  them  a  fraternal 
greeting,  and  to  assure  them  of  a  cordial  welcome  to  the  place  of 
worship  and  to  all  the  privileges  of  the  congregation. 

4.  Might  not  a  bureau  be  established  at  some  central  point  by 
the  Evangelical  Churches,  and  given  as  its  sole  business  the  super¬ 
vision  of  Church  members  in  process  of  removal  to  new  places? 

47.  The  return  of  an  unused  letter  of  dismission  reinstates  the  party 
to  full  communion  in  the  church  from  which  it  was  taken 

So  the  Assembly  of  1875  decided.  (Omitted  by  oversight  from 


Secs.  44-50] 


Its  Members 


25 


Minutes,  See  Alexanders  Digest,  p.  37.)  An  elder  returning  his 
letters  resumes  his  functions.  See  §145. 

48.  Members  who  do  not  attend  or  support  their  own  church 

1874,  p.  487.  What  action  should  Church  Sessions  take  in  regard 
to  members  who  habitually  refuse  to  contribute  anything  for  the 
support  of  the  gospel? 

Answer. — Every  professing  Christian  ought  to  contribute,  according 
as  God  has  prospered  him,  for  the  support  of  the  gospel,  and  should 
any  one  habitually  fail  in  this  duty  and  privilege,  it  is  the  duty  of 
Session  to  counsel  him,  and,  if  need  be,  faithfully  admonish  him  of 
his  sinful  neglect. 

1911,  p.  29.  In  answer  to  overtures  from  Presbyteries  of  Atlanta, 
St.  Louis,  Piedmont,  and  Memphis,  asking  for  amendment  to  Para¬ 
graph  235  of  Book  of  Church  Order,  it  is  recommended  that  the 
following  be  sent  down  to  the  Presbyteries  for  their  advice  and 
consent. 

iWhen  a  communicating  member  shall  confess  before  the  Church 
Session  an  unregenerate  heart,  or  shall  wilfully  and  habitually 
neglect  the  worship  and  ordinances  of  the  Church,  and  there  is 
evidence  of  other  offence,  the  court  may,  with  his  consent,  transfer 
his  name  to  the  roll  of  non-communicating  members,  and  he  shall 
be  faithfully  warned  of  his  guilt  in  disobeying  the  Gospel,  and 
encouraged  to  seek  the  redemption  freely  offered  in  Christ;  and  a 
statement  of  the  case  shall  always  be  made  to  the  Church.  But  this 
action  shall  not  be  taken  until  the  Church  Session  has  ascertained, 
after  mature  urging  and  due  delay,  that  this  confession  or  failure  of 
duty  does  not  result  from  satanic  temptation  or  transient  darkening 
of  spirit. 

1912,  p.  25.  (Declined. 

1916,  p.  72.  In  answer  to  the  overture  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Missouri,  touching  the  status  of  resident  members  who  do  not  attend 
or  support  their  own  church: 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  answer  that  the  members  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  are  members  of  that  Church  and  subject  to  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  Session  to  which  they  belong  until  dismissed  to 
another  church  or  disciplined  by  it. 

49.  Separate  list  for  resident  absentees  from  services  not  allowed 

1899,  p.  406.  May  a  Session  place  in  a  separate  list,  and  not 
report  to  Presbytery  as  active  members,  the  names  of  resident  members 
who  habitually  absent  themselves  from  the  services  and  ordinances 
of  the  Church  for  years?  Answered  in  the  negative. 

50.  Members  not  attending  upon  the  ordinances  of  the  church 

1897,  p.  42.  The  Assembly  was  overtured  to  interpret  the  first 
clause  of  Sec.  152,  in  Book  of  Discipline,  as  to  the  following  points: 


26 


The  Congregation 


Book  [II 


1.  Is  dislike  for  ministers  or  officers,  non-accord  with  the  man¬ 
agement  of  the  Church,  or  dislike  for  any  of  its  officers  and  members, 
a  justifiable  reason  for  a  member  to  urge  for  non-attendance  upon 
services  of  the  sanctuary? 

2.  Where  such  reason  is  given,  and  where  such  members  persist 
in  continued  absence  from  all  Church  services  on  such  reasons, 
would  a  Church  Session  be  justified  in  dropping  the  name  of  offender 
from  the  Church  roll  after  due  warning  had  been  given  that  if  su'h 
conduct,  based  upon  such  reason,  continued  for  one  year,  the  name 
of  the  party  would  be  dropped  from  Church  roll  without  trial  or 
process  ? 

The  Assembly  answers  the  first  question  in  the  negative,  and  the 
second  question  as  follows:  Wilful  absence  from  the  Lord’s  table 
is  always  an  offense.  (Book  of  Discipline,  Chap.  XII.,  Sec.  2,  Par. 
235).  In  such  a  case  the  Session  should  proceed  according  to  the 
requirements  of  the  Book  of  Discipline. 

« 

51.  Interpretation  of  the  phrase  “ Beyond  the  bounds  of  his 

1  congregation,  etc. 

1917,  p.  69.  The  expression  “Beyond  the  bounds  of  his  congre¬ 
gation  into  the  bounds  of  another”  refers  exclusively  to  congregations 
of  our  own  Assembly.  i 

52.  N on-resident  and  non-attending  members 

1917,  p.  70.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  Highland  University 
Church,  Austin,  Texas,  asking  for  a  change  in  the  Book  of  Church 
Order,  Chap.  12,  Paragraph  235,  so  that  resident  members  who 
neglect  for  twelve  months  the  worship  and  ordinances  of  the  Church 
may  be  placed  on  the  roll  of  non-communicating  members  : 

We  recommend  that  it  be  sent  down  to  Presbyteries  for  their 
approval. 

1918,  p.  53.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  East  Hanover  Pres¬ 
bytery,  asking  for  the  appointment  of  an  Ad-Interim  Committee, 
“To  study  the  whole  subject  of  non-resident  membership  in  our 
churches,”  we  recommend  that  the  request  be  granted;  and  that  the 
committee  shall  consist  of  Rev.  W.  L.  Lingle,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Russell 
Cecil,  D.  D.,  and  Ruling  Elder  R.  E.  Magill;  and  we  further 
recommend  that  the  committee  consider  and  suggest  some  plan  by 
which  the  value  and  work,  not  only  of  our  non-resident  members, 
but  also  our  non-attending  members,  may  be  conserved  to  the  Church. 

1919,  p.  18.  The  report  of  the  Ad- Interim  Committee  on  Non- 
Resident  Members  was  presented.  The  report  was  adopted  and  the 
Committee  continued.  It  is  as  follows: 

The  problem  which  has  been  assigned  to  this  Committee  for  its 
consideration  is  a  universal  problem.  It  is  as  old  as  the  Church,  and 
is  found  in  all  lands  and  in  all  denominations.  We  cannot  hope  to 
solve  it  by  passing  a  few  resolutions,  or  even  by  amending  the  Book 
of  Church  Order.  The  trouble  lies  deeper  than  that. 


Secs.  50-52] 


Its  Members 


27 


The  Minutes  of  our  last  Assembly  reported  53,490  non-resident 
members,  which  is  one-seventh  of  the  entire  membership  of  our 
Church.  These  non-resident  members  are  distributed  pretty  evenly 
through  the  Synods  and  Presbyteries  of  the  Church.  As  we  face  these 
figures,  they  are  really  alarming,  and  yet  these  non-resident  members 
do  not  constitute  the  most  discouraging  part  of  our  problem.  We 
have  the  hope  that  a  large  number  of  them  are  living  good,  Christian 
lives,  wherever  they  are,  and  that  some  of  them  are  active  in  the  work 
of  the  churches  within  whose  bounds  they  live.  Non-attending 
Church  members  no  doubt  constitute  a  larger  number  and  a  larger 
problem  than  non-resident  church  members.  Even  a  caual  observer 
can  see  at  a  glance  in  many  of  our  larger  churches  that  not  over 
hfty  per  cent,  of  the  members  attend  any  given  service,  and  that 
many  members  seldom,  if  ever,  attend  the  services  of  the  church. 
Even  the  most  optimistic  observer  is  compelled  to  admit  that  many 
resident  members  are  only  nominal  Church  members. 

Non-resident  members  and  non-attending  members  constitute  one 
of  the  largest  problems  before  the  Church  today.  We  have  no  panacea 
to  offer.  In  fact,  the  question  is  such  a  large  one  that  we  do  not  feel 
prepared  to  make  a  complete  and  final  report,  and  suggest  that  this 
Committee  be  continued,  or  another  appointed,  to  keep  this  whole 
problem  before  the  Assembly  and  before  the  Church  until  something 
practical  has  been  accomplished.  It  may  be  that  the  section  in  the 
Book  of  Church  Order  dealing  with  the  subject  of  non-resident 
members  should  be  amended,  but  it  was  so  thoroughly  amended  as  ^te 
as  1914  (See  this  Digest,  p.  19)  that  we  hesitate  to  suggest  further 
amendment  without  fuller  consideration  on  the  part  of  the  Com¬ 
mittee  and  of  the  whole  Church.  We  will,  therefore,  confine  our¬ 
selves  at  present  to  making  some  practical  recommendations  which  we 
believe  will  be  of  service  in  the  solution  of  this  problem.  We  make 
the  following  recommendations: 

(1)  That  pastors  be  urged  to  speak  to  their  people  from  time  to 
time  of  the  duty  of  taking  their  Church  letters  with  them  in  case  of 
their  removal  to  some  other  place,  explaining  to  them  that  this  is 
the  teaching  of  our  Book  of  Church  Order  and  the  expressed  wish  of 
the  General  Assembly,  the  highest  court  of  the  Church.  In  this  way 
pastors  can  educate  their  people  on  this  important  subject.  It  also 
gives  them  a  good  opportunity  to  invite  those  who  are  living  in  their 
midst,  and  have  not  already  done  so,  to  place  their  letters  in  the 
local  church. 

(2)  That  when  a  member  of  a  church  removes  to  another  placv 
the  pastor  or  Session  of  the  church  to  which  the  members  belongs  be 
urged  to  promptly  notify  the  pastor  or  Session  of  the  church  in  the 
place  to  which  the  member  has  removed. 

(3)  That  when  a  member  removes  to  another  place,  the  pastor 
or  Session  of  the  church  to  which  he  belongs  write  him  a  tactful 
letter,  advising  him  to  continue  to  take  an  active  part  in  Christian 
work  and  suggesting  that  it  would  be  best  for  him  to  identify  himself 
with  the  church  in  his  new  home  as  soon  as  possible.  In  this 
connection,  we  suggest  that  the  General  Assembly  have  a  committee 


28 


The  Congregation 


[Book  II 


prepare  a  kind  of  pastoral  letter  in  the  form  of  a  leaflet,  which  the 
pastor  could  enclose  in  his  letter  to  the  non-resident  member.  In 
this  leaflet  the  position  of  our  Church  on  this  subject  should  be 
stated  and  the  reasons  given  in  a  persuasive  way  as  to  why  the  non¬ 
resident  member  should  identify  himself  at  once  with  the  church  in 
his  new  home  by  placing  his  letter  in  that  church.  Such  a  leaflet 
could  be  printed  by  the  Publication  Committee  in  an  inexpensive  form. 

(4)  That  ministers  and  Sessions  exercise  all  diligence  in  visiting 
in  a  pastoral  way  families  who  move  within  their  bounds  and  invite 
them  to  unite  with  the  local  church.  Such  a  leaflet  as  was  spoken 
of  in  the  preceding  paragraph  could  be  used  to  advantage  in  issuing 
such  invitations.  In  the  event  that  the  new-comer  is  willing  to  move 
his  membership,  it  would  be  well  for  the  minister  himself,  with  the 
consent  of  the  member,  to  promptly  write  for  the  necessary  Church 
letter,  so  that  there  might  be  no  delay. 

(5)  That  the  General  Assembly  urge  all  members  of  the  Church 
who  move  beyond  the  bounds  of  the  church  to  which  they  belong  to 
promptly  secure  their  Church  letters  and  place  them  in  the  church 
within  whose  bounds  they  have  removed,  so  that  there  may  be  no 
break  in  the  continuity  of  their  Church  life. 

(6)  That  pastors  and  Sessions  everywhere  give  themselves  to 
the  most  diligent  pastoral  oversight  and  visitation  of  non-attending 
Church  members,  remembering  the  words  of  the  great  Scotch  divine 
who  said  that  a  house-going  preacher  makes  a  church-going  people. 
It  has  occurred  to  us  in  this  connection  that  as  we  now  have  the 
“every-member  canvass,”  we  might  in  the  same  way  have  a  quiet 
campaign  in  our  churches  once  or  twice  each  year  in  which  every 
member  would  be  visited  in  a  pastoral  way  by  the  pastor,  a  member 
of  the  Session  or  some  Christian  worker.  In  our  large  churches,  it 
is  becoming  increasingly  difficult  for  the  minister  to  do  all  the 
visiting  which  ought  to  be  done,  and  his  visiting  should  be  supple¬ 
mented  by  volunteer  workers  or  by  assistants  who  are  employed 
fir  their  whole  time  for  that  purpose. 

(7)  That  pastors  and  Sessions  seriously  consider  ways  and  means 
of  assigning  some  definite  Christian  service  to  every  member  of  the 
Church.  It  is  our  observation  that  those  members  of  the  Church  who 
have  something  definite  to  do  are  the  members  who  are  the  most 
faithful  in  their  attendance  upon  the  service  of  the  Church.  In  this 
connection,  we  might  suggest  the  possibility  of  giving  the  people  a 
larger  part  in  the  mid-week  prayer  meeting  service,  and  the  possi¬ 
bility  of  giving  more  variety  to  our  Church  services,  so  as  to  win 
some  who  are  not  now  drawn  to  them. 

(8)  That  all  our  pastors  be  requested  to  preach  at  least  one 
sermon  on  the  Church  and  Church  attendance  during  the  coming  year. 

(9)  That  every  Presbytery  be  requested  to  set  apart  a  definite 
time  within  the  next  year,  preferably  at  the  fall  meeting,  for  the 
serious  discussion  of  the  problem  of  non-resident  and  non-attending 
members.  It  would  be  of  value  in  such  a  discussion  if  each  Presby¬ 
tery  would  ascertain  from  the  Minutes  of  the  Assembly  how  many 
non-resident  members  are  reported  by  the  churches  within  its  bounds. 


Secs.  52-53] 


Its  Members 


29 


(10)  That  this  Ad-Interim  Committee  be  continued  for  another 
year,  or  another  appointed,  and  that  the  Stated  Clerk  of  each  Presby¬ 
tery  be  requested  to  report  to  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  any 
helpful  suggestions  which  are  made  in  the  discussion  of  the  subject 
in  his  Presbytery,  or  any  overture  which  the  Presbytery  may  make  on 
the  subject,  and  that  ministers,  Sessions  and  members  be  requested  to 
forward  to  the  Chairman  helpful  suggestions  which  may  come  to  them. 

(We  are  impressed  with  the  magnitude  of  this  question,  and  are 
fully  persuaded  that  it  cannot  be  solved  by  a  committee,  or  even  by 
the  Assembly,  or  by  resolutions.  It  can  be  solved  only  by  the  co¬ 
operation  of  the  whole  ministry  and  membership  of  the  Church  as 
they  work  together  under  the  blessing  of  God. 

53.  Report  of  the  Ad-Interim,  Committee  on  non-resident  members 

1920,  p.  173.  The  report  was  approved. 

First  of  all  we  wish  to  call  the  attention  of  the  General  Assembly 
to  the  rather  full  report  of  this  Committee  which  was  adopted  by  the 
last  Assembly.  (.See  this  Digest,  p.  26ff.)  It  would  make  this  report 
too  long  to  reiterate  the  action  of  the  last  Assembly  on  this  subject, 
but  we  do  confidently  believe  that  if  ministers  and  Sessions  would 
follow  the  directions  given  by  the  last  Assembly  in  regard  to  non- 
resident  members,  it  would  go  a  long  way  towards  the  solution  of 
the  problem. 

It  is  rather  discouraging  to  see  how  little  interest  the  Church  has 
shown  in  the  subject  of  the  non-resident  member  since  the  last  As¬ 
sembly.  The  last  Assembly  requested  all  the  Presbyteries  to  set 
apart  a  definite  time  for  the  discussion  of  this  subject  and  directed 
Stated  Clerks  of  the  Presbyteries  to  send  to  this  Committee  any  prac¬ 
tical  suggestions  which  might  come  out  of  these  discussions  Pastors 
and  Sessions  were  also  requested  by  the  Assembly  to  send  suggestions 
to  this  Committee.  We  have  received  just  one  letter  concerning  non¬ 
resident  members  since  the  last  Assembly.  This  indicates  either 
that  no  one  has  a  solution  to  offer  or  that  the  Church  is  not  as  deeply 
concerned  over  the  problem  of  the  non-resident  member  as  the  situ¬ 
ation  would  seem  to  require.  The  statistical  reports  of  the  last 
Assembly  show  48,356  non-resident  members  out  of  a  total  member¬ 
ship  of  364,230.  In  other  words,  nearly  one-seventh  of  the  Church’s 
entire  membership  is  reported  as  non-resident.  These  figures  are 
startling  and  ought  to  arouse  ministers  and  Sessions  to  do  all  in 
their  power  to  remedy  the  matter. 

As  we  have  studied  the  Book  of  Church  Order,  especially  para¬ 
graph  277,  it  has  seemed  to  us  that  our  Church  has  perhaps  been 
more  concerned  in  finding  some  method  of  getting  non-resident 
members  off  of  the  active  rolls  of  our  churches  than  it  has  been  in 
finding  some  method  of  conserving  them  for  the  Church.  The  res¬ 
ponsibility  of  moving  his  membership  is  placed  largely  upon  the 
member,  and  too  little  responsibility  in  the  matter  is  placed  upon 
the  pastors  and  Sessions.  If  we  would  remember  that  there  is  a  good 
deal  of  turmoil  and  demoralization  connected  with  moving  from  one 


30 


The  Congregation 


Book  [II 


home  to  another  and  from  one  community  to  another,  we  would  realize 
more  fully  the  necessity  of  the  Church’s  taking  careful  and  sympa¬ 
thetic  pastoral  oversight  of  members  in  such  times  of  stress  and 
loneliness  and  turmoil.  With  a  view  of  placing  more  responsibility 
upon  pastors  and  Sessions,  we  are  suggesting  below  some  changes 
in  paragraphs  276  and  277  of  the  Book  of  Church  Order. 

The  last  Assembly  directed  this  Committee  to  prepare  a  pastoral 
letter  to  non-residents  members,  to  be  used  by  the  pastors  and  Session 
of  the  church  in  the  community  to  which  the  member  moves,  in  their 
efforts  to  induce  the  member  to  transfer  his  membership.  We  submit 
such  a  letter  as  a  part  of  this  report. 

Your  Committee  would  make  the  following  recommendations: 

1.  That  pastors  and  Sessions  be  urged  to  carry  out  the  directions 
of  the  last  Assembly  in  regard  to  non-resident  members, 

2.  That  the  Assembly  approve  of  the  following  paragraph  as  a 
substitute  for  paragraph  276  of  the  Book  of  Church  Order  and  send 
it  down  to  the  Presbyteries  for  their  action: 

“When  a  Church  member  shall  remove  his  residence  beyond  the 
bounds  of  the  congregation  of  which  he  is  a  member,  so  that  he  can 
no  longer  regularly  attend  its  services,  it  shall  be  his  duty  to  transfer 
his  membership  by  presenting  a  certificate  of  dismission  from  the 
Session  of  the  church  of  which  he  is  a  member  to  the  church  with 
which  he  wishes  to  unite.  When  the  church  of  which  he  is  a 
member  has  no  Session,  or  for  other  good  reasons  it  seems  impossible 
for  the  member  to  secure  a  certificate  of  dismission,  he  may  be 
received  by  the  Session  upon  other  satisfactory  testimonials,  in  which 
case  the  church  of  which  he  was  a  member  shall  be  duly  notified.” 

3.  That  the  Assembly  approve  the  following  paragraph  as  a 
substitute  for  paragraph  277  of  the  Book  of  Church  Order  and  send 
it  down  to  the  Presbyteries  for  their  action: 

“When  a  Church  member  shall  remove  his  residence  beyond  the 
bounds  of  the  church  of  which  he  is  a  member  into  the  bounds  of 
another,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  pastor  and  elders  of  the  church 
of  which  he  is  a  member,  as  far  as  possible,  to  continue  pastoral 
oversight  of  him  and  to  inform  him  that  according  to  the  teaching  of 
our  Book  of  Church  Order  it  is  his  duty  to  transfer  his  membership 
as  soon  as  practicable  to  the  church  in  whose  bounds  he  is  living. 
It  shall  also  be  the  duty  of  the  pastor  and  elders  of  the  church  from 
whose  bounds  the  member  moved  to  notify  the  pastor  and  elders  of 
the  church  into  whose  bounds  he  has  moved  and  request  them  to 
take  pastoral  oversight  of  the  member,  with  a  view  to  having  him 
transfer  his  membership.  If  a  member,  after  having  been  thus 
advised,  shall  neglect  for  twelve  months  to  have  his  membership 
transferred,  his  name  shall  be  retired  by  the  Session,  to  a  separate 
roll  for  non-resident  members  and  he  shall  be  so  notified.  The  name 
of  any  member  whose  residence  has  been  unknown  for  three  years 
shall  also  be  retired  by  the  Session  to  this  roll  for  non-resident 
members.” 

4.  That  the  Assembly  approves  the  Pastoral  Letter  to  non¬ 
resident  members  which  is  attached  to  this  report,  and  that  pastors 


Secs.  53-54] 


Its  Members 


31 


and  Sessions  be  urged  to  send  copies  of  it  to  members  who  remove 
beyond  their  bounds,  advising  them  to  transfer  their  membership 
as  soon  as  practicable.  We  also  recommend  that  the  Assembly  direct 
the  Executive  Committee  of  Publhaiion  to  print  or  type  as  many 
copies  of  this  pastoral  letter  as  pastors  and  Sessions  may  need. 

54.  Pastoral  Letter  from  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  to  non-resident  Church  members 

Dear . 

We  are  addressing  this  letter  to  you  because  you  have  moved 
beyond  the  bounds  of  the  church  of  which  you  are  a  member.  In 
moving  you  left  behind  many  things  which  were  dear  to  you,  and 
among  these  was  your  Church.  It  is  going  to  be  hard  for  you  to 
say  the  word  that  will  sever  your  relationship  with  the  Church  which 
you  left  behind.  Many  hallowed  memories  center  there.  Never¬ 
theless  we  are  writing  to  urge  you  as  strongly  as  we  know  how  to 
transfer  your  membership  as  soon  as  possible  from  the  church  beyond 
whose  bounds  you  have  moved  to  the  church  in  whose  bounds  you 
are  now  living.  There  are  several  good  reasons  why  you  should 
do  this. 

First  of  all,  loyalty  to  the  Church  demands  it.  The  Presbyterian 
Church  through  its  highest  court  has  distinctly  expressed  the  desire 
that  you  should  transfer  your  membership.  In  fact  it  is  not  putting 
it  too  strongly  to  say  that  it  is  the  law  of  the  Church  that  when  a 
member  moves  from  the  bounds  of  one  congregation  into  another 
he  should  also  move  his  membership.  We  are  sure  that  you  want  to 
be  loyal  to  the  expressed  wishes  of  your  Church.  From  year  to 
year  nearly  one-seventh  of  the  entire  membership  of  our  whole  Church 
is  reported  as  non-resident.  You  can  readily  see  that  this  is  not 
good  for  the  Church  as  a  whole.  In  fact  we  have  come  to  the  point 
where  the  large  number  of  non-resident  members  constitutes  one  of 
the  real  problems  of  our  Church.  You  can  help  solve  this  problem 
in  conforming  to  the  expressed  wish  of  the  highest  court  of  the 
Church  by  moving  your  membership. 

A  second  reason  for  moving  your  membership  promptly  is  loyalty 
to  Christ  your  Saviour.  You  ought,  without  ostentation,  take  your 
first  opportunity  to  confess  Christ  in  the  community  to  which  you 
have  moved.  You  can  best  do  this  by  transferring  your  membership 
promptly  and  becoming  a  faithful  and  loyal  member  of  the  Church 
in  whose  bounds  you  are  now  living.  The  Master  needs  you  there. 
If  you  neglect  identifying  yourself  with  His  people  and  His  Church, 
you  are  not  as  loyal  and  true  to  Him  as  you  should  be. 

Your  own  Spiritual  well-being  is  still  another  reason.  You  will 
grow  more  rapidly  in  grace  by  associating  yourself  intimately  with 
God’s  people  and  by  doing  your  share  of  the  Church’s  work  in  your 
new  community.  Those  who  fail  to  connect  themselves  with  the 
Church  in  the  place  to  which  they  move  generally  become  cold  in 
their  spiritual  lives  and  often  neglect  their  plain  religious  duties.  For 
the  sake  of  your  own  spiritual  life  we  urge  you  to  move  your  member- 


32 


The  Congregation 


Book  II 


ship  and  identify  yourself  in  the  closest  possible  way  with  the  church 
in  the  community  in  which  you  now  live. 

The  last  reason  we  shall  mention  is  your  influence  on  others.  If 
you  fail  to  connect  yourself  with  the  Church  and  neglect  your  reli¬ 
gious  duties,  it  will  greatly  lessen  your  Christian  influence  on  those 
around  you.  Instead  of  helping  them,  you  will  be  hindering  them. 
You  can  help  them  most  by  connecting  yourself  with  the  local  church 
and  living  as  a  faithful,  loyal  member  of  that  church. 

Therefore,  for  your  own  sake,  for  the  sake  of  others,  for  the  sake 
of  the  Church,  and  for  Christ’s  sake  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  urges  you  to  transfer  your  membership  as  soon 
as  possible  to  the  church  in  whose  bounds  you  are  now  living.  You 
can  make  this  transfer  by  writing  to  the  pastor  or  Session  of  your  old 
home  church  for  a  letter  of  dismission.  Or  ask  the  pastor  of  your 
local  church  to  write  for  your  letter  and  he  will  gladly  do  it. 

This  letter  was  written  by  order  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  and  approved  by  the 
General  Assembly. 

1921,  p.  65.  \The  Assembly  approved  and  enacted  the  following 
paragraph  as  a  substitute  for  paragraph  276  of  the  Book  of  Church 
Order : 

“When  a  Church  member  shall  remove  his  residence  beyond  the 
bounds  of  the:  congregation  of  which  he  is  a  member,  so  that  he  can 
no  longer  regularly  attend  its  services,  it  shall  be  his  duty  to  transfer 
his  membership  by  presenting  a  certificate  of  dismission  from  the 
Session  of  the  church  of  which  he  is  a  member  to  the  church  with 
which  he  wishes  to  unite.  When  the  church  of  which  he  is  a  member 
has  no  Session,  or  for  other  good  reasons  it  seems  impossible  for  the 
member  to  secure  a  certificate  of  dismission,  he  may  be  received 
by  the  Session  upon  other  satisfactory  testimonials,  in  which  case  the 
church  of  which  he  was  a  member  shall  be  duly  notified.” 

For  duty  of  Session  in  such  a  case,  see  page  87  of  this  Digest. 


55.  “N on-resident”  and  “retired”  members  not  the  same 

1915,  p.  41.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Winchester,  touching 
the  classification  of  Church  members. 

Answer:  1.  “Non-resident”  and  “Retired”  are  not  the  same. 

2.  “Retired  members”  are  not  to  be  counted  in  reporting  the 
total  membership. 

3.  The  “total  membership”  is  the  basis  on  which  to  determine  the 
number  of  Commissioners  to  the  General  Assembly. 

1921,  p.  69.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Muhlenburg,  asks 
the  Assembly  to  define  the  difference  between  the  “Retired  Roll”  and 
the  “Non-Resident  Roll  of  Communicants.”  We  recommend  the 
following  reply:  The  substitute  for  paragraph  277  of  the  Book  of 
Church  Order,  which  was  approved  by  the  Presbyteries  and  enacted 
into  law  by  this  Assembly,  knows  of  only  two  rolls  of  Communicants, 
the  “Resident  Roll”  and  the  “Non-Resident  Roll.” 


Secs.  54-58] 


Its  Members 


33 


56.  Affiliate  membership 

1913,  p.  70-1.  We  have  received  overtures  from  the  Presbyteries 
of  Piedmont,  Central  Texas,  Knoxville,  North  Mississippi,  and 
Montgomery,  asking  that  the  Book  of  Church  Order,  Chapter  15, 
Paragraph  276,  be  amended  by  adding  the  following  words  at  the  close 
of  the  paragraph :  “In  cases  where  the  bona  fide  letter  of  dismission  is 
not  or  cannot  be  procured,  Sessions  are  authorized  to  issue  affiliate 
letters  of  membership  to  students  only;  such  affiliate  letters  shall  in  no 
wise  affect  the  validity  of  the  membership  in  the  home  church  or 
confer  any  voting  power  in  the  church  with  which  it  is  deposited.” 
We  recommend  that  the  above  overtures  be  answered  in  the  negative , 
but  that  the  Publication  Committee  be  directed  to  prepare  blanks  for 
letters  of  affiliation  for  those  who  are  temporarily  out  of  the  bounds 
of  the  congregation,  and  that  pastors  be  especially  urged  to  use  these 
forms  for  students  who  are  away  from  home  at  school. 

1919,  p.  52.  From  East  Alabama  Presbytery,  asking  that  young 
people  away  from  home  attending  school  be  urged  to  place  their 
membership  in  the  local  church  where  the  school  is  located,  the 
affiliated  plan  of  membership  having  proved  unsatisfactory. 

'Answer. — The  Assembly  reaffirms  its  conviction  as  to  the  practical 
working  of  the  student  affiliate  membership,  and  hereby  urges  the 
home  pastor  and  the  pastor  in  college  towns  to  co-operate  in  making 
this  plan  a  success. 

57.  Reception  of  soldiers 

1918,  p.  54.  There  has  been  submitted  to  your  Committee  the 
matter  of  securing  for  our  soldiers  in  service  away  from  home  the 
privilege  of  uniting  with  their  home  church.  We  recommend  this 
course:  That  any  soldier  desiring  to  make  profession  of  faith  in 
Christ  and  unite  with  his  home  church,  may  do  so  in  this  way:  lie 
may  make  profession  of  faith  in  Christ,  and  be  baptized,  if  not 
already  baptized,  by  any  chaplain  or  ordained  minister  of  'jny  fvn- 
gelical  Church.  Such  minister  shall  certify  to  the  Session  of  his 
home  church,  the  fact  that  he  has  so  received  the  profession  of  faith 
and  baptized  the  applicant.  And  our  Sessions  are  authorized  to 
receive  such  soldiers  on  thes*e  certificates,  just  as  now  they  receive: 
them  upon  letters  from  other  Evangelical  Churches. 

58.  Dismissing  a  church  to  another  denomination 

1907,  p.  56.  If  a  church  is  to  be  dismissed  to  the  care  of  a 
Presbytery,  in  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of 
America,  shall  proceedings  be  had  as  set  forth  in  Chapter  15,  in 
our  Rules  of  Discipline,  as  applicable  in  dismissing  a  member  of  a 
church  or  a  minister  of  the  Gospel?  It  is  recommended  that  this  be 
answered  in  the  affirmative.  Adopted. 

1909,  p.  50.  dn  the  judgment  in  the  complaint  of  Sory  and  Long, 
it  was  held  that  a  Presbytery  has  the  constitutional  right  to  dismiss 


34  The  Congregation  [Book  II 

a  church  to  another  Presbytery  (i.  e.  to  a  Presbytery  in  another 
denomination.)  See  Book  VIII,  Judicial  Cases. 

59.  For  what  purposes  may  a  congregational  meeting  be  called? 

1876,  p.  240.  Is  it  competent  to  a  Church  Session  to  call  a 
congregational  meeting  for  other  objects  than  those  specified  in  our 
Book? 

Answer. — As  the  purposes  of  congregational  meetings,  in  all  cases, 
must  be  presumed  to  relate,  more  or  less  directly,  to  the  spiritual 
interests  of  the  congregation ;  and  as  the  power  is  vested  in  the  Session 
(Form  of  Government,  Chap.  IX.,  6).  “to  concert  the  best  measures 
for  promoting  the  spiritual  interests  of  the  congregation,”  it  seems  to 
follow  that  it  is  competent  for  the  Session  to  call  congregational 
meetings  for  any  proper  purpose. 

60.  Who  may  preside  at  a  congregational  meeting? 

1876,  p.  240.  In  case  the  subject  to  be  considered  at  the  congre¬ 
gational  meeting  be  such  as  to  prevent  the  pastor,  from  motives  of 
delicacy,  to  preside,  it  is  competent  to  the  meeting  to  choose  its 
presiding  officer. 

1903,  p.  465.  To  overture  asking  who  may  preside  over  a  congre¬ 
gational  meeting  called  to  elect  officers,  we  recommend  that  the 
answer  be  that  the  congregation  may  choose  any  male  member  of  that 
church  to  preside,  when  it  is  not  practicable  to  secure  the  attendance 
of  a  minister.  Chapter  VI.,  Section  3,  Paragraph  103,  Form  of 
Government.  Adopted. 

<1890,  p.  46.  Nothing  in  the  Form  of  Government  prohibits  the 
congregation  from  inviting  an  elder  outside  of  their  own  Session  to 
moderate  a  congregational  meeting,  but  this  is  inexpedient,  except 
in  extraordinary  cases. 

61.  Voting  by  proxy  not  allowed 

1900,  p.  613.  The  Assembly  being  asked  to  interpret  Paragraph 
154,  last  sentence,  with  Paragraph  128,  as  to  whether  or  not  members 
of  a  church  may  vote  by  proxy,  it  made  answer  that  voting  by  proxy 
is  not  allowed. 

1906,  p.  24.  (1)  Does  the  Book  of  Church  Order  forbid,  a 

member  of  a  church  from  voting  in  a  congregational  meeting  for  a 
pastor,  or  officer  or  any  other  matter  by  proxy? 

(2)  Can  a  person  entitled  to  vote  in  a  congregational  meeting  be 
“present”  in  the  person  of  his  proxy? 

The  former  question  was  answered  in  the  affirmative,  and  the  latter 
in  the  negative. 


62.  Election  by  ballot  not  required 


1900,  p.  614.  A  request  for  an  amendment  to  the  Book  of 


Secs.  59-65] 


Its  Members 


35 


Church  Order,  Paragraph  104,  so  as  to  require  election  by  ballot 
under  given  conditions,  was  answered  in  the  negative. 

63.  Masonry  and  Church  Membership 

1904,  p.  42.  The  Assembly  records  its  hearty  commendation  of 
the  brave  stand  taken  by  the  majority  in  the  Synod  of  Brazil  in 
refusing  to  make  membership  in  the  Order  of  Free  Masons  a  bar  to 
communion  in  the  Church. 

64.  The  use  of  laymen 

1914,  p.  79.  Many  churches  are  doing  fine  work  at  outposts  and 
mission  Sabbath  schools,  but  not  enough  work  of  this  character  is 
being  done.  Our  growing  cities  and  country  villages  constantly  offer 
opportunities  for  advance  that  our  churches  are  far  too  slow  to  accept. 
We  know  of  no  more  speedy,  economical  or  efficient  way  by  which 
the  membership  of  our  Southern  Church  could  be  increased  than  by 
the  wise  establishment  of  mission  stations. 

We  call  the  attention  of  the  Assembly  to  the  fact  that  many  Presby¬ 
teries  make  effective  use  of  laymen  for  such  mission  work.  Also 
the  new  Presbytery  at  Tygart’s  Valley  reports  that  almost  every 
church  maintains  outposts.  We  urge  all  pastors  and  Sessions  to 
consider  this  method  of  enlarging  the  bounds  of  Presbyterianism  and 
the  bounds  of  the  Kingdom. 

65.  Men  and  Religion  Forward  Movement 

1911,  p.  22.  In  reference  to  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Nashville,  touching  the  “Men  and  Religion  Forward  Movement,” 
the  Assembly  rejoices  in  any  forward  movement  which  will  make  use 
of  the  men  in  our  Churches  under  the  direction  and  control  of  the 
Session.  Adopted. 


MINISTERS 


CHAPTER  II 


66.  Reception  of  Ministers  without  letters  of  dismission 

1862,  p.  9.  The  Presbyteries  in  connection  with  this  Assembly  are 
authorized  to  receive  ministers  coming  from  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  United  States  (of  America)  on  their  giving  satisfactory 
evidence  of  their  good  standing,  and  after  the  usual  examination 
upon  experimental  religion,  didactic  and  polemic  theology,  and 
Church  government,  without  requiring  a  certificate  of  dismission. 

(This  action  was  due  to  the  exceptional  nature  of  the  times,  which 
made  it  difficult,  and  in  many  cases,  impossible  to  obtain  letters. — A.) 


67.  The  reception  of  ministers  from  foreign  countries 

1871,  p.  25.  The  Presbytery  of  Augusta  was  cordially  encouraged 
to  employ  the  Rev.  Robert  Irvine,  D.  D.,  of  the  Presbytery  of  Montreal, 
and  the  Presbytery  of  Roanoke  was  authorized,  1873,  p.  307,  to 
employ  the  Rev.  Thomas  Drew,  of  the  Somerset  Association  of  the 
Independents  of  Great  Britain,  in  preaching  and  administering  the 
Sacraments  within  their  bounds  during  the  time  of  their  probation. 
In  each  instance  the  following  additional  resolution  was  adopted: 

That  if  the  Presbytery  shall  continue  to  be,  at  their  next  meeting, 
well  satisfied  with  his  probation,  they  be  then  authorized  to  receive 
him  to  full  membership,  and,  if  the  way  be  clear,  install  him  into 
the  pastoral  work;  this  being  the  earliest  date  for  such  action  per¬ 
mitted  by  the  ordinances  of  the  Assembly.  This  action  was  taken 
under  the  rule  of  the  Assembly  ordained  for  the  probation  and 
reception  of  foreign  ministers.  See  Baird’s  Digest,  pp.  258-260.  To 
the  request  of  these  two  Presbyteries  for  a  relaxing  of  this  rule,  the 
above  answer  was  made. 


68.  A  majority  vote  sufficient  to  receive  a  minister  from  another 

denomination 

1907,  p.  57.  To  overtures  from  five  Presbyteries  asking  for  a 
change  in  the  Book  of  Church  Order,  Paragraph  75,  so  as  to  require 
a  two-thirds  or  a  three-fourths  vote  to  receive  into  a  Presbytery  a. 
minister  coming  from  another  denomination,  the  Assembly  made 
answer  in  the  negative. 

69.  Dismissing  or  receiving  a  minister  by  the  Stated  Clerk  between 

Presbyterial  meetings  not  allowed 

1896,  p.  569.  The  Assembly  declined  to  take  steps  to  amend  the 
Book  of  Church  Order  so  as  to  provide  that,  when,  in  the  intervals 


Secs.  66-73] 


Ministers 


37 


of  the  regular  meetings  of  the  Presbyteries,  the  transfer  of  a  minister, 
probationer  or  candidate  is  urgent  but  impracticable,  without  calling 
a  special  meeting  of  the  Presbytery  to  which  the  applicant  belongs 
or  to  which  he  asks  to  be  dismissed,  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the  dis¬ 
missing  Presbytery  may,  with  the  concurrence  of  three  ministers  and 
a  ruling  elder,  issue  the  desired  certificate  of  dismission,  and  report 
the  same  to  Presbytery  at  its  ensuing  regular  meeting. 

1919,  p.  51.  From  certain  members  of  Ouachita  Presbytery, 
asking  whether  it  was  an  error  to  receive  Rev.  J.  L.  McAdams  upon 
a  letter  of  the  Stated  Clerk  only,  and  whether  an  examination  which 
consisted  of  asking  him  whether  he  had  changed  his  views  since 
leaving  the  Presbytery  was  sufficient. 

Answer. — Such  reception  was  an  error,  and  under  the  circum¬ 
stances  any  examination  was  insufficient. 

70.  Transfer  of  a  minister  to  jurisdiction  of  another  Presbytery 

1893,  p.  27.  The  Assembly  held  that  the  provisions  of  the  Book 
of  Church  Order,  Chap.  XV.,  Sec.  2,  Paragraph  277,  apply  to  a 
teaching  elder  who  shall  remove  his  residence  beyond  the  bounds  of 
the  Presbytery  to  whose  jurisdiction  he  belongs  into  the  bounds  of 
another  Presbytery. 

71.  Receiving  ministers  from  other  denominations 

1918,  p.  53.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  Lexington  Phesbyr 
tery,  asking  as  to  whether  “a  minister  received  from  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  U.  S.  A.,  is  to  be  recorded  as  having  been  received  from 
“another  denomination,”  we  recommend  the  following  answer:  Min¬ 
isters  received  from  any  other  evangelical  ecclesiastical  bodies,  except 
the  Presbyteries  of  our  own  Church,  are  to  be  so  recorded.  (Book  of 
Church  Order,  par  75;  Alexander’s  Digest,  pars.  75  and  61). 

72.  How  a  minister  may  be  dismissed  to  other  ecclesiastical  bodies 

1876,  p.  238.  The  Presbytery  of  Atlanta  dismissed  a  minister  at 
his  own  request  to  the  M.  E.  Church,  South.  The  Synod  of  Georgia 
pronounced  this  action  irregular.  The  judgment  of  the  General 
Assembly  thereto  was  asked  by  the  Presbytery: 

Reply :  The  General  Assembly  judges  it  to  be  sufficient  and 
proper  in  all  such  cases  to  give  a  certificate  of  character  and  good 
standing;  and  in  this  there  is  no  intention  to  reflect  on  the  minister 
withdrawing,  or  on  the  body  to  which  he  goes. 

73.  The  examination  rule  as  to  ministers  applying  for  admission 
into  a  Presbytery.  The  Assembly  declines  to  make  it  optional 

This  rule  is  found  in  Baird’s  Digest,  Book  4,  Section  46.  The 
Assembly  of  1835  decided  that  every  Presbytery  had  the  constitu¬ 
tional  right  to  examine  all  seeking  connection  with  it.  The  Assembly 


38 


The  Congregation 


[Book  II 


of  1837  made  it  imperative  on  Presbyteries  to  examine  such  applicants, 
at  least  on  experimental  religion,  theology  and  Church  government. 
This  requirement  was  reaffirmed  by  the  Old  School  Assemblies  of 
1838,  1841,  1843  and  1848.  The  Assembly  of  1849  was  asked  to 
repeal  that  resolution,  or  change  it  from  its  imperative  form  to  one 
of  recommendation,  or  to  take  steps  to  have  it  added  as  a  section  to 
the  Form  of  Government.  The  Assembly,  claiming  that  it  had  power 
to  enjoin  upon  Presbyteries  the  performance  of  any  duty  which, 
under  the  provisions  of  the  Constitution,  they  are  competent  to  do; 
and  inasmuch  as  the  utility  of  the  rule  was  not  called  in  question  bv 
the  memorialists,  declined  acceding  to  the  request  at  present. 

The  New  School  Assembly  of  1838  declared  the  above  rule  making 
examinations  imperative  upon  the  Presbyteries  null  and  void ,  because 
it  was  the  inherent  right  of  Presbyteries  to  expound  and  apply  consti¬ 
tutional  rules  touching  the  qualification  of  their  own  members. — 
Minutes,  1838,  p.  660. — A 

1865,  p.  359.  ,The  Assembly  was  asked  to  amend  this  rule  so  as 
to  make  it  optional.  Answer:  As  there  is  no  evidence  that  the  rule 
has  not  worked  well,  the  Assembly  declines  to  make  the  change 
requested. 

1871,  p.  14.  The  same  request  to  rescind  the  rule  from  another 
Presbytery.  Not  granted. 


74.  The  examination  rule  not  to  he  incorporated  in  the  Constitution 

The  Presbytery  of  West  Hanover  overtured  the  Assembly,  in  1872, 
to  reconsider  the  action  of  the  Assembly  of  1837  adopting  the  rule 
known  as  the  examination  rule,  and  refer  it  to  the  Presbyteries  for 
their  action,  with  a  recommendation  for  its  adoption.  The  Presby¬ 
tery  declared  its  belief  in  the  right  of  Presbyteries  to  judge  of  the 
qualifications  of  its  members,  also  its  conviction  that  there  was  a 
necessity  for  some  such  provision  as  that  contained  in  this  rule.  The 
object  of  this  Presbytery  was  not  the  abolition  of  the  rule,  but  to 
secure  its  perpetuity  by  regular  incorporation  into  the  Constitution. 
Among  the  reasons  assigned  for  asking  the  Assembly  to  take  this 
action  was  this,  that  many  Presbyteries  hold  that  the  rule  in  its 
present  form,  while  virtually  a  constitutional  rule,  has  never  been 
adopted  in  a  constitutional  manner.  See  Minutes  of  West  Hanover, 
Vol.  V.,  pp.  350-352. 

1872,  p.  157.  The  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  reported 
on  this  request  as  follows: 

As  none  deny  the  right  of  every  Presbytery  to  be  satisfied  of  the 
doctrinal  opinions  of  all  persons  seeking  its  care,  or  membership  in 
it,  as  the  injunction  is  highly  promotive  of  peace  and  harmony,  and 
has  wrought  much  good  and  no  evil,  and  as  no  one  claims  that  the 
rule  is  constitutional,  but  only  of  the  nature  of  a  strong  and  urgent 
recommendation,  your  committee  advise  that  no  change  be  made 
respecting  it. 

After  discussion  the  whole  subject  was  laid  on  the  table. 


Secs.  73-77] 


Ministers 


39 


(This  rule  was  however  incorporated  in  the  Form  of  Government 
adopted  in  1879  and  is  found  in  Chap.  V.,  Sec.  IV.,  Art.  IV.) 

75.  The  subscribing  of  ministers  admitted  to  membership  in  a 

Presbytery 

1880,  p.  187.  The  Presbytery  of  Memphis  does  hereby  overture 
the  General  Assembly  to  interpret  the  phrase,  “which  shall  be  sub¬ 
scribed  by  all  admitted  to  membership.”  Does  it  mean  all  of  other 
denominations,  or  all  admitted  to  membership  at  their  ordination,  or 
all  in  the  widest  sense,  including  those  coming  from  other  Presby¬ 
teries  to  our  own  Church,  and  those  who  are  already  members? 

Answer :  In  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly,  the  provision  of 
Chap.  V.,  Sec.  IV.,  Art.  V.,  Form  of  Government,  is  intended  as 
an  additional  safeguard  to  the  purity  and  efficiency  of  the  ministry, 
and  the  phrase  “all  admitted  to  membership,”  is  to  be  interpreted 
in  its  most  comprehensive  sense  as  regards  the  ministry,  and  applied, 
not  only  to  those  admitted  by  ordination  and  those  received  from 
other  denominations,  but  also  to  those  received  by  letters  of  dis¬ 
mission  from  one  Presbytery  to  another  of  our  own  Church. 

1882,  p.  572.  The  Assembly  was  asked  for  such  an  amendment 
to  the  Form  of  Government  as  would  relieve  ministers  passing  from 
one  Presbytery  to  another  from  signing  the  obligation  required  of 
ministers  at  their  ordination.  Answer :  The  end  to  be  gained  by  such 
a  change  is  not  of  sufficient  importance  to  justify  an  amendment  to 
the  Constitution. 

1883,  p.  25  and  1900,  604.  Similar  overtures  were  answered  in 
the  negative. 


76.  A  minister  may  not  be  a  member  of  two  ecclesiastical  courts 

of  the  same  grade 

1915,  p.  48.  Overture  from  the  Home  Mission  Committee  of  the 
Presbytery  of  Ebenezer,  touching  membership  of  a  minister  in  two 
Presbyteries. 

Answer:  The  form  of  government  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 
the  United  States  makes  it  impossible  that  a  minister,  officer,  or 
church  be  under  the  jurisdiction  of  more  than  one  ecclesiastical 
court  of  the  same  grade. 

77.  Rights  and  privileges  of  a  minister  in  transit 

1894,  p.  234.  The  Presbytery  of  Augusta  respectfully  overtures 
the  General  Assembly  for  instruction  in  the  following  case: 

The  Rev.  James  Woodrow,  D.  D.,  being  a  member  of  this  Presby¬ 
tery,  but  residing  in  the  bounds  of  Charleston  Presbytery,  obtained 
a  letter  of  dismission  from  the  former  to  the  latter;  he  presented 
this  letter  of  dismission  to  Charleston  Presbytery,  and  his  application 
for  membership  was  rejected.  He  remains,  of  course,  after  Char¬ 
leston  Presbytery  rejected  his  application  for  membership,  under 


40 


The  Congregation 


[Book  II 


the  jurisdiction,  of  Augusta  Presbytery:  but,  until  he  has  formally 
returned  the  letter  of  dismission  to  this  Presbytery,  is  he  entitled  to 
all  the  rights  and  privileges  of  membership?  If  it  is  necessary  that  he 
should  return  his  letter  of  dismission  to  A.ugusta  Presbytery  in  order 
to  be  entitled  to  all  the  rights  and  privileges  of  active  membership, 
is  he  prevented  from  doing  so  by  the  law  of  our  Church,  Paragraph 
277,  requiring  that  a  minister  shall  be  a  member  of  the  Presbytery 
in  the  bounds  of  which  he  resides? 

Reply :  Inasmuch  as  a  minister  who  has  a  letter  of  dismission 
from  his  own  Presbytery  to  another  Presbytery  remains  under  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  Presbytery  from  which  he  was  dismissed  until 
he  has  been  formally  received  by  the  Presbytery  to  which  he  was 
dismissed  (Book  of  Church  Order,  Rules  of  Discipline,  Chap.  XV., 
Sec.  5,  Par.  280),  he  is  entitled  to  all  the  rights  and  privileges  of 
membership  in  the  Presbytery  from  which  he  was  dismissed;  and  it 
is  the  judgment  of  your  committee  that  Paragraph  277  does  not  forbid 
him  to  return  his  letter. 

P.  241.  To  this  action  a  protest  by  W.  W.  Mills  was  admitted  to 
record  without  answer.  He  protested, 

1.  Because,  under  existing  circumstances,  it  is  contrary  to  both 
the  letter  and  spirit  of  our  law  as  expressed  in  Paragraph  277, 
Book  of  Church  Order,  and  renders  said  law  of  no  binding  force. 

2.  As  being  inconsistent  with  the  action  of  the  last  Assembly 
1893)  in  its  answer  to  an  overture  from  Rev.  D.  O.  Davies.  (As¬ 
sembly’s  Minutes  for  1893,  p.  27.) 

3.  As  being  inconsistent  with  the  action  of  the  Assembly  of  1876 
(and  of  1875),  which  clearly  held  that  a  dismissed  member  is  not 
entitled  to  all  the  rights  and  privileges  of  membership  in  the  Church 
or  Presbytery  from  which  he  has  been  dismissed  until  his  letter  of 
dismission  has  been  reutmed.  (Assembly’s  Minutes  for  1876,  pp. 
238-’39.) 


7 8.  A  minister  indefinitely  suspended  should  be  so  reported 

1894,  p.  201.  The  Presbytery  of  Atlanta  asks  whether  a  minister 
indefinitely  suspended  from  the  ministry  should  be  so  reported  to  the 
Assembly?  The  Assembly  answers:  Yes. 

79.  Who  may  vote  in  calling  a  pastor 

1864,  p.  261.  The  Synod  of  Mississippi  asks  if  the  right  of  voting 
in  the  election  of  a  pastor  is  granted  by  the  Form  of  Government  to 
any  but  Church  members,  who  submit  to  discipline  and  contribute 
their  just  proportion  according  to  their  engagements? 

Answer:  The  Form  of  Government  is  liable  to  misconstruction  as 
to  the  persons  entitled  to  vote  in  calling  a  pastor;  consequently 
different  and  conflicting  interpretations  are  constantly  given  to  that 
portion  of  Chap.  XV.,  which  treats  of  the  election  of  a  pastor;  there¬ 
fore,  the  General  Assembly  refers  this  subject  to  the  Committee  on 


Secs.  77-84] 


Ministers 


41 


Revision,  with  instruction  so  to  frame  this  portion  of  Chap.  XV.  as 
that  it  will  admit  of  no  ambiguity  or  misconstruction. 

(A  similar  request  in  1862  was  similarly  referred.  By  the  new  Book 
(Par.  105)  the  right  of  voting  is  limited  to  communicant  members  in 
good  standing. — A.) 

80.  Amending  form  of  call  for  pastor 

1902,  pp.  259-288.  The  Assembly  declined  to  omit  from  the  form 
of  call  for  a  pastor  the  words,  “free  from  worldly  cares  and  avo¬ 
cations.” 

81.  Course  to  be  taken  by  a  call  for  a  pastor's  services 

1920,  p.  80-a.  The  call  for  the  pastoral  services  of  a  minister  is 
to  be  presented  to  the  Presbytery,  through  whose  hands  alone  the 
minister  may  receive  it;  but  as  a  matter  of  courtesy,  and  as  infor¬ 
mation,  a  copy  of  the  call  may  properly  be  sent  to  the  minister.. 

82.  Call  for  a  pastor  without  promise  of  adequate  support 

1869,  p.  376.  Can  a  call  for  a  pastor  be  considered  regular  by 
a  Presbytery  which  does  not  pledge  the  congregation  calling  to  pro¬ 
vide  an  adequate  support  for  the  pastor? 

Answer:  Such  calls  as  the  overture  contemplates  are  not  strictly 
regular;  but  in  cases  in  which  churches  are  not  able  to  pledge  the 
competent  support  of  pastors,  the  expediency  of  constituting  the 
pastoral  relation  should  be  left  to  the  judgment  of  Presbyteries. 

83.  Salaries  of  ministers 

1918,  p.  34.  The  overture  from  Mr.  Rutherford  Lapsley,  “Where¬ 
as  the  salaries  of  our  ministers  are,  as  a  rule,  inadequate  for  their 
support,  on  account  of  the  great  increase  in  the  cost  of  the  necessaries 
of  life,  bringing  on  a  condition  which  threatens  the  increased  efficiency 
and  future  supply  of  ministers,  we  recommend  that  all  of  the  Presby¬ 
teries  be  directed  to  consider  at  once  practical  means  of  increasing  the 
salaries  of  the  ministers;  that  the  Presbyterial  Committees  of  Minis¬ 
terial  Education  and  Relief  arrange  before  the  next  meeting  of 
Presbytery,  if  possible,  for  deputations  of  laymen  to  visit  the  churches 
in  the  Presbytery,  and  confer  with,  advise  and  assist  the  church 
officers  in  the  matter  of  increase  of  salaries.  That  the  Executive 
Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief,  which  has 
already  done  so  much  in  this  direction,  be  directed  to  supervise  and 
further  the  adoption  and  putting  into  operation  plans  in  all  the 
Presbyteries,  to  remedy  the  acute  situation  facing  the  whole  Church 
relative  to  the  adequate  support  of  the  ministry.”  This  overture  we 
answer  in  the  affirmative. 

84.  Term  Pastorates 

1889,  p.  622.  The  Assembly  declined  to  send  down  to  the  Presby¬ 
teries  for  their  action  an  elaborate  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of 


42  The  Congregation  [Book  II 

North  Alabama  proposing  to  amend  the  Form  of  Government  so  as 
to  limit  the  call  for  a  pastor  to  a  period  of  five  years. 

1902,  pp.  259-289.  On  overtures  from  the  Presbytery  of  Mis¬ 
souri  and  the  Synod  of  Missouri,  asking  that  the  Book  of  Church 
Order  be  so  amended  as  to  authorize  the  installation  of  a  pastor  for 
a  definite  period,  the  committee  recommend  that  an  amendment  to 
Chap.  V.,  Par.  4,  Sec.  6,  be  sent  down  to  the  Presbyteries,  author¬ 
izing  the  employment  of  stated  supplies  by  vacant  churches  until 
next  stated  meeting  of  the  Presbytery,  in  cases  where  the  formation 
of  the  pastoral  relation  is  not  practicable.  Referred  to  the  next  As¬ 
sembly. 

1903,  p.  507.  Resolved,  1.  ;That  the  Assembly  declines  to  take 
any  step  looking  to  the  establishment  of  the  pastoral  relation  for  a 
definite  period. 

2.  That  the  Assembly  sees  no  necessity  for  any  further  legislation 
in  regard  to  the  supply  of  vacant  churches,  inasmuch  as  our  Form  of 
Government  in  Paragraph  77  already  provides  that  the  Presbytery 
shall  take  especial  oversight  of  vacant  churches,  and  order  whatever 
pertains  to  their  spiritual  welfare. 

i 

85.  Installation  services  may  not  be  dispensed  with 

,1894,  p.  201.  Overture  asking  that  the  Book  of  Church  Order 
be  amended  (Chap.  VI.,  Sec.  5,  Par.  4)  by  the  addition  of  these 
words:  “The  installation  of  pastors  may  be  omitted  when  not  desired 
by  the  congregation  or  pastor;  or  the  Presbytery  may  dispense  with 
such  installation  services  when  it  is  inconvenient  to  carry  them  out; 
but  all  ministers  shall  be  pastors  when  called  by  the  Church,  and 
such  call  is  approved  by  the  Presbytery.”  Answered  in  the  nega¬ 
tive. 

86.  By  whom  may  a  pastor  be  installed 

1896,  p.  610.  An  overture  asked:  Should  Presbytery  install  a 
pastor  by  a  committee?  The  Assembly  made  reply:  A  pastor  should 
be  installed  by  the  Presbytery  or  by  a  Commission  appointed  by  the 
Presbytery. 

P.  610.  In  answer  to  an  overture  asking  whether  a  committee 
is  competent  to  install  a  pastor,  or  does  it  require  a  Commission? 

Reply :  In  the  judgment  of  the  Assembly,  the  Form  of  Government 
(Chap.  V.,  Sec.  7,  Pars.  92  and  93)  requires  that  a  pastor  should  be 
installed  only  by  the  Presbytery,  or  by  a  Commission  of  the  Presby¬ 
tery. 

1905,  p.  49.  'In  view  of  the  action  given  above,  the  Assembly 
declined  to  make  any  further  deliverance  on  installation  by  Com¬ 
missions. 

‘1909,  p.  47.  The  Form  of  Government  requires  (Chap.  V.,  Sec. 
VII.,  Pars.  92  and  93)  that  a  pastor  should  be  installed  only  by  the 
Presbytery  or  a  Commission  of  the  Presbytery,  but  such  commission 
need  not  consist  of  a  quorum  of  the  court. 


Secs.  84-89]  Ministers  43 

87.  Ruling  Elder  may  deliver  the  charge  to  the  people  in  instal¬ 
lation  service 

1894,  p.  198.  The  Assembly  held  that  the  language  of  Par.  121 
of  the  Book  restricted  to  ministers  the  giving  of  the  charge. 

1895,  p.  408.  The  Assembly  declined  to  submit  an  overture 
looking  to  the  amendment  of  Chap.  VI.,  Sec.  V.,  Par.  6,  so  as  to 
make  it  competent  for  an  elder  as  well  as  a  minister  to  deliver  the 
charge. 

1898,  p.  222.  The  Assembly  was  asked,  (1)  whether  a  ruling 
elder  can  constitutionally  charge  a  pastor  or  the  people  in  the  instal¬ 
lation  service  of  a  pastor,  and  (2)  if  not,  what  is  the  duty  of  a 
ruling  elder  as  appointed  on  such  commission? 

Answer:  An  elder  may  deliver  the  charge. 

P.  238.  This  action  was  reconsidered,  and  in  lieu  thereof,  the 
Assembly  recommended  for  adoption,  and  sent  down  to  the  Presby¬ 
teries  for  their  advice  and  consent,  the  following  amendment  to 
Chapter  VI.,  SectionV.,  Par.  6,  of  Form  of  Government:  Instead  of 
the  words,  “after  which  the  minister  presiding,  or  some  other  ap¬ 
pointed  for  the  purpose,  shall  give  a  solemn  charge,”  read,  “after 
which  the  minister  presiding,  or  some  other  minister  appointed  for 
the  purpose,  shall  give  a  solemn  charge.”  Then  at  the  end  of  the 
paragraph  add  the  sentence:  “If,  in  the  judgment  of  the  Presbytery, 
it  be  deemed  advisable,  a  ruling  elder  may  be  appointed  to  deliver 
the  charge  to  the  people.” 

1899,  p.  434.  ,Eorty-four  Presbyteries  voted  for,  and  twenty-six 
voted  against.  This  change  in  the  Book  was  thereupon  enacted  by 
the  Assembly.  The  vote,  taken  by  yeas  and  nays,  was  78  to  43. 

1899,  p.  421.  The  Assembly  declined  to  send  down  an  overture 
further  amending  the  Book,  so  as  to  empower  a  ruling  elder,  to  deliver 
the  charge  to  the  pastor  at  an  installation. 

88.  May  an  elder  deliver  the  charge  to  the  pastor ? 

1921,  p.  68.  Overture  from  Wilmington  Presbytery,  asks  that  the 
Book  of  Church  Order  be  so  amended  as  to  allow  a  Ruling  Elder 
to  deliver  the  charge  to-  the  pastor  at  his  installation  as  well  as  to 
the  people.  In  reply  to  this  overture,  we  recommend  that  the  As¬ 
sembly  approve  of  the  following  amendments  to  paragraph  121  of  the 
Book  of  Church  Order  and  send  them  down  to  the  Presbyteries  for 
their  action.  After  the  phrase  “other  minister”  insert  “or  ruling 
elder,”  making  the  sentence  read,  “After  which  the  minister  presiding, 
or  some  other  minister  or  ruling  elder  appointed  for  the  purpose, 
shall  give  a  solemn  charge  to  the  pastor  and  to  the  congregation,  etc.5' 
strike  out  the  last  three  lines  of  paragraph  121,  beginning,  “If  in  the 
judgment  of  the  Presbytery,  etc.” 

1922,  p.  73.  Adopted — 50  Presbyteries,  out  of  88,  voting  “yes”. 

89.  The  prayer  in  an  installation  service 

1901,  p.  23.  While  we  hold  that  the  installation  service  should 


44 


The  Congregation 


[Book  II 


be  conducted  by  the  proper  Commissioners  of  our  own  church,  yet 
we  do  not  consider  it  an  infraction  of  our  law  to  call  upon  a  minister 
of  another  denomination  to  lead  in  the  prayer. 

90.  Citation  of  church  when  a  pastor  tenders  his  resignation 

1892,  p.  460.  Defining  Paragraphs  126  and  128  of  the  Book  the 
Assembly  said:  If  the  parties  are  ready,  that  is,  present  and  agreeing 
to  have  the  matter  issued  at  the  meeting  then  in  progress,  citation  is  not 
needed;  but  if  the  parties  are  not  thus  ready,  citation  is  always  neces- 
sary. 

1898,  p.  222.  The  Assembly  declined  to  take  steps  to  bring  the 
law  into  conformity  with  custom  by  sanctioning  prior  notice  to  his 
charge  of  his  intention  to  resign  by  the  pastor,  as  equivalent  to  the 
citation  by  the  Presbytery. 

1905,  p.  43.  The  Assembly  sent  down  to  the  Presbyteries  with 
its  recommendation  the  following  amendment  to  the  Form  of  Govern¬ 
ment: 

That  for  the  first  sentence  of  Paragraph  128  these  words  be  sub¬ 
stituted:  “When  a  minister  shall  tender  the  resignation  of  his 

pastoral  charge  to  his  Presbytery,  the  Presbytery  shall  cite  the  Church 
to  appear  by  its  commissioner,  or  the  Church  may  so  appear  upon  its 
own  motion,  to  show  cause,  if  any  it  has,  why  the  Presbytery  should 
not  accept  the  resignation.” 

1906,  p.  52.  Fifty-eight  Presbyteries  voted  for  and  three  against 
The  amendment  was  thereupon  enacted  by  the  Assembly. 

91.  The  pastoral  relation  not  to  he  lightly  broken 

1868,  p.  272.  Whereas,  The  permanent  relationship  of  the  pastor 
to  his  people  is  one  of  the  distinctive  and  most  cherished  features  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church;  and  whereas,  the  frequent  removal  to  other 
fields  of  labor  by  regularly  installed  ministers  without  complying 
with  the  rules  laid  down  by  our  Book  of  Church  Government,  or 
obtaining  the  consent  of  their  respective  charges,  demands  the  serious 
consideration  of  this  body;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  By  the  General  Assembly,  that  the  Synods  and  Presby¬ 
teries  within  its  jurisdiction  be  enjoined  to  require  in  future  a  more 
rigid  adherence  to  the  rules  and  decrees  of  the  Church  regulating 
the  pastoral  relationship  and  the  mode  of  its  dissolution. 

92.  Presbytery  has  absolute  power  to  dissolve  the  pastoral  relation 

1880,  p.  196.  Can  a  Presbytery,  by  simple  vote  of  the  majority, 
displace  a  pastor  against  the  will  of  both  pastor  and  congregation? 

See  Form  of  Government,  Chap.  V.,  Sec.  IV.,  Art.  VI.:  “The 
Presbytery  has  power  *  *  *  *  to  establish  the  pastoral  relation, 
and  to  dissolve  it  at  the  request  of  one  or  both  of  the  parties,  or 
where  the  interests  of  religion  imperatively  demand  it. 

While  the  Presbytery  clearly  has  such  power,  the  Assembly  decides 


Secs.  89.-95] 


Ministers 


45 


that  a  Presbytery  taking  such  action  should  be  thoroughly  convinced 
that  “the  interests  of  religion  imperatively  demand  it.” 

1902,  p.  259.  On  an  overture  touching  the  dissolution  of  the 
pastoral  relation  in  order  to  convenient  grouping  of  churches,  the 
committee  recommends  that  the  Assembly  declare  such  dissolution  to 
be  within  the  prerogative  of  Presbytery.  Adopted. 

93.  What  relation  may  a  minister  sustain  to  a  church  not  in  our 

connection 

1869,  p.  376.  Is  it  contrary  to  our  Standards  for  one  of  our 
ministers  to  remain  the  permanent  supply  of  a  church  of  another 
denomination;  for  example,  a  Congregational  church? 

Answered  in  the  affirmative. 

1880,  p.  196.  Is  it  unlawful  for  a  minister  in  our  connection  to 
be  pastor  of  an  Independent  church? 

Reply.  There  is  nothing  in  our  Book  of  Church  Order  to  prevent 
a  minister  in  our  connection  from  preaching  the  gospel  at  any  church 
where  he  has  the  consent  of  his  own  Presbytery. 

94.  Candidate  of  Independent  Presbyterian  Church  of  Savannah 

1914,  p.  25.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Savannah,  as  to 
licensing  and  ordaining  a  candidate  for  the  ministry  who  is  a 
member  of  the  Independent  Presbyterian  Church  of  Savannah, 
without  the  previous  transfer  of  his  membership  to  one  of  our 
churches. 

Answer:  Inasmuch  as  the  relation  between  the  Independent  Presby¬ 
terian  Church  and  this  Assembly  is  of  the  cordial  and  intimate 
character  indicated  by  Minutes  of  Assembly,  1909,  p.  64,  and  1910, 
p.  12,  the  Assembly  answers  the  Overture  in  the  affirmative. 

95.  Ministers  not  engaged  in  their  sacred  calling 

1866,  p.  37.  With  reference  to  ministers  not  now  engaged  in 
their  sacred  calling,  the  Assembly  exhorts  them,  if  they  do  not  find 
fields  of  labor  in  their  present  localities,  to  seek  other  places  of 
abode  and  fields  of  labor  where  they  may  be  useful  in  their  appropriate 
work.  It  also  enjoins  the  Presbyteries  to  examine  their  rolls,  and 
require  all  ministers  who  are  not  thus  employed  to  give  an  account  of 
themselves  and  to  proceed  against  those  who  are  found  to  De  habit¬ 
ual  neglecters  of  their  vows  of  ordination. 

1906,  p.  23.  The  Assembly  declined  to  entertain  a  proposed 
amendment  to  the  Book  of  Order  which  looked  to  further  definition  of 
the  powers  of  the  Presbytery  by  adding  to  Paragraph  77  the  clause: 
“To  appoint  ministers  not  already  engaged  in  work  by  the  approval 
of  Presbytery  to  definite  ministerial  work  in  the  bounds  of  the 
Presbytery,  or  to  lend  them  to  other  Presbyteries  temporarily  for 
such  appointment  by  them;  also,  to  group  churches,  and  require 
them  to  act  together  as  one  pastorate  under  directions  ordained  by 


46 


The  Congregation 


[Book  II 


Presbytery;  also  to  provide  for  the  appointing  of  acting  pastors  over 
vacant  groups,  who  shall  exercise  all  the  functions  of  regular 
pastors,  but  shall  serve  no  more  than  one  year;”  and  to  Paragraph 
93 :  “The  assignment  of  unengaged  ministers  to  definite  work.” 

1907,  p.  31.  In  answer  to  an  overture  asking  that  the  Assembly 
recommend  that  Presbyteries  be  more  careful  in  releasing  its  ministers 
in  their  bounds  from  the  obligations  of  pastoral  and  pulpit  work  for 
secular  callings,  your  committee  recommends  that  the  overture  be 
granted. 

1908,  p.  33.  We  recommend:  (1)  That  Presbyteries  exert  their 
influence  as  far  as  possible  to  retain  men  in  the  active  ministry  and 
prevent  their  entrance  into  other  lines  of  work  as  far  as  may  be 
wise.  (2)  That  as  far  as  possible  the  men  in  other  lines  of  work 
be  urged  to  return  to  the  active  work  of  the  ministry  as  God  may 
open  the  way.  (3)  That  the  Assembly  in  the  future  try,  as  far  as  may 
be  consistent  with  wisdom,  to  secure  competent  laymen  for  the  various 
causes  of  the  Church,  and  uce  such  pious  men,  officers  and  members 
of  the  Church  as  may  be  available.  Adopted. 

1914,  p.  71.  Same  action. 

1920,  p.  48.  Mr.  A.  C.  Todd,  a  commissioner  to  this  Assembly, 
has  presented  to  the  Assembly  a  preamble  and  resolution,  which  has 
[>een  referred  to  your  standing  Committee  on  Christian  Education 
and  Ministerial  Relief. 

This  paper  states  that  there  is  an  increasing  number  of  vacancies 
in  our  pastorates;  that  an  increasing  number  of  our  ministers  are 
being  called  by  our  Executive  Committees  to  fill  positions  as  secre¬ 
taries,  clerks,  financial  agents,  teachers,  superintendents,  executives, 
and  for  other  purposes;  and  requests  the  Assembly  to  instruct  its 
Executive  Committees  “to  make  prompt  and  diligent  effort  to 
release  the  ministers  so  employed,”  and  to  instruct  the  Presbyteries  to 
“exercise  their  authority  and  best  endeavor  to  recall  the  ministers  so 
engaged,  to  the  end  that  these  vacant  churches  be  supplied.” 

In  reply  to  this  paper  the  Assembly  adopted  the  following  minute  : 

The  General  Assembly  believes  that,  owing  to  the  nature  of  the 
work  done  by  the  Executive  Committees  and  other  agencies  of  th 
Church,  it  is  essential  that  much  of  it  be  done  by  ministers.  But  in 
view  of  the  serious  lack  of  ministers  in  our  pastorates,  the  Assembly 
urges  upon  its  Executive  Committees  and  other  agencies  the  great 
importance  of  exhausting  every  means  for  the  employment  of  com¬ 
petent  elders,  deacons,  or  laymen,  when  any  of  the  work  in  any  of 
these  committees  or  agencies  can  be  done  efficiently  by  these;  and 
thus  stop  as  far  as  possible  any  unnecessary  drain  upon  our  pastorates. 

96.  Vacant  churches  should  be  assigned  to  the  care  of  some  minister 

1889,  p.  612.  The  Assembly  recommends  that  its  constituent 
Presbyteries  take  steps  to  assign  each  vacant  congregation  within 
their  respective  bounds  to  the  care  of  some  minister,  whose  duty  it 
shall  be  to  take  charge  of  such  congregation,  supply  them  with  week¬ 
day  preaching,  moderate  the  Session,  and  take  spiritual  oversight  of 


Secs.  95-99] 


Ministers 


47 


the  congregation  until  a  minister  can  be  regularly  employed,  due  care 
being  exercised  with  reference  to  expediency. 

97.  Manner  of  calling  pastor  by  a  group 

1896,  p.  575.  The  Assembly  declines  to  send  down  to  the  Presby¬ 
teries  an  amendment  to  the  Constitution  by  which  two  or  more  weak 
churches  shall  be  organized  by  Presbytery  into  one  pastoral  charge, 
which  pastoral  charge  shall  act  as  a  unit  in  the  call  of  a  pastor, 
through  a  body  or  commission  representative  of  all  the  churches  in 
the  pastorate,  and  shall  be  recognized  by  the  Constitution  as  a  unit 
in  all  matters  pertaining  to  the  making  and  dissolving  of  the  pastoral 
relation. 

98.  By  what  title  should  the  Stated  Supply  be  reported 

1877,  p.  421.  Overture  from  Ouachita  Presbytery,  requesting  the 
use  of  some  other  letters  than  S.  S.  to  designate  those  ministers  who 
have  charge  of  churches,  but  are  not  pastors.  The  Assembly  deemed 
it  best  not  to  make  any  change  in  the  matter  referred  to. 

1878,  p.  613.  The  Committee  of  Bills  and  Overtures,  to  overtures 
asking  for  a  change  in  our  statistical  tables,  substituting  the  title 
Acting  Pastor  for  “Stated  Supply,”  recommends  the  following  reply, 
viz. :  That  it  is  not  advisable  to  make  the  proposed  change,  because, 
(1),  It  would  produce  confusion,  by  lessening  the  distinction  of 
names  between  these  two  classes  of  ministers;  and  (2),  It  would 
have  a  tendency  to  encourage  the  relation  of  Stated  Supply  in  place 
of  the  regular  pastoral  relation.  Adopted. 

99.  Official  status  of  Stated  Supplies 

1881,  p.  395.  1.  The  Stated  Supply,  being  unknown  to  our 
Standards,  has,  as  such,  no  official  status.  As,  however,  the  Stated 
Supply  is  not  unknown  in  our  practice,  it  may  be  well  to  say  that  he 
has  all  the  rights,  and  should  discharge  all  the  duties  of  the  minister 
of  the  gospel,  such  as  preaching  the  Word,  administering  the  Sacra¬ 
ments,  etc.;  but  he  is  not  a  member  of  the  Session  by  virtue  of 
Stated  Supplyship.  He  can  only  act  as  moderator  by  invitation  of 
the  Session,  except  when  his  relation  as  Stated  Supply  is  sanctioned 
by  the  Presbytery,  under  Form  of  Government,  Chap.  V.,  Sec.  IIP, 
Art.  III.  2.  The  whole  case  of  the  Stated  Supply  is  anomalous; 
but  the  underlying  principle  of  Form  of  Government,  Chap.  VI  , 
Sec.  I.,  Art.  II.,  would  seem  to  require  scrupulous  regard  to  the 
wishes  of  the  congregation  in  employing  or  dismissing  a  Stated 
Supply. 

1889,  p.  594.  Can  the  Stated  Supplyship  be  entered  into  without 
the  consent  of  Presbytery?  Answer :  The  relation  of  Stated  Supply 
is  not  recognized  in  our  Form  of  Government.  The  Assembly, 
therefore,  recommends  that  vacant  churches  be  grouped  as  soon  as 
practicable  into  pastoral  charges,  or  into  fields  under  the  care  of 
evangelists. 


48 


The  Congregation 


[Book  II 


1913,  p.  29.  In  answer  to  an  overture  asking  that  a  change  in 
the  Book  of  Church  Order  be  made,  which  will  eliminate  and  correct 
the  evil  of  the  Stated  Supply  System,  your  Committee  would  most 
respectfully  answer  said  overture  in  the  negative. 

100.  Stated  Supply ,  Assistant  Pastor,  Evangelist 

^191 8,  p.  54.  We  recommend  this  answer  to  the  overture  from 
the  Presbytery  of  Brazos,  touching  the  position  of  an  ordained 
minister  laboring  in  missionary  work  under  the  care  of,  and  sustained 
by  a  local  church  ( 1 )  The  relation  of  Stated  Supply  is  not  recognized 
in  our  Form  of  Government.  (Alexander’s  Digest,  pars.  94  and  94). 
(2)  The  relation  of  Assistant  Pastor,  while  not  directly  mentioned  in 
our  book,  is  not  forbidden  there,  and  is  a  possible  relation.  This 
relation,  in  view  of  the  fact  that  it  necessitates  the  Session  of  the 
local  church  meeting  in  the  mission  fields,  involving  many  difficulties, 
while  legal,  does  not  seem  the  most  efficient.  (3)  The  relation  of 
Evangelist  seems  the  more  practicable  and  reasonable.  The  Evan¬ 
gelist  receives  his  powers  from  the  Presbytery,  and  is  primarily 
responsible  to  the  Presbytery. 

But  as  the  Evangelist  of  the  Synod,  when  he  passes  into  the  dif¬ 
ferent  bounds  of  the  Presbyteries,  passes  under  their  immediate  juris¬ 
diction,  so  the  Evangelist  who  works  for  a  local  church,  in  that  work 
should  be  under  the  direction  of  the  Session  of  that  church. 

101.  Ordination  to  the  ministry  is  only  as  pastor  or  evangelist 

1893,  p.  28.  Is  it  competent  for  a  Presbytery  to  ordain  a  licentiate 
as  a  teacher;  as  a  teacher  or  professor  of  a  Bible  course  in  a 
Presbyterian  College  by  control  and  instruction;  as  a  teacher,  tutor, 
.associate  professor,  or  professor  in  one  of  our  theological  seminaries  ? 

Answer :  A  Presbytery  is  constitutionally  incompetent  to  ordain 
any  man  to  the  gospel  ministry  except  as  pastor  or  evangelist. 

102.  Ordination  sine  titulo 

1865,  p.  362.  Whether  a  Presbytery  has  a  right  to  ordain  a 
licentiate  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  simply  because  he 
desires  it,  although  neither  one  nor  more  churches  have  requested 
that  he  should  be  ordained. 

Answer :  Every  office  in  the  Church  of  God,  according  the  Scrip¬ 
tures  and  the  Standards  of  our  Church,  is  a  definite  charge;  and 
hence  no  man  can  lawfully  be  ordained  to  the  gospel  ministry  unless 
it  be  to  the  performance  of  some  work  appropriate  to  that  office 
according  to  the  Constitution.  And  so  one  great  evidence  of  a  divine 
vocation  is  a  call  from  a  particular  church,  no  man  ought  to  be 
ordained,  except  in  cases  extraordinary,  without  such  a  call.  More¬ 
over,  as  persons  are  liable  to  mistake  their  calling,  and  as  the  office 
of  the  ministry  is  a  permanent  one,  by  divine  institution,  Presbyteries 
ought  to  exercise  great  caution,  in  ordaining  evangelists,  lest  the 


Secs.  99-106] 


Ministers 


49 


ministry  be  filled  with  intruders,  and  the  Church  be  afflicted  with  a 
vagrant  and  secularized  clergy.  Nor  ought  they  ever  to  do  so,  until 
full  proof  has  been  made  of  the  licentiate,  by  the  Presbytery  which 
ordains  him,  and  it  has  received  such  a  favorable  report  concerning 
him  from  the  churches,  as  gives  the  promise  of  wide  usefulness. 

The  case  mentioned  in  the  memorial  seems  to  violate  all  these 
principles.  If  the  licentiate  be  not  called  to  a  particular  church,  and 
if  he  be  not  looking  to  the  work  of  the  evangelist  in  frontier  and 
destitute  settlements,  his  ordination  sine  titulo  would  be  not  only 
irregular  and  unconstitutional,  but  manifestly  unscriptural. 

103.  A  licentiate  may  not  be  ordained  in  order  to  qualify  him  for 

appointment  as  a  chaplain 

1918,  p.  53.  The  following  answer  was  made  to  the  overture 
asking  whether  it  is  right  to  ordain  a  licentiate,  in  order  to  qualify 
him  to  apply  for  appointment  as  a  Chaplain  in  the  United  States 
Army  or  Navy:  “As  every  ecclesiastical  office,  according  to  the 
Scriptures,  is  a  special  charge,  no  man  should  be  ordained  unless 
it  be  to  the  performance  of  a  definite  work.”  Applying  for  an  ap¬ 
pointment  is  not  the  performance  of  a  definite  work.  It  is  not  right 
to  so  ordain.  (Par.  101,  Book  of  Church  Order;  Alexander’s  Digest, 
Pars.  96  and  97.) 

3  04.  Extraordinary  clause  applies  to  ordination  as  well  as  licensure 

(1896,  p.  580.  Overture  asking  whether  the  provision  for  extra¬ 
ordinary  cases,  under  the  head  of  licensure,  Chapter  VI.,  Section 
VI.,  Paragraph  134,  Book  of  Church  Order,  applies  to  ordination. 
If  not,  is  there  any  provision  for  the  ordination  of  a  man  who  has 
been  licensed  as  an  extraordinary  case? 

The  Assembly  replies  in  the  affirmative  to  the  first  question;  this 
answer  serves  as  a  sufficient  reply  to  the  second  inquiry. 

\To  an  overture  asking  whether  there  is  authority  in  our  Standards 
to  ordain  a  licentiate  as  an  extraordinary  case,  without  requiring  of 
him  a  satisfactory  examination  on  all  points  prescribed  for  ordination, 
the  Assembly  made  an  affirmative  reply,  referring  to  the  action  of 
1883,  pp.  18,  21,  89ff. 

105.  How  far  may  the  extraordinary  clause  be  pressed 

,1896,  p.  580.  Overture  asking  to  what  extent  the  requirements 
for  licensure  and  ordination  may  be  waived  under  the  provision  for 
extraordinary  cases.  Answer:  In  the  nature  of  the  case,  and  according 
to  the  Book  of  Church  Order,  the  Presbytery  must  act  in  each  instance 
according  to  its  discretion  subject  to  the  review  of  the  Synod. 

106.  Declines  to  prescribe  a  course  of  study  for  persons  licensed 

under  the  extraordinary  clause 

1896,  p.  570.  A  proposed  amendment  to  Chap.  VI.,  Sec.  6,  Form 


50 


The  Congregation 


[Book  II 


of  Government,  requiring  Presbyteries  to  institute  a  four  years’ 
course  of  study  for  all  licensed  under  the  extraordinary  clause,  was 
declined  by  the  Assembly. 

1906,  p.  56.  An  overture  making  a  request  similar  to  the  above, 
and  prohibiting  by  constitutional  amendment  the  ordination  of  such 
until  they  shall  have  attained  satisfactory  proficiency  in  the  required 
studies,  was  declined  by  the  Assembly. 

107.  No  change  on  the  subject  of  Licensure  and  Ordination 

1913,  p.  70-m.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  Dr.  A.  W.  Pitzer, 
asking  the  Assembly  to  amend  Chapter  II  of  the  Book  of  Church 
Order  on  the  subject  of  Licensure  and  Ordination,  and  asking  that 
the  following  paragraph  be  placed  at  the  end  of  the  chapter:  “Pro¬ 
vided,  however,  that  Presbyteries  may  set  apart  to  the  gospel  ministry 
by  licensure  or  ordination  godly  and  experienced  men,  well  versed 
in  the  sacred  Scriptures,  acquainted  with  theology,  Church  history 
and  the  standards  of  the  Church,  apt  to  teach,  and  called  to  this 
work  by  the  Spirit,  providence  and  people  of  God.”  We  recommend 
that  it  be  answered  in  the  negative. 

108.  When  may  an  ordination  not  regular  yet  be  valid ? 

1901,  p.  62.  In  response  to  an  overture  as  to  the  validity  of  an 
ordination  of  a  probationer  by  two  ministers  and  one  elder,  we 
recommend  the  following  answer:  An  ordination  so  made  is  not 
strictly  regular,  yet  when  ratified  by  the  Presbytery,  is  valid. 
Adopted. 

109.  Reinstatement  of  a  divested  minister 

1909,  p.  49.  When  a  minister,  after  being  divested  of  his  office 
without  censure,  as  provided  in  Par  205,  Book  of  Church  Order, 
asks  to  be  reinstated  in  the  ministerial  office,  is  it  necessary  that  he 
be  re-examined  and  ordained  as  thouvh  he  had  never  been  a  minister, 
or  may  he  be  reinstated  by  a  simple  resolution  of  the  Presbytery? 

Answer:  In  the  judgment  of  the  Assembly,  it  is  necessary  that  such 
a  person  be  re-examined  and  ordained. 

1912,  p.  26.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Abingdon,  asking 
for  direction  for  the  reinvestment  of  a  minister  with  his  office  who 
has  previously  demitted  it  in  accordance  with  our  lawo  Answer: 
The  Presbytery  which  divested  him  of  his  office,  without  censure, 
may  reinstate  him  in  the  same  upon  his  application,  when  he  satisfies 
the  Presbytery  of  the  wisdom  and  desirability  of  his  restoration, 
according  to  the  spirit  of  paragraph  203  of  the  Book  of  Church 
Order. 


110.  Restoration  of  a  deposed  minister 

1880,  p.  202.  The  records  of  the  Synod  of  Mississippi  were 
approved,  with  the  following  exception:  That  the  Synod,  pp.  297, 


Secs.  106-  113] 


Ministers 


51 


298,  directed  the  Presbytery  of  Louisiana  to  restore  the  Rev.  S.  P. 
Linn  to  the  exercise  of  the  functions  of  the  ministry  in  a  manner  at 
variance  with  the  rules  of  discipline  provided  in  such  cases.  See 

Book  of  Discipline,  Chap.  XI.,  Sec.  VII. 

The  Synod  had  directed  the  Presbytery  to  restore  Mr.  Linn  at  once 
to  the  full  office  of  the  ministry,  disregarding  the  steps  as  pointed  out 
in  the  Book  for  such  cases. — A. 

1881,  p.  394.  Records  of  the  Synod  of  Mississippi  approved,  with 
this  exception:  On  page  324  of  the  records  it  appears  that  a  former 
action  of  Synod,  in  directing  a  Presbytery  to  restore  a  deposed 
minister,  had  met  with  the  disapproval  of  the  General  Assembly,  and 
Synod  justifies  its  former  action  in  this  case  by  saying  that  it  regards 
the  language  of  the  Book  of  Discipline,  Chap.  XI.,  Sec.  II.,  as  ad¬ 
visory,  whereas  it  is  mandatory,  and  requires  that  a  Presbytery  act 
with  caution,  and  restore  a  deposed  minister  only  by  degrees. 

111.  A  deposed  minister  is  not  necessarily  excommunicated 

1919,  p.  51.  From  the  Presbytery  of  Piedmont,  asking  whether  a 

deposed  minister  retains  a  communicant  membership  in  the  Church, 
or  does  deposition  carry  with  it  excommunication.  ' 

Answer :  Not  necessarily.  If  the  sentence  of  deposition  is  not  accom¬ 
panied  by  excommunication,  the  deposed  minister  is  not  debarred 
from  securing  membership  in  a  particular  church. 

112.  A  deposed  or  divested  minister 

1920,  p.  80.  (The  Assembly  recommends  to  the  Presbyteries  that 
they  advise  and  consent  to  the  following  amendment  to  the  Rules 
of  Discipline: 

1.  »Add  to  Chapter  XV  the  following  paragraph: 

“281.  V.  When  a  Presbytery  shall  divest  a  minister  of  his 
office  without  censure,  or  depose  him  without  excommunication,  it 
shall  assign  him  to  membership  in  some  particular  church,  subject 
to  the  approval  of  the  Session  of  that  church.  ” 

2.  .Strike  out  the  clause,  “and  shall  assign  him  to  membership 
in  some  particular  church”  from  paragraph  236  of  the  Rules  of 
Discipline. 

This  was  done  in  1921,  page  66. 

113.  Ordination  to  the  ministry  in  the  foreign  field 

1893,  p.  43.  In  response  to  the  request  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee,  that  some  way  be  devised  by  which  an  unordained  mission¬ 
ary  in  a  foreign  field,  who  desires  to  be  ordained  to  the  work  of  the 
ministry  and  yet  retain  his  connection  with  the  Church  in  the  United 
States,  may  receive  such  ordination,  if  the  way  be  clear,  without 
returning  to  the  home  Presbytery,  the  Assembly  made  the  following 
deliverance : 

It  is  unlawful  for  the  Presbytery  from  whose  bounds  such  a  mission¬ 
ary  has  gone  to  the  foreign  field,  after  having  complied  as  nearly  as 


52 


The  Congregation 


[Book  II 


possible  with  Paragraph  118,  Form  of  Government,  through  cor¬ 
respondence  to  authorize  a  sufficient  number  of  ordained  mission¬ 
aries  (ministers  and  ruling  elders)  in  the  same  field,  to  constitute 
themselves  a  Commission  to  complete  the  examination  of  the  candidate 
and  ordain  him,  if  the  way  be  clear.  Such  ordination  should  be 
reported  to  the  home  Presbytery  and  the  name  of  the  ordained  man 
entered  upon  its  roll. 

\When  this  has  been  done  the  Commission  is  dissolved. 

1894,  p.  198.  An  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Lexington 
asking  that  the  action  of  the  last  Assembly  touching  the  ordination 
of  evangelists  in  the  foreign  field  be  declared  unconstitutional,  and 
that  steps  be  taken  to  amend  the  Constitution  so  as  to  relieve  this 
matter  of  present  difficulties;  and  another  overture  from  the  Presby¬ 
tery  of  Roanoke  asking  the  Assembly  to  rescind  said  action  of  the 
last  Assembly. 

Answer :  The  only  lawful  method  of  ordination  to  the  ministry 
is  prescribed  in  Paragraphs  6,  77  and  93,  Book  of  Church  Order; 
and  it  is  recommended  that  the  Assembly  send  down  to  the  Presby¬ 
teries  an  overture  recommending  that  Paragraph  40  be  amended  by 
adding  thereto  the  following  words:  “And  to  ordain  ministers  in  the 
foreign  field,  when  ordination  in  the  usual  way  is  impracticable, 
said  newly  ordained  ministers  to  be  reported  to  and  enrolled  in  the 
Presbytery  of  the  ordaining  minister.” 

1895,  p.  402.  Forty-five  Presbyteries  have  answered  this  over¬ 
ture  in  the  negative,  ten  in  the  affirmative,  and  five  in  the  affirmative 
conditionally.  The  proposed  change  is,  therefore,  declined  by  the 
Presbyteries. 

P.  390.  In  response  to  overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  of  Abing¬ 
don  and  West  Hanover,  the  Assembly  declined,  at  this  time  to  attempt 
any  further  legislation  on  the  subject  of  the  ordination  by  evangelists 
in  the  foreign  field. 

114.  Preaching  by  irresponsible  evangelists,  etc. 

1894,  p.  239.  Whereas,  in  many  parts  of  our  Church,  irrespon¬ 
sible  evangelists  and  unlicensed  persons  are  preaching  the  Gospel 
within  our  bounds,  therefore, 

Resolved ,  That  the  General  Assembly  enjoins  upon  our  Presby¬ 
teries,  pastors  and  Church  Sessions  to  prevent  the  unscriptural  and 
unconstitutional  practice  of  permitting  unlicensed  persons  to  preach 
in  our  churches. 

Same  action  in  1904  (p.  28). 

115.  Lay  Evangelists 

1878,  p.  624.  The  General  Assembly,  whilst  recognizing  the  fact 
that  there  are  spheres  of  Christian  labor  which  private  Christians, 
as  well  as  ruling  elders,  may  profitably  and  lawfully  occupy,  yet 
feels  called  upon  to  give  its  solemn  protest  against  the  practice,  now 
becoming  general,  of  men  who  have  never  been  ordained  nor  licensed 


Secs.  113-116] 


Ministers 


53 


to  preach  the  Gospel,  engaging  in  that  peculiar  function  of  the 
Christian  ministry;  and  earnestly  urges  all  our  ministers  and  people 
to  avoid  encouraging  the  same,  whether  by  active  co-operation  or 
otherwise. 

The  plain  teaching  of  our  Standards  is  that  “the  Word  of  God  is 
to  be  preached  only  by  such  as  are  sufficiently  gifted,  and  also  duly 
approved  and  called  to  that  office.” — Larger  Catechism,  Q.  158. 
Indeed,  the  whole  doctrine  of  our  Church  as  to  the  ministry,  and 
the  regulations  under  which  men  are  inducted  into  it,  show  that, 
in  addition  to  the  call  of  God,  the  authority  of  the  Church  is  neces¬ 
sary  to  call  and  appoint  them  to  this  work,  whether  as  pastors  or 
evangelists,  and  no  amount  of  apparent  or  even  real  good  which  may 
be  connected  with  the  labors  of  unauthorized  preachers  or  evangelists 
can  justify  us  in  dishonoring  the  ordinance  of  Christ,  and  by  this 
means  undermining  his  Church. 

1878,  p.  563.  Extract  from  the  Minute  adopted  by  the  Assembly 
expressing  its  judgment  in  the  case  of  the  complaint  of  Rev.  R.  K. 
Smoot  and  others,  against  the  action  of  the  Synod  of  Texas  upon 
the  records  of  the  Presbytery  of  Western  Texas,  in  the  matter  of 
H.  F.  Williams. 

The  General  Assembly  sustains  the  complaint  of  Rev.  R.  K. 
Smoot  and  others  against  the  Synod  of  Texas  on  these  grounds, 
viz. :  By  refusing  to  condemn  the  proceedings  of  the  Presbytery 
of  Western  Texas  in  the  matter  of  H.  F.  Williams,  the  Synod 
did  endorse  and  encourage  what  is  known  as  “Lay  Evangelism” — 
a  system  which  is  irregular  and  contrary  to  the  order  of  the  Church 
with  reference  to  the  Christian  ministry,  and  calculated  to  produce 
confusion  and  many  other  evils,  sooner  or  later. 

116.  Lay  preachers  and  exhorters 

G 869,  p.  391.  An  overture  from  ministers  of  the  South  Alabama 
Presbytery,  requesting  the  Assembly  “to  adopt  some  plan  whereby 
Presbyteries  may  be  authorized  to  license  as  lay  preachers  or  exhorters 
such  persons  as  may  be  found  qualified  in  mind  and  heart  to  instruct 
and  edify  the  churches,  without  requiring  of  them  that  course  of 
literary  and  theological  education  which  is  required  for  our  regular 
ministry,”  etc. 

The  following  answer  was  made: 

That  the  Assembly  expresses  its  approbation  of  Presbyteries 
granting  permission  to  persons  of  suitable  gifts  to  hold  meetings  and 
speak  the  word  of  exhortation  in  churches,  in  their  respective  bounds, 
with  the  consent  of  the  Sessions  where  such  exist,  and  also  in  destitute 
neighborhoods;  such  persons  being  required  to  abstain  from  assuming 
the  proper  functions  of  the  ministry,  and  being  held  subject  to  the 
control  of  Presbytery. 

1870,  p.  522.  Three  Presbyteries  prayed  the  Assembly  to  rescind 
this  action.  The  Assembly,  after  saying  that  these  overtures  were 
directed  rather  against  the  action  requested  by  the  South  Alabama 
ministers  than  against  the  action  really  taken  by  the  Assembly,  which 


54  The  Congregation  [Book  II 

action  was  manifestly  different  from  that  proposed,  explained  the 
above  action  in  the  following  reply: 

It ’will  be  perceived  that,  under  this  deliverance,  no  issues  arise 
concerning  the  propriety  of  confining  the  ministry  exclusively  to 
educated  men,  or  of  admitting  a  new  class  of  authoritative  teachers  as 
prophets  of  the  Church,  to  expound  and  enforce  officially  the  word 
of  Christ.  But  the  Assembly,  in  the  most  guarded  manner,  simply 
expresses  approbation  of  Presbyteries  granting  special  permission  to 
particular  persons,  by  way  of  incitement  and  encouragement,  to  the 
exercise  of  their  gifts  in  doing  what,  within  the  limits  of  Christian 
prudence,  every  Christian  man  has  inherently  a  right  to  do  under 
the  broad  commission  of  the  great  Head:  “Let  him  that  heareth, 
say  Come.” 

Even  had  the  deliverance  of  the  last  Assembly  gone  further  than 
this,  without  involving  palpable  violation  of  the  order  or  imminent 
danger  to  the  interests  of  religion,  an  immediate  rescinding  of  the 
act  of  the  previous  Assembly  would  consist  neither  with  courtesy  to 
the  Assembly,  nor  with  that  reverence  which  the  Assembly,  by  its 
example,  should  inculcate  upon  the  people  for  “decrees  and  deter¬ 
minations  of  Synods  and  councils,  not  contrary  to  the  Word  of  God, 
not  only  for  their  agreement  with  the  Word,  but  for  the  power 
whereby  they  are  made.”  (Conf.,  Chap.  XXXI.,  2.)  And  this  the 
more  especially  when  not  time  has  been  allowed  to  test,  by  experience, 
whether  the  measure  is  liable  to  work  injuriously  or  not. 

The  Assembly,  therefore,  declines  to  take  the  action  suggested  by 
these  overtures. 

A879,  p.  39.  In  answer  to  requests  from  the  Synod  of  Texas  and 
the  Presbytery  of  Western  Texas,  the  following  was  adopted: 

Resolved,  That  the  action  of  the  Assembly  in  1869,  authorizing 
the  appointment  of  exhorters  under  the  control  of  Presbytery,  be, 
and  the  same  is,  hereby  repealed. 


117.  Public  teaching  by  the  unordained 

1895,  p.  394.  The  Presbytery  of  Concord,  “in  view  of  perplexing 
questions  which  confront  the  Church  at  the  present  time,”  overtures 
the  General  Assembly  “to  appoint  an  ad  interim  committee  to  consider 
and  report  to  the  General  Assembly  of  1896  what  action,  if  any, 
ought  to  be  taken  on  the  following  subjects,  viz.:  To  define  the 
relation  of  elders,  deacons,  and  unofficial  persons,  such  as  candidates; 
lay  evangelists,  and  other  workers  to  public  teaching;  and  to  define 
the  limits  of  Christian  liberty  and  duty  in  the  use  of  this  talent 
and  especially  to  ascertain  if  these  questions  may  not  be  settled  on 
the  principles  already  recognized  and  applied  to  Sunday  School 
workers  and  to  societies  within  the  Church;  and  whether  all  this 
may  not  be  done  by  the  Assembly  in  a  declarative  way  without  con¬ 
stitutional  enactment.” 

(The  Assembly  declined  to  appoint  such  committee. 

1895,  p.  433.  The  Presbytery  of  Norfolk  overtures  the  General 


Secs.  116-119] 


Ministers 


55 


Assembly  to  add  to  Chapter  V.,  Section  IV.,  Form  of  Government,  the 
following  paragraph,  viz.: 

“Paragraph  10.  Ministers  in  good  standing  in  other  evangelical 
churches,  unlicensed  evangelists,  ruling  elders,  candidates  for  the 
gospel  ministry,  or  other  competent  brethren,  may  be  invited  to  do 
special  work  in  our  churches  when  Presbytery  shall  be  satisfied, 
after  due  examination  or  inquiry,  of  their  Christian  character,  sound¬ 
ness  in  the  faith,  and  ability  to  edify  the  Church.” 

The  Assembly  declined  to  grant  the  overture. 

118.  Ministers  who  dissent  from  the  doctrines  of  the  Church ,  or 
who  doubt  their  having  a  call  to  preach 

1870,  p.  519.  Overture  of  a  member  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Cherokee,  referring  to  the  records  of  that  Presbytery,  and  asking 
what  should  be  done,  first,  in  the  case  of  a  minister  who  declares 
his  dissent  from  the  doctrines  of  our  Church,  and  yet  does  not 
desire  to  unite  with  another  denomination :  and  what  should  be  done 
in  the  case  of  a  minister  who  regards  himself  as  having  been  mistaken 
in  supposing  himself  called  of  God  to  preach  the  Gospel.  Answer: 
In  view  of  the  general  inexpediency  of  making  in  thesi  deliverances 
upon  such  questions,  and  of  the  fact  that  the  records  of  the  Presby¬ 
tery  of  Cherokee  are  not  before  the  house,  the  judgment  of  this 
Assembly  is,  that  such  cases  as  they  arise  should  be  left  to  the 
decision  of  the  several  Presbyteries  under  the  provisions  of  the  Con¬ 
stitution,  and  the  deliverances  heretofore  made  by  the  supreme  court 
of  the  Church,  subject  to  the  review  of  the  higher  courts  under  the 
forms  provided  by  the  Book. 

119.  May  women  preach  in  our  churches 

1880,  p.  186.  Overture  from  the  Synod  of  Texas: 

Do  our  Standards  forbid  the  introduction  of  women  into  our 
pulpits?  and  if  not,  is  it  an  offence,  according  to  the  definition  in 
the  Rules  of  Discipline,  Chap.  III.,  Art.  1.,  for  a  minister  or  Church 
Session  to  permit  a  woman  to  preach  in  one  of  our  churches  ? 

The  following  answer  was  returned : 

Inasmuch  as  the  public  preaching  of  the  Gospel  is  a  branch  of  the 
ministerial  office,  to  the  authorization  of  which  ordination  or  licensure 
is  essential,  and  inasmuch  as  inspired  Scripture,  as  interpreted  by  our 
Standards,  nowhere,  in  the  case  of  women,  sanctions  such  a  solemnity, 
but,  on  the  contrary,  does  clearly  prohibit  it,  this  Assembly  does 
therefore  declare  the  assumption  of  this  sacred  office  by  women  to 
be  opposed  to  the  advancement  of  true  piety  and  to  the  promotion  of 
the  peace  of  the  Church,  and  this  to  such  an  extent  as  to  make  the 
introduction  of  women  into  our  pulpits  for  the  purpose  of  publicly 
expounding  God’s  Word  an  irregularity  not  to  be  tolerated. 

•P.  187.  The  Assembly  declined  taking  steps  toward  incorporating 
in  the  organic  law  a  provision  that  all  persons  elected  to  office  in  the 
Church  must  be  male  members  in  full  communion,  on  the  ground 


56 


The  Congregation 


[Book  II 


that  the  Book  is  sufficiently  plain  on  the  subject,  and  does  thus 
limit  eligibility  to  office  to  males.  This  was  in  response  to  an  overture 
from  the  Presbytery  of  Roanoke. 

120.  Women  preaching  and  women’s  sphere  of  work 

It  is  the  settled  doctrine  of  our  Church  that  women  are  excluded 
from  licensure  and  ordination  by  the  plain  teaching  of  the  Scriptures, 
and,  therefore,  cannot  be  admitted  to  our  pulpits  as  authorized 
preachers  of  the  world;  and,  also,  that  they  are  prohibited  from 
speaking  by  way  of  exhortation,  or  leading  in  prayer,  or  discussing 
any  question  publicly  in  the  meetings  of  the  Church  or  congregation 
as  a  mixed  assembly.  This  is  according  to  the  mind  of  the  Spirit 
as  expressed  by  Paul  in  1  Cor.  xiv.  34,  35,  and  1  Tim.  ii.  11,  12. 
But  we  do  not  hold  that  Christian  women  are  forbidden  to  hold 
meetings  among  themselves  for  mutual  edification  and  comfort  by 
pious  conversation  and  prayer,  or  to  devise  ways  and  means  to  aid 
the  general  branches  of  Church  work,  such  as  Home  and  Foregin 
Missions,  etc.,  or  to  teach  a  class  in  the  Sabbath  School.  Work  of 
this  kind  we  approve  and  commend,  but  public  speaking  in  the 
promiscuous  assembly  of  the  congregation  or  Church  is  contrary  to 
the  Holy  Oracles,  and,  therefore,  should  be  prohibited  and  condemned 
by  the  Presbyteries  and  Church  Sessions. 

1879,  p.  16.  In  reply  to  an  overture  from  West  Lexington  Presby¬ 
tery,  the  Assembly  refers  the  Presbytery  to  the  clear  deliverances  of 
former  Assemblies  which  settle  the  principles  involved  in  its  over¬ 
ture,  and  should  guide  all  our  Church  Sessions  in  their  procedure. 

Thus  the  Old  School  Assembly  of  1832,  and  the  General  Assembly, 
U.  S.  A.,  1872,  “Meetings  of  pious  women  by  themselves  for  conver¬ 
sation  and  prayer,  whenever  they  can  conveniently  be  held,  we  entirely 
approve;  but  let  not  the  inspired  prohibitions  of  the  great  apostle 
of  the  Gentiles,  as  found  in  his  Epistles  to  the  Corinthians  and  to 
Timothy,  be  violated.  To  teach  and  exhort,  or  lead  in  prayer  in 
public  and  promiscuous  assemblies,  is  clearly  forbidden  to  women  in 
the  Holy  Oracles.” 

1910,  p.  67.  Same  doctrine  reaffirmed. 

1915,  p.  30.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  West  Hanover, 
touching  the  speaking  or  praying  of  women  in  public  in  mixed 
assemblies. 

Answer:  The  Assembly  appoints  an  Ad-Interim  Committee  of  five 
to  make  a  careful  study  of  the  teaching  of  the  Scripture  on  the  whole 
subject  of  woman’s  position  in  the  Church  and  report  to  the  next 
Assembly. 

1915,  p.  42.  The  Moderator  announced  the  following  Ad-Interim 
Committee  on  the  subject  of  Woman’s  Position  in  the  Church:  Rev. 
J.  F.  Cannon,  D.  D.,  Rev.  James  I.  Vance,  D.  D.,  Rev.  A.  M. 
Fraser,  D.  D.,  Rev.  R.  F.  Campbell,  D.  D.,  Wm.  Dinwiddie,  LL.  D. 

1916,  p.  19.  \The  Ad-Interim  Committee  on  Woman’s  Position  in 
the  Church,  through  Rev.  J.  F.  Cannon,  D.  D.,  Chairman,  presented 
a  majority  report,  signed  by  Rev.  J.  F.  Cannon,  D.  D.,  and  others. 


Secs.  119-120] 


Ministers 


57 


A  minority  report,  signed  by  William  Dinwiddie  and  Rev.  A.  M. 
Fraser,  D.  D.,  was  presented.  A  recommendation  of  an  amendment 
to  the  Book  of  Church  Order,  paragraph  51,  was  presented  by  Rev. 
J.  F.  Cannon,  D.  D.  Rev.  J.  I.  Vance,  D.  D.,  a  member  of  this 
Committee,  presented  on  behalf  of  himself  another  minority  report. 

The  Stated  Clerk  was  directed  to  have  these  papers  printed  for  the 
convenience  of  the  Assembly. 

1916,  p.  27.  The  Assembly  was  led  in  prayer  for  divine  guidance. 

The  Select  Committee  appointed  to  recommend  an  order  of  pro¬ 
cedure  in  the  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  Ad- Interim  Committee 
made  the  following  report,  which  was  adopted: 

We  recommend: 

(1)  That  the  paper  of  Dr.  Cannon,  on  pages  1  and  2  down 
to  the  second  paragraph  beginning  with  “But — ”  be  regarded  as  a 
majority  report. 

(2)  That  the  paper  of  Dr.  Vance  be  regarded  as  a  minority 
report. 

(3)  That  after  disposing  of  these  two  reports,  the  Assembly  act 
upon  the  questions  involved  in  the  function  of  the  deaconess,  treating 
in  this  consideration  the  latter  part  of  Dr.  Cannon’s  report  as  a 
majority  report,  and  the  portion  of  the  paper  of  Dr.  Fraser  bearing 
on  this  question  as  a  minority  report. 

(4)  That  in  the  event  the  Assembly  adopt  the  majority  report, 
referred  to  in  Section  No.  3  of  this  report  above,  that  the  proposed 
amendment  to  the  Book  of  Church  Order,  page  4,  be  referred  to  the 
Committee  of  Bills  and  Overtures. 

For  these  papers  see  Minutes  1916,  pp.  171-179. 

1917,  p.  67.  The  report  of  the  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures 
was  taken  up,  considered  seriatim,  and  adopted,  with  the  exception 
that  the  answer  to  the  overtures  relating  to  “Woman’s  Position  in 
the  Church”  was  placed  on  the  docket  to  be  considered  at  the  next 
Assembly. 

From  the  same  report. 

1917,  p.  68.  We  recommend  that  we  reaffirm  the  action  of  the 
Assembly  of  1880  as  follows: 

“Inasmuch  as  the  public  preaching  of  the  Gospel  is  a  branch  of 
the  ministerial  office,  to  the  authorization  of  which  ordination  or 
licensure  is  essential,  and  inasmuch  as  the  inspired  Scripture,  as 
interpreted  by  our  Standards,  nowhere,  in  the  case  of  women,  sanctions 
such  a  solemnity,  but,  on  the  contrary,  does  clearly  prohibit  it,  this 
Assembly  does  therefore  declare  the  assumption  of  this  sacred  office 
by  women  to  be  opposed  to  the  advancement  of  true  piety  and  to  the 
promotion  of  the  peace  of  the  Church,  and  this  to  such  an  extent 
as  to  make  the  introduction  of  women  into  our  pulpits  for  the  purpose 
of  publicly  expounding  God’s  Word  an  irregularity  not  to  be  tolerated. 
It  is  the  settled  doctrine  of  our  Church  that  women  are  excluded 
from  licensure  and  ordination  by  the  plain  teaching  of  the  Scriptures, 
and  therefore  cannot  be  admitted  to  our  pulpits  as  authorized  preachers 
of  the  Word;  and  also  that  they  are  prohibited  from  speaking  by 
way  of  exhortation,  or  leading  in  prayer,  or  discussing  any  question 


58 


The  Congregation 


[Book  II 


publicly  in  the  meetings  of  the  Church  or  congregation  as  a  mixed 
assembly.  This  is  according  to  the  mind  of  the  Spirit  as  expressed 
by  Paul  in  I  Corinthians  14:34,  36,  and  I  Timothy  2:  11,  12.  But  we 
do  not  hold  that  Christian  women  are  forbidden  to  hold  meetings 
among  themselves  for  mutual  edification  and  comfort  by  pious  conver¬ 
sation  and  prayer,  or  to  devise  ways  and  means  to  aid  the  general 
branches  of  Church  work,  such  as  Home  and  Foreign  Missions,  etc., 
or  to  teach  a  class  in  the  Sabbath  School.  Work  of  this  kind  we 
approve  and  commend,  but  public  speaking  in  the  promiscuous  as¬ 
sembly  of  the  congregation  or  Church  is  contrary  to  the  Holy  Oracles, 
and  therefore  should  be  prohibited  and  condemned  by  the  Presby¬ 
teries  and  Church  Session.” 

1918,  p.  52.  The  paper  on  Woman’s  Position  in  the  Church, 
docketed  by  the  last  Assembly  for  consideration  by  this  Assembly, 
was  taken  from  the  docket  and  laid  on  the  table. 

121.  Amendment  touching  candidates 

1919,  p.  56.  The  Select  Committee  appointed  to  tabulate  the 
answers  to  the  overture  sent  down  to  the  Presbyteries  by  the  last 
Assembly  made  a  report,  which  was  adopted,  and  is  as  follows: 

Seventy-one  Presbyteries  considered  the  overture;  sixty-seven  voted 
in  the  affirmative,  three  in  the  negative,  and  one  declined  to  express 
itself. 

The  amendment  is  therefore  adopted,  as  follows: 

Section  VII — Of  Candidates  for  the  Ministry. — I.  A  candidate  for 
the  ministry  is  a  member  of  the  Church  in  full  communion  who, 
believing  himself  to  be  called  to  preach  the  Gospel,  enters  on  a 
course  of  study  and  of  practical  training  to  prepare  himself  for  this 
office. 

II.  It  is  recommended  that  every  candidate  for  the  ministry 
should  put  himself  under  the  care  of  a  Presbytery,  which  should 
ordinarily  be  the  Presbytery  that  has  jurisdiction  of  the  church  of 
which  he  is  a  member.  He  should  be  encouraged  by  the  Session  to 
do  this;  and  upon  his  request,  the  Session  should  furnish  him  with 
a  certificate  of  his  membership,  and  with  testimonials  of  its  judgment 
regarding  his  Christian  character  and  promise  of  usefulness  in  the 
ministry,  to  be  laid  before  the  Presbytery. 

‘III.  In  making  application  to  be  taken  under  the  care  of  the 
Presbytery,  the  candidate  for  the  ministry,  in  addition  to  presenting 
testimonials  from  his  Church  Session,  shall  be  examined  by  the 
Presbytery  on  experimental  religion  and  on  his  motives  for  seeking 
the  ministry. 

Should  the  testimonials  and  the  examination  be  satisfactory,  the 
Presbytery  should  receive  him  under  its  care  after  the  following 
manner: 

The  Moderator  shall  propose  to  the  candidate  these  questions: 

1.  Do  you  promise  in  reliance  upon  the  grace  of  God  to  maintain 
a  becoming  Christian  character,  and  to  be  diligent  and  faithful  in 
making  full  preparation  for  the  sacred  ministry? 


Secs.  120-122] 


Ministers 


59 


2.  Do  you  promise  to  submit  yourself  to  the  proper  supervision 
of  the  Presbytery  in  matters  that  concern  your  preparation  for  the 
ministry? 

If  these  question  be  answered  in  the  affirmative,  the  Moderator, 
or  some  one  appointed  by  him,  shall  give  the  candidate  a  brief 
charge;  and  the  proceedings  shall  close  with  prayer.  The  name  of 
the  candidate  is  then  to  be  recorded  on  the  Presbytery’s  Roll  of 
Candidates  for  the  Ministry. 

IV.  The  candidate  continues  to  be  a  private  member  of  the 
church  and  subject  to  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Session,  but  as  respects 
his  preparatory  training  for  fhe  ministry,  he  is  under  the  oversight 
of  the  Presbytery.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Presbytery  to  show  a 
kindly  and  sympathetic  interest  in  him,  and  to  give  him  counsel  and 
guidance  in  regard  to  his  studies,  his  practical  training,  and  the 
institutions  of  learning  he  should  attend.  In  no  case  must  a  candi¬ 
date  omit  any  of  the  subjects  prescribed  in  the  Form  of  Government  as 
tests  for  licensure  and  ordination  without  obtaining  the  consent  of 
Presbytery;  and  where  such  consent  is  given  the  Presbytery  shall 
record  the  fact  and  its  reasons. 

V.  For  the  development  of  his  Christian  character,  for  the  service 
he  can  render,  and  for  his  more  effective  training,  the  candidate,  when 
entering  on  his  theological  studies,  should  be  authorized  and  en¬ 
couraged  by  the  Presbytery  to  conduct  public  worship,  to  expound 
the  Scriptures  to  the  people,  and  to  engage  in  other  forms  of  Christian 
work.  These  forms  of  service  should  be  rendered  under  the  direction 
of  Presbytery,  and  also  with  the  sanction  and  under  the  guidance  of 
the  candidate’s  instructors  during  the  time  of  his  being  under  their 
instruction.  A  candidate  should  not  undertake  to  serve  statedly  a 
church  which  is  without  a  pastor  unless  he  has  the  approval  of  the 
Presbytery  having  jurisdiction  of  the  church. 

VI.  The  Presbytery  shall  require  every  candidate  for  the  ministry 
under  its  care  to  make  a  report  to  it  at  least  once  a  year;  and  it  shall 
secure  from  his  instructors  an  annual  report  upon  his  deportment, 
diligence  and  progress  in  study. 

VII.  The  Presbytery  may,  upon  application  of  the  candidate, 
give  him  a  certificate  of  dismission  to  another  Presbytery;  and  a 
candidate  may,  at  his  request,  be  allowed  to  withdraw  from  the  care 
of  the  Presbytery.  The  Presbytery  may  also,  for  sufficient  reasons, 
remove  the  name  of  a  candidate  from  its  roll  of  candidates;  but  in 
such  a  case  it  shall  report  its  action  and  the  reasons  therefor  to  the 
candidate  and  to  the  Session  of  his  church. 

122.  Lowering  the  standard  for  licensure 

1884,  p.  244.  The  General  Assembly  was  asked  to  take  the  neces¬ 
sary  constitutional  steps  for  adding  the  following  amendment  at  the 
close  of  Chap.  VI.,  Form  of  Government:  “Provided,  however,  that 
Presbyteries  shall  have  liberty,  at  their  discretion,  to  set  apart  to 
the  work  of  the  Gospel  ministry  godly  and  experienced  men,  well 
versed  in  the  English  Bible  and  in  the  Standards  of  the  Presbyterian 


60 


The  Congregation 


[Book  II 


Church  in  the  United  States,  apt  to  teach,  and  evidently  called  to 
the  ministry  of  the  Lord  through  his  Spirit  and  Providence.” 

In  connection  with  this  was  submitted  an  overture  from  thuty- 
nine  ministers  and  ruling  elders  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  from 
twelve  States,  that  the  Assembly  recommend  to  the  Presbyteries,  for 
their  advice  and  consent,  certain  amendments  to  the  Form  of  Govern¬ 
ment.  The  main  object  of  these  amendments  was  to  remove  from  the 
Book  the  requirement  for  a  classical  examination  of  candidates  for 
licensure,  and  to  make  the  Constitution  call  only  for  an  examination 
in  the  English  branches  of  learning  and  in  the  English  Bible. 

Answer :  The 'General  Assembly  deems  it  unnecessary  and  inex¬ 
pedient  that  any  change  be  made  in  those  provisions  of  our  Consti¬ 
tution  which  refer  to  the  licensure  or  ordination  of  candidates  for 
the  Gospel  ministry. 

123.  Licensure  a  necessary  prerequisite  to  ordination 

1889,  p.  587.  Is  the  formal  licensure  of  a  candidate  for  the 
ministry  an  indispensable  prerequisite  to  ordination? 

Answer:  Our  law  plainly  supposes  that  licensure  should  precede 
ordination. 

124.  Irregular  to  license  and  ordain  at  the  same  meeting  of  Presbytery 

1917,  p.  69.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  Brazos  Presbytery, 
touching  licensure  and  ordination: 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  declare  it  irregular  to  license 
and  ordain  a  candidate  at  the  same  meeting  of  Presbytery;  see  Para¬ 
graphs  129,  139,  140,  Book  of  Church  Order. 

125.  Not  right  to  ordain  a  licentiate  as  a  private  in  the  United 

States  Army 

1918,  p.  53.  In  answer  to  the  Overture  from  Pee  Dee  Presby¬ 
tery,  asking  whether  it  is  right  to  ordain  a  Licentiate  who  purposes 
to  enter  the  United  States  Army  as  a  private,  and  hopes  to  do  better 
work  in  the  ranks  because  of  his  ordination,  we  would  make  the 
following  answer:  Such  ordination  is  not  in  accordance  with  our 
law.  (See  Book  of  Church  Order,  par  101;  Alexander’s  Digest, 
Pars.  96  and  97.) 

126.  Steps  looking  to  a  change  in  requirements  for  licensure  and 

ordination 

1889,  p.  587.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  consider  the  whole 
subject  and  report  to  the  next  Assembly. 

1890,  p.  15.  (This  committee  submitted  a  majority  report  and  a 
minority  report,  both  of  which  were  referred  to  a  special  committee 
(p.  23).  This  special  committee  made  a  report,  which  was  considered, 
but  not  adopted  (pp.  29,  53). 


Secs.  122-127] 


Ministers 


61 


1891,  p.  250.  In  response  to  several  overtures,  the  matter  was 
again  taken  up.  The  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  brought  in 
two  papers,  each  signed  by  one-half  of  the  members  of  the  committee 
(p.  247).  In  lieu  of  both  of  these  a  substitute  was  adopted,  by 
which  the  Assembly  declined  to  send  down  to  the  Presbyteries  any 
overture  on  the  subject  (p.  255). 

1892,  p.  453.  The  Assembly  again  declined  to  present  the  matter 
to  the  Presbyteries. 

1893,  p.  28.  An  ad  interim  committee  was  appointed  to  report  on 
the  subject  to  the  next  Assembly. 

1894,  p.  263.  The  report  of  this  ad  interim  committee  was  referred 
to  a  special  committee  (p.  190).  The  majority  report  of  this  special 
committee  was  adopted,  and  certain  changes  were  proposed  to  the 
Presbyteries.  The  result  was  as  follows: 

1895,  p.402.  As  to  the  overture  touching  licensure  of  candidates, 
fifty-three  Presbyteries  answered  in  the  negative,  thirteen  in  the  affr- 
mative,  and  three  in  the  affirmative  conditionally. 

To  the  overture  touching  the  ordination  of  ministers,  forty-three 
have  answered  in  the  negative,  eleven  in  the  affirmative,  and  three  in 
the  affirmative  conditionally.  The  Presbyteries  have  declined,  there¬ 
fore,  to  make  the  proposed  changes. 

(For  fuller  details,  see  Supplement  to  Alexander’s  Digest,  pp. 
14-28.) 

1904,  p.  28.  ‘Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Greenbrier  so  to 
change  the  Book  of  Order  that  licensure  be  had  earlier  in  the  course 
of  preparation,  after  examination  for  sufficient  safety;  that  the 
preaching  be  a  part  of  the  probation,  and  then  when  the  study  is 
finished  and  the  probation  sufficient,  a  full  and  thorough  examination 
be  made  for  ordination. 

Your  committee  recommends  the  following  answer: 

In  view  of  the  definite  provisions  of  our  Book  of  Church  Order, 
in  reference  to  licensure  and  ordination,  and  the  careful  consideration 
of  previous  General  Assemblies  touching  this  whole  matter,  resulting  in 
decisions  adverse  to  any  change  in  the  provisions  of  our  Book,  your 
committee  deems  it  unwise  to  impose  upon  the  Church  any  new 
amendments  of  the  same  for  the  consideration  of  the  Presbyteries. 

Our  Presbyteries  are  earnestly  admonished  to  carry  out  the  spirit 
of  our  Book  in  all  matters  pertaining  to  the  licensure  of  candidates, 
as  far  as  possible,  and  should  permission  ever  be  granted  to  the 
unlicensed  to  try  their  gifts  in  public  meetings,  such  permission 
should  be  exercised  under  the  direction  of  pastor,  or  Session,  or 
Presbytery. 

Presbyteries  are  urged  to  avoid  the  toleration  of  any  practices 
which  may  encourage  “unlicensed  evangelists.” 


127.  Changes  in  regard  to  candidates,  licensure  and  ordination 

1920,  p.  80-a.  Since  a  majority  of  the  Presbyteries  advised  and 
consented  to  the  overture  touching  candidates,  and  to  the  one  con- 


62  The  Congregation  [Book  II 

cerning  licensure  and  ordination,  the  Assembly  enacted  these  over¬ 
tures,  which  are  as  follows: 

1.  In  Chapter  V.,  Section  IV.,  Paragraph  VI,  immediately  after 
the  word  “jurisdiction,”  insert  the  following:  “To  receive  under  its 
care  candidates  for  the  ministry.” 

2.  Touching  the  licensure  and  ordination  of  ministers,  as  follows: 
(a)  Paragraph  118  (III),  strike  out  the  word  “Especially”  in  the 
first  line.  Add  after  the  sentence  requiring  the  sermon  this  provision, 
“Trials  for  ordination  in  the  same  Presbytery  in  which  the  candidate 
was  licensed  may  be  omitted  when  the  examination  for  licensure  has 
satisfied  the  Presbytery  that  he  is  ready  for  ordination.”  This  change 
would  make  the  amended  paragraph  read  as  follows:  “Trials  for 
ordination  in  a  different  Presbytery  from  that  in  which  the  candidate 
was  licensed  shall  consist  of  a  careful  examination  as  to  his  acquaint¬ 
ance  with  experimental  religion,  as  to  his  knowledge  of  philosophy, 
theology  and  ecclesiastical  history,  the  Greek  and  Hebrew  languages, 
and  such  other  branches  of  learning  as  to  the  Presbytery  shall  appear 
requisite,  and  as  to  his  knowledge  of  the  doctrine  of  the  sacraments 
and  the  principles  and  rules  of  the  government  and  discipline  of  the 
Church.  Or,  in  lieu  of  the  examination  in  philosophy,  ecclesiastical 
history,  the  Greek  and  Hebrew  languages,  it  may  accept  certificates 
of  approved  institutions  of  learning.  He  shall  further  be  required 
to  preach  a  sermon  before  the  Presbytery.  Trials  for  ordination  in 
the  same  Presbytery  in  which  the  candidate  was  licensed  may  be 

omitted  when  the  examination  for  licensure  has  satisfied  the  Presbv- 

* 

tery  that  he  is  ready  for  ordination,  which  ought,  if  practicable,  to 
be  in  that  church  of  which  he  is  to  be  the  pastor.” 

(b)  Paragraph  129.  <1.  Add  the  word  “ordinarily”  to  the  first 

line,  making  the  first  line  read,  “Presbytery  shall  ordinarily  license 
probationers,”  etc.  Then,  after  the  last  word  of  the  paragraph,  the 
following:  “But  where  there  is  a  call  to  a  definite  work,  and  the 
Presbytery  is  satisfied  by  the  examination  for  licensure  that  the 
candidate  is  ready  and  prepared  for  ordination,  the  licensure  may  be 
omitted.”  This  change  would  make  the  amended  paragraph  read  as 
follows:  “Presbyteries  shall  ordinarily  license  probationers  to  preach 
the  Gospel  in  order  that,  after  sufficiently  trying  their  gifts  and 
receiving  from  the  Church  a  good  report,  they  may,  in  due  time, 
ordain  them  to  the  sacred  office.  But  where  there  is  a  call  for  a 
definite  work,  and  the  Presbytery  is  satisfied  by  the  examination  for 
licensure  that  the  candidate  is  ready  and  prepared  for  ordination, 
the  licensure  may  be  omitted.” 

128.  Licensure  after  one  year  at  Theological  Seminary  declined 

/ 

jl908,  p.  33.  To  an  overture  asking  that  candidates  be  licensed 
after  the  first  session  at  the  Theological  Seminary,  a  negative  reply 
was  made.  Form  of  Government,  Par.  134. 

1914,  p.  34.  Overtures  from  the  Synod  of  South  Carolina  and  the 
Presbytery  of  Piedmont,  asking  that  our  Book  of  Church  Order  be 


Secs.  127-130] 


Ministers 


63 


so  changed  as  to  require  the  licensure  of  candidates  before  the  com¬ 
mencement  of  their  second  year  of  study  in  the  seminary. 

Answer :  The  Assembly  declines  the  overture,  but  expresses  its 
judgment  that  trial  for  licensure  should  take  place  as  early  in  a 
candidate’s  theological  course  as  practicable. 


129.  Licentiates  in  itinerant  service 

1869,  p.  378.  In  answer  to  an  overture  in  reference  to  requiring 
every  licentiate  to  spend  two  years  in  itinerant  missionary  labor 
before  settlement,  the  Assembly  adopted  the  following: 

Resolved,  That  whilst  the  Assembly  believes  that  the  employment 
of  competent  evangelists  is  the  most  effectual  means  of  supplying  the 
destitutions  in  our  bounds,  yet,  in  view  of  the  fact  that  so  few  of  that 
class  can  now  be  secured,  it  recommends  to  Presbyteries  to  throw  their 
licentiates,  as  far  as  practicable,  into  the  destitute  fields  around  them. 

1871,  p.  15.  Toa  similar  request  the  following  reply  was  made: 

The  Form  of  Government,  Chap.  XV.,  Secs.  I.  and  IX.,  gives  to 

any  congregation  the  right  to  extend  their  pastoral  call  to  any  proba¬ 
tioner,  “when  he  shall  have  preached  so  much  to  their  satisfaction 
that  the  people  appear  prepared  to  elect  a  pastor,”  and  authorizes  the 
Presbytery  having  jurisdiction  of  the  case  “if  they  think  it  expedient, 
to  present  the  call  to  him.”  While  this  Assembly  highly  commends 
these  missionary  labors,  as  means  for  testing  and  training  the  gifts 
of  probationers  and  spreading  the  Gospel,  it  does  not  deem  itself 
competent  to  take  away  the  above  right  from  the  churches,  nor  the 
discretion  of  the  Presbyteries  in  the  case. 

1872,  p.  156.  (In  many  cases  settled  pastors  are  more  needed  than 
itinerant  missionaries.  Besides,  our  young  men  are  licensed  to 
preach  the  Gospel  wherever  God  in  his  providence  may  call  them,  at 
home  or  abroad.  The  whole  frame  of  our  system  would  be  set  aside 
by  an  attempt  to  retard  the  settlement  of  pastors  wherever  churches 
are  or  can  be  formed  strong  enough  to  sustain  them. 

1873,  p.  313.  Overtures  looking  to  the  adoption  of  this  same 
rule,  were  rejected. 

130.  Additional  requirements  for  licensure 

•1898,  p.  201.  Overture  to  add  to  Chap.  V.,  Sec.  IV.,  75,  of  the 
Form  of  Government,  the  following  words:  “And  shall  subject  them 
to  such  other  particular  examinations  as  shall  fully  satisfy  the  Presby¬ 
tery  of  their  fitness  for  the  ministry  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.” 

This  overture  was  answered  in  the  negative. 

1899,  p.  433.  Overture  that  the  following  amendments  be  sent 
down  to  the  Presbyteries: 

(1) ,  Chapter  VI.,  Section  5,  Paragraph  118,  Article  3,  to-wit: 
After  the  words  “the  Greek  and  Hebrew  language”  add  “the  English 
Bible.” 

(2) ,  Also,  Chapter  VI.,  Section  6,  Paragraph  132,  Article  4: 


64  The  Congregation  [Book  II 

After  “Natural  and  Revealed  Theology”  add  “On  the  English 
Bible.” 

(3),  Also,  Chapter  VI.,  Section  6,  Paragraph  134,  Article  6,  add 
to  this  article  the  following :  Provided,  that  in  every  extraordinary  case 
the  candidate  shall  be  required  to  stand  a  searching  examination 
on  the  English  Bible. 

The  committee  recommended  the  following  answer,  which  was 
adopted : 

The  Assembly  declines  to  recommend  the  changes  in  the  Form  of 
Government  asked  for  in  these  overtures,  but  would  enjoin  upon  the 
Presbyteries  to  subject  every  candidate  for  the  ministry  to  a  thorough 
examination  as  to  his  knowledge  of  the  English  Bible. 

131.  Legal  sanction  for  work  by  candidates 

1895,  p.  432.  .'Overtures  have  been  received  from  several  Presby¬ 
teries  asking  for  such  amendments  to  the  Book  of  Church  Order 
as  will  define  more  clearly  the  status  of  the  candidate  for  the 
ministry,  and  the  right  and  duty  of  the  Presbytery  to  supervise  and 
direct  all  that  pertains  to  his  training  for  the  sacred  office. 

Columbia  and  Savannah  each  ask  that  Paragraph  134  be  amended 
by  prefixing  the  following  words,  viz. :  “Candidates  of  one  year’s 
approved  standing  in  divinity  studies  or  Theological  Seminary,  may 
be  allowed,  at  the  discretion  of  Presbytery,  to  exercise  their  gifts  for 
a  specific  time  and  duty;  but”  no  candidate,  except  in  extraordinary 
cases,  shall,  etc. 

Fayetteville  and  Orange  and  Albemarle  ask  that  Paragraph  77  be 
amended  by  inserting  after  the  words  “original  jurisdiction,”  these 
words:  “shall  have  power  to  receive  candidates  and  to  direct  them  in 
their  literary  and  theological  education,  and  in  such  practical  training 
in  the  exercise  of  their  gifts,  as  in  the  judgment  of  Presbytery,  may 
be  necessary  to  their  efficiency  in  the  work  of  the  ministry.” 

The  Presbytery  of  Louisville  asks  for  such  an  amendment  to  the 
Book  of  Church  Order  as  will  secure  to  the  candidate  the  explicit 
permission  of  his  Presbytery  to  exercise  his  gifts  in  the  churches 
during  the  period  of  his  preparation  for  licensure;  but  that  such 
permission  shall  be  granted  to  those  only  who  have  completed  one 
year’s  course  of  study  in  divinity,  and  after  a  suitable  examination  in 
the  Standards  and  the  English  Bible. 

The  Assembly  declined  to  propose  any  of  these  amendments  to  our 
Presbyteries. 

)  1896,  p.  574.  Overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  of  Enoree  and 
South  Carolina,  asking  that  the  General  Assembly  recommend  to 
the  Presbyteries  that  they  advise  and  consent  to  the  following  amend¬ 
ments  to  the  Book  of  Church  Order,  viz. : 

“In  Chapter  V.,  Section  IV.,  Paragraph  6,  after  the  words  ‘shall 
have  power  to  assume  original  jurisdiction,’  and  before  the  words  ‘to 
examine  and  license  candidates  for  the  holy  ministry,’  insert  the 
following:  ‘To  receive  candidates  for  the  ministry  under  its  care,  and 
to  direct  them  in  their  literary  and  theological  education,  and  in  such 


Secs.  130-133] 


Ministers 


65 


practical  training  in  the  exercise  of  their  gifts  as  may,  in  the  judgment 
of  Presbytery,  be  necessary  to  their  efficiency  in  the  work  of  the 
ministry.’ 

“Also  that  to  Chapter  VI.,  Section  VI.,  Paragraph  1,  be  added  the 
following:  ‘Before  his  licensure,  a  Presbytery  may  grant  to  the  Session 
of  a  church  authority  to  appoint  a  candidate  for  a  limited  time  in 
such  work  as  will  aid  his  practical  training  for  the  ministry;  pro¬ 
vided,  that  if  the  candidate  be  under  the  care  of  a  different  Presby¬ 
tery  from  that  to  which  the  church  belongs,  the  consent  of  both 
Presbyteries  shall  be  first  obtained.’  ” 

The  Assembly  declined  to  recommend  to  the  Presbyteries  these 
amendments. 


132.  Certificates  of  approved  institutions  may  be  accepted  in  lieu 

of  examination  on  certain  subjects 

1913,  p.  70-k.  Overture  from  Bethel  Presbytery,  asking  for  ad¬ 
ditional  amendment  to  Chapter  VI.,  Section  5,  as  follows:  In  Chapter 
VI.,  Section  5,  Paragraph  118,  after  the  words  “government  and 
discipline  of  the  Church,”  insert  the  words  “or  in  lieu  of  the  exami¬ 
nation  in  Philosophy,  Ecclesiastical  History,  the  Greek  and  Hebrew 
languages,”  it  may  accept  certificates  of  approved  institutions  of 
learning. 

We  recommend  that  this  overture  be  sent  down  to  the  Presbyteries 
for  their  consent  and  advice. 

1914,  p.  70.  Amendment  to  Form  of  Government. — In  Chapter 
VI.,  Section  5,  Paragraph  118,  after  the  words  “government  and 
discipline  of  the  Church,”  insert  the  words  “or  in  lieu  of  the  exami¬ 
nation  in  Philosophy,  Ecclesiastical  History,  the  Greek  and  Hebrew 
languages,  it  may  accept  certificates  of  approved  institutions  of  learn- 
mg.” 


133.  The  Latin  thesis  as  a  part  of  trial  for  licensure 

1870,  p.  510.  The  Standing  Committee  on  Education,  to  whom 
was  referred  the  overture  touching  “the  propriety  of  dispensing  with 
a  Latin  thesis  as  a  part  of  trial  of  our  candidates  for  licensure  to 
preach  the  Gospel,”  would  recommend  the  following  answer  on  the 
part  of  this  Assembly,  to-wit:  That  it  is  inexpedient  to  make  any 
changes  in  the  requirements  of  the  Book  on  this  subject.  Adopted. 

1902,  p.  288.  In  response  to  overtures  asking  that  the  Latin 
thesis  be  removed  from  the  list  of  parts  of  trial  for  licensure  the 
following  was  adopted: 

This  Assembly  does  hereby  recommend  and  send  down  to  the 
Presbyteries  for  their  advice  and  consent  the  following  amendment 
to  the  Form  of  Government,  Chap.  VI.,  Sec.  6,  Sub-sec.  4,  other¬ 
wise  designated  as  General  Par.  132,  to-wit:  from  the  sentence 
marked  1,  and  reading,  “A  discussing  in  Latin  of  a  thesis  on  some 
common  head  of  divinity,”  strike  out  the  two  words  “in  Latin,”  so 


66  The  Congregation  [Book  II 

that  the  sentence  will  read,  “A  discussion  of  a  thesis  on  some  common 
head  of  divinity.” 

1903,  p.  481.  Forty-seven  Presbyteries  answered  in  the  negative, 
twenty-eight  in  the  affirmative,  and  three  did  not  vote. 

1912,  p.  24.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Bethel,  asking  certain 
constitutional  changes  in  the  rule  for  examining  candidates  for 
licensure.  Answer :  The  Assembly  answers  the  overture  in  the 
affirmative  and  sends  it  down  to  the  Presbyteries  for  their  advice  and 
consent. 

1913,  p.  30.  (1)  Amendment  to  Paragraphs  132-134  (Form  of 

Government,  Chapter  VI.,  Section  6,:  1.  Strike  out  Paragraph  4  as 

far  as  the  words  “  head  in  divinity”  and  substitute  the  following,  viz. : 
“The  Presbytery  shall  examine  each  candidate  on  theology,  natural 
and  revealed,  the  Sacraments  and  Church  government.  It  shall  also 
examine  him  as  to  his  knowledge  of  the  Latin  language,  mental 
philosophy,  logic,  rhetoric,  ethics,  the  natural  sciences  and  similar 
subjects,  and  upon  the  original  languages  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  and 
ecclesiastical  history;  or,  in  lieu  of  the  examination  on  any  of  these 
academic  studies,  it  may  accept  a  certificate  from  an  approved  college  ; 
and  in  lieu  of  the  examination  on  the  original  languages  of  Scripture 
and  ecclesiastical  history,  it  may  accept  a  certificate  from  an  approved 
theological  seminary.  Moreover,  the  Presbytery  shall  require  a  dis¬ 
cussion  in  Latin  or  in  English  of  a  thesis  on  some  common  head  in 
divinity.” 

(2)  Strike  out  the  opening  words  of  Paragraph  6  as  far  as  the 
words  “teacher  of  theology”  and  substitute  for  the  same  the  following, 
viz.:  “No  Presbytery  shall  omit  any  of  these  parts  of  trial  except  in 
extraordinary  cases.” 

(3)  At  the  end  of  Paragraph  6  the  following  words  be  added,  viz. : 
“That  the  foregoing  provision,  mutatis  mutandis,  shall  apply  to  the 
examination  for  ordination  of  extraordinary  cases.” 


134.  Licensure  of  candidates  who  are  deficient 

1896,  p.  614.  The  Synod  of  South  Carolina  in  its  records  of 
1895,  p.  13,  recommended  to  its  Presbyteries,  that  when  students 
fail  to  pass  any  of  their  examinations  at  the  seminaries,  the  Presby¬ 
teries  require  of  them  a  satisfactory  explanation  of  the  failure,  and 
in  case  such  an  explanation  is  not  forthcoming,  either  refuse  to 
license  them  until  they  make  good  their  deficiency,  or  license  them 
as  extraordinary  cases. 

'(The  Assembly  took  exception  to  this  action  as  unwise  and  injurious 
in  its  effects,  inasmuch  as  it  recommends  for  licensure  students  who 
have  failed  to  reach  the  minimum  standard  of  scholarship. 

135.  Licentiates  may  he  sent  to  declare  a  church  vacant 

1877,  p.  443.  The  records  of  the  Synod  of  Nashville  were  ap¬ 
proved,  with  the  exception  that,  on  page  274,  the  Synod  seems  to 


Secs.  133-137] 


Ministers 


67 


teach  that  a  Presbytery  has  no  power  to  send  a  licentiate  to  declare 
a  church  vacant. 

136.  The  office  of  catechist  proposed 

1895,  p.  395.  Overtures  to  the  General  Assembly  to  send  down  to 
our  Presbyteries  for  their  approval  a  proposition  to  engraft  into  our 
present  system  the  office  and  functions  of  the  catechist.  Declined  by 
the  Assembly. 

The  proposition  as  elaborated  by  the  proposing  Presbytery  contem¬ 
plated  the  licensure  as  catechists  of  such  candidates  for  the  ministry 
as  wish  to  conduct  services  prior  to  licensure,  and  prescribed  conditions 
as  to  attainments,  supervision  of  work,  etc.  Its  aim  was  to  give 
sanction  to  a  practice  conceded  to  be  without  authority  by  provision 
of  law. — A. 


137.  Statistical  column  for  pastor’s  salaries 

1909,  p.  27.  The  Assembly  directed  that  the  column  in  the  blanks 
and  Assembly  Minutes  for  pastor’s  salary  be  abolished,  and  that 
this  item  be  merged  in  the  column  for  congregational  expenses. 

1910,  p.  37.  The  Assembly  declined  to  restore  the  column  for 
pastor’s  salary. 

1907,  p.  56.  The  Assembly  declined  to  order  an  additional 
column  in  the  statistical  blank,  headed:  “Ministers  otherwise  paid.” 

1911,  p.  22.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Sherman  asking 
that  the  column  of  pastors’  salaries  be  restored  to  the  statistical 
columns  in  the  reports  of  the  Sessions. 

We  recommend  that  it  be  answered  in  the  affirmative. 

Adopted. 

1912,  p.  41.  Overture  asking  that  in  the  Statistical  Blank  the 
amount  of  Pastor’s  Salary  be  included  in  Congregational  Expenses. 

Answered  in  the  negative. 

1917,  p.  42.  In  answer  to  overture  from  Lexington  Presbytery 
touching  record  of  salaries  of  pastors  of  Home  Mission  churches  in 
column  of  “Pastor’s  Salary”  in  Assembly’s  Minutes,  we  recommend 
that  in  such  cases — following  the  name  and  postoffice  of  the  minister — 
a  dotted  line  be  run  across  the  page  to  the  “Pastor’s  Salary”  column, 
where  the  amount  of  supplemental  salary  be  entered,  and  then  in 
following  lines  the  names  of  churches  which  he  serves  be  given 
their  postoffices  and  regular  statistics.  We  recommend  that  salaries 
of  all  other  ministers  serving  as  evangelists,  secretaries,  and  teachers 
in  Church  colleges  be  noted  in  column  of  “Pastor’s  Salary,”  and 
that  the  Stated  Clerk  of  each  Presbytery  secure  the  information. 


CHAPTER  III 


ELDERS 

138.  An  elder’s  membership  in  Presbytery  continues  until  the  next 

stated  meeting 

|1872,  p.  164.  When  an  elder  is  appointed  to  attend  a  stated 
meeting  of  the  Presbytery,  he  may,  without  any  new  appointment, 
meet  and  act  with  the  Presbytery  until  its  next  stated  meeting,  unless 
the  Session  shall  appoint  some  other  member  of  its  bench  of  elders 
to  attend  in  his  place.  See  §  224. 

139.  Each  church,  in  a  group  served  by  one  minister,  is  entitled  to 
a  separate  elder  as  representative  in  Presbytery  and  Synod 

1862,  p.  17.  An  overture  to  change  the  Form  of  Government 
so  as  to  allow  each  of  two  or  more  churches  associated  together  in 
one  pastorate,  a  representative  in  Synod  and  Presbytery,  was  referred 
to  the  Committee  on  Revision. 

1868,  p.  275.  To  a  similar  overture  the  answer  was  made:  It 
is  not  advisable  at  present  to  legislate  on  this  subject,  but  it  is 
commended  to  the  consideration  of  the  Presbyteries. 

1869,  p.  377,  and  1870,  p.  531.  Responses  were  received  in  1869 
from  only  ten  Presbyteries,  and  the  matter  was  re-submitted,  when 
responses  were  had  from  twenty-eight  Presbyteries,  ninteen  in  the 
affirmative  and  nine  in  the  negative.  The  overture  failed,  being  not 
supported  by  a  majority  of  the  Presbyteries,  there  being  fifty-five 
Presbyteries.  Inasmuch  as  this  overture  has  in  two  successive  years, 
been  sent  to  the  Presbyteries,  and  in  both  instances  has  failed  from 
default  of  action  on  the  part  of  Presbyteries,  the  Assembly  does  now 
dismiss  the  matter. 

1871,  p.  15.  The  Assembly  declined  to  renew  the  above  proposals. 
The  same  in  1874,  p.  484.  In  1876,  p.  241,  the  matter,  being 
revised,  was  referred  to  the  Committee  on  the  Revision  of  the 
Standards. 

By  the  Form  of  Government  adopted  in  1879,  each  church  is 
entitled  to  its  separate  representative  in  Presbytery  and  Synod.  See 
Paragraphs  72  and  81. 

140.  Elders  to  be  appointed  by  the  Presbyteries  to  conduct  services 

in  neighboring  congregations 

1866,  p.  37.  Eesolved,  That  every  Presbytery  be  enjoined  to 
require  the  Sessions  of  the  vacant  congregations  to  come  up  to  the 
discharge  of  the  duties  devolved  upon  them  in  the  twenty-first  chapter 
of  the  Form  of  Government,  in  the  assembling  of  their  respective 


Secs.  138-144] 


Elders 


69 


congregations  for  the  worship  of  God,  to  which  it  may  be  proper  to 
add  exhortation.  And  in  order  that  this  duty  may  be  performed 
to  the  greater  acceptance  of  the  worshippers,  it  is  further  required 
that  the  Presbyteries  do  seek  out  those  eleders  who  have  the  best  gifts, 
and  do  especially  appoint  them  to  the  performance  of  these  duties. 

1867,  p.  148.  Resolved,  That  the  action  of  the  last  Assembly,  on 
pp.  36  and  37  of  the  Minutes,  is  hereby  reaffirmed,  and  the  parts 
relating  to  the  services  of  elders  explained  to  mean,  substantially, 
that,  in  accordance  with  our  Constitution,  when  a  vacant  congre¬ 
gation  does  not  enjoy  the  services  of  any  elder,  who,  for  any  proper 
reason,  is  competent  to  perform  the  duties  contemplated,  it  shall  be 
the  duty  of  the  Presbytery  to  appoint  an  elder  or  elders  from  some 
neighboring  congregation;  provided  nothing  herein  contained  shall 
be  regarded  as  justifying  a  Presbytery  in  extending  its  jurisdiction 
within  the  bounds  of  another. 

1919,  p.  51.  From  the  Presbytery  of  Central  Texas,  asking  that 
active  steps  be  taken  to  use  more  fully  capable  ruling  elders  in  con¬ 
ducting  services  in  our  vacant  churches,  in  view  of  the  absence  of 
so  many  ministers  engaged  in  war  work. 

Answer. — The  law  of  the  Church  already  gives  to  churches  and 
elders  full  opportunity  in  this  matter.  In  view  of  the  present  need, 
the  Assembly  urges  a  fuller  use  of  this  opportunity. 

141.  Distinction  between  teaching  and  ruling  elders  not  removed 

1900,  pp.  604,  644.  The  Assembly  declined  an  overture  asking 
the  removal  from  the  Book  of  Church  Order  of  all  Presbyterial 
distinctions  between  teaching  and  ruling  elders. 

142.  Presbyterial  courtesies  to  ruling  elders 

1883,  p.  20.  As  to  extending  certain  Presbyterial  courtesies  to 
ruling  elders.  Recommended  that  no  change  is  deemed  necessary. 
Adopted. 

This  overture  contemplated  Presbytery’s  inviting  visiting  elders  to 
seats  as  corresponding  or  visiting  brethren. — A. 

143.  An  elder  who  has  moved  from  the  bounds  of  his  church 

1865,  p.  363.  The  provision  of  the  Constitution,  that  no  man 
is  eligible  to  the  office  of  elder  unless  he  is  a  member  of  the  church 
in  which  he  is  to  serve,  was  evidently  designed  to  prevent  the  existence 
of  a  non-resident  eldership.  And  since  the  rights  of  office  and  the 
discharge  of  its  duties  go  together  in  the  ordination  engagements, 
this  Assembly  judges  that  when  an  elder  voluntarily  and  premanently 
removes  beyond  the  bounds  of  a  congregation,  he  is  therefore  dis¬ 
qualified  from  discharging  the  functions  of  his  office,  and  is  no 
longer  to  be  considered  as  an  acting  elder. 

144.  Dissolving  relation  of  elder  when  unacceptable 

1901,  p.  68.  The  Assembly  is  asked  to  define  the  word  ‘£com- 


70 


The  Congregation 


[Book  II 


petent”  in  Par.  113  of  the  Book  of  Church  Order;  also  to  answer 
the  question:  “When  the  officer  described  in  this  paragraph  is  unac¬ 
ceptable  in  his  official  capacity  to  a  majority  of  the  congregation,  is 
his  removal  by  the  Session  essential  or  merely  optional?” 

The  Assembly  gives  as  a  fair  paraphrase  of  the  word  “competent” 
the  phrase  “ within  the  authority  of;”  but  it  is  a  matter  within  the 
discretion  of  the  Session,  to  be  exercised  wisely  in  view  of  the  facts 
in  each  particular  case. 

145.  An  elder  returning  a  letter  of  dismission,  resumes  his  functions 

1876,  p.  238.  As  the  Constitution  (Form  of  Government,  Chap. 
IV.,  Sec.  III.,)  requires  that  the  ruling  elder  must  be  a  male  member, 
in  full  communion  in  the  church  in  which  he  is  to  exercise  his 
office,  a  ruling  elder  obtaining  a  letter  of  dismission  from  his  church 
does  not  thereby  sever  his  connection  with  the  church,  nor  until  he 
is  received  as  a  member  of  the  church  to  which  he  is  dismissed; 
and  when  he  returns  his  letter  he  may  resume  his  office  again  as  a 
ruling  elder  in  that  church.  For  otherwise,  he  must  cease  to  be  an 
acting  elder  for  another  cause,  and  in  another  mode,  than  one  of 
the  two  only  modes  provided  for  in  Chap.  VI.,  Secs.  III.  and  IV.; 
since  only  when  unacceptable  to  the  congregation,  and  then  only 
either  by  his  own  voluntary  act,  or  by  act  of  the  Session  under  advice 
of  the  Presbytery,  can  he  cease  to  be  an  acting  elder  in  the  church. 

The  receiving  a  letter  of  dismission,  while  it  may  suspend  the 
full  communion  of  the  member,  does  not  terminate  his  connection  with 
the  church.  The  General  Assembly  of  1875  decided  (though  by 
some  oversight  the  decision  is  omitted  in  the  printed  Minutes)  that 
the  return  of  an  unused  letter  of  dismission  reinstated  the  party  to 
full  communion  in  the  church  from  which  it  was  taken. 

146.  Demission  of  elders  and  deacons 

1880,  p.  190.  In  answer  to  an  overture  asking:  “Can  the  office 
of  a  ruling  elder  or  deacon,  as  of  a  minister,  be  demitted?”  the 
Assembly  adopted  the  following: 

1.  The  word  “demit”  does  not  occur  in  our  Standards,  and  its 
use  produces  confusion.  A  minister  of  the  Gospel  cannot  demit  his 
office;  he  can  be  divested  of  his  office  only  by  act  of  Presbytery. 

2.  The  rules  for  divesting  a  minister  of  his  office  without  censure 
do  not,  in  all  cases,  apply  to  the  ruling  elder  and  deacon.  For 
instance:  The  provision  of  Rules  of  Discipline,  Chap.  XII.,  Sec. 
III.,  has  application  only  to  a  minister  of  the  Gospel,  and  the 
provisions  of  Form  of  Government,  Chap.  VI.,  Secs.  IIP,  IV.,  and 
VI.,  and  Rules  of  Discipline,  Chap.  VIII.,  Secs.  VI.  and  X.,  while 
applying  to  the  ruling  elder  and  deacon,  are  expressly  restricted  to 
the  case  where  the  officer  is  unacceptable  to  the  church. 

1881,  p.  396.  Overtures  touching  a  change  of  Chap.  XII.,  Sec. 
III.,  Book  of  Discipline,  so  as  to  read  thus:  “This  provision  shall 
apply,  mutatis  mutandis,  to  the  case  of  ruling  elders  and  deacons.” 


Secs.  144^147] 


Elders 


71 


It  was  ordered  that  the  proposed  change  be  submitted  to  the  Presby¬ 
teries  for  their  action. 

1882,  p.  568.  The  vote  of  the  Presbyteries  on  this  amendment  was: 
Yea,  38;  nay,  2.  It  was  therefore  enacted  in  the  following  form: 
“This  provision  shall  in  like  manner  apply,  mutatis  mutandis,  to  the 
case  of  ruling  elders  and  deacons;  but  in  all  such  cases  the  Session 
of  the  church  to  which  the  elder  or  deacon  who  seeks  demission 
belongs,  shall  act  as  the  Presbytery  acts  in  similar  cases  where  a 
minister  is  concerned.” 

1883,  p.  20.  Overture  in  regard  to  the  above  enactment  of  the 
General  Assembly,  as  being  irregular.  Ordered:  That  the  action  of 
1882  complained  of  be  sent  down  to  the  Presbyteries.  The  substance 
of  the  complaint  was  that  the  above  amendment  was  enacted  in 
different  terms  from  those  voted  on  and  adopted  by  the  Presbyteries. 

1884,  p.  250.  Result — Ayes,  56;  noes,  3. 

P.  427.  The  following  was  adopted:  Resolved,  That  the  following 
be,  and  hereby  is  enacted  as  a  part  of  the  Constitution  (Rules  of 
Discipline,  Chap.  XII.,  Par.  3):  “But  in  all  such  cases  the  Session 
of  the  church  to  which  the  elder  or  the  deacon  who  seeks  demission 
belongs,  shall  act  as  the  Presbytery  acts  in  similar  cases  where  a 
minister  is  concerned.” 

147.  Rotary  eldership  and  deaconship 

1907,  p.  57.  An  overture  asking  the  Assembly  to  send  down  to 
the  Presbyteries,  for  their  consent  and  approval,  an  overture  recom¬ 
mending  the  rotary  method  of  electing  Elders  and  Deacons.  Answered 
in  the  negative. 

1909,  p.  48.  Overtures  asking  the  Assembly  to  take  such  action  as 
will  allow  each  and  every  congregation  throughout  its  bounds  by 
their  own  vote  to  adopt  the  rotary  system  of  Church  officers;  a 
communication  from  the  Presbytery  of  Paris,  reporting  its  refusal 
to  join  in  said  overtures;  and  an  overture  asking  the  Assembly  not 
to  favor  such  overtures,  should  they  be  sent. 

Answer. — The  Assembly  declines  to  take  any  action  looking  to 
the  adoption  of  the  rotary  system  of  Church  officers. 

Same  action  in  1912,  p.  118;  in  1915,  p.  80-d  and  e;  in  1917, 
p.  69;  1920,  p.  80-a. 

1921,  p.  68.  Overture  from  Mecklenburg  Presbytery,  requests  the 
Assembly  to  take  the  proper  steps  to  amend  our  Book  of  Church 
Order  so  as  to  allow  .a  rotation  in  the  offices  of  Elders  and  Deacons 
when  a  congregation  so  desires.  Inasmuch  as  38  Presbyteries  voted 
in  favor  of  this  change  last  year,  with  32  Presbyteries  voting  against 
it  and  17  Presbyteries  not  voting,  we  recommend  that  the  Assembly 
approve  of  the  following  paragraph  as  a  substitute  for  paragraph 
115  of  the  Book  of  Church  Order  and  send  it  down  to  the  Presby¬ 
teries  for  their  action,  with  the  especial  request  that  every  Presby¬ 
tery  take  action  between  now  and  the  meeting  of  the  next  Assembly: 
“If  any  particular  church  should  prefer,  this  preference  being  ex¬ 
pressed  by  a  majority  vote  in  a  regular  congregational  meeting, 


72 


The  Congregation 


[Book  II 


ruling  elders  or  deacons  may  be  chosen  for  an  active  term  of  service 
of  five  years.  Upon  the  expiration  of  this  term  of  service  they  shall 
be  eligible  for  re-election,  and  in  the  election  of  their  successors 
their  names  may  be  considered  together  with  the  names  of  any  other 
members  of  the  church  who  are  eligible  for  these  offices.  When  a 
ruling  elder  or  deacon  whose  term  of  service  has  expired,  or  who  has 
been  released  from  active  service,  is  again  elected  to  this  office  in 
the  same  or  another  church,  he  shall  be  installed  after  the  above 
form,  with  the  omission  of  ordination.” 

1922,  p.  73.  Lost;  29  Presbyteries  out  of  88,  voted  “yes”. 

I 

148.  Presbytery  may  dissolve  relation  between  a  ruling  elder  and  a 

congregation  without  deposing 

1894,  p.  196.  May  a  Presbytery,  without  petition,  set  aside  an 
elder  without  deposing  him;  that  is,  may  the  Presbytery  dissolve 
the  eldership  relation,  as  they  may  the  pastoral  relation,  without 
prejudice? 

Answer. — Presbytery  m^y  dissolve  the  relation  between  ruling 
elder  and  a  particular  congregation  without  prejudice  and  without 
petition.  See  Book  of  Church  Order,  Paragraph  205,  which,  mat  at  is 
mutandis,  applies  to  elders  and  deacons;  and  also  Paragraph  77 r 
which  provides  that  “Presbytery  shall  have  power  to  assume  original 
jurisdiction  in  cases  in  which  the  Session  cannot  exercise  its  author¬ 
ity.” 

149.  No  examination  of  elders  and  deacons  on  the  Standards  of 

the  Church  before  their  ordination 

1883,  p.  56.  Rev.  S.  B.  Campbell,  D.  D.,  offered  the  following: 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  five  be  appointed,  to  report  to  the 
next  General  Assembly  as  to  the  expediency  of  the  Assembly’s 
taking  action  looking  to  the  more  thorough  qualification  of  the  ruling 
elders  for  the  duties  of  their  office;  and  particularly  as  to  the  expe¬ 
diency  of  requiring  them,  in  ordinary  cases,  to  stand  an  examination 
on  the  Standards  of  our  Church  before  their  ordination.  Referred 
to  the  Committee  on  education. 

That  committee  recommended,  and  the  Assembly  adopted  the 
following  action: 

The  General  Assembly  declines  to  take  action  in  the  direction  indi¬ 
cated  for  the  following  reasons: 

1.  To  carry  into  effect  the  action  proposed  there  would  be  neces¬ 
sary  a  change  in  our  Form  of  Government  and  the  time  is  inopportune 
for  further  changes  where  there  is  no  urgent  necessity. 

2.  The  action  called  for  is  not  necessary,  as  the  Form  of  Govern¬ 
ment  already  requires  vows  at  ordination  which  cannot  be  conscien¬ 
tiously  taken  without  previous  careful  examination  of  and  intelligent 
acquaintance  with  the  doctrinal  Standards  of  the  Church. 

3.  The  effect  of  this  action  would  be  to  transfer  the  responsibility 
of  such  doctrinal  study  and  acquaintance  from  the  conscience  of  the 


Secs.  147-150] 


Elders 


73 


■candidate,  where  it  ought  to  rest,  to  that  of  the  person  or  persons 
whose  duty  it  should  be  to  examine  him. 

4.  Many  excellent  brethren  of  diffidence,  but  of  real  merit,  would 
be  deterred  from  accepting  the  office  of  ruling  elder  from  fear  of  the 
-ordeal  of  examination  to  which  they  would  be  subjected. 

1890,  p.  45.  The  Presbytery  of  Greenbrier  respectfully  overtures 
the  General  Assembly  to  recommend  the  amendment  of  Paragraph 
1,  Section  IV.,  Chapter  VI.,  Book  of  Church  Order,  so  as  to  read: 
^‘When  any  person  has  been  elected  to  either  of  these  offices,  and 
declares  his  purpose  to  accept,  the  Session  shall  proceed,  at  some 
convenient  time,  carefully  to  examine  him  as  to  his  acquaintance  with 
experimental  religion,  as  to  his  knowledge  of  the  Word  of  God  and 
the  Constitution  of  the  Church,  and  as  to  his  ability  to  instruct  the 
ignorant  in  the  way  of  life.  If  the  church  is  without  a  pastor  at  the 
time,  the  Session  shall  procure  the  attendance  of  some  neighboring 
minister,  belonging  to  the  same  Presbytery  with  the  church,  who 
shall  preside  and  conduct  the  examination,  every  member  of  the 
Session  having,  of  course,  the  right  to  participate  therein.  If,  after 
a  reasonable  inquiry,  the  Session  is  well  satisfied  of  the  person’s 
qualifications  for  the  office  to  which  he  has  been  elected,  it  >hall 
appoint  a  day  for  his  ordination.” 

P.  46.  Docketed  and  referred  to  the  next  Assembly. 

1891,  p.  260.  The  Assembly  declines  to  send  down  such  over¬ 
ture  to  the  Presbyteries  for  adoption,  but  directs  all  our  ministers  and 
churches  (through  the  Presbyteries)  to  be  very  careful  in  the  selection 
of  ruling  elders  and  deacons,  and  endeavor  to  have  them  properly 
instructed  before  ordination  in  all  the  duties  of  their  office,  as 
required  by  our  Book  of  Church  Order,  Chapter  VI.,  Section  IV. 

150.  May  a  ruling  elder  be  the  Moderator  of  a  church  court? 

1876,  p.  238.  Overture  inquiring  whether  the  requirement  of  the 
Constitution  that  the  meeting  of  Church  courts  shall  be  opened  with 
a  sermon  by  the  last  Moderator,  implies  that  only  a  minister  can  be 
moderator. 

Answer. — The  Constitution  of  the  Church,  and  the  very  genius 
of  the  Presbyterian  system  of  courts,  speaking  in  the  name  and  by 
the  authority  of  Christ,  the  King,  require  that  the  teaching  elder, 
whose  function  it  is  to  expound  he  law  of  Christ,  shall  preside  in 
courts  which  are  to  be  guided  wholly  by  law  in  their  acts  and  deliver¬ 
ances.  Adopted. 

1878,  p.  625.  Requested  to  reverse  the  above  decision,  the  fol¬ 
lowing  answer  was  made: 

Whilst  the  Assembly  fully  recognizes  the  perfect  equality  of  ruling 
elders  with  ministers  in  all  our  Church  courts,  yet  since  our  Form  of 
Government  requires  of  all  the  Moderators  of  all  our  judiciaries, 
except  the  Session,  certain  duties  which  can  be  performed  only  by 
ministers,  we  decline  to  reverse  the  decision  referred  to. 

1884,  p.  249.  Being  overtured  to  take  constitutional  steps  to 
secure  an  amendment  to  the  Form  of  Government  that  would  sanction 


74 


The  Congregation 


[Book  II 


the  choosing  of  a  ruling  elder  as  Moderator  of  a  Presbytery,  Synod 
or  General  Assembly,  the  Assembly  made  the  following  answer: 

This  Assembly,  in  view  of  the  unusually  large  amount  of  business 
pressing  upon  its  consideration,  and  also  in  view  of  the  fact  that 
the  matter  of  these  overtures  has  not  yet  undergone  the  full  and 
general  examination  demanded  by  its  importance,  judges  it  most 
suitable  that  they  be  referred  to  the  Assembly  of  next  year. 

1885,  p.  432.  The  Assembly  hereby  recommends  and  sends  down 
to  the  Presbyteries,  for  their  advice  and  consent  thereunto,  the 
following:  That  to  the  clause  in  the  Form  of  Government,  Chap. 

IV. ,  Sec.  III.,  Par.  2,  stating  that  ruling  elders  “possess  the  same 
authority  in  the  courts  of  the  Church  as  the  ministers  of  the  Word,” 
shall  be  added  this  sentence:  “When,  however,  a  ruling  elder  is 
Moderator  of  a  Presbytery,  Synod  or  General  Assembly,  any  official 
duty  devolving  upon  him,  the  performance  of  which  requires  the 
exercise  of  functions  pertaining  only  to  the  teaching  elder,  shall  be 
remitted  by  him  for  execution  to  such  minister  of  the  Word,  being  a 
member  of  the  court,  as  he  may  select.” 

1886,  p.  57.  On  this,  the  vote  by  Presbyteries  was — Ayes,  37; 
Noes,  26. 

Therefore,  it  is  hereby  enacted,  that  the  said  addition  be  made  to 
the  Book  of  Church  Order. 

P.  60.  A  special  committee  was  appointed  to  examine  the  Book 
and  secure  consistency  in  the  declarations,  regulations,  etc.,  concerning 
the  position,  rights,  etc.,  of  the  ruling  elder  in  the  courts  of  the 
Church. 

,1887,  pp.  196,  231.  This  special  committee  made  a  report,  which, 
was  received  and  after  reference,  its  recommendations  were  approve  ! 
and  sent  down  to  the  Presbyteries  for  their  advice  and  consent,  as 
follows : 

1.  In  Chap.  IV.,  Sec.  III.,  Par.  2,  after  the  word  authority, 
insert  the  words  and  eligibility  to  office,  so  that  the  paragraph  will 
read  as  follows: 

These  ruling  elders  do  not  labor  in  word  and  doctrine,  but  possess 
the  same  authority  and  eligibility  to  office  in  the  courts  of  the  Church 
as  the  ministers  of  the  Word. 

'2.  In  Chap.  V.,  Sec.  I.,  Par.  3,  after  the  word  is,  in  the  first 
line,  insert  the  words  for  prudential  reasons,  so  as  to  read : 

The  pastor  is,  for  prudential  reasons,  Moderator  of  the  Session. 

3.  In  the  same  paragraph  (Chap.  V.,  Sec.  I.,  Par.  3),  after  the 
word  shall,  in  the  seventh  line,  insert  in  parenthesis  the  following 
words,  except  as  hereinafter  provided,  so  that  the  sentence  will  read: 

And  the  Moderator,  or,  in  case  of  his  absence,  the  last  Moderator 
present,  or  the  oldest  minister  in  attendance,  shall  (except  as  here¬ 
inafter  provided)  open  the  meeting  with  a  sermon,  etc. 

4.  Strike  out  altogether  from  Chap.  IV.,  Sec.  IIP,  Par.  2,  the 
amendment  incorporated  in  that  paragraph  by  the  last  Assembly,  and 
insert  that  same  amendment,  slightly  modified,  at  the  close  of  Chap. 

V. ,  Sec.  I.,  Par.  3,  so  as  to  add  to  that  paragraph  the  following  words: 

Provided,  however,  that  when  the  Moderator  of  one  of  the  higher 


Secs.  150-156] 


Elders 


75 


courts  is  a  ruling  elder,  the  preaching  of  the  opening  sermon,  or  any 
other  official  duty,  the  performance  of  which  requires  the  exercise 
of  functions  pertaining  only  to  the  teaching  elder,  shall  be  remitted 
by  him  for  execution  to  such  minister  of  the  Word,  being  a  member 
of  the  court,  as  he  may  select. 

5.  In  Chap.  V.,  Sec.  VI.,  Par.  6,  after  the  word  pronounce ,  in 
next  to  the  last  line,  insert  the  words  or  cause  to  be  pronounced,  so 
that  the  sentence  will  read: 

He  shall  pray  and  return  thanks,  and  pronounce,  or  cause  to  be 

pronounced,  on  those  present,  the  apostolic  benediction. 

The  Assembly  took  no  action  on  the  committee's  discussion  of  the 
meaning  of  the  phrase  “Authority  in  the  Courts  of  the  Church.” 

1888,  p.  424.  Forty  Presbyteries  voted  aye,  four  voted  nay,  and 
one  gave  consent  in  part.  A  majority  having  voted  for  the  amend¬ 
ment,  it  was  thereupon  enacted  by  the  Assembly. 

151.  Licensure  of  a  ruling  elder  does  not  debar  him  from  his  powers 

as  an  elder 

1897,  p.  43.  Does  the  licensure  of  a  ruling  elder  debar  him  from 
the  exercise  of  the  powers  of  an  elder?  Answer. — The  licensure  in 
no  way  interferes  with  his  duty  as  an  elder. 

152.  Ordination  of  deacon  when  elected  ruling  elder,  and  vice  versa 

1908,  p.  53.  As  to  the  reordination  of  a  deacon  when  elected  to 
the  eldership,  and  of  an  elder  when  elected  to  the  diaconate,  the 
Assembly  would  say: 

1.  That  when  a  deacon  is  elected  to  the  office  of  an  elder,  he  must 
be  ordained  to  that  office,  unless  previously  ordained  thereto. 

2.  That  when  an  elder  is  elected  to  the  office  of  a  deacon,  he  must 
be  ordained  to  that  office,  unless  previously  ordained  thereto. 

153.  The  functions  of  a  single  elder 
See  §  172  of  this  Digest. 

154.  Ruling  elder  of  another  church  moderating  a  congregational 

meeting 

See  §  33  of  this  Digest. 

155.  Ruling  elder  may  deliver  charge  to  the  people  or  to  the  pastor 

in  an  installation 

See  §§  87,  88  of  this  Digest. 

156.  Shall  ruling  elders  be  urged  to  ordination  as  evangelists? 

1896,  p.  570.  Overture:  That  to  Paragraph  12,  Section  VI., 
Chaper  VI.,  there  shall  be  added  the  words:  “But  when  an  elder  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church  shall  become  an  acceptable  expounder  of 


76 


The  Congregation 


[Book  II 


God’s  Word  to  the  edification  of  God’s  people,  and  manifests  himself 
a  real  winner  of  souls,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Presbytery  within 
w7hose  bounds  such  an  elder  holds  membership  to  call  him  and 
ordain  him  an  evangelist  to  labor  regularly  as  one  ordained,  so  no 
encouragement  be  given  to  irregular  or  unordained  workers  in  our 
churches;  and  in  case  any  thus  called  refuse  ordination  and  con¬ 
tinue,  in  defiance  of  our  Church  custom  and  authority,  to  preach, 
all  the  churches  shall  be  warned  against  such  men. 

Answered  in  the  negative. 

157.  Ruling  elders  urged  to  pastoral  duties 

1889,  p.  612.  To  keep  the  pastoral  arm  of  the  service  in  its  full 
efficiency,  we  urge  upon  the  Presbyteries  to  make  diligent  effort  to 
induce  the  elders  to  take  a  more  prominent  part  in  the  pastoral  work 
of  the  congregation,  conducting  prayer-meetings,  and  doing  such 
other  pastoral  work  within  their  jurisdiction  as  may  be  necessary, 
that  the  Church  suffer  nothing  from  the  temporary  absence  of  the 
minister  attending  to  the  duties  of  the  Presbyterial  supply  work. 

We  would  emphasize  the  importance  of  requiring  the  Sessions  of 
vacant  churches  to  assemble  the  people  for  public  worship  on  the 
Sabbath  day. 


158.  Elders’  and  Deacons’  Conventions 

1914,  p.  34.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Piedmont,  asking 
the  Assembly  to  authorize  and  instruct  the  organization  of  Elders’ 
and  Deacons’  Conventions  in  all  our  Presbyteries  wherever  practi¬ 
cable. 

The  Assembly  answers  in  the  affirmative. 


CHAPTER  IV 


DEACONS 

159.  Deacons — for  demission  of,  examination  of,  rotary  system  of, 
and  ordination  of  as  elder,  see  Chapter  on  Ruling  Elders. 

160.  Relation  of  deacons  to  the  Session 

1877,  p.  410.  The  duties  of  the  deacons,  as  servants  (ministers) 
of  the  Church,  are  to  execute  the  orders  of  the  Session  (or  parochial 
Presbytery)  as  rulers  of  the  Church.  Therefore,  it  is  the  duty  of  the 
deacons  to  collect  and  appropriate  all  funds  for  Church  purposes, 
whether  for  local  purposes,  support  of  a  pastor,  aid  to  the  poor,  and 
expenses  of  the  Church,  or  for  objects  of  Christian  benevolence 
recognized  in  the  action  of  the  courts  of  the  Church,  under  the  direc¬ 
tion  of  the  Church  Session. 

161.  May  the  deacons  elect  a  sexton ? 

1892,  p.  460.  Has  a  board  of  deacons  the  right  to  elect  a  sexton 
and  fix  his  salary?  or  is  it  necessary  for  the  authority  to  be  specially 
committed  to  them?  and  by  whom? 

Answer. — When  the  management  of  the  temporal  affairs  of  the 
church  has  been  committed  to  deacons  by  the  Session,  they  have 
this  right. — Chapter  IV.,  Section  IV.,  Paragraph  2,  No.  47. 

162.  Jurisdiction  of  congregation,  officers  and  trustees  over  Church 

property  and  other  secular  interests 


1890,  p.  28. 

d.  As  to  deacons,  this  Assembly  repeats  the  enunciation  of  the 
Assembly  of  1877  (page  410).  See  above,  §  159. 

(Under  Paragraph  49,  Section  IV.,  of  the  Form  of  Government,  an 
annual  report  is  to  be  made  to  the  Session.) 

2.  There  is  vested  in  each  congregation  organized  as  a  church,, 
or  in  a  number  of  persons  about  to  be  organized  as  such,  the  right 
and  power  to  appoint  and  remove  at  will  trustees  and  their  successors 
who  may  receive  donations  and  purchase,  take  and  hold  property,, 
real  and  personal,  in  trust  for  the  congregation;  and,  if  authorized 
by  a  majority  of  the  Church  members  at  a  congregational  meeting 
constitutionally  convened  for  that  purpose,  sell,  mortgage,  trust- 
deed,  or  exchange  the  property  so  held  to  aid  in  the  construction  or 
repairing  of  their  Church  edifices,  or  for  other  purposes.  Care  should,, 
however,  be  had  to  make  the  action  in  each  case  conform  to  the 
law  of  the  State  wherein  the  property  is  located. 

3.  In  the  appointment  of  trustees  a  part  or  all  of  the  deacons,  if 


78 


The  Congregation 


[Book  II 


suitable,  should  be  selected;  and  wherever  property  is  now  held  by 
unincorporated  churches  it  is  advisable  to  have  deeds  made  to  the 
trustees  in  all  cases  where  it  can  be  done. 

163.  Relation  of  deacons  to  temporal  affairs  of  the  church 

1896,  p.  575.  In  answer  to  an  overture  asking  whether  the 
management  of  the  temporal  affairs  of  the  church  is  committed  to 
the  deacons  by  virtue  of  their  ordination  or  by  a  special  act  of  the 
Session,  the  Assembly  replies  that  the  management  of  the  temporal 
affairs  of  the  church  does  not  belong  to  deacons  by  virtue  of  their 
ordination. 

1899,  p.  430.  To  an  overture  as  to  whether  the  Session  or  the 
congregation  has  the  authority  to  commit  to  the  deacons  the  temporal 
affairs  of  the  church,  it  was  answered  that  the  authority  lies  with 
the  Session. 

164.  Proposed  rotation  in  office  of  deacon 

See  p.  71  of  this  Digest. 

165.  New  plan  for  beneficence  not  to  interfere  with  the  work  of  the 

deacons 

1911,  p.  22.  In  response  to  an  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Orange  asking  an  interpretation  of  action  of  the  Assembly  of  1910, 
concerning  the  appointment  of  committees  by  the  Sessions  of  the 
Churches  as  provided  for  in  the  new  plan  for  beneficence. 

The  Assembly  refers  the  Presbytery  to  the  Book  of  Church  Order, 
Chap.  IV.,  Sec.  IV.,  Par.  47,  where  it  is  declared  that  a  function  of 
the  Diaconate  is  “the  collection  and  distribution  of  the  offerings  of 
the  people  for  pious  uses,  under  the  direction  of  the  Session.” 

Nothing  in  the  action  of  the  Assembly  of  1910  is  to  be  construed 
as  contravening  the  Constitution. 

Adopted. 

166.  Deacons  may  not  change  pastor’s  salary  without  consent  of 

congregation 

1914,  p.  25.  Overture  from  Presbytery  of  Savannah,  asking 
whether  the  Board  of  Deacons  of  a  church  has  authority  to  change  the 
contract  as  to  pastor’s  salary  without  consent  of  congregation. 

Answer . — The  Assembly  answers  in  the  negative. 

167.  Deacons  have  no  right  to  call  congregational  meetings 

1890,  p.  46.  It  was  so  answered  to  an  overture  from  Savannah 
Presbytery. 

168.  The  Diaconate  in  its  relation  to  the  agencies  of  the  Church 

1879,  p.  19.  Overture  asking  the  Assembly  to  prepare  a  paper 


Secs;  -162-170] 


Deacons 


79 


upon  the  doctrine  of  the  Diaconate,  with  special  reference  to  its 
relations  to  the  agencies  of  the  Church.  Request  granted,  and  com¬ 
mittee  appointed:  Rev.  J.  L.  Girardeau,  D.  D.,  Rev.  R.  L.  Dabney, 
D.  D.,  and  Rev.  Thomas  E.  Peck,  D.  D.  (P.  47.) 

This  committee  reported  a  lengthy  paper  on  the  above  subject  to 
the  Assembly  of  1881.  (See  p.  355.)  The  substantive  proposition 
of  this  paper  is:  “That  the  Assembly  formally  approve  the  principle, 
that  wherever,  in  its  administrative  policy,  strictly  temporal  functions 
require  to  be  discharged,  deacons  should  be  appointed  for  their 
performance.”  After  being  referred  to  the  next  Assembly  for  three 
successive  years — 1881,  p.  394;  1882,  p.  551;  1883,  p.  62 — the 
following  paper  was  adopted: 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  General  Assembly  hereby  expresses  to 
Drs.  Girardeau,  Peck  and  Dabney,  its  appreciation  of  their  faithful 
labor  in  preparing  the  report  on  the  Diaconate,  which  is  now  before 
this  body. 

2.  That  after  its  authors  shall  have  had  the  privilege  of 
revising  it,  so  much  of  said  paper  as  its  writers  may  regard  as  neces¬ 
sary  to  its  completeness,  be  printed  in  the  Appendix  to  the  Minutes 

of  this  Assembly.  (1884,  p.  205.) 

This  report  may  be  found  on  p.  283  for  that  year.  It  is  there  simply 
for  information,  and  was  never  endorsed  or  adopted. 


169.  Deacons'  Conventions 
See  p.  76  of  this  Digest. 


170.  Enlargement  of  work  of  Deacons 

1916,  p.  72.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Washburn,  touching  the  use  of  deacons  in  our  Church  for  all  finan¬ 
cial  positions  of  Synod,  Assembly,  etc. : 

We  recommend  that  it  be  answered  in  the  negative. 

1917,  p.  69.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  Congaree  Presby¬ 
tery,  asking  if  Presbytery  may  appoint  deacons  on  committees,  com¬ 
missions,  or  boards  of  trustees  of  educational  institutions: 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  answer  that  deacons  may  be 
appointed  to  perform  any  duty  not  required  to  be  performed  by  a 
presbyter. 

1919,  p.  51.  From  the  Presbytery  of  Central  Texas,  asking  for 
the  appointment  of  an  Ad-Interim  Committee  to  consider  enlarging 
the  work  of  the  deacon,  co-ordinating  it  with  the  work  of  the 
ministers  and  elders  in  the  higher  courts  of  the  Church,  to  the  end 
that  the  deacon  may  discharge  his  full  duties  in  the  management  of 
the  material  affairs  of  the  Church;  and  our  courts,  freed  from  these 
cares,  have  the  opportunity  to  become  educational  and  inspirational. 

Answer. — The  request  is  granted,  and  the  Moderator  is  authorized 
to  appoint  an  Ad-Interim  Committee,  for  this  purpose,  of  three 
members.  (Minutes  of  1919,  p.  69-j.) 


80  The  Congregation  [Book  II 

1920,  pp.  32,  54.  This  Committee  was  enlarged  and  continued. 
See  Report  of  Committee,  Minutes  of  1920,  p.  172. 

1921,  p.  58.  The  report  of  the  Committee  was  adopted  and  sent 
•  down  to  the  Presbyteries  for  their  advice  and  consent.  (See  Minutes, 

p.  188.)  (To  be  substituted  for  Chap.  IV,  Sec.  IV,  Form  of  Govern¬ 
ment.) 

1922,  p.  73.  Adopted.  56  Presbyteries,  out  of  88,  voting  “yes”. 

171.  Deaconess 

1904,  p.  53.  The  Assembly  declined  to  consider  the  advisability 
of  taking  steps  looking  to  the  institution  of  the  Order  of  Deaconess 
in  connection  with  our  Church.  The  attention  of  Presbyteries  was 
called  to  Paragraph  51,  Book  of  Church  Order,  as  making  ample 
provision  for  the  appointment  of  godly  women  to  specific  Christian 
work. 

1907,  p.  55.  An  overture  asking  the  appointment  of  an  ad  interim 
committee  to  consider  and  report  on  the  advisability  of  establishing 
the  office  of  Deaconess  in  connection  with  our  Church,  was  answered 
in  the  negative. 


BOOK  III 


CHURCH  COURTS 


CHAPTER  I 

THE  SESSION 

172.  One  elder,  where  there  is  but  one,  may  constitute  a  valid 

Session  except  in  judicial  cases 

1874,  p.  487.  Can  one  ruling  elder  alone,  without  any  other 
elder  or  minister,  in  any  case  constitute  a  Session  of  a  Presbyterian 
Church,  competent  to  receive  and  dismiss  members,  and  is  the  action 
of  such  elder,  sitting  alone,  in  any  case  valid  ? 

Answer. — Chap.  IX.,  Sec.  II.,  of  the  Constitution,  Form  of  Govern¬ 
ment,  defines  a  quorum  of  Session,  in  cases  where  there  is  but  one 
elder,  to  be  a  minister  and  an  elder. 

The  quorum  is  not  a  mere  rule  of  procedure,  but  respects  the 
wery  being  of  a  judicatory.  Any  number  of  members  less  than  a 
constitutional  quorum  does  not  make  a  judicatory,  and  is  not  com¬ 
petent  to  any  organic  act. 

1881,  p.  394.  Can  one  elder  constitute  a  quorum  of  Session 
to  act  in  connection  with  a  minister,  invited  by  himself  when  he  is 
the  only  elder  of  that  particular  church  ?  This  overture  was  answered 
in  the  affirmative. 

1882,  p.  573.  Overture  asking  “Where  there  is  but  a  single  elder 
in  a  church,  is  he  competent,  without  the  presence  of  a  minister,  to 
perform  any  of  the  functions  of  a  Session,  and  if  so,  what  functions?” 

Reply. — The  Form  of  Government  does  not  authorize  him  to 
perform  such  functions. 

1883,  p.  49.  The  Assembly  was  asked  to  review  and  reverse  the 
decision  of  the  Assembly  of  1882,  wherein  it  was  decided  that  where 
a  church  had  but  one  elder,  he  cannot,  without  the  presence  of  a 
minister,  perform  any  of  the  functions  of  a  Session. 

Answer. — Upon  a  review  of  the  matter,  it  is  the  judgment  of  this 
Assembly  that  he  may,  without  the  presence  of  a  minister,  perform 
all  the  functions  of  a  Session  other  than  those  of  a  judicial  nature. 

1884,  p.  246.  This  decision  the  Presbytery  of  Ouachita  overtured 
the  Assembly  to  reconsider  and  repeal.  The  Assembly  declined 
to  make  the  change  requested. 

1896,  p.  610.  In  answer  to  an  overture,  asking  whether  the  one 
ruling  elder  of  a  vacant  church  constitutes  a  Session,  and  may 


82  Church  Courts  [Book  III 

receive  and  dismiss  members  and  perform  other  Sessional  acts,  and 
must  hold  quarterly  meetings  and  make  a  record  thereof. 

Reply. — That  one  elder  does  not  constitute  a  Session. 

(1897,  p.  39.  In  answer  to  overtures  touching  the  powers  of  one 
ruling  elder,  where  there  is  only  one  in  a  particular  church,  the 
Assembly  replies  that  the  Book  of  Church  Order,  Chapter  V.,  Section 
III.,  Paragraph  63,  teaches  that  one  elder,  where  there  is  only  one 
in  a  church,  constitutes  its  Session,  and  is  competent  to  do  the  work 
of  the  Session,  except  in  judicial  cases. 

173.  One  elder,  with  the  minister,  may  be  a  quorum  when  there  are 

but  two  elders  in  the  Session 

1881,  p.  358.  'The  Presbytery  of  Orange  asks  that  an  amendment 
of  Chap.  V.,  Sec.  III.,  Form  of  Government,  be  sent  down  to  the 
Presbyteries,  providing  that,  in  cases  where  there  are  but  two  ruling 
elders  in  a  Session,  one  of  them,  in  connection  with  the  minister,, 
be  authorized,  under  certain  conditions,  to  act  as  a  quorum  of  the 
body.  Not  granted. 

1882,  p.  571.  The  following  overture  was  sent  down  to  the  Presby¬ 
teries  : 

Shall  Chap.  V.,  Sec.  III.,  Par.  1,  (Form  of  Government)  be 
amended  by  adding  these  words:  “But  the  pastor  and  one  elder  may 
constitute  a  quorum  in  cases  where  there  are  only  two  elders”? 

1883,  p.  26.  Of  the  sixty-six  Presbyteries  answers  have  been 
received  from  fifty. 

Forty-seven  answer  affirmatively,  three  answer  negatively,  and 
sixteen  make  no  response. 

The  committee  report  to  the  Assembly  that  the  overture  has  been 
carried  by  a  majority  affirmatively.  Adopted. 

1884,  p.  238.  The  Presbytery  of  Florida  overtures  the  Assembly 
as  to  whether  the  amendment  in  reference  to  a  quorum  of  Session, 
as  found  on  page  26,  Minutes  of  Assembly  (1883),  while  amend¬ 
ment  said  Assembly  did  not  enact,  is  now  a  part  of  our  law. 

Answer. — The  committee  recommend  that  this  informality  be 
remedied  by  the  Assembly’s  enacting  said  amendment.  And  the 
Assembly  does  hereby  enact  that  Chap.  V.,  Sec.  III.,  Par.  1,  (Form 
of  Government)  shall  be  amended  by  adding  these  words:  “But 
the  pastor  and  one  ruling  elder  may  constitute  a  quorum  in  cases 
where  there  are  only  two  ruling  elders.” 

1884,  p.  243.  tThe  Presbytery  of  Ouachita  overtures  the  Assembly 
whether  certain  defects  in  the  proceedings  for  the  amendment  of 
Chap.  V.,  Sec.  III.,  Par.  1,  Form  of  Government,  do  not  affect  the 
validity  of  the  amendment.  The  Presbytery  makes  the  following 
specifications : 

1.  The  Assembly  of  1882  did  not  “recommend”  it,  but  only  sent 
it  down.  2.  The  Presbyteries  did  not  “advise  and  consent”  that 
the  Assembly  should  make  the  change  in  the  Constitution,  but  voted 
to  do  it  themselves.  3.  (The  Assembly  of  1883  did  not  enact  it,  as* 
the  rule  requires.  (See  Minutes  of  Assembly,  pp.  26  and  27.)  The 


Secs.  172-176] 


The  Session 


83 


following  answer  was  adopted:  That  the  Assembly  refer  the  Presby¬ 
tery  to  the  action  of  this  Assembly  in  regard  to  the  overtures  sent 
down  by  the  Assembly  of  1883. 

(This  action  was  that  the  Assembly  must  be  understood  has  having 
intended  to  recommend  and  endorse  what  it  send  down,  the  failure 
alluded  to  being  an  oversight  and  unintentional.) 

174.  Quorum  of  Session 

1892,  p.  437.  Overture  of  W.  I.  Sinnott  prays  the  Assembly  to 
send  down  to  the  Presbyteries  for  their  advice  and  consent  an  amend¬ 
ment  of  the  language  of  No.  63  of  the  Book  of  Church  Order  (Chap¬ 
ter  V.,  Section  III.,  Paragraph  1,  Form  of  Govevrnment).  The 
amendment  consists  in  the  substitution  of  the  words  “if  there  be  more 
than  this  number,”  for  the  words  “if  there  be  so  many,”  correcting 
the  amended  paragraph  so  as  to  read  as  follows:  “Two  ruling  elders, 
if  there  be  more  than  this  number,  with  the  pastor,  if  there  be  one, 
shall  be  necessary  to  constitute  a  quorum,  but  the  pastor  and  one 
elder  may  constitute  a  quorum  in  cases  where  there  are  only  two 
elders.”  The  committee  recommend  that  the  prayer  be  granted, 
and  the  amendment  sent  down  as  proposed.  Adopted. 

1893,  p.  23.  Forty- two  Presbyteries  voted  to  approve  and  adopt 
this  overture,  one  disapproved,  and  from  twenty-nine  no  answers 
were  received.  A  majority  of  the  Presbyteries  have  consented  to  this 
change.  The  Assembly  did,  then,  formally  enact  this  amendment  to 
the  Form  of  Government,  thereby  constituting  it  a  part  of  our 
Book  of  Order. 

175.  The  two  elders  may  constitute  a  Session  if  there  be  no  pastor 

1913,  p.  70-k.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  the  Synod  of 
Oklahoma,  asking  the  Assembly  to  make  a  deliverance  indicating 
what  shall  constitute  a  quorum  of  a  Session  where  there  is  r.o 
pastor,  and  the  Session  is  composed  of  two  elders,  we  would  answer 
that  the  two  elders  constitute  a  quorum  of  the  Session. 

176.  Moderator  of  the  Session  when  the  pastor  is  absent 

1896,  p.  580.  Is  it  constitutional  and  regular  that  a  Session  be 
moderated  by  other  than  a  minister,  the  church  having  a  pastor  at 
the  time  who  is  absent?  The  Assembly  replied  in  the  affirmative. 

1921,  p.  66.  The  Assembly  approved  the  following  paragraph  as 
a  substitute  for  paragraph  277  of  the  Book  of  Church  Order: 

“When  a  Church  member  shall  remove  his  residence  beyond  the 
hounds  of  the  church  of  which  he  is  a  member  into  the  bounds  of 
another,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  pastors  and  elders  of  the  church 
of  which  he  is  a  member,  as  far  as  possible,  to  continue  pastoral 
oversight  of  him  and  to  inform  him  that  according  to  the  teaching 
of  our  Book  of  Church  Order  it  is  his  duty  to  transfer  his  member¬ 
ship  as  soon  as  practicable  to  the  church  in  whose  bounds  he  is 


84 


Church  Courts 


[Book  III 


living.  It  shall  also  be  the  duty  of  the  pastor  and  elders  of  the 
church  from  whose  bounds  the  member  moved  to  notify  the  pastor 
and  elders  of  the  church  into  whose  bounds  he  has  moved  and 
request  them  to  take  pastoral  oversight  of  the  member,  with  a  view 
to  having  him  transfer  his  membership.  If  a  member,  after  having 
thus  been  advised,  shall  neglect  for  twelve  months  to  have  his  member¬ 
ship  transferred,  his  name  shall  be  retired  by  the  Session  to  a 
separate  roll  for  non-resident  members  and  he  shall  be  so  notified. 
The  name  of  any  member  whose  residence  has  been  unknown  for 
three  years  shall  also  be  retired  by  the  Session  to  this  roll  for  non¬ 
resident  members.”  (See  Minutes  1920,  page  174.) 

177.  No  meeting  of  Session  without  sanction  of  pastor 

1919,  p.  50.  From  the  Presbytery  of  Holston,  asking  “whether 
the  Session  of  a  church  having  a  pastor  can  hold  a  legal  meeting 
without  the  pastor  as  Moderator,  some  elder  of  that  church  acting 
as  such  without  the  sanction  of  said  minister.” 

Answer. — It  cannot  hold  such  a  meeting. 

178.  Does  the  pastor  of  a  church  which  has  no  elder  constitute  the 

Session  ? 

1896,  p.  610.  Does  the  pastor  of  a  church,  after  death  of  the 
only  ruling  elder,  constitute  the  Session,  and  has  he  the  right  to 
call  a  meeting  of  the  congregation  for  the  purpose  of  electing  elders, 
or  must  he  refer  the  matter  to  the  Presbytery? 

Reply. — A  pastor  does  not  constitute  a  Session,  and,  under  the 
circumstances  stated  in  the  second  inquiry,  the  orderly  procedure 
would  call  for  the  interposition  of  the  Presbytery. 

179.  Shall  a  church  organized  without  elders  he  enrolled 

1897,  p.  40.  In  the  event  of  the  report  to  Presbytery  of  the  or¬ 
ganization  of  a  church  either  by  a  Commission  or  by  an  evangelist, 
without  the  election  of  any  ruling  elders  for  the  present,  shall  such 
an  organization  be  enrolled? 

The  Assembly  answers  that  a  church  without  officers  is  entitled 
to  be  enrolled. 

180.  Provisional  Sessions 

1887,  pp.  204,  210.  Exception  to  the  records  of  the  Synod  of 
Mississippi : 

On  page  208-211  an  overture  from  Memorial  Church  touching  the 
matter  of  “provisional”  or  “special”  Sessions,  and  their  right  to 
representation  in  Presbytery,  was  answered  incorrectly. 

The  Assembly  declared :  ( 1 ) .  That  the  Constitution  knows 

nothing  of  “provisional”  or  special”  Sessions,  though  it  recognizes 
the  power  of  Commissions  to  transact  such  business  as  may  be  com- 


Secs.  176-  182] 


The  Session 


85 


mitted  to  them  by  the  several  courts.  (2).  That  no  church  consti¬ 
tuted  as  the  Bethel  Church  has  the  right  of  representation  in  the 
Presbytery.  An  elder  in  one  church  cannot  be  an  elder  in  another 
church  at  the  same  time.  Form  of  Government,  Chap.  V.,  Sec.  III., 
Par.  1. 

181.  Powers  of  the  Session 

1916,  p.  73.  In  answer  to  the  overture  of  J.  Miller  Walker,  of 
the  First  Presbyterian  Church,  Augusta,  Ga.,  asking  for  a  deliverance 
on  the  powers  of  the  Session,  and  the  duties  of  an  elder: 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  answer  the  powers  of  the  Session 
are  twofold.  First,  a  several  power  which  can  be  exercised  by  one 
elder,  as  in  visiting  the  sick,  admonishing  the  erring,  etc.;  and, 
second,  a  joint  power,  which  must  be  exercised  by  the  Session  as  a 
court  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  neither  of  these  powers  can  be 
delegated  to  committees  consisting  of  members  of  the  Church  who 
are  not  elders.  Therefore,  the  power  to  receive  members  into  the 
Church,  to  appoint  representatives  to  Presbyteries,  to  ordain  officers,, 
is  a  joint  power,  and  must  be  exercised  by  the  Session  alone.  All 
power  involving  ruling  or  judgment  belongs  to  the  Session  as  a  court 
alone.  It  cannot  be  delegated.  However,  the  Session  has  power  to- 
appoint  committees  consisting  of  non-members  of  the  Session  to 
administer  things  already  decided  by  the  Session. 

Second:  The  Assembly  answers  that  it  is  the  duty  of  an  elder  to 
make  known  to  the  Session  current  reports  affecting  the  character 
of  an  officer  or  member  of  the  Church,  and  the  Session  should  receive 
such  report,  deliberate  upon  it,  investigate  such  rumor  to  see  whether 
charges  should  be  made  and  discipline  administered  for  the  honor 
and  purity  of  the  Church  of  Christ. 

182.  Citation  of  members  by  the  Session,  and  refusal  to  obey  the  same 

1881,  p.  397.  1.  Do  the  provisions  of  our  Book  (Rules  of 
Discipline,  Chap.  VI.,  Sec.  VI.,  and  Chap.  III.,  Sec.  II.,)  apply  to* 
the  case  of  a  member  of  the  Church  who  refuses  to  obey  the  citation 
of  the  Session  to  appear  for  conference  concerning  matters  affecting 
the  Christian  character,  when  no  formal  charge  has  been  preferred? 

2.  If  they  do  not,  by  what  means  must  the  Session  deal  with 
resistance  of  its  authority  when  it  exercises  the  power  conferred  in 
Chap.  V.,  Sec.  III.,  Par.  5,  Form  of  Government,  and  endeavors  to* 
perform  the  duty  therein  devolved  on  it  of  inquiring  into  the  know¬ 
ledge,  principles  and  Christian  conduct  of  the  Church  members 
under  its  care  by  directing  the  members  to  appear  before  the  Session? 

The  following  answer  was  adopted:  Chap.  VI.,  Sec.  VI.,  Rules 
of  Discipline,  refers  only  to  formal  judicial  prosecution,  and  requires 
that  charges  be  preferred  and  the  offender  formally  cited  to  appear 
before  the  Session  for  the  purpose  of  answering  the  charges.  Chap. 
III.,  Sec.  II.,  Rules  of  Discipline,  refers  to  offences  which  may  call  for 
judicial  prosecution,  or  may  not,  according  to  the  nature  of  the  case;. 


86 


Church  Courts 


[Book  III 


and  of  this  the  Session  is  to  be  the  judge.  The  authority  of  the  Session, 
as  defined  in  Chap.  V.,  See.  III.,  Par.  5,  Form  of  Government,  allows 
the  Session  to  enquire  into  the  “knowledge,  principles  and  Christian 
conduct  of  the  members  under  its  care,”  without  formal  judicial 
process.  If  its  authority  is  resisted  when  so  exercised,  the  Session 
may  then  proceed  to  cite  the  offender  to  appear,  as  provided  in 
Chap.  VI.,  Rules  of  Discipline.  If,  after  two  citations,  its  authority 
is  still  resisted,  the  Session  may  proceed  to  deal  with  the  offender  for 
contumacy,  as  provided  in  Chap.  VII.,  Sec.  II.,  Rules  of  Discipline. 

183.  May  Sessions  instruct  their  representatives  how  to  vote? 

1884,  p.  242.  When  a  matter  has  been  sent  down  by  the  Assembly 
for  the  consideration  of  the  Presbyteries,  is  it  in  accordance  with 
the  principles  of  Presbyterianism,  and  the  Constitution  of  the 
Church,  for  Church  Sessions  to  instruct  their  representatives  how 
they  shall  vote  on  the  question  to  be  considered  by  the  Presbyteries? 

The  General  Assembly  answers  this  question  that  the  Session 
cannot  authoritatively  instruct  its  delegates  (representatives,  §  222). 

1884,  p.  253.  In  reviewing  the  Minutes  of  the  Synod  of  Missouri, 
exception  was  taken  to  Synod’s  action  in  the  judicial  case  which  came 
up  by  complaint  of  the  Session  of  Grand  Avenue  Church,  St.  Louis, 
against  the  Presbytery  of  St.  Louis. 

'  This  Session  instructed  its  delegate  (representative — §  222)  how  he 
should  vote  on  a  question  sent  down  by  uie  Assembly  for  the  decision 
of  the  Presbyteries.  The  Presbytery  took  exception  to  this  act  of  the 
Session.  The  Session  then  took  a  complaint  to  the  Synod  against 
this  action  of  the  Presbytery.  The  Synod  sustained  the  complaint. 
The  Presbytery  thereupon  took  the  matter  to  the  Assembly  in  he 
above  overture.  The  Assembly,  by  its  answer  to  the  overture  and  its 
exception  to  the  records,  sustained  the  Presbytery. — A. 

184.  Discretion  as  to  what  shall  go  into  Sessional  records 

1901,  p.  22.  While  it  is  important  that  a  record  be  made  of  all 
the  proceedings,  this  does  not  necessarily  require  the  copying  at 
length  on  the  record  book  of  all  papers  adopted  by  it,  unless  so 
directed  by  the  Presbytery.  It  is  largely  in  the  discretion  of  the 
Session  to  direct  as  to  what  papers  shall  be  copied.  It  is  important, 
however,  that  papers  so  adopted  should  be  kept  on  file  by  the  Clerk 
of  Session  as  in  that  sense  a  part  of  the  record. 

185.  Raising  and  distribution  of  funds  under  control  of  Session 

1915,  p.  77.  In  answer  to  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Central  Mississippi,  asking  the  Assembly  to  interpret  Paragraph  67 
of  the  Book  of  Church  Order,  we  make  the  following  answer: 

According  to  the  Form  of  Government,  Paragraph  67,  all  organi¬ 
sations  of  the  local  church  are  under  the  jurisdiction  and  control  of 
the  Session  as  to  the  object  for  which  funds  are  raised,  the  method 
by  which  they  are  raised,  and  the  channel  through  which  they  are 
distributed.  Whether  the  said  organizations  shall  be  required  to 


Secs.  182-191] 


The  Session 


87 


Send  their  offerings  through  the  local  treasurer  is  a  matter  for  the 
Session  to  determine. 

186.  The  Session  has  no  power  to  make  new  rules  of  membership 

1865,  p.  361.  It  was  so  decided  by  the  Assembly.  See  General 
Powers  of  Church  Courts  (p.  164). 

187.  May  a  minister  of  another  Presbytery  moderate  the  Session? 

/1 886 ,  p.  51.  1.  It  is  competent,  except  in  judicial  cases,  for  a 

minister  belonging  to  one  Presbytery  to  preside  at  a  meeting  of  a. 
Session  in  another  Presbytery,  when  invited  to  do  so,  in  accordance 
with  the  rules  laid  down  in  Chap.  V.,  Sec.  III.,  Par.  3. 

2.  It  is  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly  that  the  minister  so  invited 
to  preside  is  Moderator  by  courtesy  only,  and  in  no  sense  a  member 
of  the  court;  that  his  authority  is  limited  to  the  preservation  of  order 
and  the  convening  and  adjourning  of  the  court,  according  to  its 
own  ruling;  and  that  he  should  not  vote  on  any  question,  even  in  case 
of  a  tie. 

188.  May  a  minister  of  another  denomination  moderate  a  Session? 

1907,  p.  56.  Is  it  constitutional  and  regular  for  a  minister  not  a 
member  of  the  Southern  Presbyterian  Church,  to  act  as  the  Moderator 
of  a  Session?  It  is  recommended  that  it  be  answered  that  it  is  not 
constitutional  and  regular. 

189.  Names  and  postoffices  of  Clerks  of  Sessions 

1893,  p.  36.  The  Assembly  declined  request  for  printing  names 
and  postoffices  of  the  Clerks  of  Sessions  in  the  Minutes  of  the 
General  Assembly.  Similar  request  refused,  1896,  p.  569;  1903r 
p.  466. 

190.  May  Sessional  powers  be  conferred  on  unordained  male 
missionaries  in  the  foreign  field ? 

1896,  p.  580.  Overture  from  certain  missionaries  in  Korea, 
asking  whether  in  a  foreign  field,  where  as  yet  there  is  neither 
Presbytery  nor  native  Session  regularly  organized,  it  is  allowable  and 
proper  to  confer  temporarily  Sessional  powers  on  regularly  appointed 
but  unordained  male  missionaries,  said  powers  to  be  exercised  in 
conjunction  with  one  or  more  ordained  missionaries.  The  Assembly 
replies  that  the  procedure  stated  in  the  overture  is  not  orderly. 

191.  When  notice  of  assuming  jurisdiction  over  a  member  is  to  be 

sent  to  his  former  church 

1896,  p.  590.  When  a  Session  assumes  jurisdiction  over  a  member 


Church  Courts 


[Book  III 


88 


by  authority  of  Section  II.,  Chapter  XV.,  shall  “the  due  notice,” 
required  to  be  served  upon  the  court  from  whose  bounds  said  member 
has  removed,  be  sent  before  or  after  such  assumption  of  jurisdiction? 
Answer. — After  jurisdiction  is  assumed. 


192.  Not  mandatory  to  open  Session  with  prayer 

1893,  p.  17.  Does  Rule  71  of  our  Form  of  Government,  Chapter 
"V.,  Section  III.,  Paragraph  9,  require  every  meeting  of  Session  to 
be  opened  with  prayer,  as  Rule  57,  Chapter  V.,  Section  I.,  Para¬ 
graph  4,  requires  in  the  case  of  Presbyteries,  Synods  and  the 
General  Assembly?  Answered  in  the  negative. 

Does  not  the  introduction  into  the  Rule  71  of  the  word  “ordi¬ 
narily,”  leave  all  question  of  the  possibility,  propriety  and  necessity 
of  the  opening  and  closing  prayer,  to  the  conscientious  direction  of  the 
Session  ? 

Answer. — It  does  thus  leave  the  question  to  the  conscientious  dis¬ 
cretion  of  the  Session. 

1907,  p.  55.  To  an  overture  asking  that  the  word  “ordinarily” 
in  Par.  71,  Form  of  Government  be  stricken  out,  a  negative  answer 
was  given. 


193.  Session  opened ,  not  constituted,  with  prayer 

1909,  p.  49.  In  the  light  of  our  Book  of  Church  Order,  Chap. 
V.,  Sec.  III.,  Par.  9,  when  a  Church  Session  convenes  and  prayer  is 
►offered,  is  it  correct  to  say  the  Session  was  constituted  with  prayer? 

Answer. — It  is  not  correct.  The  proper  expression  is  that  used  in 
the  Book  (loc.  cit.) :  The  Session  was  “opened”  with  prayer. 


194.  Displaying  the  national  flags  in  the  church,  etc.,  referred  to 

Session 

1920,  p.  79.  Overture  No.  6  deals  with  the  propriety  of  dis¬ 
playing  the  national  flags  in  the  church,  of  advertising  church  services 
in  moving  picture  theatres,  of  the  use  of  moving  pictures,  stereopticon 
slides,  etc.,  at  the  mid-week  meeting. 

Your  Committee  recommends  the  following  reply: 

The  Assembly  repeats  its  previous  deliverances  regarding  the  neces¬ 
sity  of  preserving  the  purity  and  spirituality  of  its  forms  of  worship. 

But,  inasmuch  as  the  Book  of  Church  Order  provides  that  the 
Session  has  control  of  the  services  in  the  particular  church,  we  recom¬ 
mend  that  these  questions  be  referred  to  the  Session  as  the  court 
having  original  jurisdiction.  We  refer  to  the  action  of  previous 
Assemblies  suggesting  that  overtures  to  the  Assembly  come  through 
the  regular  Church  courts,  recognizing  the  right  of  the  individual  to 
complain  through  these  courts  successively. 


S<> 


Secs.  191-196]  The  Session 

195.  Permission  to  erect  church  building  across  the  State  line — 

not  a  precedent 

1903,  p.  465.  To  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Paris  that 
the  Assembly  permit  the  Texarkana  Church  to  erect  its  building  just 
across  the  State  line  at  Texarkana,  Texas,  said  Presbytery  to  retain 
jurisdiction  over  said  church,  we  recommend  the  answer  that  the 
General  Assembly  has  no  power  to  grant  this  overture  until  the 
Synods  concerned  shall  have  taken  action.  This  recommendation 
was  put  upon  the  docket. 

1903,  p.  506.  The  report  of  the  Committee  on  Bills  and  Over¬ 
tures  on  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Paris,  asking  the  As¬ 
sembly  to  permit  the  Texarkana  church  to  erect  its  edifice  a  little 
way  over  the  State  line  in  Arkansas,  the  said  church  do  remain  under 
the  jurisdiction  of  the  Presbytery  of  Paris,  was  taken  from  the  docket,, 
amended  so  as  to  grant  the  request  of  the  Presbytery,  and  then  adopted. 

1904,  p.  20.  In  answer  to  the  overture  of  the  Synod  of  Arkansas,, 
in  reference  to  the  rights  of  the  Assembly  to  change  the  boundary 
lines  of  Synods,  and  asking  it  to  clearly  define  the  same,  the  following 
action  was  taken: 

That  while  not  intending  to  disturb  any  rights  acquired  by  the 
action  of  the  Assembly  of  1903  referred  to  in  the  overture,  the 
Assembly  hereby  declares  that  there  is  no  jurisdiction  in  the  Assembly 
to  permit  a  congregation  belonging  to  one  Synod  to  construct  and 
occupy  a  church  building  in  the  territorial  limits  of  another  Synod,, 
and  that  the  action  of  the  Assembly  of  1903  shall  not  be  used  as  an 
authoritative  precedent  in  such  matters.  But  the  Assembly  has  the 
authority,  with  the  consent  of  the  Synods,  to  change  the  boundary 
lines. 

196.  Presbytery  may  dismiss  one  of  its  churches  to  another 

denomination 

1907,  p.  64.  Your  Committee  on  the  Records  of  the  Synod  of 
Texas,  to  whom  was  also  referred  a  communication  from  the  Session 
of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church,  of  Jacksonville,  Texas,  touching 
the  action  of  the  Synod  of  Texas,  recorded  on  pages  44  and  45  of 
its  printed  Minutes,  Vol.  III.,  No.  1,  reversing  the  action  of  the 
Presbytery  of  Eastern  Texas,  in  dismissing  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church  of  Jacksonville,  to  the  Presbytery  of  Trinity,  U.  S.  A,,  beg 
leave  to  report,  that  the  records  of  the  Synod  and  also  said  communi¬ 
cation  have  been  carefully  examined,  and  that  we  recommend  the 
approval  of  the  Minutes  with  the  exception: 

First,  that,  as  recorded  on  p.  44,  the  Synod  denies  the  constitutional 
right  of  the  Presbytery  to  dismiss  one  of  its  churches  to  another 
denomination. 

Second,  that,  as  recorded  on  the  same  page,  the  Synod  directs- 
the  Presbytery  of  Eastern  Texas  to  restore  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church  of  Jacksonville  to  its  roll  after  said  church  having  been 
dismissed  by  the  Presbytery,  had  been  received  by  another  denomi¬ 
nation. 


90  Church  Courts  [Book  III 

Third ,  that  similar  action  was  taken  in  case  of  the  Port  Arthur 
Church,  as  recorded  on  page  59.  Adopted. 

1915,  p.  28.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Holston,  concerning 
the  proper  procedure  in  the  transfer  of  a  church  and  its  property 
to  another  denomination. 

Answer. — The  Presbytery  should  authorize  its  Stated  Clerk  to 
furnish  a  letter  of  transfer  to  the  church  as  a  congregation;  the 
transfer  of  the  church  property  should  be  in  accordance  with  State, 
laws. 

<  197.  Property  of  a  dissolved  church 

1917,  p.  68.  In  answer  to  overture  from  Dallas  Presbytery, 
touching  the  rights  to  and  disposition  of  the  property  of  a  dissolved 
church : 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  make  the  following  statement: 

“When  a  local  church,  either  with  or  without  its  consent,  is  dis¬ 
solved  by  a  Presbytery  having  jurisdiction  over  such  church  without 
making  disposition  of  the  property  of  such  dissolved  church,  all 
such  property  shall,  upon  such  dissolution,  vest  in  and  become  the 
property  of  such  Presbytery,  and  such  Presbytery  shall  have  full 
power  to  sell,  convey,  and  dispose  of  such  property  and  the  proceeds 
thereof,  and  to  authorize  the  conveyance  thereof  to  be  executed  in 
the  name  of  the  Presbytery  by  such  person  or  persons  as  it  may 
direct,  care  being  taken,  however,  that  in  all  such  cases  conformity 
be  had  to  the  laws  applicable,  if  any,  of  the  States  wherein  such 
property  may  be  located,  and  care  also  being  had  that  the  conditions, 
if  any,  of  the  instruments  of  conveyance  be  observed.” 


198.  Government  of  missions  conducted  by  local  churches 

1921,  p.  68.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Brazos,  asks  the 
General  Assembly  to  appoint  a  Committee  to  prepare  regulations 
for  the  government  of  missions  which  are  conducted  by  local  churches. 
We  recommend  the  following  answer:  The  organization  of  new 
churches  and  the  establishment  of  missions  are  matters  which  come 
under  the  original  jurisdiction  of  the  Presbytery. 


199.  Sale  of  Mount  Bethel  Church 

1919,  p.  52.  From  the  Presbytery  of  Washburn,  asking  that 
the  Trustees  of  Mount  Bethel  Church  be  permitted  to  sell  and  give 
a  deed  for  their  house  of  worship  for  the  sum  of  $3,000.00,  $1,000.00 
of  which  is  to  be  turned  over  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Presbytery’s 
Home  Mission  Committee  and  used  by  him  in  paying  off  a  debt  of 
$1,000.00  on  the  manse  at  Prairie  Grove,  and  the  remainder  to  be 
applied  towards  the  erection  of  a  manse  for  Hazel  Glen  Church. 

Answer. — Granted. 


Secs.  196-202] 


91 


The  Session 

» 

200.  Original  jurisdiction  of  Presbyteries  in  case  of  ruling  elders 
and  members,  when  the  Session  cannot  act 

1884,  p.  236.  The  Presbytery  of  Winchester  overtures  the  General 
Assembly  to  take  steps  to  amend  the  Form  of  Government,  Chap. 
V.,  Sec.  IV.,  Art.  VI.,  and  Rules  of  Discipline,  Chaps.  V.  and  VII., 
so  as  to  invest  Presbytery  with  the  power  to  institute  process  against 
a  ruling  elder,  or  a  private  member  of  the  Church,  in  cases  where 
the  Session  is  unable  to  exercise  its  authority. 

Answr. — The  committee  recommends  that  this  overture  be  referred 
to  a  special  committee,  to  report  to  the  next  General  Assembly. 
Adopted. 

1885,  p.  406.  The  report  of  this  ad  interim  committee  was 
presented  and  referred  to  a  special  committee. 

1885,  p.  424.  This  committee  presented  the  following  report, 
which  was  adopted: 

Your  committee  recommends  that  the  request  be  granted,  and 
that  the  following  amendments  be  recommended  to  the  Presbyteries 
for  their  advice  and  consent  thereunto: 

1.  That  in  Form  of  Government,  Chap.  V.,  Sec.  IV.,  Art.  VI., 
after  the  words  of  first  clause,  “in  an  orderly  manner,”  shall  be 
inserted  these  words:  “and  in  cases  in  which  the  Session  cannot 
exercise  its  authority,  shall  have  power  to  assume  original  jurisdiction. ” 

2.  That  in  Rules  of  Discipline,  Chap.  V.,  Art.  I.,  after  the 
words,  “and  in  relation  to  other  Church  members,  to  the  Session,” 
shall  be  added  the  words,  “unless  the  Session  shall  be  unable  to  try 
the  person  or  persons  accused,  in  which  case  the  Presbytery  shall 
have  the  right  of  jurisdiction.” 

3.  That  in  Rules  of  Discipline,  Chap.  VII.,  Art.  I.,  after  the 
words,  “to  which  such  members  belong,”  shall  be  added  the  words, 
“except  in  cases  in  which  the  Session  is  rendered  incapable  of 
exercising  jurisdiction,  in  which  case  process  shall  be  entered  before 
the  Presbytery.” 

1886,  p.  56.  On  this  overture  the  vote  of  the  Presbyteries  was, 

60  approving  and  3  disapproving.  Whereupon  it  was  enacted  that 

the  said  additions  be  made  to  the  Book  of  Church  Order. 

201.  Session  to  report  on  pastor's  salary  in  its  Narrative 

1888,  p.  425.  From  the  Presbytery  of  Maryland,  to  add  to  the 
questions  in  the  form  for  Narrative  of  the  churches  to  Presbytery 
the  following  question:  “How  much  is  due  on  the  pastor’s  salary?” 
Answered  in  the  affirmative. 

202.  Sessional  Narrative 

1890,  p.  41.  The  Assembly  was  asked  to  add  to  topics  9  and 
11  of  the  Narrative  for  the  Session,  the  words,  “Among  Church 
members.”  Granted. 

1894,  p.  206.  Does  Question  11  in  the  forms  prepared  for 


92  Church  Courts  [Book  III 

Sessional  Narrative  have  reference  to  Church  membership,  or  does 
it  refer  to  the  general  moral  condition  of  the  community? 

Answer. — Refers  to  general  moral  condition  of  the  community  in 
which  the  church  is  located. 

1897,  p.  25.  The  Assembly  revised  the  topics  for  Sessional 
Narratives  so  that  hereafter  they  shall  be: 

1.  Attendance  on  the  services  of  the  sanctuary  by  members  and 
by  others. 

2.  The  observance  of  family  worship. 

3.  The  observance  of  the  Lord’s  day  by  members. 

4.  The  training  of  children  and  youth  in  the  home  and  Sabbath 
School  in  the  Scriptures  and  Catechisms  of  the  Church. 

5.  Fidelity  of  God’s  people  in  worshipping  the  Lord  with  their 
substance,  in  giving  to  the  support  and  extension  of  the  Gospel. 

6.  Has  your  church  paid  its  minister  fully  and  promptly  the 
amount  promised  him? 

7.  Have  there  been  any  special  evidences  of  spiritual  life,  and 
growth  and  activity  among  your  people? 

8.  Does  worldly  conformity  prevail  among  Church  members? 

9.  Is  your  church  engaged  in  any  evangelistic  work  outside  your 
own  congregation? 

203.  These  topics  explained 

1883,  p.  21.  The  language  used  does  not  require  any  report  from 
the  Session  touching  the  prevalence  of  intemperance,  worldly  amuse¬ 
ments  and  Sabbath-breaking,  outside  the  membership  of  the  Church. 

1887,  p.  206.  The  matter  of  revising  these  topics  so  as  to  remove 
all  repetitions  and  ambiguities,  was  referred  to  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Publication. 

1904,  p.  20.  The  Assembly  declined  to  authorize  the  enlargement 
of  Narrative  blanks  so  as  to  show  the  number  added  to  the  churches 
on  profession  of  faith  and  on  certificate,  and  also  the  number  dis¬ 
missed  or  deceased.  The  Assembly  also  declined  to  add  a  column 
to  the  statistical  report  for  a  reserved  roll,  to  consist  of  all  non¬ 
resident  members  and  suspended  members. 

1908,  p.  64.  I.  Narratives  of  Session  should  embrace  the  follow¬ 
ing  topics: 

1.  Attendance  upon  the  services  of  the  sanctuary  by  members 
and  others. 

2.  Give  proportion  of  families  that  observe  family  worship. 

3.  The  observance  of  the  Lord’s  day  by  members. 

4.  The  home  training  of  the  children  in  the  Scriptures  and  in 
the  Catechisms  of  the  Church. 

5.  The  training  of  pupils  in  the  Sabbath  Schools  in  the  Scriptures 
and  in  the  Catechisms  of  the  Church. 

6.  Fidelity  of  the  membership  in  honoring  the  Lord  with  their 
•substance. 

7.  Has  your  congregation  paid  its  minister  fully  and  promptly 
the  amount  promised  him? 


Secs.  202-203] 


The  Session 


93 
.» 

8.  Has  there  been  any  special  manifestation  of  the  Holy  Spirit’s 
power  in  your  church,  either  by  conversions  or  by  increased  activity 
in  Church  work? 

9.  To  what  extent  does  worldly  conformity  exist  in  your  church? 

10.  What  evangelistic  work  is  done  by  your  church  outside  of 
its  bounds?  (See  end  of  §  241.) 

11.  What  efforts  are  made  by  your  Session  to  secure  recruits 
to  the  Gospel  ministry? 

1911,  p.  28.  In  response  to  an  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Washburn,  the  Committee  lecommends  the  following  reply: 

1.  That  the  terms  Worldly  Conformity  in  question  No.  9  of  the 
form  of  the  narrative  on  the  State  of  Religion,  includes  all  those 
forms  of  worldly  pleasure  and  selfish  indulgence  which  the  world 
<tnd  the  Church  both  recognize  as  unbecoming  in  a  follower  of  Jesus 
Christ  and  marking  the  difference  between  the  classes  of  whom  it  is 
:said  “to  be  carnally  minded  is  death,  but  to  be  spiritually  minded 
is  life  and  peace.” 

2.  In  question  No.  8,  “Have  there  been  any  special  manifestations 
'Of  the  Holy  Spirit?”  It  is  intended  to  enquire  whether  in  addition 
to  the  ordinary  workings  of  the  Spirit  in  the  hearts  and  through  the 
Word,  convincing  and  converting  the  unsaved,  in  individual  cases 
here  and  there,  there  have  been  any  special  manifestations  such  as 
to  arrest  attention  by  the  saving  of  larger  numbers  at  or  about  the 
.same  time. 

3.  In  question  No.  9  when  it  is  asked,  “Have  there  been  any 
special  efforts  made  to  bring  pupils  to  Christ.”  The  duty  on  the 
part  of  the  teacher  to  constantly  press  upon  the  pupils  the  claims  of 
the  Gospel  is  recognized  and  urged,  and  the  larger  and  more  general 
effort  in  and  for  the  whole  school,  by  the  pastor  or  others,  is  asked 
for  and  earnestly  desired. 

1911,  p.  44.  1.  We  would  respectfully  recommend  that  our  Pres¬ 

byteries,  pastors,  Sessions  and  churches,  be  urged  and  directed  to  be 
most  earnest  and  faithful  in  the  use  of  every  scriptural  means  to 
.secure  the  presence,  indwelling  and  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

That  special  emphasis  be  laid  upon  the  use  of  the  Bible  and 
prayer  in  the  home,  the  hour  of  prayer  in  the  churches,  and  the 
Sabbath  as  a  divinely  appointed  time  for  the  study  of  the  Word,  for 
prayer,  for  holy  meditation,  and  communion  with  God. 

That  our  people  be  urged  to  sanctify  themselves  from  the  world, 
that  they  may  become  a  fitting,  pleasing  and  honorable  temple  of 
the  Holy  Spirit. 

2.  That  our  Presbyteries,  Sessions,  and  pastors  be  urged  tc 
appoint  special  meetings  and  devise  ways  and  means  as  may  seem 
wisest  and  most  efficient  in  their  several  localities  to  effect  the 
-desired  ends  as  above  indicated. 

3.  That  our  Presbyteries,  Sessions  and  pastors  be  urged  to  place 
-special  emphasis  upon  aggressive  evangeligation  beyond  the  borders 
of  their  own  churches,  and  to  devise  ways  and  means  for  the 
-efficiency  of  this  work. 

4.  That  all  Presbyteries,  pastors  and  Sessions  be  urged  to  place 


94 


Church  Courts 


[Book  III 


a  new  emphasis  upon  the  need  of  the  recruits  for  the  Gospel  ministry, 
especially  in  the  way  of  obedience  to  our  Lord’s  command,  that  we 
pray  that  He  should  send  forth  laborers  into  His  harvest,  and  the 
proclamation  of  His  command  that  men  should  go  forth  to  preach. 

5.  That  the  request  of  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Atlanta 
be  granted,  namely:  that  an  ad  interim  committee  be  appointed  to 
prepare  and  address  a  pastoral  letter  on  worldliness  to  the  pastors 
and  churches,  and  that  our  ministers  be  asked  to  preach  upon  this 
subject  at  least  once  during  the  ensuing  year. 

6.  That  all  the  Stated  Clerks  of  the  Presbyteries,  be  requested  to 
give  special  care  to  the  preparation  of  the  Presbyterial  narratives,  and 
see  that  they  reach  the  hands  of  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the  Assembly 
before  the  meeting  of  the  Assembly. 

204.  Sessional  blanks 

1911,  p.  65.  In  answer  to  overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  of 
Abingdon,  Greenbrier,  Roanoke,  New  Orleans,  Enoree,  Sherman, 
Winchester,  Harmony,  West  Hanover,  Holston,  Albemarle,  and 
Atlanta,  touching  a  revision  of  Sessional  and  Presbyterial  Report 
blanks:  we  recommend  that  the  number  of  Sessional  blanks  be 
reduced  from  seven  to  four,  viz. : 

(1)  Report  on  Statistics  and  Systematic  Beneficence. 

(2)  Report  on  Church  Societies. 

(3)  Report  on  Sabbath  Schools. 

(4)  Narrative  of  the  Session. 

Herewith  are  submitted  tentative  forms  embodying  practically  the 
desired  scheme,  and  we  recommend  that  same  be  adopted  and  referred 
to  the  Clerks  of  the  Assembly  and  Secretary  of  Publication  for 
perfection  and  arrangement  of  printing,  and  that  the  Presbyterial 
Reports  be  arranged  to  conform  with  these  new  forms  of  Sessional 
Report. 

1917,  p.  42.  In  answer  to  the  overtures  from  Charleston  Presby¬ 
tery  and  from  Ouachita  Presbytery,  paragraph  2,  both  asking  for 
wider  spaced  columns  on  Sessional  report  blanks,  we  recommend  that 
these  requests  be  referred  to  the  Stated  Clerk,  Permanent  Clerk,  and 
Secretary  of  Publication  with  instructions  to  so  arrange  the  columns. 

In  answer  to  overture  from  Ouachita  Presbytery,  paragraph  1, 
asking  for  change  of  form  blanks  for  Sessional  Narrative,  we  recom¬ 
mend  that  no  change  be  made. 

In  answer  to  overture  from  Harmony  Presbytery  asking  for  restora¬ 
tion  on  reports  of  column  for  “Baptized  Non-Communicants,”  we 
recommend  that,  as  it  is  mechanically  impossible  to  crowd  more  matter 
into  the  space  on  the  pages  of  the  Assembly’s  Minutes,  the  request 
be  not  granted. 

1919,  p.  62.  From  the  Presbytery  of  Muhlenburg,  asking  for  a 
committee  composed  of  active  pastors  and  ruling  elders  with  instruc¬ 
tions  to  revise  and  simplify  the  blanks  for  reports  of  Sessions  to 
Presbytery,  because  the  present  forms  are  so  complex  as  to  render 
it  difficult,  and  sometimes  impossible,  for  clerks  to  fill  them  out  intel- 


Secs.  203-206] 


The  Session 


95 


ligently.  We  recommend  that  it  be  answered  in  the  affirmative,  and 
that  the  committee  be  composed  as  follows:  Rev.  J.  D.  Leslie,  D.  D., 
Chairman;  Rev.  C.  R.  Nisbet,  D.  D.,  Rev.  J.  B.  Hutton,  D.  D.,  and 
Elders  R.  E.  Magill,  of  the  Synod  of  Virginia,  and  W.  G.  Duncan, 
•of  the  Synod  of  Kentucky. 

From  the  Presbytery  of  Ouachita,  as  to  the  mechanical  forms  of 
blanks.  We  recommend  that  it  be  referred  to  the  same  committee. 

1920,  p.  30.  We  recommend  the  following: 

1.  That  the  column  “Miscellaneous  Benevolences”  be  taken  out 
of  the  general  heading  “Benevolent  Funds  Collected”  and  placed  as 
the  last  column  in  the  blank  and  that  the  name  be  changed  to 
“Miscellaneous  Contributions.” 

2.  That  in  accordance  with  the  action  of  the  last  Assembly  the 
name  “Schools  and  Colleges”  be  changed  to  “Educational  Institutions.” 

3.  That  the  heading  of  the  Statistical  Blank  be  simplified  by 
omitting  the  words  “Systematic  Beneficence.” 

4.  That  the  questions  of  the  Statistical,  Sabbath  School  and 
Church  Societies  blanks  be  reduced  and  simplified. 

5.  That  the  Narrative  Blank  be  changed  to  the  form  of  a  Question¬ 
naire  on  Christian  Life  and  Work,  to  consist  of  twenty  questions, 
with  subdivisions. 

6.  That  the  instructions  to  Clerks  for  filling  out  the  Statistical 
Blank  be  changed  to  correspond  to  the  changes  recommended  above. 

7.  That  the  form  of  all  these  blanks  be  so  changed  that  they 
can  be  used  on  the  typewriter.  This  recommendation  is  made  in 
response  to  overtures  to  the  Assembly  in  recent  years. 

205.  Reporting  dismissals,  deaths  and  names  on  side-rolls 

1890,  p.  41.  The  Assembly  was  asked  to  make  the  following 
changes  in  the  form  of  the  statistical  report,  viz. :  additional  spaces 
for  reporting  dismissals  by  certificate  or  death,  and  for  the  number 
of  names  on  side-rolls,  for  which  the  Book  provides.  Answered 
in  the  negative,  upon  the  ground  that  the  changes  would  not  subserve 
a  purpose  commensurate  with  the  expense. 

1894,  p.  206.  The  Assembly  was  asked  that  a  column  showing 
the  number  of  deaths  and  removals  be  inserted  in  the  statistical 
reports.  Declined. 

206.  Presbytery  may  require  Session  to  record  its  reports  to 

Presbytery 

1914,  p.  25.  Overture  from  Presbytory  of  Enoree,  asking  whether 
the  Presbytery  has  the  right  to  require  the  Church  Session  to  record 
its  reports  to  Presbytery. 

Answer. — The  Assembly  replies — according  to  provisions  of  Par. 
77  of  Form  of  Government,  Presbytery  clearly  has  the  right  to 
exercise  such  authority. 


CHAPTER  II 


THE  PRESBYTERY 

4 

207 .  The  original  Presbyteries 

1861,  p.  5.  The  first  Assembly  at  Augusta  was  composed  of 
commissioners  from  the  following  Presbyteries:  Arkansas,  Bethel,, 
Brazos,  Central  Mississippi,  Central  Texas,  Charleston,  Cherokee, 
Chickasaw,  Concord,  Creek  Nation,  East  Alabama,  East  Hanover,. 
East  Mississippi,  Eastern  Texas,  Fayetteville,  Flint  River,  Florida,. 
Georgia,  Greenbrier,  Harmony,  Holston,  Hopewell,  Indian,  Knox¬ 
ville,  Lexington,  Louisiana,  Maury,  Memphis,  Mississippi,  Mont¬ 
gomery,  Nashville,  New  Orleans,  North  Mississippi.  Orange,. 
Ouachita,  Potomac,  Red  River,  Roanoke,  South  Alabama,  South 
Carolina,  Tombeckbee,  Tuscaloosa,  Tuscumbia,  Western  District,. 
Western  Texas,  West  Hanover,  Winchester. 

The  Presbyteries  composing  the  Synod  of  Kentucky,  at  the  time- 
of  its  union  with  the  Assembly,  in  1869,  were:  Central  Ohio,  Ebenezer,. 
Louisville,  Muhlenburg,  Paducah,  Transylvania  and  West  Lexington. 

The  Presbyteries  constituting  the  Synod  of  Missouri,  received  in 
1874,  were:  Lafayette,  Missouri,  Palmyra,  Potosi,  St.  Louis  and' 
Upper  Missouri. 

208.  Presbyterial  changes  in  the  Synod  of  Georgia. 

In  1866  the  Presbyteries  composing  the  Synod  of  Georgia  were: 
Cherokee,  Flint  River,  Florida,  Georgia,  Hopewell.  These  were  reorgan¬ 
ized,  and  there  appear  in  1867,  in  their  stead,  the  following  Presby: 
teries:  Atlanta,  Augusta,  Cherokee,  Florida,  Macon  and  Savannah. — 
(Page  129.) 

209.  Presbyterial  changes  in  the  Synod  of  Texas 

1911,  p.  7.  Presbytery  of  Cisco  organized. 

1912,  p.  7.  Presbyteries  of  Dallas  and  Sherman  consolidated! 
under  the  name  of  Presbytery  of  Dallas. 

1913,  p.  7.  Presbyteries  of  Fort  Worth  and  Cisco  consolidated' 
under  the  name  of  Presbytery  of  Fort  Worth. 

1914,  p.  7.  Presbyteries  of  Dallas  and  Panhandle  consolidated’ 
under  the  name  of  Presbytery  of  Dallas. 

210.  The  Presbyteries  of  Winchester  and  Potomac 

1861,  p.  9.  Dr.  McFarland,  from  the  committee  to  which  was* 
referred  the  determination  of  the  Synodical  relation  of  the  Presbyteries 
of  Winchester  and  Potomac,  reported,  recommending  that  they  be 


Secs.  207-211] 


The  Presbytery 


97 


enrolled  as  Presbyteries  “heretofore  belonging  to  the  Synod  of 
Baltimore.  ”  Adopted. 

In  October,  1861,  a  communication  was  received  from  Winchester 
Presbytery  by  the  Synod  of  Virginia,  “in  regard  to  a  transfer  to  the 
Synod  of  Virginia,”  and  the  following  resolution  was  adopted: 

Resolved,  That  should  the  Presbytery  of  Winchester  become  a  consti¬ 
tuent  part  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
Confederate  States  of  America,  the  Synod  of  Virginia  hereby  cordially 
assents  to  the  reunion  of  said  Presbytery  with  itself. 

In  1862  members  of  Winchester  Presbytery  were  enrolled  and  sat 
as  members,  without  any  formal  reception  of  the  Presbytery,  so  far 
as  the  records  of  the  Synod  go. 

The  Potomac  Presbytery,  which  belonged  to  the  Synod  of  Baltimore, 
and  which  was  recognized  by  the  .assembly  of  1861  as  one  of  its 
constituent  parts,  received  no  further  recognition  from  the  Assembly, 
and  none  at  all  from  the  Synod  of  Virginia.  It  is  presumable  that  it 
continued  its  connection  with  the  Synod  of  Baltimore.  It  must  not  be 
confounded  with  a  second  Presbytery  of  Potomac,  organized  by  the 
Synod  of  Virginia  in  1864,  whose  territory  lay  to  the  east  of  the  Blue 
Ridge  and  north  of  the  Presbyteries  of  West  and  East  Hanover,  and 
whose  members  sat  in  the  Synod  of  1865  as  belonging  to  the  Potomac 
Presbytery. — A. 

211.  New  Presbyteries 

In  the  enrollment  of  1867,  the  Presbyteries  of  Abingdon  and  Rappa¬ 
hannock,  in  the  Synod  of  Virginia,  appear  for  the  first  time  in  the 
Assembly.  Other  new  Presbyteries  appear  first  as  follows:  In  1865, 
North  Alabama;  in  1866,  Potomac;  in  1869,  Wilmington  and  Chesa¬ 
peake;  in  1870,  Mecklenburg;  in  1872,  Sao  Paulo;  in  1873,  Tuscumbia; 
in  1874,  Hangchow;  in  1878,  Maryland  and  St.  John;  in  1879,  Dallas 
and  Enoree;  in  1880,  Paris  and  Athens;  in  1884,  Pine  Bluff;  in  1885, 
Washburn.  The  Synod  of  Nashville  in  1875  changed  the  name  of 
North  Alabama  Presbytery  to  Columbia.  In  1867,  the  Presbytery  of 
Patapsco  having  united  with  the  Assembly,  was  attached  to  the 
Synod  of  Virginia.  In  1890  the  Presbytery  of  Pee  Dee  was  erected 
by  the  Synod  of  South  Carolina;  the  Presbytery  of  Albemarle  by 
the  Synod  of  North  Carolina;  the  Presbytery  of  Suwanee,  by  the  Synod 
of  South  Georgia  and  Florida;  in  1894,  the  Presbytery  of  Norfolk,  by 
the  Synod  of  Virginia;  in  1895,  the  Presbytery  of  Kanawha,  by  the 
Synod  of  Virginia;  in  1896,  the  Presbytery  of  Fort  Worth,  by  the 
Synod  of  Texas  and  the  Presbytery  of  Central  Alabama  (colored), 
by  the  Synod  of  Alabama;  in  1897,  the  Presbytery  of  Asheville,  by 
the  Synod  of  North  Carolina.  The  Presbytery  oi  Ethel  (colored) 
was  organized  in  January,  1891,  (see  Minutes  of  1891  p.  272,)  and 
appeared  by  commissioner  in  the  Assembly  of  1892. — A. 

The  Presbytery  of  East  Alabama  was  erected  'in  1898,  being 
composed  of  a  portion  of  old  South  Alabama  Presbytery.  The  remain¬ 
ing  part  of  this  latter  Presbytery  was  annexed  to  Tuscaloosa  Presby¬ 
tery.  The  Minutes  of  1899  fail  to  note  the  announcement  of  this  new 
Presbytery.  (See  Minutes  of  1900,  p.  589,  foot-note.)  For  discussion 
and  protest,  see  Minutes  1899,  pp.  423,  4b9.  In  1900  the  Presbytery 
of  Meridian,  part  of  Tombeckbee,  was  erected  by  the  Synod  of  Missis¬ 
sippi,  and  the  Presbytery  of  Brown  wood  by  the  Synod  of  Texas;  in 
1903  the  Presbytery  of  King’s  Mountain  out  of  the  territory  of  the 
Presbytery  of  Mecklenburg,  Synod  of  North  Carolina,  the  Presbytery 
of  Mobile  out  of  the  territory  of  the  Presbytery  of  Tuscaloosa,  Synod 
of  Alabama,  and  the  Presbytery  of  Durant  out  of  the  territory  of  the 
Presbytery  of  Indian,  Synod  of  Texas;  in  1906  the  Presbytery  of  El 
Paso,  by  the  Synod  of  Texas.  In  1907  the  Presbytery  of  Mangum,  by  the 
Synod  of  Texas.  In  1908  the  Presbytery  of  East  Mississippi  by  the 
consolidation  of  the  Presbyteries  of  Chickasaw  and  Tombeckbee, 


98 


Church  Courts, 


[Book  III 


Synod  of  Mississippi.  In  1909  the  Presbytery  of  Texas-Mexican,  by 
the  Synod  of  Texas.  In  1910  the  Presbytery  of  Piedmont,  by  the 
Synod  of  South  Carolina,  and  the  Presbyteries  of  Panhandle  and 
Sherman,  by  the  Synod  of  Texas.  In  1912,  Presbytery  of  Tygart’s 
Valley  by  the  Synod  of  Virginia.  In  1913',  Presbytery  of  Congaree,  by 
the  Synod  of  South  Carolina.  In  1916,  Presbytery  of  North  and 
South  Carolina  (colored),  and  Presbytery  of  Central  Louisiana 
(colored).  In  1921  the  Synod  of  Georgia  divided  the  Presbytery  of 
Macon,  erecting  a  new  Presbytery  called  the  South-West  Georgia 
Presbytery. 


212.  Presbyteries  that  have  disappeared  from  the  roll 

The  Synods  having  dissolved  them,  or  united  them  with  other 
Presbyteries,  or  changed  their  names,  the  following  Presbyteries 
disappear  from  the  roll,  the  figures  denoting  the  year  in  which  their 
names  last  appear  on  the  roll  of  the  Assembly.  In  1864,  Maury; 
1865,  Creek  Nation;  1866,  East  Mississippi  and  Potomac;  1868,  Tuscum- 
bia;  1869,  Rappahannock  and  Patapsco.  These  were  united  by  Synod, 
and  name  changed  to  Chesapeake.  In  1911,  the  Presbyteries  of  Chesa¬ 
peake  and  Maryland  were  consolidated  into  one  Presbytery  under 
the  name  of  Potomac.  1877,  Central  Ohio,  1879,  Upper  Missouri, 
absorbed  into  Lafayette  Presbytery,  but  re-constituted  by  Synod  in 
1882;  1881,  Sao  Paulo.  In  lyl2,  the  Presbyteries  of  Memphis  and 
Western  District  were  consolidated  by  the  Synod  of  Tennessee,  under 
the  name  of  the  Presbytery  of  Memphis. 


213.  Withdrawal  of  Charleston  Union  Presbytery 
See  Alexander’s  Digest,  1910,  p.  79. 


214.  Presbytery  of  Sao  Paulo 
« 

1871,  p.  16.  Rev.  J.  Leighton  Wilson,  D.  D.,  Secretary  of  Foreign 
Missions,  brought  to  the  attention  of  the  Assembly  the  question  of 
organizing  a  Presbytery  in  Brazil.  The  subject  was  referred  to  the 
Committee  on  Foreign  Missions. 

Page  29.  That  committee  made  the  following  report,  which  was 
adopted : 

1.  That  Rev.  G.  Nash  Morton,  Rev.  Edward  Lane,  Rev.  James 
R.  Baird  and  Rev.  W.  C.  Emerson,  with  the  church  in  Campinas,  be 
detached  from  their  Presbyteries,  and  they  hereby  are  constituted 
into  a  Presbytery,  to  be  called  the  Presbytery  of  Sao  Paulo,  in  con¬ 
nection  with  the  Synod  of  Virginia. 

2.  The  boundaries  of  said  Presbytery  shall  be  commensurate  with 
the  limits  of  the  kingdom  of  Brazil. 

3.  The  Presbytery  of  Sao  Paulo  is  directed  to  meet  in  Campinas 
on  Saturday  before  the  second  Sabbath  in  January,  1872,  at  11 
o’clock  a.  m.,  and  be  opened  with  a  sermon  by  Rev.  James  R.  Baird, 
or  in  case  of  his  absence  or  inability,  by  Rev.  Edward  Lane,  who  shall 
preside  till  a  Moderator  is  elected. 

1872,  p.  151.  The  Stated  Clerk  announced  that  authentic  infor¬ 
mation  had  been  received  that  this  order  of  the  Assembly  had  been 


Secs.  211-215] 


The  Presbytery 


99 


complied  with.  Whereupon  said  Presbytery  was  enrolled  in  connec¬ 
tion  with  the  Synod  of  Virginia. 

This  Presbytery  was  dissolved  by  Synod,  November,  1881. 

215.  Presbytery  of  Hangchow 

1874,  p.  480.  Resolved,  That  a  Presbytery  be,  and  is  hereby 
organized  in  China,  to  be  known  by  the  name  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Hangchow,  to  consist  of  the  Rev.  Messrs.  M.  H.  Houston,  Ben. 
Helm,  John  L.  Stuart,  H.  C.  Dubose,  John  W.  Davis,  and  Ruling 
Elder  Chew-Sien-Sen;  that  said  Presbytery  be  attached  to  the  Synod 
of  Kentucky;  that  its  first  meeting  shall  be  held  in  Hangchow,  on 
the  first  Thursday  of  November,  1874,  at  11  o’clock  a.  m.,  to  be 
opened  with  a  sermon  by  Rev.  M.  H.  Houston,  or  in  case  of  his 
absence,  by  the  oldest  minister  present. 

1874,  p.  523.  Rev.  J.  W.  Pratt  offered  the  following  resolution, 
which  was  adopted: 

Resolved,  That  inasmuch  as  the  whole  foreign  field  lies  outside  of 
the  purview  of  the  Constitution  of  the  Church  at  the  time  of  its 
adoption,  this  Assembly  emphatically  declares  that  no  action  it  has 
ever  taken,  or  may  take,  erecting  Presbyteries  in  such  foreign  fields, 
shall  be  interpreted  as  violating  that  provision  of  the  Constitution 
which  vests  in  the  Synod  alone  the  power  to  erect  new  Presbyteries. 

1875,  33.  Overture  from  Rev.  M.  H.  Houston,  Rev.  B.  Helm, 
Rev.  H.  C.  DuBose  and  Rev.  John  W.  Davis,  members  of  the  Presby¬ 
tery  of  Hangchow,  China,  asking  the  Assembly  to  dissolve  said 
Presbytery,  and  restore  the  memorialists  to  the  Presbyteries  to  which 
they  originally  belonged. 

This  overture  raises  the  question  of  the  constitutional  power  of  the 
General  Assembly  to  establish  or  dissolve  Presbyteries  on  foreign 
soil,  and  also  the  important  practical  inquiry,  whether  our  mission¬ 
aries  abroad  should  become  associated  with  natives  in  the  composition 
of  Presbyteries;  or  whether,  holding  their  membership  in  the  home 
Presbyteries,  they  should,  as  evangelists,  sustain  a  catholic  relation 
to  the  foreign  field.  In  view  of  the  difficulty  of  these  questions,  and 
the  desirableness  of  settling  our  policy  in  regard  to  these  matters,  the 
committee  recommend  that  the  Assembly  appoint  a  committee,  consist¬ 
ing  of  John  B.  Adger,  D.  D.,  John  Leighton  Wilson,  D.  D.,  and 
Thomas  E.  Peck,  D.  D.,  who  shall  be  charged  with  the  consideration 
of  this  subject,  and  who  shall  report  to  the  next  Assembly.  Adopted. 

1876,  p.  232.  This  committee  submitted  a  report  on  this  memorial, 
as  required.  This  report,  having  been  amended  by  the  addition  of 
certain  resolutions  offered  by  Rev.  Dr.  Mallard,  was  adopted,  and 
may  be  found  in  Alexander’s  Digest,  pp.  51-55. 

This  action  was  reconsidered  the  next  day  (p.  237),  and  the  first 
resolution  of  the  paper  presented  by  Rev.  Dr.  Mallard  having  been 
amended  by  striking  out  the  words  “on  foreign  grounds,”  was  re¬ 
adopted,  and  is  as  follows: 

In  reference  to  the  constitutional  question,  the  Assembly  adopts 
the  following  resolution: 


100 


Church  Courts^ 


[Book  III 


Resolved ,  That  the  General  Assembly  has  no  constitutional  power 
to  establish  or  dissolve  Presbyteries,  and  accordingly,  that  the 
brethren  of  whom  the  Assembly  of  1874  proposed  to  constitute  the 
Presbytery  of  Hangchow  are  now,  and  have  been  de  jure,  members  of 
the  same  Presbyteries  to  which  they  belonged  at  the  time  of  such 
action. 

1867,  p.  148.  Similar  action  was  taken. 

216.  Transfer  of  churches 

1912,  p.  37.  The  Synod  of  Alabama  and  Florida  overture  the 
General  Assembly  to  transfer  the  Church  of  Florala,  Presbytery  of 
Florida,  to  the  Presbytery  of  East  Alabama,  Synod  of  Alabama.  The 
Synods,  the  Presbyteries,  and  the  church  desire  this  change. 

Answer. — The  Assembly  authorizes  the  transfer  of  this  church  as 
requested. 

1913,  p.  20.  The  Assembly  formally  transferred  the  Pageland 
Church  from  the  Presbytery  of  Bethel,  Synod  of  South  Carolina, 
to  the  Presbytery  of  Mecklenburg,  Synod  of  North  Carolina. 

1913,  p.  70-1.  The  church  at  Phoenix  City,  Ala.,  was  transferred 
to  the  Synod  of  Georgia,  Presbytery  of  Macon. 

1913,  p.  70-m.  The  proposed  combination  of  First  Avenue 
Presbyterian  Church,  U.  S.  A.,  of  Birmingham,  with  the  Woodlawn 
Presbyterian  Church,  U.  S.,  was  referred  to  Presbytery. 

1919,  p.  49.  From  the  Synod  of  South  Carolina,  asking  the 
Assembly  to  order  the  transfer  of  Six-Mile  Creek  Church,  Bethel 
Presbytery,  to  Mecklenburg  Presbytery,  Synod  of  North  Carolina. 

Answer. — The  Presbytery  of  Mecklenburg  having  given  its  consent, 
the  Assembly  hereby  orders  the  transfer  of  Six-Mile  Creek  Church 
from  Bethel  Presbytery  to  Mecklenburg  Presbytery. 

1920,  p.  80.  Overture  requests  the  transfer  of  the  Church  of 

Hicksville,  Ga.,  from  the  Presbytery  of  Macon  to  the  Presbytery 

of  Central  Alabama.  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  direct 
such  a  transfer,  the  Synod  of  Snedecor  Memorial  concurring. 

217.  Texas-Mexican  Presbytery  relieved  of  assessment  for  contigent 

fund  for  five  years 

1911,  p.  40.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  the  Texas-Mexican 

Presbytery,  requesting  that  on  account  of  the  recent  organization  of 

the  Presbytery  and  the  many  difficulties  under  which  they  are  attempt¬ 
ing  to  do  such  a  great  work,  they  be  relieved  of  the  annual  assessment 
for  the  contingent  fund  for  ten  years,  your  committee  respectfully 
recommend  that  for  a  period  of  five  years  no  assessment  be  made 
upon  this  Presbytery. 

218.  Jurisdiction  not  to  be  assumed  by  a  Presbytery  over  a  minister 
of  another  Presbytery  resident  for  a  time  within  its  bounds 

1889,  p.  581.  The  Assembly  was  asked  to  interpret  Chapter  XV., 


Secs.  215-220] 


The  Presbytery 


101 


Section  II.,  of  the  Rules  of  Discipline,  in  answer  to  the  following 
question:  Is  it  to  be  understood  that  every  minister  living  within 
the  bounds  of  a  Presbytery  for  twelve  months  shall  be  a  member  of 
the  same,  irrespective  of  the  work  in  which  he  may  be  engaged? 
Answered  in  the  negative. 

1889,  p.  583.  The  Presbytery  of  Central  Texas  asks  the  Assembly 
to  resolve  this  question  of  jurisdiction:  A  minister  is  dismissed  from 
one  Presbytery  to  another,  and  lives  for  a  considerable  time  in  the 
bounds  of  the  Presbytery  to  which  he  is  dismissed  without  uniting 
with  it.  Which  Presbytery  has  jurisdiction  in  the  case?  Does  it 
depend  upon  Paragraph  2  or  Paragraph  5  of  Chapter  XV.,  Rules 
of  Discipline,  or  upon  either  of  them? 

Answer. — The  case  in  question  would  fall  under  Chapter  XV., 
Paragraph  5,  Rules  of  Discipline.  The  minister  is  under  the  juris¬ 
diction  of  the  Presbytery  which  dismissed  him. 

219.  Power  of  a  Presbytery  to  dismiss  a  minister  continuing  to 

reside  within  its  bounds 

1897,  pp.  41,  42.  The  Presbytery  of  East  Hanover  asks  the 
Assembly  to  interpret  Paragraph  277,  Chapter  XV.,  Par.  2,  of  our 
Book  of  Church  Order  on  these  points: 

1.  Does  the  word  “officer”  in  this  place  refer  to  ministers,  or 
is  it  to  be  restricted  to  ruling  elders  and  deacons? 

2.  Has  a  Presbytery  a  right  to  dismiss  a  minister  continuing 
to  reside  in  its  own  geographical  bounds  to  a  neighboring  Presbytery 
to  serve  churches  in  that  Presbytery? 

3.  Should  a  transfer  be  granted  in  a  case  such  as  is  stated  in 
Question  2,  when  the  minister  in  question  is  engaged  in  a  work  of 
more  general  character  (e.  g.,  in  work  more  directly  under  the  charge 
of  the  Synod  or  Assembly),  when  it  seems  that  he  can  be  more  efficient 
in  his  work  if  connected  with  another  Presbytery? 

Reply  to  first  question:  The  word  “officer”  in  the  above  Paragraph 
is  restricted  to  ruling  elders  and  deacons. 

To  the  second  question  the  Assembly  answers:  The  right  belongs 
to  each  Presbytery  to  dismiss  ministers.  In  each  case  the  Presby¬ 
tery  is  the  judge,  and  should  decide  each  case  on  its  own  merits. 

The  Assembly  answers  the  third  question  by  stating  that  the  answer 

to  the  second  question  is  sufficient. 

This  Section  and  the  one  just  preceding  interpret  Paragraph  277 
of  the  Rules  of  Discipline,  and  make  it  plain  that  in  the  judgment  of 
the  Assembly  it  does  not  apply  to  the  relation  of  Presbyteries  to 
their  ministers,  but  to  that  of  the  Session  to  those  over  whom  it  has 
jurisdiction. — A. 

220.  Transfer  of  territory  from  one  Presbytery  to  another,  transfers 
the  ministers  in  the  ceded  territory  without  dismission  and 

without  examination 

1894,  p.  197.  The  Synod  of  North  Carolina  asks  whether,  “when 
a  Synod  transfers  any  part  of  the  territory  of  one  Presbytery  to 


102 


Church  Courts 


[Book  III 


that  of  another,  with  the  churches  included  therein,  the  action  of 
Synod  transfers  the  ministers  in  the  ceded  territory  from  one  Presby¬ 
tery  to  the  other  without  any  dismission  from  the  Presbytery  to  which 
they  belonged,  and  without  any  examination  according  to  the  Form 
of  Government,  Chapter  V.,  Section  IV.,  Paragraph  4,  or  any  vote 
on  the  part  of  the  Presbytery  receiving  them?” 

Answer. — Yes.  The  case  is  not  the  same  as  that  contemplated  in 
the  Form  of  Government,  Chapter  V.,  Section  IV.,  Paragraph  4. 

221.  Corresponding  members  of  Presbytery 

1892,  p.  432.  What  is  the  scope  of  the  words  “established  corres¬ 
pondence,”  in  Paragraph  80,  Book  of  Church  Order? 

Answer. — The  official  correspondence  which  the  General  Assembly 
has  established  with  other  bodies.  (All  Reformed  Churches  holding 
the  Presbyterian  system.)  (1900,  p.  620.) 

222.  Elders  in  Presbytery  are  representatives ,  not  delegates 

1886,  p.  54.  The  Assembly  approved  the  records  of  the  Synod 
of  Virginia,  excepting  to  the  use  of  the  word  “delegate”  instead  of 
“representative”  of  a  church  at  a  meeting  of  Presbytery. 

223.  What  elders  may  be  appointed  on  Presbyterial  Committees? 

1870,  p.  508.  From  the  Judicial  Committee: 

“Is  it  in  accordance  with  the  Standards  of  our  Church  for  a 
Presbytery  to  appoint  on  a  committee  a  ruling  elder  who  is  not  at  the 
time  a  member  of  Presbytery?” 

The  committee  recommended  the  following  answer: 

As  ruling  elders  are  delegates  [representatives,  §  222]  from 
church  Sessions,  and  members  of  the  Presbytery  by  virtue  of  their 
commissions,  the  Assembly  is  of  the  opinion  that  it  is  not  competent 
for  the  Presbytery  to  appoint  on  a  committee  a  ruling  elder  who 
is  not  a  member  of  the  Presbytery,  unless  appointed  on  a  committee 
to  act  ad  interim.  Adopted. 

224.  Length  of  an  elder’s  membership  in  Presbytery 

1888,  p.  424.  From  the  Presbytery  of  Eastern  Texas,  asking 
the  General  Assembly  to  decide  the  question  whether  or  not  a  ruling 
elder  elected  to  represent  a  church  at  a  regular  meeting  of  Presbytery 
is  a  member  of  Presbytery  until  its  next  regular  meeting. 

Answer. — The  Term  of  a  ruling  elder’s  service  continues  from  one 
regular  meeting  to  the  next  regular  meeting,  unless  the  Session 
otherwise  direct. 

225.  Seating  elders  in  Presbytery  who  have  not  been  appointed 

1887,  p.  203.  The  Presbytery  of  Western  District  asks  if  a 
Presbytery  has  power  to  enroll  a  well-known  ruling  elder  from  a 


,Secs.  220-229] 


The  Presbytery 


103 


church  within  its  bounds  which  has  made  no  appointment  of  an 
elder  to  represent  the  church  in  the  Presbytery. 

Response. — The  Presbytery  has  no  power  to  appoint  representatives 
from  any  of  the  churches  in  its  bounds,  as  this  power  belongs 
exclusively  to  the  Sessions. 

226.  The  presence  of  a  ruling  elder  is  necessary  to  a  quorum  of 

Presbytery 

1870,  p.  508.  In  response  to  an  overture  from  the  Synod  of 
South  Carolina  touching  this  constitutional  question,  the  Assembly 
at  first  decided  that  a  Presbytery  (the  Presbytery  of  Charleston 
being  referred  to)  does  not  violate  any  provision  of  the  Constitution 
of  the  Church  by  meeting  and  transacting  business  without  an  elder 
enrolled;  but  on  a  reconsideration  of  the  matter  (page  510),  post¬ 
poned  indefinitely  any  action  on  the  overture. 

1871,  p.  14.  The  records  of  the  Synod  of  South  Carolina  were 
approved,  it  being  understood,  however,  that  the  Assembly  docs  not 
express  any  opinion  as  to  the  propriety  of  the  decision  of  the  Syn  id 
in  pronouncing  irregular  a  meeting  of  Charleston  Presbytery  because 
no  ruling  elder  was  present. 

The  new  Book  of  Church  Order  provides  (Paragraph  74)  that  the 
presence  of  at  least  one  ruling  elder  is  necessary  to  a  quorum  of 
Presbytery. 

227.  No  change  in  the  number  of  elders  required  for  a  quorum 

1887,  p.  206.  Presbytery  of  Tombeckbee  asks  that  an  amend¬ 
ment  be  sent  down  to  the  Presbyteries  changing  the  specific  number 

of  elders  required  for  a  quorum  of  a  Presbytery  and  a  Synod, 

Request  not  granted. 

228.  Presbytery  may  meet  without  its  bounds 

1891,  p.  258.  The  Synod  of  South  Georgia  and  Florida  asks 
whether  a  Presbytery  has  the  right  to  meet,  on  its  own  motion,  in 
regular  session,  without  its  own  bounds. 

Answer. — There  is  nothing  in  the  Constitution  of  our  Church 

affecting  the  right  of  a  Presbytery  to  meet,  on  its  own  motion,  in 

regular  session,  beyond  its  bounds. 

229.  Proceedings  of  a  Presbytery  held  away  from  the  place  appointed 

for  it  legalized 

1876,  p.  217.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  East  Alabama, 
which,  for  reasons  assigned,  held  its  spring  session  at  Union  Springs, 
Alabama,  instead  of  Pensacola,  Florida,  the  place  appointed  for  the 
meeting,  asking  the  Assembly  to  legalize  the  proceedings  of  that 
meeting.  This  prayer  of  Presbytery  was  granted. 

1901,  p.  22.  On  the  overture  of  the  Presbytery  of  Arkansas, 
asking  the  Assembly  to  legalize  the  proceedings  of  the  Presbytery  at 


I 


104  Church  Courts  [Book  III 

Wynne,  instead  of  at  Augusta,  which  was  the  place  appointed,  the 
committee  recommended  that  the  Assembly  do,  and  hereby  does, 
grant  their  prayer.  Adopted. 

1917,  p.  68.  In  answer  to  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Pine 
Bluff,  asking  that  the  proceedings  of  a  Session  of  that  Presbytery 
at  Monticello,  Ark.,  instead  of  at  Warren,  Ark.,  as  previously  ap¬ 
pointed,  be  legalized: 

We  recommend  that  the  request  be  granted. 

•  230.  Presbyteries  required  to  meet  twice  a  year 

1878,  p.  651.  The  Assembly  was  asked  to  allow  Presbyteries 
to  hold  annual  instead  of  semi-annual  sessions. 

Answer. — The  Presbyteries  are  permitted  by  the  Constitution  as  it 
is,  to  hold  their  sessions  annually  if  they  desire  to  do  so. 

1880,  p.  187.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Roanoke,  asking 
the  Assembly  to  submit  to  the  Presbyteries  for  their  approval,  the 
following  amendment  to  the  Constitution,  viz. : 

To  strike  out  the  first  sentence  of  Article  VIII.,  Section  IV., 
Chapter  V.,  of  the  Form  of  Government,  which  reads:  “The  Presby¬ 
tery  shall  meet  at  least  twice  a  year  on  its  own  adjournment,”  and 
substitute  the  following:  “It  shall  be  optional  with  each  Presbytery, 
whether  it  will  hold  one  or  two  stated  meetings  during  the  year.” 

The  Assembly  declined  to  submit  this  amendment  to  the  Presby¬ 
teries. 

1895,  p.  391.  The  Presbytery  of  St.  John’s  overtures  the  General 
Assembly  that  the  Book  of  Church  Order  be  so  amended  as  to 
require  but  one  stated  meeting  of  Presbytery  per  year. 

The  Assembly  declined  to  send  to  the  Presbyteries  an  overture  for 
such  an  amendment  of  our  Book. 

1897,  p.  18.  Overture  proposing  the  abolition  of  the  stated  fall 
meeting  of  Presbytery. 

The  Assembly  answers  that  it  is  inadvisable  to  make  any  change. 

1899,  p.  406,  and  1907,  p.  54,  similar  action  was  taken;  also 
1910,  p.  67;  1915,  p.  40;  and  1910,  p.  50. 

231.  Called  meeting  of  Presbytery 

1893,  p.  54.  1.  The  Book  of  Church  Order  is  silent  as  to  the 
composition  of  the  Presbytery  in  called  meetings;  but  it  is  the 
judgment  of  this  Assembly  that  the  elders  elected  to  the  stated  meeting 
are  the  proper  representatives  of  their  Church  Sessions  in  such 
meetings. 

2.  Evidently  if  newly  appointed  elders  sit  in  the  called  meeting, 
the  election  of  new  officers  is  likewise  necessary. 

1899,  p.  430.  The  Presbytery  of  Eastern  Texas  asks  whether 
“Paragraph  55,  Chapter  V.,  of  the  Book  of  Church  Order,  taken 
with  Paragraph  79  of  the  same  chapter,  authorizes  the  Moderator  to 
call  a  meeting  of  Presbytery  (in  case  of  the  failure  of  the  regular 
meeting,  or  because  of  an  emergency  that  has  arisen)  without  the 


Secs.  229-232] 


The  Presbytery 


105 


concurrence  or  request  of  two  ministers  and  two  ruling  elders  ?” 
The  committee  recommends  an  affirmative  answer.  Adopted. 

1900,  p.  644.  The  Assembly  declined  to  reverse  the  above 
deliverance ;  but  interpreted  it  as  authorizing  the  Moderator  to 
convene  the  court  at  his  own  discretion,  only  in  the  cases  provided 
for  in  Paragraph  55  (any  extraordinary  emergency  which  necessitates 
the  anticipation  of  the  ordinary  time  of  meeting,  and  the  failure  of 
the  appointed  meeting,)  and  not  on  any  other  emergency. 

1904,  p.  44.  In  answer  to  an  overture  asking  the  Assembly  to 
send  down  to  the  Presbyteries  an  overture  to  amend  Book  of  Church 
Order,  Par.  8,  Sec.  IV.,  Chap.  V.,  (Par.  79),  by  introducing  after 
the  word  “meeting,”  in  the  tenth  line,  “or  in  case  of  the  absence, 
death  or  inability  to  act,  of  both  Moderator  and  Stated  Clerk,  any 
three  ministers  and  two  ruling  elders  of  different  churches  shall  call 
a  special  meeting.” 

Your  committee  recommend  the  following  answer:  That  the 
overture  be  answered  in  the  affirmative,  and  that  the  Assembly 
recommend  the  same  to  the  approval  of  the  Presbyteries,  who  shall 
answer,  “Yes”  or  “No.” 

1905,  p.  44.  The  select  committee  to  tabulate  the  vote  of  the 
Presbyteries  on  the  proposed  amendment  to  the  Book  of  Church 
Order,  Paragraph  8,  Section  IV.,  Chapter  V.  (Paragraph  79), 
recommended  by  the  last  Assembly,  would  respectfully  report  that 
fifty-seven  Presbyteries  voted  “yes”  and  six  Presbyteries  voted  “no.” 
A  majority  of  the  Presbyteries  advise  and  consent  to  the  amendment. 

The  committee  recommends  that  the  Assembly  does  hereby  enact 
the  amendment,  making  the  Book  of  Church  Order,  Paragraph  8, 
Section  IV.,  Chapter  V.  (Paragraph  79),  read: 

“The  Presbytery  shall  meet  at  least  twice  a  year  on  its  own 
adjournment,  and  when  any  emergency  shall  require  a  meeting  sooner 
than  the  time  to  which  it  stands  adjourned,  the  Moderator,  or  in 
case  of  his  absence,  death,  or  inability  to  act,  the  Stated  Clerk  shall, 
with  the  concurrence,  or  at  the  request  of  two  ministers  and  two 
ruling  elders  of  different  churches,  call  a  special  meeting.  For  this 
purpose  he  shall  give  notice  specifying  the  particular  business  of  the 
intended  meeting  to  every  minister  belonging  to  the  Presbytery,  and 
to  the  Session  of  every  vacant  church  in  due  time  previous  to  the 
meeting,  which  shall  be  not  less  than  ten  days.  Or  in  the  case  of  the 
absence,  death,  or  inability  to  act  of  the  Moderator  and  Stated  Clerk, 
any  three  ministers  and  two  ruling  elders  of  different  churches  shall 
call  a  special  meeting.  And  nothing  shall  be  transacted  at  such 
special  meeting  besides  the  particular  business  for  which  the  court 
has  thus  been  convened.”  Adopted. 

232.  Presbytery  has  discretion  in  the  manner  of  organizing  new 

churches 

1882,  p.  571.  The  Presbytery  of  St.  John’s  asks  if  Presbytery  has 
the  right  to  delegate  to  its  ministers  severally  authority  to  organize 
churches  where  the  way  is  clear. 


106 


Church  Courts 


[Book  III 


Answer. — The  Form  of  Government  gives  to  Presbyteries  the 
power  “to  form  and  receive  new  churches,”  and  the  time  and  manner 
of  the  exercise  of  this  power  may  be  safely  left  to  the  sound  discretion 
of  each  Presbytery. 

233.  Permission  to  erect  church  building  across  the  State  line — 

not  a  precedent 

See  §  195. 

234.  Right  to  a  seat  in  a  Commission  of  Presbytery 

1882,  p.  571.  When  a  Commission  is  appointed  by  Presbytery, 
in  accordance  with  the  Book  of  Church  Order,  has  any  other  member 
of  Presbytery  than  the  Commission  the  right  to  claim  a  seat  in  said 
Commission?  Answered  in  the  negative. 

235.  The  number  required  to  constitute  a  Commission  of  Presbytery 

1882,  p.  571.  The  Presbytery  of  Harmony  asked  the  Assembly 
to  amend  the  Form  of  Government,  Chap.  V.,  Sec.  VII.,  Art.  III., 
so  as  to  state  distinctly  the  number  of  ministers  and  elders  which 
shall  be  required  to  constitute  a  Commission  of  Presbytery.  The 
Assembly  declined  to  grant  the  request. 

236.  Quorum  of  a  Commission  of  Presbytery 

1883,  p.  21.  In  reply  to  the  Presbytery  of  Charleston  and  Har¬ 
mony:  In  the  judgment  of  the  Assembly,  neither  a  Commission  of 
Presbytery,  nor  a  quorum  of  Presbyterial  Commission,  should  ever 
consist  of  less  than  two  ministers  and  one  elder. 

1884,  p.  207.  The  Presbytery  of  Ouachita  overtured  the  General 
Assembly  to  reconsider  and  repeal  the  foregoing  recommendation. 

Answer. — This  Assembly  regards  it  as  important  to  have,  on  all 
ordinary  occasions,  fully  as  large  a  number  for  a  Presbyterial 
Commission  or  quorum  as  that  mentioned  in  the  aforesaid  overture. 
Still,  inasmuch  as  circumstances  may  arise  when  the  appointment 
of  so  large  a  number  would  prove  burdensome  and  unwise,  it  is  the 
judgment  of  this  Assembly  that  when  a  Presbytery,  acting  according 
to  its  discretion,  shall  appoint  a  smaller  number,  such  action  is  not 
to  be  regarded  as  in  conflict  with  the  recommendations  of  our  highest 
court,  which  have  sole  reference  to  ordinary  cases. 

237.  Membership  and  quorum  of  a  Presbyterial  Commission 

1896,  p.  610.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Paris,  asking, 
How  many  should  be  appointed  upon  a  Presbyterial  Commission, 
and  what  constitutes  a  quorum  of  such  a  Commission?  Should  a 
Commission  of  any  court  of  our  Church  proceed  to  business  without 
a  quorum? 

The  Assembly  declines  to  define  the  number  necessary  to  consti¬ 
tute  a  Presbyterial  Commission  or  a  quorum  thereof.  A  Commission 


Secs.  232-239] 


The  Presbytery 


107 


of  any  court  of  our  Church  should  not  proceed  to  business  without  a 
quorum.  The  Assembly  directs  the  attention  of  the  Presbytery  to 
the  action  taken  by  the  Assemblies  of  1882,  1883  and  1884,  in 
regard  to  the  questions  raised  by  the  Presbytery,  to  be  found  in  the 
Minutes  and  this  Digest,  p.  106. 

1899,  p.  420.  The  Assembly  declined  to  change  Par.  93,  Book 
of  Church  Order. 

238.  Powers  of  a  Commission  limited  to  the  work  committed  to  it 

1897,  p.  40.  The  Presbytery  of  Mississippi  overtured  the  General 
Assembly  to  give  a  deliverance  upon  Section  VII.,  Paragraph  2, 
Book  of  Church  Order,  relative  to  the  powers  and  duties  of  a  Presby- 
terial  Commission: 

1.  Is  said  paragraph  exhaustive  in  its  definition  of  the  powers 
and  duties  of  a  Presbyterial  Commission,  or  may  a  Presbyterial 
Commission  perform  duties  other  than  those  specified  in  said  para¬ 
graph  ? 

2.  May  a  Presbyterial  Commission,  consisting  of  three  ministers 
and  one  or  more  elders  (which  is  a  quorum  of  Presbytery),  perform 
any  duty  competent  for  a  Presbytery  to  perform? 

1.  The  Book  of  Church  Order  is  sufficiently  explicit  in  defining 
the  powers  of  a  Commission.  A  Commission  cannot  transact  business 
other  than  that  committed  to  it. 

2.  A  Commission  is  incompetent,  although  consisting  of  a  quorum 
of  Presbytery,  to  do  any  work  except  that  which  has  been  committed 
to  it. 


239.  Law  of  Commissions  not  amended 

1900,  pp.  613,  635.  An  ad  interim  committee  was  appointed  to 
consider  the  subject  of  Commissions  and  report  to  the  next  Assembly. 

1901,  pp.  23 ff,  50.  This  committee  presented  a  report,  which  was 
adopted  and  sent  down  to  the  Presbyteries  for  their  advice  and 
consent. 

1902,  pp.  286,  259,  289.  The  vote  of  the  Presbyteries  was 
twenty-six  in  favor  and  forty-nine  against  the  proposed  amendment. 
The  matter  was  referred  to  another  ad  interim  committee. 

1903,  pp.  499,  544.  A  majority  report  and  a  minority  report  were 
presented  and  put  upon  the  docket  to  be  considered  by  the  next 
Assembly. 

1904,  p.  41.  The  matter  was  referred  to  the  following  Assembly. 

1905,  p.  48ff.  The  proposed  amendment  [minority  report]  was 
sent  down  to  the  Presbyteries  with  the  advice  and  recommendation 
of  the  Assembly. 

1906,  pp.  52,  53.  The  matter  was  approved  by  a  majority  of  the 
Presbyteries,  but  was  again  referred  by  the  Assembly  to  an  ad  interim 
committee. 

1907,  p.  62.  The  majority  report  of  this  committee  was  recom¬ 
mended  to  the  Presbyteries  for  their  adoption. 


108 


Church  Courts 


[Book  III 


1908,  p.  24.  The  amendment  was  lost,  having  failed  to  receive 
a  majority  vote  of  the  Presbyteries.  The  Assembly  declined  to 
agitate  the  matter  further. 


240.  No  appeal  from  decision  of  a  Commission  until  it  has  reported 

1909,  p.  48.  Four  members  of  the  Session  of  a  church  asked  a 
deliverance  upon  the  following  case: 

Where  the  pastor  of  a  church  gives  notice  that  he  intends  offering 
his  resignation  as  pastor  and  the  congregation  in  a  regular  called 
meeting  joins  him  in  the  petition  to  dissolve  the  pastoral  relation 
pending  which  action  before  the  Presbytery,  a  question  is  raised 
as  to  the  adoption  of  a  part  of  the  Session  record;  a  Commission  is 
appointed  to  visit  said  congregation  to  “investigate  and  adjust  the 
troubles”  therein.  Said  Commission  performs  that  duty  and  dis¬ 
solves  the  pastoral  relation. 

Can  the  pastor  appeal  from  its  action  to  the  Synod  before  that 
Commission  reports  its  decision  back  to  the  court  or  Presbytery 
which  authorized  it? 

Answered  in  the  negative. 

241.  Topics  for  Preshyterial  Narratives 

The  Stated  Clerk  of  the  Assembly  having  been  appointed  (1876, 
p.  238)  a  committee  to  prepare  a  series  of  questions,  to  be  answered 
by  the  Presbyteries  in  the  preparation  of  Narratives  on  the  state  of 
religion,  and  report  to  the  next  Assembly,  did  make  such  report 
(1877,  p.  408),  which  was  referred  to  a  committee.  That  committee 
recommended  and  the  Assembly  adopted  the  following: 

1877,  p.  441.  That  instead  of  a  series  of  questions,  which  may  be 
answered  categorically,  the  Assembly  send  down  to  the  Presbyteries 
the  following  topics,  as  furnishing  the  basis  of  their  Narratives: 

1.  Official  fidelity  on  the  part  of  ministers,  ruling  elders,  and 
deacons. 

2.  Attendance  upon  the  services  of  the  sanctuary. 

3.  Special  outpourings  of  the  Holy  Ghost  in  the  churches. 

4.  The  prevalence  of  intemperance,  worldly  amusements,  and 
other  forms  of  sin. 

5.  Family  worship. 

6.  Catechetical  instruction  in  Sabbath  Schools  and  families. 

7.  The  observance  of  the  Sabbath. 

c 

8.  Fidelity  of  God’s  people  in  worshipping  the  Lord  with  their 
substance. 

9.  The  supply  of  the  churches  within  your  bounds  with  the 
ministration  of  the  Word. 

10.  Religious  instruction  of  the  colored  people. 

The  Assembly  of  1887  declined  to  strike  out  topic  1. 

1908,  p.  64.  Narratives  of  Presbytery  should  embrace  topics  that 
conform  to  the  Narratives  of  Sessions  with  a  prefatory  statement 
which  shows  how  many  churches  there  are  in  the  Presbytery  and  how 
many  sent  written  Narratives  to  the  meeting  when  the  Presbyterial 


Secs.  239-245] 


The  Presbytery 


109 


Narrative  was  prepared,  and  with  a  final  topic  on  the  supply  of  its 
churches  with  the  ministry  of  the  Word. 

1909,  p.  35.  In  answer  to  an  overture  the  Assembly  made  the 
following  reply:  Question  ten  in  the  blank  for  the  Narrative  of  the 
Session  “What  evangelistic  work  is  done  by  your  church  outside  its 
bounds?”  has  reference  to  evangelistic  work  by  the  church  in  territory 
immediately  touching  the  bounds  of  the  congregation,  e.  g.,  a  mission 
Sunday  School.  (See  p.  93.) 

242.  Narratives  must  be  signed  by  the  Clerk 

1880,  p.  194.  The  attention  of  several  Presbyteries  whose  Stated 
Clerks  have  failed  to  sign  the  Narratives  required  to  be  sent  by  them 
to  the  General  Assembly,  is  called  to  this  irregularity  for  the  purpose 
of  preventing  it  in  the  future. 

243.  How  Clerks  should  send  papers  to  the  Assembly 

1895,  p.  389.  The  Assembly  directs  its  Stated  Clerk  to  publish 
annually  in  the  Minutes  of  the  Assembly  the  following  instruction  to 
the  Stated  Clerks  of  Presbyteries,  viz. :  Stated  Clerks  of  Presbyteries 
are  instructed  by  the  Assembly  not  to  send  up  to  it  different  overtures 
or  other  papers  upon  the  same  sheet. 

244.  Presbytery  urged,  but  not  compelled,  to  adopt  Assembly’ s 

mileage  system 

1917,  p.  69.  In  answer  to  the  communication  from  Fayetteville 
Presbytery,  giving  reasons  for  not  complying  with  the  Assembly’s  plan 
of  paying  the  expenses  of  Commissioners: 

We  recommend  answer  as  follows: 

“The  Assembly  would  call  the  attention  of  Fayetteville  Presbytery 
to  the  fact  that  the  Assembly  has  thought  it  wise  to  adopt  the 
mileage  system  as  the  best  system  to  carry  into  effect  Paragraph  58 
of  Book  of  Church  Order.  Therefore,  the  Assembly  urges  Fayetteville 
Presbytery  to  comply  with  this  action  of  the  Assembly.” 

1919,  p.  52.  From  Pee  Dee  Presbytery,  asking  the  General 
Assembly  to  compel  one  of  our  Presbyteries,  which  still  declines 
to  conform  to  the  rule  as  to  the  payment  of  the  expenses  of  Com¬ 
missioners  to  the  Assembly,  to  obey  the  law  of  the  Church  on  this 
subject. 

Answer. — Declined. 

245.  Presbytery  may  make  its  own  rules  for  time  of  reception 

of  minister,  etc. 

1921,  p.  68.  Overture  from  North  Alabama  Presbytery,  asks  the 
Assembly  to  state  whether  it  is  constitutional  for  a  Presbytery  to 
make  a  rule  that  ministers  shall  be  received  into  the  Presbytery  and 
candidates  licensed  or  ordained  only  at  regular  stated  meetings  of 
the  Presbytery  except  in  emergencies.  We  recommend  the  following 
answer:  It  is  competent  for  a  Presbytery  to  make  its  own  rules  as 
to  when  it  will  receive  ministers  and  license  or  ordain  candidates. 


CHAPTER  III 


THE  SYNOD 

246.  The  original  Synods 

1861,  p.  5.  The  Assembly  which  met  in  Augusta  in  1861  was 
composed  of  Presbyterial  commissioners  from  the  following  Synods: 
Alabama,  Arkansas,  Georgia,  Memphis,  Mississippi,  Nashville, 
North  Carolina,  South  Carolina,  Texas  and  Virginia,  with  two 
Presbyteries  heretofore  in  connection  with  the  Synod  of  Baltimore. 

247.  Synods  received 

The  Synod  of  Kentucky  came  into  union  with  the  Assembly  in 
1869  (see  Bk.  VII).  The  Synod  of  Missouri  was  received  in  1874 
(see  Bk.  VII.). 

248.  New  Synods  erected.  ...One  Synod  dissolved 

In  1881  the  Synod  of  South  Georgia  and  Florida  was  formed,  its 
name  being  changed  in  1891  to  Synod  of  Florida.  (For  details, 
see  Minutes  1877,  p.  421;  1881,  p.  391;  1882,  p.  519;  1891,  p.  235; 
Alexander’s  Digest,  pp.  59  and  Supplement  p.  42)  In  1901  the 
Synod  of  Louisiana  was  formed  out  of  the  Synod  of  Mississippi 
(Minutes  1901,  pp.  51,  58.)  In  1901  the  Synod  of  Memphis  was 
dissolved,  two  of  its  Presbyteries  being  transferred  to  the  Synod  of 
Mississippi,  and  two  to  the  Synod  of  Nashville,  the  latter  Synod  to 
be  known  henceforth  as  the  Synod  of  Tennessee.  In  1908  the 
Synod  of  Oklahoma  was  formed  from  the  Synod  of  Texas,  com¬ 
prising  the  Presbyteries  of  Indian,  Durant  and  Mangum. 

249.  Synod  of  West  Virginia  erected 

1914,  p.  24.  Overtures  from  the  Synod  of  Virginia  and  Presby¬ 
teries  of  Greenbrier,  Tygart’s  Valley  and  Kanawha,  asking  for  the 
erection  of  a  new  Synod  of  West  Virginia. 

Answer. — The  Assembly  approves  the  overtures  and  orders  the  new 
Synod  to  be  known  as  The  Synod  of  West  Virginia  and  consisting  of 
the  Presbyteries  of  Greenbrier,  Tygart’s  Valley  and  Kanawha — to 
hold  its  first  meeting  in  the  “Old  Stone  Church,”  Lewisburg,  W.  Va., 
October  27,  1914,  at  eight  o’clock,  p.  m.,  Rev.  Newton  Donaldson, 
D.  D.,  of  Huntington,  W.  Va.,  or  in  his  absence,  the  senior  minister 
present,  to  open  the  meeting  with  a  sermon  and  preside  until  a 
Moderator  is  elected;  and  Rev.  Frederick  H.  Barron,  D.  D.,  to  act 
as  clerk  until  a  regular  clerk  is  elected. 


Secs.  246-251] 


The  Synod 


111 


250.  Synod  of  Appalachia  erected 

1915,  p.  22.  1.  The  Synod  desired  is  hereby  erected,  and  shall 

consist  of  the  Presbyteries  of  Knoxville  and  Holston,  of  the  Synod  of 
Tennessee;  the  Presbytery  of  Asheville,  of  the  Synod  of  North 
Carolina;  the  Presbytery  of  Abingdon,  of  the  Synod  of  Virginia 
(provided  the  Presbytery  shall  so  elect  at  the  fall  meeting) ;  the 
churches  of  the  Counties  of  Mitchell,  Avery,  Wautauga,  and  Yancey, 
of  the  Synod  of  North  Carolina;  and  such  sections  of  the  Presby¬ 
teries  of  Transylvania,  West  Lexington,  and  Ebenezer,  of  the  Synod 
of  Kentucky,  as  may  be  agreed  upon  by  the  Presbyteries  themselves 
and  the  Synod  of  Kentucky. 

2.  This  new  Synod  shall  be  named  the  Synod  of  Appalachia,  and 
is  directed  to  meet  for  organization  in  the  First  Presbyterian  Church, 
Bristol,  Tenn.,  the  first  Tuesday  in  November,  1915,  at  7  :30  p.  m. 

3.  Rev.  R.  F.  Campbell,  D.  D.,  is  appointed  to  preach  the 
opening  sermon  and  preside  until  the  organization  of  the  Synod  is 
effected,  and  Rev.  Geo.  O.  Bachman  is  appointed  Stated  Clerk  and 
Treasurer  pro  tern. 

4.  The  present  Synodical  assessments  in  force  in  the  respective 
Presbyteries  shall  be  continued  in  the  Synod  until  the  Synod  itself 
shall  determine  otherwise,  and  shall  be  paid  to  the  Treasurer  by 
October  1,  1915. 

5.  In  case  there  are  at  present  arrangements  for  a  Synodical 
traveling  fund,  the  same  shall  be  continued  in  force  Until  the  Synod 
shall  formulate  its  own  plans  with  reference  to  this  matter. 

6.  In  order  that  the  Synod  may  begin  its  work  full-fledged, 

temporary  committees  are  named,  which  shall  hold  office  until  their 
successors  are  elected.  •  ; 

251.  Greetings  to  Synod  of  Appalachia 

1915,  p.  22.  The  Assembly  appointed  the  Moderator,  Dr.  W. 
McF.  Alexander,  to  convey  in  person  the  greetings  of  the  Assembly 
to  the  new  Synod. 

The  Assembly  appointed  Rev.  A.  A.  McGeachy,  D.  D.,  principal, 
Rev.  Melton  Clark,  D.  D.,  alternate,  from  the  Synod  of  North 
Carolina;  Rev.  James  I.  -  Vance,  D.  D.,  principal,  Rev.  xV  S. 
Johnson,  D.  D.,  alternate,  from  the  Synod  of  Tennessee;  Rev.  F.  T. 
McFaden,  D.  D.,  principal,  and  Rev.  W.  J.  McMillan,  D.  D., 
alternate,  from  the  Synod  of  Virginia;  Rev.  Henry  H.  Sweets,  D.  D., 
principal,  and  Rev.  J.  T.  Thomas,  D.  D.,  alternate,  from  the 
Synod  of  Kentucky;  Rev.  Homer  McMillan,  D.  D.,  of  the  As¬ 
sembly’s  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions,  and  Rev.  J.  W. 
Tyler,  D.  D.,  representatives  of  the  Assembly’s  Mountain  Work,  and 
Rev.  G.  G.  Sydnor,  D.  D.,  from  the  Synod  of  Georgia,  to  bear 
greetings  to  the  new  Synod. 

The  Moderator  led  in  prayer  for  the  blessing  of  God  upon  the 
Synod  of  Appalachia. 

1916,  p.  12.  Response  of  Synod  of  x4ppalachia. 


112  Church  Courts  [Book  III 

1916,  p.  12.  The  Presbytery  of  Abingdon  was  transferred  from 
the  Synod  of  Virginia  to  the  Synod  of  Appalachia  (1915). 

252.  Reorganization  of  the  Afro-American  Synod 

1916,  p.  33.  In  accordance  with  the  report  of  the  Ad-Interim 
Committee  on  Colored  Work,  which  was  approved  by  the  General 
Assembly,  upon  the  recommendation  of  the  Standing  Committee  of 
Home  Missions,  and  with  the  consent  and  advice  of  the  Presby¬ 
teries  of  “North  and  South  Carolina”  and  “Northeast  Georgia,”  of 
the  Afro-American  Synod,  as  well  as  the  Presbyteries  of  “Ethel” 
and  “Central  Alabama,”  organically  connected  with  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.,  the  following 
plan  and  arrangements  are  hereby  adopted  for  the  reorganization  of 
the  Afro-American  Synod: 

( 1 )  That  this  Synod  is  hereby  reorganized,  and  shall  be  connected 
with  the  General  Assembly,  its  Presbyteries  represented  in  the  As¬ 
sembly  on  the  same  basis  as  those  of  any  other  Synod. 

(2)  That  the  boundaries  and  membership  of  the  Presbyteries  of 
this  Synod  shall  be  so  arranged  as  to  constitute  four  Presbyteries, 
as  follows: 

Central  Alabama,  Ethel,  North  and  South  Carolina,  Central 
Louisiana. 

(3)  That  the  other  Presbyteries  of  the  Generali  Assembly  be  asked 
to  consent  to  the  transfer  of  colored  ministers  and  churches  on  their 
roll  for  the  purpose  of  this  reorganization. 

(4)  That  the  churches  composing  this  Synod  shall  ‘be  those  of 
the  present  Afro-American  Synod,  those  of  Ethel  and  Central  Ala¬ 
bama  Presbyteries,  and  the  colored  churches  attached  to  the  various 
white  Presbyteries  of  the  Assembly. 

(5)  That  it  is  hereby  reorganized  under  the  name  of  the  Afro- 
American  Synod,  with  the  privilege  of  changing  its  name  in  accordance 
with  the  wishes  of  the  membership  of  the  Synod. 

(6)  That  a  careful  list  of  all  ministers  and  churches  belonging 
to  each  Presbytery  be  completed  and  reported  to  the  next  Assembly. 

(7)  That  the  Rev.  G.  W.  Gideon,  having  been  selected  by  them¬ 
selves,  shall  preside  until  the  Synod  is  properly  constituted  and  a 
new  Moderator  elected. 

(8)  That  the  Synod  meet  at  the  call  of  the  Moderator  at  such 
time  and  place  as  shall  be  agreed  upon  to  suit  the  convenience  of  all 
parties. 

(9)  That  Drs.  J.  G.  Snedecor,  A.  A.  Little,  S.  L.  Morris,  and 
D.  D.  Little  be  appointed  a  Committee  to  confer  with  and  counsel 
the  colored  ministers  and  churches  to  be  reorganized  into  the  Afro- 
American  Synod. 

253.  Name  changed  to  Snedecor  Memorial  Synod 

1917,  p.  29.  Your  Committee  on  Minutes  of  Afro-American  Synod 
would  report  that  the  minutes  of  this  Synod  have  not  been  recorded  in 


Secs.  251-253] 


The  Synod 


113 


proper  form,  but  your  Committee  has  gone  carefully  over  the  whole 
with  the  Stated  Clerk  of  this  Synod,  calling  his  attention  to  bad  form 
and  minor  inaccuracies,  and  have  received  his  assurance  that  the 
record  shall  be  made  in  proper  form  in  the  Synod’s  book  of  records 
The  Synod  is  composed  of  the  Presbyteries  of  Central  Alabama, 
Central  Louisiana,  Ethel,  and  North  and  South  Carolina.  The 
churches,  ministers,  and  elders  of  the  Presbyteries  are  as  follows: 


Churches. 

Ministers 

Elders 

Central  Alabama  . 

.  .  10 

10 

28 

Central  Louisiana  . 

6 

8 

12 

Ethel  . 

..  18 

5 

31 

North  and  South  Carolina. 

.  .  14 

10 

46 

Total  . 

.  .  48 

33 

117 

Your  Committee  notes  that,  in  accordance  with  permission  granted 
by  the  last  Assembly,  the  name  of  the  Afro-American  Synod  has 
been  changed  by  vote  of  the  Synod  to  the  Snedecor  Memorial  Synod, 
and  recommend: 

(1)  That  the  Snedecor  Memorial  Synod  be  enrolled  as  a  consti¬ 
tuent  Synod  of  this  Assembly. 

(2)  That  a  committee  be  appointed  annually  to  confer  with, 
advise,  and  counsel  this  new  Synod. 

(3)  That  the  report  of  the  Committee  appointed  by  our  last 
Assembly  to  confer  with  and  advise  the  new  Synod  be  placed  in  the 
record  in  connection  with  this  report.  The  report  is  as  follows: 

Enclosed  you  will  find  copy  of  the  minutes  of  the  Committee. 

Owing  to  the  death  of  the  Rev.  J.  G.  Snedecor,  L.L.  D.,  Rev.  A. 
A.  Little  became  Chairman  of  the  Committee. 

Following  recommendations  were  adopted  and  ordered  forwarded 
to  the  Assembly:  (1)  That  the  Committee  appointed  by  the 

Snedecor  Memorial  Synod  be  given  the  privilege  of  a  hearing  before 
this  Assembly.  (2)  That  the  Assembly  appoint  each  year  a  com¬ 
mittee  to  confer  with  and  counsel  this  new  Synod. 

The  official  record  of  the  organization  of  the  Afro-American 
Synod  is  herewith  submitted,  and  is  as  follows: 

This  is  to  certify  that  the  Afro-American  Synod  was  duly  organ¬ 
ized  in  compliance  with  the  order  of  the  General  Assembly  of  1916, 
with  Rev.  G.  W.  Gideon,  Moderator;  Rev.  A.  J.  McQueen,  Stated 
Clerk;  and  Rev.  R.  M.  Golightly,  Treasurer. 

The  Synod  is  composed  of  the  following  Presbyteries:  Central 
Alabama,  North  and  South  Carolina,  Ethel,  and  Central  Louisiana; 
with  37  ministers  and  50  churches. 

The  name  was  changed  from  Afro-American  Synod  to  that  of 
Snedecor  Memorial  Synod. 

In  this  connection,  we  wish  to  express  our  heartfelt  appreciation 
for  the  very  valuable  assistance  rendered  by  the  Commission  sent 
■down  by  the  Assembly  to  organize  said  Synod.  We  refer  to  Dr.  S. 
L.  Morris,  Dr.  A.  A.  Little,  Dr.  J.  G.  Praigg,  and  Rev.  D.  D.  Little. 


114  Church  Courts  [Book  III 

1917,  p.  75.  Advisory  Committee:  Rev.  S.  L.  Morris,  D.  D., 
Rev.  Dunbar  H.  Ogden,  D.  D.,  Rev.  C.  M.  Boyd. 

1918,  p.  22.  The  Standing  Committee  on  the  Minutes  of  the 
Snedecor  Memorial  Synod  made  the  following  report  which  was 
adopted : 

Because  of  the  recent  meeting  of  the  Snedecor  Memorial  Synod  and 
inability  to  prepare  the  minutes  by  this  time,  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the 
Synod  asks  that  it  be  allowed  to  defer  their  presentation  until  the 
next  meeting  of  the  Assembly,  and  that  this  be  the  permanent  practice 
of  this  Synod. 

The  Committee  appointed  by  the  last  Assembly  to  confer  with  and 
advise  the  Snedecor  Memorial  Synod  presented  the  following  report, 
which  was  placed  on  record. 

The  Synod  met  in  Salem  Presbyterian  Church,  Tuscaloosa,  Ala.,, 
on  Tuesday  evening,  May  7,  1918.  The  sittings  were  continued  through 
Wednesday  and  Thursday  following.  Drs.  S.  L.  Morris  and  Dunbar 
H.  Ogden,  of  your  Committee,  were  unable  to  attend.  The  third 
member,  Rev.  Chas.  M.  Boyd,  attended  all  the  sittings  of  the  Synod. 

The  Synod  w'as  conducted  in  a  reverent  and  orderly  manner.  A 
spirit  of  consecration  to  and  enthusiasm  for  the  work  was  quite 
manifest.  On  various  occasions  the  counsel  of  the  Assembly’s  Com¬ 
mittee  was  sought,  and  in  every  instance  his  advice  was  cheerfully 
accepted  and  followed. 

The  Assembly  heard  brief  addresses  from  the  Commissioners 
of  the  Presbyteries  constituting  the  Snedecor  Memorial  Synod.  The 
Assembly  placed  on  record  its  interest  in  this  work  among  the 
colored  people. 

254.  Change  in  the  boundary  between  the  Synod  of  Alabama  and 

that  of  South  Georgia  and  Florida 

1887,  p.  206.  Overture  from  Presbytery  of  Florida,  that  certain 
churches  belonging  to  the  Presbytery  of  South  Alabama  be  transferred 
to  the  Presbytery  of  Florida. 

Reply. — As  the  changes  desired  involve  the  alteration  of  Synodical 
lines,  the  General  Assembly  declines  to  make  such  order  without 
the  concurrence  of  the  two  Synods  concerned. 

1888,  p.  387.  From  the  Synod  of  Alabama,  asking  that  the 
boundary  lines  of  the  Synod  of  South  Georgia  and  Florida  be  so 
changed  as  to  place  the  entire  territory  of  the  State  of  Florida  within 
the  boundaries  of  the  Synod  of  South  Georgia  and  Florida.  This 
overture  was  answered  in  the  affirmative. 

255.  Boundary  betiueen  the  Synod  of  Georgia  and  the  Synod  of 

South  Georgia  and  Florida 

1890,  p.  24.  Overture  from  the  Synod  of  South  Georgia  and 
t  lorida,  the  Synod  of  Georgia  concurring,  to  transfer  the  county  of 
Worth,  Presbytery  of  Macon,  Synod  of  Georgia,  to  the  Presbytery  of 
Savannah,  Synod  of  South  Georgia  and  Florida.  Granted. 

1891,  p.  235.  Overture  from  the  Synod  of  Georgia,  asking  that 
the  request  of  the  Presbytery  of  Savannah  to  be  admitted  into  the 
Synod  of  Georgia,  be  granted.  Granted. 


Secs.  253-258] 


The  Synod 


115 


256.  Transfer  of  Church  from  Synod  of  Alabama  to  Synod  of 

Florida 

1902,  p.  258.  On  overtures  from  the  Synods  of  Alabama  and 
Florida,  the  Assembly  authorized  the  transfer  of  Florala  Church  to 
the  Synod  of  Florida. 

257.  Change  in  boundary  between  the  Synods  of  Arkansas  and 

Texas 

1891,  p.  229.  Indian  Presbytery  and  the  Synod  of  Arkansas,  for 
reasons  assigned,  asked  that  the  Indian  Presbytery  be  transferred  from 
the  Synod  of  Arkansas  to  the  Synod  of  Texas.  Granted. 

258.  Change  in  boundary  between  the  Synods  of  Memphis  and 

N  ashville 

1861.  pp.  12,  37.  The  Presbytery  of  Tuscumbia  was  transferred 
from  the  Synod  of  Nashville  to  the  Synod  of  Memphis. 

1865,  p.  360.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  North  Alabama, 
requesting  the  Assembly  to  readjust  the  boundary  between  the 
Synods  of  Nashville  and  of  Memphis,  so  as  to  throw  the  county  of 
Madison,  in  the  State  of  Alabama,  into  the  Presbytery  of  North 
Alabama  and  the  Synod  of  Nashville;  an  overture  from  a  member  of 
the  Synod  of  Memphis,  requesting  that  in  whatever  arrangement  of 
the  boundary  adopted,  the  churches  and  church  property  within  the 
bounds  of  the  Presbytery  of  Tuscumbia  shall  belong  still  to  the 
Synod  of  Memphis. 

Resolved. — That  the  ministers  and  churches  within  the  county 
of  Madison,  Alabama,  formerly  connected  with  the  United  Synod,  be 
adjudged  to  belong  to  the  Presbytery  of  North  Alabama  for  the 
present;  but  that  all  the  interests  of  the  Presbytery  of  Tuscumbia 
and  the  Synod  of  Memphis  be  preserved  intact.  This  temporary 
arrangement  the  Assembly  adopted  for  want  of  the  necessary  infor¬ 
mation;  but  it  urged  the  judicatories  interested  to  endeavor  to  agree 
on  a  definite  boundary  line  and  to  report  to  -the  next  Assembly. 

1866,  p.  13.  Overture  from  the  Synod  of  Memphis,  requesting 
the  General  Assembly  to  adjust  the  boundary  line  between  the  Synod 
of  Nashville  and  that  Synod,  so  that  the  southern  boundary  of  the 
State  of  Tennessee  shall  also  be  the  southern  boundary  of  the  Synod 
of  Nashville,  separating  it  in  that  part  from  the  Synod  of  Memphis. 

The  committee  having  considered  the  reasons  for  this  boundary 
line  presented  by  the  Synod  of  Memphis,  and  the  arguments  offered 
against  it  by  members  of  the  Synod  of  Nashville,  recommended 
that  the  southern  boundary  of  the  State  of  Tennessee,  from  the  point 
where  it  crosses  the  Tennessee  River  eastward  to  the  east  line  of 
Alabama,  be  the  boundary  between  the  Synod  of  Nashville  and  the 
Synod  of  Memphis,  with  this  exception:  that  Madison  county,  in 
that  State  of  Alabama,  to  within  five  miles  along  the  northern  bank 
of  the  Tennessee  River  shall  be  included  in  the  Synod  of  Nashville. 
Adopted. 


116 


Church  Courts  [Book  III 

259.  Change  in  the  boundary  between  the  Synods  of  Memphis  and 

Alabama 

1883,  p.  18.  In  answer  to  overtures  from  the  Synod  of  Memphis 
and  from  the  Synod  of  Alabama,  relating  to  the  transfer  of  the 
Presbytery  of  North  Alabama  from  the  Synod  of  Memphis  to  the 
Synod  of  Alabama,  it  was  recommended  that  the  General  Assembly 
agree  to  the  expressed  desire  of  these  Synods  and  the  Presbytery  of 
North  Alabama,  and  that  the  boundaries  of  these  Synods  be  changed 
as  requested.  Adopted. 

260.  Presbyteries  of  Tuscumbia,  North  Alabama  and  Columbia 

In  view  of  the  various  boundary  changes  among  the  border  Presby¬ 
teries  of  the  three  Synods  of  Memphis,  Nashville  and  Alabama,  the 
following  note  will  tend  to  prevent  confusion  and  aid  the  reader  in 
a  correct  understanding  of  the  changes  that  were  actually  made: 

In  1861,  Tuscumbia  Presbytery,  belonging  to  the  Synod  of  Nashville^ 
was  transferred  to  the  Synod  of  Memphis.  In  1865,  just  after  the 
reception  of  the  New  School  brethren  into  the  Assembly,  and  the 
union  of  our  Presbyteries  with  those  of  the  United  Synod,  the  Presby¬ 
tery  of  North  Alabama  appears  on  the  roll  of  the  Assembly  as  one 
of  the  Presbyteries  of  the  Synod  of  Nashville.  As  this  Synod  held 
no  meeting  after  the  fall  of  1861  until  January,  1866,  at  which  a 
Presbytery  of  this  name  could  have  been  created,  this  Presbytery  was 
evidently  the  Presbytery  of  that  name  previously  in  connection  with 
the  United  Synod.  As  there  has  been  continuously  since  that  date 
a  Presbytery  of  North  Alabama,  the  Synod  of  Nashville,  in  adjusting 
lines  after  the  union,  must  have  either  perpetuated  that  Presbytery 
or  constituted  a  new  one  bearing  that  name.  In  the  fall  of  1875,. 
Synod  changed  the  name  of  this  Presbytery  to  Columbia. 

Tuscumbia  Presbytery,  after  being  transferred  to  the  Synod  of 
Memphis,  was  dissolved  in  1868,  but  reconstituted  in  1873.  After 
the  Presbytery  of  North  Alabama  experienced  a  change  of  name,  the 
name  of  Tuscumbia  was  changed  in  1876  to  North  Alabama.  In 
1883,  it  was  transferred  from  the  Synod  of  Memphis  to  the  Synod  of 
Alabama. — A. 


261.  Change  in  the  boundary  between  the  Synods  of  Alabama  and 

Mississippi 

1865,  p.  360.  Overture  from  the  Synod  of  Mississippi,  requesting 
the  Assembly  to  adjust  the  matter  of  conflicting  boundaries  between 
that  Synod  and  the  Synod  of  Alabama,  arising  out  of  the  terms  of 
union  with  the  United  Synod. 

Ordered,  that  all  the  ministers  and  churches  formerly  connected 
with  the  Presbyteries  of  the  United  Synod,  but  which  lie  within 
the  bounds  of  the  Synod  of  Alabama,  be,  and  hereby  are,  transferred 
to  the  Presbyteries  within  which  they  are  respectively  located. 

262.  Change  in  the  boundary  between  the  Synods  of  Alabama  and 

Georgia 

1868,  p.  267.  Memorial  from  Eufaula  Church,  in  the  Presbytery 
of  East  Alabama,  asking  that  the  lines  of  the  Synods  of  Alabama 


Secs.  259-263] 


The  Synod 


117 


and  Georgia  be  so  changed  that  Eufaula  Church  may  be  included 
within  the  Presbytery  of  Macon  in  the  Synod  of  Georgia. 

Resolved,  That  this  overture  be  referred  to  the  Synod  of  Alabama 
for  an  expression  of  its  views  on  the  subject,  with  directions  to  report 
to  the  next  Assembly. 

1879,  p.  43.  From  the  elders  of  Free  Port  and  Euchee  Valley 
Churches,  in  the  bounds  of  the  Presbytery  of  Florida,  asking  the 
General  Assembly  to  transfer  said  churches  to  the  care  of  the  Presby¬ 
tery  of  East  Alabama.  Also,  to  change  the  boundary  of  said  Presby¬ 
teries  so  as  to  make  the  dividing  line  between  these  Presbyteries  to 
be  the  Choctawhatchie  River. 

It  was  recommended  that  the  request  be  granted  when  the  Synods 

of  Georgia  and  Alabama  shall  have  consented. 

It  does  not  appear  that  this  request  was  granted  by  the  Synods. — A. 

1896,  p.  585.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  South  Alabama, 
asking  that  the  church  of  West  Point  be  transferred  from  the  Presby¬ 
tery  of  Atlanta,  Synod  of  Georgia,  to  the  Presbytery  of  South  Ala¬ 
bama,  Synod  of  Alabama. 

Reply :  Inasmuch  as  the  Assembly  has  nothing  before  it  but  the 
overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  South  Alabama,  it  is  not  competent  for 
the  Assembly  to  grant  the  request  made  in  the  overture,  and  it  is 
therefore  declined. 

1897,  p.  43.  The  Synods  of  Alabama  and  Georgia,  having  both 
approved  the  request  of  the  West  Point  Church,  Presbytery  of  Atlanta, 
for  transfer  to  the  Presbytery  of  South  Alabama,  and  having  so 
notified  the  Assembly  through  their  stated  clerks,  the  Assembly  took 
this  action: 

In  answer  to  the  overture  of  the  Synod  of  Georgia  touching  the 
transfer  of  the  West  Point  Church  to  the  Synod  of  Alabama,  the 
Assembly  grants  this  overture  by  changing  the  boundary  line  between 
the  Synods  of  Georgia  and  Alabama,  so  as  to  place  the  West  Point 
Church  in  the  Synod  of  Alabama. 

1917,  p.  68.  In  answer  to  overture  from  the  Synod  of  Georgia, 
asking  that  West  Point  Church  be  transferred  from  Synod  of  Ala¬ 
bama  and  Presbytery  of  East  Alabama  to  Synod  of  Georgia  and 
Presbytery  of  Atlanta: 

We  recommend  that  the  bounds  of  the  Synods  of  Georgia  and 
Alabama  be  changed  so  that  the  church  will  be  transferred. 

263.  Change  in  the  boundary  between  the  Synods  of  Memphis  and 

Mississippi 

1865,  p.  358.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Central  Missis¬ 
sippi,  representing  that,  under  the  terms  of  the  union  agreed  upon 
with  the  United  Synod,  two  ministers  and  at  least  two  churches, 
properly  in  the  bounds  of  the  Synod  of  Memphis,  were  transferred  to 
that  Presbytery,  and  requesting  the  Assembly  to  rectify  this  matter. 

Ordered,  that  Rev.  E.  M.  Richardson  and  Rev.  George  P.  Richard¬ 
son,  together  with  the  churches  of  Grenada  and  Panola,  and  any 
other  churches  formerly  connected  with  the  Presbytery  of  Lexington 


118 


Church  Courts 


[Book  III 


South,  which  lie  north  of  the  northern  boundary  of  the  Synod  of 
Mississippi,  be  and  hereby  are  transferred  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Central  Mississippi  to  the  Presbytery  of  North  Mississippi,  of  the 
Synod  of  Memphis. 

1875,  p.  14.  Overture  from  the  Synod  of  Mississippi,  asking  the 
Assembly  to  change  the  boundary  line  between  that  Synod  and  the 
Synod  of  Memphis,  so  that  the  Presbyteries  of  Chickasaw  and  North 
Mississippi,  now  of  the  Synod  of  Memphis,  be  transferred  back  to 
the  Synod  of  Mississippi,  to  which  they  formerly  belonged,  for  the 
purpose  of  dividing  the  Synod  of  Mississippi  into  the  Synods  of 
Mississippi  and  Louisiana. 

Resolved,  That  in  view  of  the  fact  that  the  Synod  of  Memphis  has 
not  expressed  its  concurrence  in  this  action,  the  matter  be  referred 
back  to  the  Synods  of  Mississippi  and  Memphis. 

1880,  p.  185.  Overture  from  the  Synod  of  Memphis,  asking  the 
transfer  of  Oak  Grove  Church  from  Tombeckbee  Presbytery,  Synod 
of  Mississippi,  to  Chickasaw,  in  the  Synod  of  Memphis.  Granted. 

1896,  p.  585.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Chickasaw,  asking 
that  the  church  of  Oak  Grove  be  transferred  from  said  Presbytery 
to  the  Presbytery  of  Tombeckbee. 

Reply,  Inasmuch  as  the  Assembly  has  nothing  before  it  but  the 
overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Chickasaw,  it  is  not  competent  for 
the  Assembly  to  grant  the  petition  made  in  the  overture,  and  it  is 
therefore  declined. 

1897,  p.  15.  Overtures  from  the  Synods  of  Memphis  and  Missis¬ 
sippi  touching  the  transfer  of  Oak  Grove  Church.  Ordered  by  the 
Assembly,  that  said  church  be  transferred  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Chickasaw  to  the  Presbytery  of  Tombeckbee. 

264.  Change  in  the  boundary  between  the  Synods  of  Virginia  and 

North  Carolina 

1866,  p.  12.  The  General  Assembly  hereby  transfers  to  the  Synod 
of  Virginia,  to  be  connected  with  the  Presbytery  of  Roanoke,  that 
portion  of  the  territory  of  Virginia  lying  south  of  Dan  River  which 
now  belongs  to  the  Presbytery  of  Orange,  of  the  Synod  of  North 
Carolina,  embracing  the  churches  of  Danville,  Clarksville,  Spring 
Hill  and  Penuel,  to  carry  with  it  the  Rev.  John  M.  Kirkpatrick, 
pastor  of  the  church  of  Danville,  and  Rev.  F.  N.  Whaley,  pastor  of 
the  church  of  Clarksville,  and  Rev.  John  B.  Shearer,  pastor  of  the 
church  of  Spring  Hill — so  that  the  State  line  shall  hereafter  be  the 
boundary  between  the  Synod  of  Virgina  and  the  Synod  of  North 
Carolina. 

This  action  was  taken  at  the  request  of  the  Synod  of  Virginia, 
and  with  the  concurrence  of  the  Presbytery  of  Orange.  P.  11. 

1901,  p.  16.  On  the  overture  from  the  Synod  of  Virginia,  asking 
the  transfer  to  it  from  the  Synod  of  North  Carolina  of  a  church  and 
contiguous  territory,  “provided  the  last  named  Synod  concurs  there¬ 
in;”  and  on  the  overture  from  the  Synod  of  North  Carolina, 
petitioning  against  such  transfer,  it  was  decided  that,  inasmuch  as 


Secs.  263-267] 


The  Synod 


119 


the  one  condition  on  which  the  overture  from  the  Synod  of  Virginia 
is  based  was  not  fulfilled,  no  action  is  necessary. 

265.  Change  of  boundary  between  the  Synods  of  Nashville  and 

Virginia 

1870,  p.  505.  The  Presbytery  of  Holston,  of  the  Synod  of 
Nashville,  overtured  the  General  Assembly  to  define  the  boundary 
line  of  the  Synod  of  Nashville,  so  as  to  include  in  said  Synod  the 
county  of  Lee,  in  the  State  of  Virginia,  such  being  in  fact  the 
present  boundary  of  the  Synod.  Granted. 

1892,  p.  434.  The  Synod  of  Virginia  overtured  the  General 
Assembly,  the  Synod  of  Nashville  concurring,  to  transfer  the  county 
of  Lee,  in  Virginia,  from  the  Holston  Presbytery,  Synod  of  Nashville, 
to  Abingdon  Presbytery,  Synod  of  Virginia.  Ordered  that  the  transfer 
be  made. 

266.  Change  of  boundary  between  the  Synods  of  Louisiana  and 

Mississippi 

1902,  p.  259.  Overtures  from  the  Presbytery  of  New  Orleans  and 
the  Synod  of  Louisiana,  on  boundary  between  the  Synods  of  Louisiana 
and  Mississippi. 

Answer  (p.  286)  :  The  General  Assembly,  in  session  at  Little  Rock, 
Ark.,  exceeded  the  specific  request  of  the  Synod  of  Mississippi  in 
the  matter  of  the  division  of  the  Synod  of  Mississippi  into  two  Synods; 
therefore,  the  General  Assembly,  in  session  at  Jackson,  Miss.,  does 
hereby  modify  the  action  of  the  last  Assembly,  in  so  far  as  it  affects 
the  boundaries  of  the  Presbytery  of  Louisiana,  so  as  to  leave  the 
counties  of  Amite  and  Wilkinson  in  the  Synod  of  Louisiana. 

1909,  p.  46.  Overtures  from  the  Synod  of  Louisiana  and  the 
Presbytery  of  Mississippi,  asking  the  Assembly  to  transfer  the 
churches  of  Liberty,  Rose  Hill,  Centerville,  Woodville,  Hoyt  Memo¬ 
rial,  Unity  and  Bethany,  all  in  the  State  of  Mississippi,  together 
with  the  territory  embraced  in  the  counties  of  Amite  and  Wilkinson 
in  the  State  of  Mississippi,  from  the  Synod  of  Louisiana  to  the 
Synod  of  Mississippi,  so  that  the  boundaries  of  the  Synods  may 
coincide  with  the  boundaries  of  the  States. 

Answer:  The  Assembly  hereby  transfers  the  churches  named  and 
the  territory  described,  together  with  the  ministers  included,  and  the 
candidates  from  these  churches,  from  the  Synod  of  Louisiana  to 
the  Synod  of  Mississippi. 

267.  Change  in  the  boundary  of  Synods  of  Tennessee  and  Arkansas 

1902,  p.  259.  Overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  of  Memphis  and 
Arkansas,  asking  the  transfer  of  territory  from  the  Synod  of  Ten¬ 
nessee  to  the  Synod  of  Arkansas.  The  transfer  was  authorized  that 
the  boundary  might  conform  to  State  lines. 


120 


Church  Courts 


[Book  III 


268.  Division  of  the  Synod  of  Texas  refused 

1880,  p.  185.  Overture  from  the  Synod  of  Texas,  asking  a 
division  of  said  Synod.  Overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  of  Eastern 
Texas  and  Dallas,  asking  a  modification  of  said  overture  and  over¬ 
tures  from  the  Presbyteries  of  Central  Texas,  Western  Texas  and 
Paris,  in  opposition  to  the  overture. 

In  view  of  the  conflicting  overtures  from  Presbyteries  within  the 
bounds  of  the  Synod  of  Texas,  and  of  the  fact  that  delay  in  the 
division  contemplated  would  work  no  injury  to  the  Church,  the 
subject  was  remanded  to  the  said  Synod  for  further  action. 

269.  Two  hundredth  anniversary  of  the  formation  of  the  first  Synod 

in  America 

1916,  p.  70.  In  answer  to  overture  from  the  Eastern  Texas  Presby¬ 
tery,  touching  the  appointment  of  an  ad  interim  committee  to  arrange 
a  program  for  the  celebration  of  the  two  hundredth  anniversary  of 
the  formation  of  the  first  Synod  in  America  for  the  Assembly  of  1917, 

We  recommend  that  it  be  answered  in  the  affirmative,  and  that  the 
Moderator  appoint  the  committee  asked  for  to  arrange  a  program  for 
one  evening  of  the  next  Assembly. 

(The  Moderator  appointed  Rev.  Drs.  W.  McF.  Alexander  and 
T.  H.  Law.) 

1917,  p.  17.  Dr.  R.  E.  Vinson,  President  of  the  University  of 
Texas,  was  secured  to  deliver  the  historical  address,  but  was  after¬ 
wards  compelled  by  other  work  to  ask  to  be  released  from  this  duty. 
Dr.  R.  C.  Reed  of  Columbia  Seminary,  took  his  place  and  delivered 
the  address.  Rev.  Dr.  J.  S.  Lyons  then  led  the  Assembly  in  prayer. 

270.  Proposed  changes  in  constitution  of  Synod 

1882,  p.  572.  The  Assembly  declined  to  take  steps  to  make  the 
Synod  to  be  composed  of  representatives  of  the  Presbyteries. 

1901,  p.  22.  On  an  overture  asking  the  appointment  of  an  ad 
interim  committee  to  make  an  exhaustive  study  of  our  system  of 
government  with  reference  to  the  possibility  and  wisdom  of  effecting 
such  change  or  changes  in  our  system  of  government  as  will  give 
our  Synod  its  logical,  natural  and  rightful  position  in  the  line  of 
our  Church  courts,  the  Assembly  declined  to  appoint  the  committee. 

1903,  p.  465.  To  an  overture  asking  that  the  Synod  of  Tennessee 
be  made  a  representative  body,  a  negative  answer  was  given. 

1907,  p.  55.  An  overture  asking  the  appointment  of  an  ad* interim 
committee  to  make  an  exhaustive  study  of  our  entire  system  of 
Church  government,  with  an  especial  view  to  changing  same  so  that 
Synod  may  be  given  its  rightful  place  in  the  line  of  our  Church 
courts.  Answered  in  the  negative. 

1909,  p.  47.  Overtures  from  the  Synod  of  North  Carolina,  asking 
the  Assembly  to  send  down  to  the  Presbyteries  for  their  adoption 
certain  changes  in  our  form  of  government  having  in  view  the  making 
of  the  Synod  a  Court  in  regular  gradation. 


Secs.  268-272] 


The  Synod 


121 


At  the  suggestion  and  request  of  representatives  of  the  Synod  of 
North  Carolina,  the  Assembly  appointed  an  ad  interim  committee  to 
consider  all  the  matters  referred  to  in  this  overture  and  report  to  the 
Assembly  of  1910. 

1910,  p.  26.  The  report  of  this  committee  was  ordered  printed  in 
the  Appendix  of  the  Minutes  (pp.  139ff),  and  was  docketed  for 
consideration  by  the  next  Assembly. 

1911,  p.  46.  Touching  the  ad  interim  committee’s  report  to  the  last 
Assembly  on  making  the  Synod  a  court  in  regular  gradation,  the 
following  answer  was  adopted:  The  Committee  on  Bills  and  Over¬ 
tures  recommend  that  the  Assembly  send  this  report  to  the  Presby¬ 
teries  for  their  advice,  to  be  reported  to  the  next  General  Assembly. 
(Appendix  to  the  Minutes  of  the  General  Assembly  1910,  page  139.) 

1912,  p.  36.  Touching  the  proposed  amendment  to  Form  of 
Government,  making  Synod  a  court  in  gradation,  of  the  76  Presby¬ 
teries  answering  the  overture  wholly  or  in  part:  3  gave  their  consent; 
67  declined  to  consent;  6  not  returning  an  answer. 

271.  Proposal  to  fix  time  of  Synod's  meetings  with  reference  to 

visits  of  Secretaries 

1907,  p.  57.  An  overture  asking  that  Synods  be  urged  to  arrange 
the  times  of  their  meetings,  so  as  to  expedite  the  visits  of  the  Secre¬ 
taries.  Answered  in  the  negative. 

272.  Meetings  of  Synod  held  out  of  time  legalized 

1874,  p.  484.  The  Synod  of  Alabama  asked  that  its  meeting  in 
November,  1873,  be  legalized,  said  Synod  having  been  unable  to  meet 
at  the  regular  time  on  account  of  the  prevalence  of  the  yellow  fever. 
Granted. 

1879,  p.  19.  A  similar  request  made  by  the  same  Synod  was 
again  granted,  the  reason  for  its  irregular  convening  being  the  same 
as  the  above. 

1902,  p.  257.  Same  request  by  Synod  of  Arkansas  granted. 

1914,  p.  24.  Overture  from  the  Synod  of  Texas,  asking  the 
Assembly  to  legalize  a  meeting  of  the  Synod  out  of  the  regular  time 
and  place. 

Answer. — The  Assembly  approves, 

1919,  p.  69-a.  The  records  of  the  Synod  of  Appalachia  were 
approved,  with  the  following  exceptions: 

We,  your  Committee  on  the  Minutes  of  the  Synod  of  Appalachia,  beg 
leave  to  submit  the  following  report: 

We  find  that  the  regular  meeting  of  this  Synod  was  not  held  on 
account  of  the  epidemic  of  influenza,  but  a  called  meeting  was  held 
in  Morristown,  Tenn.,  December  3,  1918,  at  7:30  p.  m.  However, 
the  call  of  the  Moderator  for  this  meeting  was  not  incorporated  in 
the  minutes  of  the  meeting. 

The  Synod  asks  the  Assembly  to  validate  this  called  meeting  of 
the  Synod  as,  under  unusual  conditions,  fulfilling  the  spirit  of  the 
Book  of  Church  Order  for  an  annual  meeting.  We  recommend  that 
the  Assembly  take  this  action  and  that  minutes  be  approved. 


122 


Church  Courts 


[Book  III 


273.  Synods  ordered  by  the  Assembly  to  meet 

1864,  p.  281.  Whereas  the  Synod  of  Memphis  failed  to  meet  on 
its  adjournment  in  1863;  therefore  Resolved,  by  this  Assembly  that 
the  Synod  of  Memphis  is  hereby  ordered  to  meet  in  Covington,  Tenn., 
on  Wednesday  before  the  fourth  Sabbath  in  October,  at  7  o’clock 

p.  M. 

1865,  p.  358.  Overture  from  a  convention  of  ministers  and  elders 
belonging  to  the  Synod  of  Nashville,  informing  the  Assembly  that 
the  Synod  had  not  been  able  to  meet  since  the  fall  of  1861;  declaring 
their  cordial  adherence  to  this  body,  and  their  approval  of  our 
position  and  principles;  and  requesting  the  Assembly  to  appoint  a 
meeting  of  Synod  at  an  early  day. 

This  request  was  granted,  and  the  Synod  of  Nashville  was 
directed  to  meet  in  the  Presbyterian  church  of  Huntsville,  Ala.,  on 
Thursday  before  the  third  Sabbath  of  January,  1866,  at  6:30  o’clock 
p.  m.,  the  sessions  to  be  opened  with  a  sermon  by  Rev.  Robert  Harden, 
D.  D.,  or  in  case  of  his  absence,  by  the  oldest  minister  present,  who 
shall  preside  until  a  Moderator  be  chosen. 

274.  Called  meetings  of  Synod 

1893,  p.  54.  The  Book  of  Church  Order  does  not  separately 
contemplate  or  provide  for  called,  or  pro  re  nata,  meetings  of  Synod. 
The  Book,  that  is,  makes  no  separate  provision  therefor.  There  is 
general  provision  in  Rule  55.  And  it  is  the  judgment  of  this 
Assembly  that  emergencies  may  arise  when  the  Moderator,  with  the 
concurrence  or  at  the  request  of  seven  ministers  and  three  ruling 
elders,  not  more  than  three  of  each  belonging  to  the  same  Presbytery, 
may  call  such  a  meeting,  under  the  same  restricting  principles  as 
govern  the  Presbytery. 

275.  When  Synod  orders  a  Presbytery  to  meet,  it  must  specify  the 

object 

This  action  was  taken  in  two  cases — Minutes  1867,  p.  139  and 
1869,  p.  380. 

276.  Synod  may  order  a  Presbytery  to  meet  instanter 

1870,  p.  515.  Overture  from  the  Synod  of  North  Carolina, 
requesting  the  Assembly  “to  provide  for  the  Synod’s  calling  a  meeting 
of  Presbyteries  during  the  sessions  of  Synod  for  the  transaction  of 
their  own  or  the  Synod’s  business,  when  the  Presbyteries  have  failed 
to  appoint  such  meeting.”  Overture  answered  by  referring  the 
Synod  of  North  Carolina  to  the  action  of  the  General  Assembly 
of  1848,  as  found  on  page  251  of  Baird’s  Digest,  viz.: 

Resolved,  1,  That  Synod  has  power  to  order  a  Presbytery  to 
meet,  and  to  transact  such  business  as  in  the  judgment  of  Synod  is 
intimately  connected  with  the  good  order  and  well-being  of  the 
Church. 


Secs.  273-279] 


The  Synod 


123 


Resolved,  2.  That  as  such  meetings  are  of  the  nature  of  pro  re 
nata  meetings,  the  rules  that  are  laid  down  in  our  Book  for  the 
regulation  of  such  called  meetings  ought  to  regulate  and  govern  in 
all  cases  these  meetings  ordered  by  Synod, .  except  when  ordered  to 
meet  during  the  sessions  of  Synod  on  business  immediately  connected 
with  the  proceedings  of  that  body.  In  such  cases  the  Presbytery  may 
be  required  to  meet  at  once  by  order  of  the  Synod. 

277.  Has  Synod  power  to  order  a  Presbytery  to  meet  during  its  own 

sessions  ? 

1885,  p.  425.  Overture  from  the  Synod  of  Mississippi,  inquiring 
as  to  the  right  of  a  Synod  to  convene  one  of  its  constituent  Presby¬ 
teries  during  its  own  sessions. 

Answer :  The  Assembly  refers  the  Synod  to  its  recent  ruling  in 
sustaining  an  exception  to  its  Minutes,  that  a  Synod  has  no  such 
power.  (See  next  paragraph.) 

1885,  p.  412.  The  records  of  the  Synod  of  Mississippi  were 
approved  with  the  following  exception:  On  page  143,  Synod  is  on 
record  as  ordering  a  meeting  of  one  of  its  Presbyteries  on  the  next 
day,  Synod  having  no  power,  according  to  our  Book  of  Church 
Order,  to  order  such  meeting.  (Chap.  V.,  Sec.  IV.,  Art.  VIII.) 

1886,  p.  47.  Overture  from  the  Synod  of  Mississippi,  touching 
contradictory  decisions  of  the  Assemblies  on  the  power  of  Synod  to 
order  a  meeting  of  Presbytery. 

In  reply,  the  following  was  adopted: 

The  Synod  has  power  to  convene  a  meeting  of  any  of  its  consti¬ 
tuent  Presbyteries  during  the  session  of  Synod,  to  attend  to  any  of 
the  interests  of  religion  within  the  bounds  of  Synod  which  require 
immediate  attention,  and  which  are  specified  in  the  call. 

278.  Biennial  meeting  of  Synod 

1875,  p.  20,  1879,  p.  36  and  1894,  p.  201,  the  Assembly  declined 
to  make  this  change. 

279.  Quorum  of  Synod 

1869,  p.  390.  An  overture,  asking  whether  any  number  of  min¬ 
isters  and  elders  from  two  Presbyteries  can,  under  any  circumstances, 
be  regarded  as  a  constitutional  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  Syno¬ 
dical  business.  Answered  in  the  negative. 

1900,  pp.  613,  643.  On  the  overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  of 
Florida,  Suwanee  and  St.  Johns,  asking  that  a  quorum  of  Synod 
shall  be  representatives  from  two  Presbyteries  instead  of  from  three, 
as  at  present,  it  is  recommended  that  the  Assembly  send  down  to 
the  Presbyteries  for  approval  the  following  amendment  to  the  Book 
of  Church  Order,  so  that  Paragraph  82,  last  clause,  shall  read, 
“Provided  this  number  include  representatives  from  a  majority  of 
the  Presbyteries  constituting  the  Synod.”  Adopted. 


124 


Church  Courts 


[Book  III 


1901,  p.  45.  A  majority  of  the  Presbyteries  voted  against  this 
amendment.  The  Assembly  then  sent  down  to  the  Presbyteries  the 
following  amendment  to  the  Book  of  Church  Order,  for  their  advice 
and  consent,  with  the  recommendation  that  it  be  adopted,  to-wit: 
Add  to  Par.  82  the  following  words:  “Provided  further,  that  in  the 
case  of  a  Synod  composed  of  only  three  Presbyteries,  any  seven 
ministers  representing  any  two  Presbyteries,  together  with  three 
ruling  elders,  shall  be  a  quorum.” 

1902,  p.  286.  The  vote  of  the  Presbyteries  on  this  amendment  was 
57  in  the  affirmative  and  8  in  the  negative.  The  amendment  was 
thereupon  enacted. 

280.  Entering  absentees  from  Synod  upon  its  records 

1884,  p.  221.  Overture  from  the  Synod  of  Virginia:  “The 
General  Assembly  is  requested  to  reconsider  its  action  entered  upon 
the  record  of  this  Synod,  requiring  the  names  of  its  absentees  to  be 
entered  upon  its  records.” 

Request  granted. 

* 

281.  Synod  has  no  power  to  amend  the  record  of  an  inferior  court 

1877,  p.  443.  The  records  of  the  Synod  of  North  Carolina  were 
approved,  with  the  exception  that  on  page  489  it  ordered  a  paragraph 
of  the  records  of  an  inferior  court  to  be  stricken  out. 

282.  Names  of  churches  represented  by  elders  should  be  given 

1887,  p.  232.  This  action  was  taken  in  reviewing  the  Minutes 
of  two  Synods. 

283.  Synodical  evangelists 

1892,  p.  449.  The  Presbytery  of  Mecklenburg  asks: 

1.  Do  the  Scriptures  or  the  Constitution  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  recognize  the  office  of  Synodical  evangelist? 

2.  Has  the  Synod  power  to  inaugurate  and  maintain  evangelistic 
work  in  its  bounds? 

The  Assembly  answers  both  questions: 

The  Scriptures  recognize  the  office  of  evangelist,  and  the  Consti¬ 
tution  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  authorizes  Synod  to  use  them. 
“The  Synod  has  power.  .  .  .to  appoint  ministers  to  such  work,  proper 
to  their  office,  as  may  fall  under  its  own  particular  jurisdiction;  to 
concert  measures  for  promoting  the  prosperity  and  enlargement  of 
the  Church  within  its  bounds.  (Book  of  Church  Order,  Chap.  V., 
Sec.  V.,  Par.  4.) 

3.  Define  the  work,  powers  and  prerogatives  of  said  office  in 
relation  to  the  Presbyteries. 

These  are  clearly  defined  in  our  Book  of  Church  Order.  (Chap. 
V.,  Sec.  V.,  Par.  4.) 


Secs.  279-289] 


The  Synod 


125 


Because  the  Presbytery  alone  has  power  to  ordain,  this  does  not 
prevent  Synod  using  such  ordained  men. 

284.  Apportionments  for  Synodical  evangelism 

1892,  p.  449.  The  Presbytery  of  Mecklenburg  asks:  Has  the 
Synod  any  constitutional  right  authoritatively  to  make  apportionments 
for  Synodical  evangelists  upon  the  Presbyteries? 

Answer:  Only  with  the  consent  of  Presbytery. 

285.  Reapportionment  in  the  Synod  of  West  Virginia 

1914,  p.  80-a.  In  view  of  the  erection  of  the  Synod  of  West 
Virginia  since  the  report  of  the  Standing  Committee  of  Systematic 
Beneficence,  and  the  consequent  necessity  of  the  readjustment  of  the 
apportionment  assigned  to  the  Synod  of  Virginia;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  Chairman  of  the  Systematic  Beneficence  Com¬ 
mittee  of  the  Synod  of  Virginia  be  authorized  to  make  the  adjustment 
on  the  basis  of  the  apportionments  uuw  in  effect  in  the  several 
Presbyteries  of  these  two  Synods,  and  that  he  report  the  same  to 
the  Chairman  of  the  Presbyterial  Committees  in  the  two  Synods. 

286.  Let  overtures  go  to  Synod 

1894,  p.  194.  Inasmuch  as  the  number  of  overtures  and  memo¬ 
rials  from  the  Presbyteries,  increasing  from  year  to  year,  greatly 
burdens  the  Assembly  with  work,  much  of  which  can  be  as  well 
performed  by  their  respective  Synods,  the  Assembly  recommends  to 
the  Presbyteries  that,  in  the  matter  of  overtures,  the  Synod  be  not 
passed  over,  except  in  cases  clearly  calling  for  the  action  of  the 
Assembly. 

287.  The  records  ought  not  to  contain  outside  matter 

1862,  p.  13.  This  action  was  taken  in  reviewing  the  Minutes  of 
;a  Synod. 

.288.  Candidates  for  the  ministry  and  communicants  not  to  he 

reported  as  members  of  Synod 

1892,  p.  426.  This  action  was  taken  in  reviewing  the  minutes 
of  a  Svnod. 

j 

289.  What  Synod  should  put  in  its  Minutes 

1884,  p.  252.  Exception  to  the  records  of  the  Synod  of  Arkansas 
as  follows:  That  on  pages  67,  68,  there  are  recorded  some  reports  of 
Presbyteries  made  to  Synod  on  the  Narrative,  while  the  substance 
of  the  same  is  embodied  in  Synod’s  Narrative. 

1885,  p.  404.  Overture  from  the  Synod  of  Arkansas:  To  so 


126 


Church  Courts 


[Book  III 


define  the  scope  of  the  Narrative  of  Religion  and  the  statistical 
reports  from  Presbyteries,  that  they  may  know  what  to  record  and 
what  to  omit  from  their  Minutes. 

Answer :  The  Synod  ought  to  record  in  its  Minutes,  (1),  The 
statistical  reports  of  Presbyteries.  (2),  Its  Narrative,  as  prepared 
for  the  General  Assembly;  and  in  this  Narrative  should  be  embodied 
whatsoever  bears  on  the  state  of  religion  within  its  bounds. 

290.  The  Assembly  may  demand  the  records  of  a  Synod 

This  action  was  taken  in  1861,  p.  34,  and  in  1884,  p.  253.  See 
also  Minutes  of  1905,  pp.  16,  17. 

291.  A  copy  of  the  records  of  Synod  may  be  sent  up  for  review, 

if  duly  authenticated 

1864,  p.  251.  A  letter  was  read  from  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the 
Synod  of  Virginia,  setting  forth  the  impracticability  of  his  sending 
up  to  this  Assembly  the  written  records  of  said  Synod,  and  asking 
permission  to  substitute  for  these  an  authenticated  copy  of  the 
published  Minutes.  This  permission  was  granted,  and  the  published 
Minutes  of  this  Synod  were  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  appropriate 
Standing  Committee. 

See  also  Minutes  of  1883,  p.  21;  1884,  p.  252;  1899,  p.  422. 

292.  Minutes  must  be  signed  by  Stated  Clerk 

t 

1885,  p.  410.  The  records  of  Synod  of  Alabama  were  approved 
except  that  they  are  not  certified  by  the  Stated  Clerk. 

293.  How  a  Synod  may  be  divided 

1876,  p.  241.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Macon,  calling 
attention  to  the  inconvenient  size  of  Synods. 

Answer:  As  to  the  unwieldy  size  of  the  Synods,  the  Assembly 
according  to  usage,  can  act  only  in  response  to  a  specific  call  for 
the  division  or  reconstruction  of  Synods. 

294.  May  the  members  of  a  Presbytery,  sitting  as  members  of 
Synod,  vote  on  the  approval  of  their  Presbyterial  records? 

In  1878,  p.  653,  decided  in  negative.  But  the  Book  of  Church  Order, 
adopted  in  1879,  gives  the  representatives  of  a  Presbytery  sitting 
in  Synod  the  right  to  vote  botn  on  the  approval  of  the  Minutes  of 
their  Presbytery,  and  on  judicial  cases  appealed  from  it;  in  both 
of  which  respects  it  differs  from  the  old  Book. — A. 


CHAPTER  IV 


THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY 

295.  The  Assembly  organized 

The  Assembly  was  organized  at  Augusta,  Ga.,  Dec.  4,  1861.  For 
a  list  of  the  Presbyteries  which  were  represented  by  commissioners, 
see  p.  96  of  this  Digest.  Rpv.  Francis  McFarland,  D.  D.,  pre¬ 
sided  during  the  introductory  exercises  and  afterward  constituted 
the  Assembly  with  prayer.  Rev.  B.  M.  Palmer,  D.  D.,  preached  the 
opening  sermon  and  was  chosen  Moderator. 

296.  The  Atlanta  Convention 

This  Convention  met  in  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Aug.  15,  1861,  and  was  in 
session  three  days.  There  were  present  twenty  delegates  from 
eleven  Presbyteries,  with  fourteen  corresponding  members  from  six 
Presbyteries.  The  convention  assumed  no  ecclesiastical  authority. 
All  its  actions  were  in  the  form  of  suggestion  and  recommendation. 
It  was  urged  that  there  be  a  full  representation  at  the  first  meeting 
of  the  Assembly  to  be  held  in  the  following  December.  No  action 
was  taken  on  any  of  the  Church  Agencies,  except  to  endorse  a 
temporary  plan  for  Foreign  Missions  which  had  been  in  operation 
in  Columbia,  S.  C.  (See  Book  IV,  Chap.  I  of  this  Digest.) 

297.  Rules 

1861,  p.  7.  It  was  resolved  that  this  Assembly  shall  be  governed 
by  the  rules  and  precedents  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States,  until  otherwise  ordered. 

1861,  p.  31.  It  was  made  the  duty  of  the  Committee  on  Revision 
to  examine  the  Rules  of  Order  adopted  by  this  General  Assembly, 
and  submit  for  the  consideration  of  the  next  General  Assembly  any 
change  in  said  rules  which  to  them  may  seem  necessary. 

1864,  p.  244.  This  committee  reported  a  revised  draft  of  the 
Rules.  The  chief  changes  made  consisted  in  the  addition  of  a  few 
rules,  and  a  classification  of  them  under  distinct  heads,  by  the  use 
of  which  the  Moderator  and  members  of  any  court  may  find  at  a 
glance  any  rule  sought  for.  (See  p.  49  of  Supplement  to  Alexander’s 
Digest.)  After  being  read,  these  rules  were  referred  to  the  next 
General  Assembly. 

1866,  p.  9.  The  Assembly  adopted  these  rules  for  its  own  guidance 
and  for  the  use  of  subsequent  Assemblies. 

These  rules  are  omitted  from  this  Digest,  as  they  are  easily  accessible 
elsewhere. 


128 


Church  Courts 


[Book  III 


1922,  p.  74.  An  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Greenbrier,  to 
which  your  Committee  would  recommend  the  following  answer: 

The  Assembly  of  1921  adopted  plans  for  the  raising  of  a  fund  of 
$5,000,000  for  the  equipment  of  the  several  departments  of  its  bene- 
cient  work,  refusing  to  send  the  proposition  down  to  the  Presbyteries- 
for  their  approval  of  its  plans.  It  also  “directed”  the  lower  courts, 
to  divide  the  beneficent  funds  according  to  the  schedule  of  percentages 
designated  by  the  Assembly.  The  Presbytery  of  Greenbrier  com¬ 
plains  of  these  acts  of  the  Assembly  of  1921,  and  overtures  this- 
Assembly  to  give  a  deliverance  upon  the  subject.  Your  Committee 
recommends  that  the  Assembly  adopt  the  following  reply:  Without 
criticising  or  construing  the  action  of  the  Assembly  of  1921,  this 
Assembly  declares  that  it  is  competent  for  the  Assembly  to  devise- 
plans  for  the  carrying  out  of  the  work  committed  to  it  by  the  Con¬ 
stitution  of  the  Church,  and  to  recommend  such  plans  to  the  lower 
courts  and  seek  their  co-operation;  but  has  no  authority  from  the 
Book  of  Church  Order  to  control  lower  courts  in  their  decisins  as  to 
what  collections  shall  be  taken  up,  or  how  these  collections  shall  be 
expended. 


298.  The  Assembly  not  a  continuous  court 

1920,  p.  80-a.  Overtures  relating  to  making  the  Assembly  a 
continuous  court.  We  recommend  that  these  be  answered  in  the 
negative. 

299.  The  selection  of  ruling  elders  as  commissioners  not  limited 
to  those  who  are  members  of  Presbytery  at  the  time 

1890,  p.  46.  An  elder  may  be  elected  as  a  commissioner  to  the 
General  Assembly  when  an  acting  elder  within  the  bounds  of  the 
electing  Presbytery,  though  he  may  not  be  a  member  of  the  Presbytery 
at  the  time  of  his  election.  Same  action  in  1896,  p.  574. 

300.  No  Presbytery  may  have  more  than  four  commissioners 

1894,  p.  197.  Is  a  Presbytery  having  more  than  forty-eight  min¬ 
isters  entitled  to  a  greater  number  than  two  ministerial  and  two 
ruling  elder  commissioners  to  the  General  Assembly? 

Answered  in  the  negative.  Same  action  in  1895,  p.  395. 


301.  Double  delegation  compulsory 

1902,  p.  254.  To  an  overture  asking  whether  a  Presbytery 
having  the  requisite  number  of  ministers  is  under  obligation  to 
appoint  four  commissioners  to  the  Assembly,  an  affirmative  answer 
was  given. 

1903,  p.  465.  Same  action. 


Secs.  297-305] 


The  General  Assembly 


129 


302.  Correct  rule  for  election  of  Commissioners 

1912,  p.  26.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Kanawha,  asking 
for  the  correction  of  an  error  in  its  rule  for  the  election  of  commis¬ 
sioners  to  the  Assembly  as  that  rule  was  printed  in  the  Minutes  of 
1911.  Answer:  The  following  is  the  corrected  rule  as  given  in  this 
overture:  “The  minister  who  is  the  oldest  member  of  the  Presby¬ 
tery,  who  has  been  for  the  longest  time  absent  from  the  General 
Assembly  as  a  representative  of  this  Presbytery,  shall  be  the  minis¬ 
terial  commissioner  to  the  General  Assembly,  unless  the  Presbytery 
by  a  two-thirds  majority  shall  determine  otherwise.” 

303.  Basis  of  representation  in  the  Assembly 

1911,  p.  23.  From  the  Presbytery  of  Enoree  touching  the  basis 
of  representation  in  the  General  Assembly,  we  recommend: 

That  it  be  referred  to  an  ad  interim  committee  consisting  of  John 
F.  Cannon,  D.  D.,  W.  McF.  Alexander,  D.  D.,  Junius  B.  French, 
D.  D.,  Rutherford  Lapsley,  and  W.  C.  Branham. 

Adopted. 

The  Overture  is  as  follows: 

The  Presbytery  of  Enoree  respectfully  overtures  the  General  As¬ 
sembly  to  meet  in  Louisville,  Ky.,  to  take  steps  for  the  amendment  of 
Paragraph  87,  Form  of  Government,  so  that  it  may  read  as  follows: 
“Every  Presbytery  shall  be  entitled  to  send  one  minister  and  one 
ruling  elder;  but  if  the  number -of  communicants  in  its  churches  and 
ministers  on  its  roll  together  be  over  4,000,  it  shall  send  an  additional 
minister  and  ruling  elder;  and  in  like  proportion  for  every  4,000 
communicants  and  ministers.” 

1912,  p.  35.  The  report  of  the  ad  interim  committee  was  adopted 
and  sent  down  to  the  Presbyteries  for  their  advice  and  consent. 

1913,  p.  30.  The  amendment  was  approved  by  a  sufficient  number 
of  Presbyteries,  and  was  thereupon  enacted  by  the  Assembly: 

1922,  p.  74.  An  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Meridian  ask- 
in  gthe  Assembly  to  take  steps  to  have  changed  the  basis  of  repre¬ 
sentation  in  the  Assembly  from  4,000  to  5,000. 

Answered  in  the  negative. 

304.  Commissioners  may  be  chosen  for  two  years 

1914,  p.  25.  Overture  from  Louisville  Presbytery,  concerning  a 
change  in  the  membership  of  the  Assembly  so  that  all  Commissioners 
shall  be  elected  for  two  years,  one-half  of  whom  shall  retire  each 
year. 

Answer :  The  Assembly  replies  that  there  is  no  constitutional 
hindrance  to  Presbyteries  sending  their  commissioners  for  two  years 
when  they  so  desire. 

305.  Request  that  half  of  the  Commissioners  be  returned  the  next 

year 

1914,  p.  80.  Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  request  the 


130 


Church  Courts 


[Book  III 


Presbyteries,  in  electing  Commissioners  to  the  Assembly  of  1915,  to 
elect  at  least  half  of  the  Commissioners  from  each  Presbytery  from 
those  who  served  in  the  Assembly  of  1914. 

Resolved  further,  That  the  Assembly  request  the  Presbyteries  to 
adopt  a  standing  rule  which  will  result  in  the  return  to  the  Assembly 
of  each  succeeding  year  at  least  one-half  of  the  Commissioners  from 
each  Presbytery  from  those  who  had  served  in  the  Assembly  imme¬ 
diately  preceding. 

306.  Basis  of  representation  for  minority  units  not  changed 

1919,  p.  51.  From  the  Presbytery  of  Paris,  asking  that  the  basis 
of  representation  for  minority  units  in  the  Assembly  be  changed. 

Answer. — The  General  Assembly  recommends  to  the  several 
Presbyteries  that  they  advise  and  consent  to  the  following  amendment 
to  the  Form  of  Government,  Chapter  V.,  Section  VI.,  Paragraph  II: 
Strike  out  all  after  the  words  “one  ruling  elder”  and  substitute  the 
following:  “But  if  the  number  of  communicants  in  its  churches 
and  ministers  on  its  roll  together  be  more  than  3,000,  it  shall  send 
an  additional  minister  and  ruling  elder  for  every  additional  3,000 
communicants  and  ministers  or  major  fraction  thereof.” 

1920,  p.  80-a.  The  recommendation  failed  to  receive  the  approval 
of  the  requisite  number  of  Presbyteries. 

307.  May  an  alternate  take  the  place  of  a  principal  after  the  letter 
has  been  enrolled  as  a  member  of  the  court? 

1899,  p.  430.  To  an  overture  asking  whether  alternates  may  take 
the  place  of  principals,  or  vice  versa,  after  the  court  has  been  organ¬ 
ized,  and  one  or  the  other  has  been  enrolled  as  a  member  of  it,  and 
taken  part  in  its  deliberations,  the  following  answer  was  given: 

There  being  nothing  in  the  Constitution  bearing  specifically  on  the 
point,  it  is  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly  that  the  substitution  of  the 
alternate  for  the  principal,  or  vice  versa,  is  competent  whenever,  in 
the  judgment  of  the  court,  such  a  change  is  deemed  necessary  or 
proper,  in  every  case  the  change  being  made  a  matter  of  record 
See  Minutes,  1901,  p.  31. 

308.  Commissioners  leaving  before  the  Assembly  adjourns 

1877,  p.  442.  Resolved,  That  the  Assembly  does  hereby  advise  the 
Presbyteries,  in  electing  their  commissioners  in  the  future,  to  do  so 
with  a  view  to  their  remaining  in  session  during  a  term  probably 
not  less  than  about  two  weeks. 

1878,  p.  666.  Extract  Jfrom  report  of  Committee  on  Leave  of 
Absence,  which  was  approved :  The  committee  would  state  that  we  are 
constrained  to  believe  that  some,  whose  names  we  are  not  able  to 
give,  did  leave,  without  appearing  before  the  committee  and  giving 
reasons,  and  that  such  are  worthy  of  reprehension  for  violating  the 
obligations  which  they  owed  to  their  respective  Presbyteries. 


Secs.  305-310] 


The  General  Assembly 


131 


The  substance  of  the  above  actions  appears  in  the  Minutes  every 
few  years. 

1915,  p.  80-i.  We  would  recommend  that  a  standing  rule  be 
adopted  as  follows: 

1.  That  each  year  blanks  be  furnished  the  Standing  Committee  on 
Leave  of  Absence  showing  space  for  name  of  Commissioner,  his 
Presbytery,  and  reasons  for  being  excused. 

2.  That  all  requests  be  made  in  writing  on  blanks  provided. 

3.  That  the  excuses  thus  granted  be  forwarded  after  the  Assembly 
closes  by  the  Stated  Clerk  to  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the  Presbytery  from 
which  the  Commissioner  comes. 

1916,  p.  78.  The  Committee  on  Leave  of  Absence  recommended 
that  the  Stated  Clerk  be  directed  to  have  printed  a  sufficient  number 
of  blank  forms  for  the  use  of  the  Committee  on  Leave  of  Absence 
at  the  Assembly,  and  that  the  blank  forms  read: 

This  certifies  that . has  for  good  and 

sufficient  reasons,  been  excused  from  further  attendance  upon  the 
sessions  of  this  Assembly  after . . session. 

Committee  on  Leave  of  Absence, 

. . Chairman. 

1917,  p.  74.  Your  Committee  recommends  that  Presbyteries  be 
advised  in  placing  commissions  in  the  hands  of  their  representatives 
to  the  Assembly  to  duly  inform  them  of  their  duties  as  Commissioners 
and  the  probable  duration  of  the  sessions  of  the  Assembly. 

309.  Lord’s  Supper  to  be  celebrated  after  Moderator’s  sermon 

1912,  p.  35.  The  Standing  Committee  on  Devotional  Exercises 

presented  the  following  resolution,  which  was  adopted: 

We  recommend  that  it  be  a  standing  rule  in  our  Assembly  that 
immediately  following  the  Moderator’s  opening  sermon,  the  sacrament 
of  the  Lord’s  supper  shall  be  celebrated,  the  retiring  Moderator 
presiding. 


310.  Moderator  of  each  Assembly  not  to  be  ex  officio  a  member  of 

the  next  Assembly 

1908,  p.  33.  An  overture  asking  the  Assembly  to  declare  that 
the  Moderator  of  each  Assembly  is  ex  officio  a  member  at  large 
of  the  next  succeeding  Assembly. 

Answer:  Under  the  Constitution  we  see  no  way  by  which  the 
overture  can  be  answered  favorably. 

1909,  p.  47.  Same  action. 

1910,  p.  66.  To  an  overture  touching  a  change  in  the  Form  of 
Government,  making  the  retiring  Moderator  a  member  of  the  next 
Assembly,  a  negative  answer  was  returned.  But,  inasmuch  as  our 
law  requires  that  the  retiring  Moderator  render  certain  services  to 
the  subsequent  Assembly,  we  recommend  that  provision  be  made 


132 


Church  Courts 


[Book  III 


for  his  necessary  traveling  expenses  by  the  court  thus  served,  leaving 
Presbyteries  free  to  send  another  as  commissioner,  should  they  prefer 
to  do  so. 

Adopted. 

1917,  p.  17.  The  privileges  of  the  floor  were  extended  to  all  the 
ex-Moderators  present. 

311.  Enacting  power  of  the  Assembly 

1908,  p.  32.  An  overture  was  received,  submitting  the  following 
question : 

“Has  the  General  Assembly  the  right  to  set  aside  the  decision  of 
the  Presbyteries  in  a  matter  which  had  been  referred  to  them  for 
their  action;  and  independently  thereof,  consider  and  determine  the 
matter?” 

Inasmuch  as  there  was  a  wide  difference  of  opinion  as  to  the  power 
of  the  Assembly  when  enacting  that  which  has  been  voted  upon  by 
the  Presbyteries,  submitted  to  them  by  a  previous  Assembly,  the 
Assembly  appointed  an  ad  interim  committee  of  five  (p.  47)  to 
canvass  the  whole  question  of  the  enacting  power  of  the  General 
Assembly  and  report  to  the  next  Assembly. 

1909,  p.  51.  This  committee  reported:  There  are  two  classes  of 
questions  which  should  be  distinguished,  the  one  from  the  other, 
in  considering  the  enacting  power  of  the  General  Assembly: 

1.  There  is  a  class  of  questions  concerning  proposed  amendments 
to  the  Constitution  of  the  Church,  as  provided  for  in  Chap.  VII.  of 
the  Form  of  Government. 

The  wide  difference  of  views  as  to  the  enacting  power  of  the 
Assembly  is  probably  due  to  an  ambiguity  in  the  language  of 
Paragraph  2  of  this  Chapter.  The  ambiguity  turns  upon  the  con¬ 
struction  of  the  last  clause  of  the  paragraph,  which  may  be  con¬ 
strued  as  a  subordinate  clause  depending  on  the  “when”  of  the 
preceding  clause,  or  as  an  independent  clause  making  it  mandatory 
on  a  succeeding  Assembly  to  enact  an  amendment  recommended  by 
a  previous  Assembly,  and  voted  upon  affirmatively  by  a  majority  of 
the  Presbyteries.  In  the  view  of  your  Committee  Paragraph  3  avoids 
this  ambiguity  by  specifying  three  co-ordinate  conditions  to  be 
fulfilled  in  the  case  of  the  proposed  amendments,  namely:  The  recom¬ 
mendation  of  one  Assembly,  the  concurrence  of  the  required  proportion 
of  the  Presbyteries,  and  the  enactment  of  the  proposed  amendment  by 
a  subsequent  Assembly. 

Paragraph  2  is  to  be  interpreted  as  specifying  the  same  co-ordinate 
conditions  which  are  found  in  Paragraph  3. 

See  Minutes  of  1884,  p.  207. 

The  ambiguity  of  Paragraph  2  is  to  be  regarded  as  cleared  up 
by  the  language  of  Paragraph  3;  that  is,  Paragraph  2  is  not  to  be 
construed  as  making  it  mandatory  upon  the  General  Assembly  to 
enact  the  proposed  amendment  therein  referred  to.  It  lies  within  the 
discretion  of  the  Assembly  either  to  enact  or  to  decline  to  enact. 
The  Assembly  of  1906,  in  the  exercise  of  this  discretion,  declined  to 


Secs.  310-314] 


The  General  Assembly 


133 


enact  the  amendment  touching  Commissions.  (Minutes  of  Assembly, 
1906,  pp.  52,  53.) 

2.  The  matter  which  gave  rise  to  the  overture  belongs  to  another 
and  different  class  of  questions,  namely:  Questions  in  regard  to 
which  the  Constitution  of  the  Church  vests  in  the  General  Assembly 
alone  the  power  to  take  final  and  authoritative  action.  One  Assembly 
may  refer  questions  of  this  class  to  a  succeeding  Assembly,  but  the 
succeeding  Assembly  cannot  be  shorn  of  power  constitutionally  lodged 
in  the  General  Assembly  alone,  by  the  act  of  a  previous  Assembly 
referring  the  question  to  the  Presbyteries  for  action.  The  Presby¬ 
teries  may  properly  express  their  opinion  in  such  matters,  and  the 
expressed  opinons  of  a  majority  of  the  Presbyteries  would  naturally 
have  much  weight  with  the  Assembly,  but  the  power  to  decide  rests 
with  the  General  Assembly  alone. 

312.  Badges  for  members 

1896,  p.  617.  Resolved,  That  the  Stated  Clerk  be  directed  to 
provided  for  each  member  of  succeeding  Assemblies  a  neat  and  inex¬ 
pensive  badge,  to  be  ^vorn  upon  the  lapel  of  the  coat,  in  order  to 
distinguish  him  as  a  commissioner  of  the  Assembly. 

1900,  p.  624.  This  action  was  rescinded. 

313.  Secretaries  and  Clerk  of  the  Assembly  to  have  the  privilege 
of  deliberating  as  members  in  certain  cases 

1869,  p.  390.  It  was  adopted  as  a  standing  rule  of  the  General 
Assembly  that  its  Secretaries  and  Clerks  shall  have  the  privilege  of 
members  of  the  body  upon  any  matters  before  it  in  which  the 
duties  of  their  offices  are  specially  involved. 

1871,  p.  18.  Having  been  requested  to  rescind  this  rule  as  a 
dangerous  violation  of  the  Constitution,  the  Assembly  gave  the 
following  answer:  A  reference  to  the  rule  will  show  that  “the 
privileges  of  members  on  the  floor”  are  not  conferred  by  it  on  the 
above  officers,  but  only  the  privilege  of  making  statements  and  ex¬ 
planations  touching  trusts  committed  to  their  care.  This  the  Assembly 
regards  as  both  safe  and  convenient. 

314.  Election  and  salary  of  Stated  and  Permanent  Clerks 

1878,  p.  624.  Overture,  asking  the  Assembly  to  consider  the 
advisability  of  electing  its  Clerks  every  four  years,  making  the 
elections  alternate  every  two  years,  and  another  asking  the  Assembly 
to  consider  the  propriety  of  limiting  the  terms  of  office  of  the  Stated 
and  Permanent  Clerks  to  the  term  of  two  years,  and  that  the  terms 
be  so  arranged  that  they  shall  expire  on  alternate  years. 

Reply :  It  is  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly  that  neither  of  the 
proposed  changes  is  advisable. 

1897,  p.  18.  Similar  action  taken. 

1879,  p.  55.  Ordered,  That  the  actual  and  necessary  expenses 


134 


Church  Courts 


[Book  III 


of  the  Stated  and  Permanent  Clerks  be  paid  by  the  Treasurer  out  of 
the  funds  in  hand,  and  that  this  order  apply  to  the  expenses  in 
attending  the  present  Assembly,  and  all  future  meetings  of  the 
Assembly,  until  otherwise  ordered. 

1887,  p.  232.  Overtures  asking  that  an  amendment  to  the  Book 
of  Church  Order  be  sent  down  to  the  Presbyteries,  making  certain 
limitations  to  the  office  of  Clerk,  that  a  re-election  shall  be  had  every 
three  or  five  years. 

Answer:  The  General  Assembly  declined  to  send  down  the  pro¬ 
posed  amendment. 

1899,  p.  426.  The  salary  was  made  $360. 

1904,  p.  44.  The  salary  was  fixed  at  $750. 

1907,  p.  64.  The  Stated  Clerk  was  allowed  such  sum  as  may  be 
necessary  to  secure  adequate  office  and  equipment  for  his  work. 

The  General  Assembly  approved  the  employment,  by  the  Clerks, 
of  a  typewriter  to  aid  them  during  the  sessions  of  future  Assemblies, 
and  in  the  preparation  of  the  papers  of  the  Minutes  for  printing. 

1908,  p.  58.  In  view  of  the  extension  of  the  Church  and  the 
increasing  labors  and  exacting  duties  of  our  Stated  Clerk  and 
Treasurer,  it  was  decided  that  his  salary  be  fixed  at  the  sum  of 
one  thousand  dollars  per  annum,  payable  monthly,  and  that  the 
further  sum  of  one  hundred  dollars  be  allowed  the  Stated  Clerk  to 
secure  clerical  help. 

1912,  p.  37.  The  Assembly  declined  to  make  the  term  of  office 
of  the  Clerks  three  years. 

1917,  p.  69.  Similar  action. 

1920,  p.  75.  Your  Committee  recommends  that,  in  line  with  the 
principles  of  representative  government,  the  officers  of  the  various 
Church  courts,  including  the  Assembly,  except  the  Stated  Clerk  and 
Permanent  Clerk,  are  elected  annually.  We  recommend  that  the  same 
principle  be  applied  to  all  the  officers  of  the  Assembly.  As  the 
services  of  the  Clerks,  however,  require  familiarity  with  the  duties 
of  their  offices,  we  recommend  that  the  terms  of  these  officers  be  fixed 
at  three  years,  and  at  the  next  Assembly  an  election  be  held  for  these 
officers  for  the  first  period,  and  the  election  be  held  in  connection 
with  the  election  of  Moderator.  We  also  recommend  that,  as  the 
work  of  .Sated  and  Permanent  Clerks  has  doubled  in  the  last  ten 
years,  and  also  in  consideration  of  the  fact  of  the  high  cost  of 
living,  the  salary  of  the  Stated  Clerk  be  $1,500.00,  and  that  of  the 
Permanent  Clerk  be  $300.00  per  annum,  to  date  from  the  beginning 
of  the  fiscal  year. 

1922,  p.  72.  Your  Special  Committee  on  matters  pertaining  to 
the  office  of  Stated  Clerk  would  report  as  follows: 

We  recommend: 

1.  That  the  resignation  of  the  Rev.  Thos.  H.  Law,  D.  D.,  as 
Stated  Clerk  and  Treasurer  be  accepted,  to  take  effect  October  1, 
1922. 

2.  That  the  following  letter  be  sent  to  Dr.  Law: 

Rev.  Thos.  H.  Law,  D.  D.,  Spartanburg,  S.  C. 

Venerable  and  Beloved  Brother: — In  accepting  your  resig- 


Secs.  314-315]  The  General  Assembly 


135 


nation  as  Stated  Clerk  of  the  General  Assembly,  thus  terminating  a 
long  period  of  happy  fellowship  in  the  work  of  Christ’s  Church,  we 
desire  to  put  on  record  our  very  high  esteem  of  you  as  a  Christian 
man,  our  tender  affection  for  you  as  a  brother  beloved,  and  our  warm 
sympathy  for  you  in  the  illness  which  calls  for  your  resignation. 

We  bear  witness  also  to  your  loyalty  to  our  Church  and  your 
energy  and  fidelity  in  the  exercise  of  your  office  as  Stated  Clerk. 

We  send  you  our  love  and  invoke  on  you  the  richest  blessing  of 
our  God. 

To  Mrs.  Law,  your  tireless  and  efficient  helper  in  your  official 
duties  in  recent  years,  we  extend  Christian  greetings  and  assurances 
of  our  sincere  appreciation.  We  have  greatly  missed  the  genial 
presence  of  you  both  at  this  Assembly. 

Conlmending  you  to  God  and  to  the  Word  of  His  grace  and 
praying  that  it  may  please  the  Head  of  the  Church  to  speedily  restore 
you  to  health  and  strength  and  to  prolong  your  days  in  peace  on 
earth,  we  are 

Your  brethren  in  Christ, 

R.  C.  Reed,  Moderator. 

3.  That  the  Rev.  J.  D.  Leslie,  D.  D.,  be  elected  to  fill  the  unex¬ 
pired  term  of  Dr.  Law  as  Stated  Clerk  and  as  Treasurer,  and  that 
he  be  requested  to  render  all  necessary  assistance  to  Dr.  Law  in  the 
publication  of  the  Minutes  of  1922. 

4.  The  Central  National  Bank  of  Spartanburg  or  any  other 
institution  holding  funds  to  the  credit  of  Rev.  T.  H.  Law,  D.  D., 
Stated  Clerk,  is  hereby  authorized  and  directed  to  transfer  such 
funds  on  order  of  Rev.  J.  D.  Leslie,  Assistant  Stated  Clerk. 

5.  That  the  sum  of  $1,200.00  be  paid  Dr.  Leslie  for  his  services 
as  assistant  to  Dr.  LaW  to  October  1,  1922. 

6.  That  the  office  of  Permanent  Clerk  be  abolished  and  the  duties 
thereof  be  performed  by  the  Stated  Clerk  andi  that  a  sum  not  to 
exceed  $300  be  allowed  the  Stated  Clerk  for  assistance  in  the  dis¬ 
charge  of  his  duties  during  meetings  of  the  Assembly. 

7.  That  an  Ad-Interim  Committee,  consisting  of  the  Stated  Clerk, 
the  Moderator  and  Judge  W.  H.  Baker,  be  appointed  to  prepare  and 
submit  to  the  Assembly  of  1923  Rules  for  the  conduct  of  the  busi¬ 
ness  of  the  Assembly. 

1922,  p.  79.  The  salary  of  the  Stated  Clerk  was  fixed  at  the 
rate  of  $3,600.00  per  year  for  full  time  service,  beginning  October 
1,  1922. 

315.  For  what  length  of  time  the  Assembly  may  elect  its  officers 

1878,  p.  665.  Overture  from  eleven  ministers  and  elders: 

1.  Has  any  General  Assembly  the  right  to  limit  the  liberty  of 
a  succeeding  Assembly  in  the  choice  of  its  officers? 

2.  Has  every  Assembly  the  inherent  right  to  choose  its  own 
officers — Moderator  and  Clerks? 

Reply :  The  Assembly  refers,  for  answer,  to  Form  of  Government, 


136 


Church  Courts 


[Book  III 


Chap.  XIX.,  Sec.  III.:  “The  Moderator  of  the  General  Assembly 
shall  be  chosen  at  each  meeting.”  Also  to  Chap.  XX.:  “Every 
judicatory  shall  choose  a  Clerk  to  record  its  transactions,  whose 
continuance  shall  be  during  pleasure.” 

316.  Changes  of  Clerks 

1898,  p.  226.  Rev.  Joseph  R.  Wilson,  D.  D.,  resigned  the  office 
of  Stated  Clerk  and  Treasurer,  which  he  had  held  for  thirty-three 
years,  and  Rev.  W.  A.  Alexander,  D.  D.,  was  chosen  in  his  place 
(p.  235). 

1904,  p.  22.  Rev.  Robert  P.  Farris,  D.  D.,  Permanent  Clerk, 
having  died,  after  nineteen  years’  service,  Rev.  Thos.  H.  Law,  D.  D., 
of  Spartanburg,  S.  C.,  was  chosen  in  his  stead.  On  the  death  of 
Dr.  Alexander,  Rev.  Thos.  H.  Law,  D.  D.,  was  elected  Stated  Clerk 
and  Treasurer  (1910,  p.  11),  and  Rev.  J.  D.  Leslie,  of  Ballinger, 
Texas,  was  made  Permanent  Clerk  (p.  25). 

317.  Treasurer  of  the  Assembly 

1863,  p.  151.  Resolved,  That  the  Stated  Clerk  shall  be  the  per¬ 
manent  Treasurer  of  this  Assembly,  and  shall  present  to  the  next 
Assembly,  and  to  each  succeeding  one,  an  account  of  his  receipts  and 
expenditures. 

318.  Treasurer9 s  accounts  to  be  published  in  the  Minutes 

1879,  p.  42.  It  was  ordered  that  all  the  receipts  by  the  Treasurer 
be  published  in  the  Appendix  to  the  Minutes,  together  with  the  dis¬ 
bursements  from  the  entire  fund. 

» 

1884,  p.  236.  This  order  was  modified,  or  explained  to  mean  that 
the  Treasurer  publish  in  the  Minutes  a  summarized  statement  of  the 
receipts  and  expenditures. 

1900,  p.  624.  It  was  ordered  that  a  Standing  Auditing  Com¬ 
mittee  be  appointed  to  examine  the  accounts  of  the  Treasurer  an¬ 
nually. 

1901,  p.  63.  It  was  directed  that  the  Treasurer  close  his  books 
on  the  31st  of  March  of  each  year. 

319.  Stated  Clerk  authorized  to  borrow 

1914,  p.  78.  The  Stated  Clerk  was  authorized  to  borrow  $2,500, 
or  as  much  as  might  be  needed  to  meet  the  necessary  expenses  of  the 
Assembly. 

1916,  p.  67.  Similar  action;  also  1921,  p.  80-b. 

320.  Field  Secretaries  and  others  to  be  elected  by  the  Assembly 

1913,  p.  70-n.  The  Presbytery  of  Wilmington  overtures  the 
General  Assembly  to  rescind  the  action  granting  our  Executive 
Committees  power  to  elect  field  and  other  secretaries  and  to  restore 


Secs.  315-324]  The  General  Assembly 


137 


that  power  to  the  General  Assembly.  We  recommend  that  this  over¬ 
ture  be  answered  in  the  affirmative;  and  that  the  nomination  of 
Field  Secretary  and  others  be  made  by  the  several  Executive  Com¬ 
mittees.  This  does  not  take  away  from  the  Assembly  the  right  to 
make  other  nominations  if  it  so  desire.  This  action  will  go  into 
effect  after  the  dissolution  of  this  Assembly. 

1914,  p.  25.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Nashville,  requesting 
the  Assembly  to  restore  the  rule  abrogated  by  the  Atlanta  Assembly 
and  place  in  the  hands  of  the  respective  Executive  Committees  the 
election  of  all  Secretaries  and  helpers  other  than  the  Executive 
Secretaries. 

Answer:  The  Assembly  answers  in  the  negative. 

321.  Appointment  of  Assembly  usually  for  one  year 

1916,  p.  72.  In  answer  to  overture  from  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the 
Assembly,  asking  for  an  interpretation  of  the  law  as  to  length  of  time 
of  the  appointments  of  the  Assembly: 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  answer  that  all  appointments 
are  ad  interim  and  expire  at  the  next  Assembly,  unless  a  longer  term 
of  office  is  provided  for  by  a  standing  rule  or  explicit  statement. 

322.  Salaries  of  ministers  directly  employed  by  the  Church  to  be 

published  in  the  Minutes 

1916,  p.  72.  In  answer  to  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Dallas, 
asking  that  the  salaries  of  college  presidents,  professors,  secretaries, 
editors,  etc.,  be  published  in  the  statistical  tables  of  the  Minutes: 

We  recommend  that  the  salaries  of  all  ministers  who  are  directly 
employed  by  the  Church  be  printed  in  the  statistical  tables  of  the 
Minutes. 

323.  Biennial  meetings  for  the  Assembly  and  Synods 

1875,  p.  20.  Overture,  asking  the  Assembly  to  propose  to  the 
Presbyteries  such  change  in  the  Constitution  of  the  Church  as  shall 
require  only  biennial,  instead  of  annual,  sessions  of  the  Synods  ard 
the  Assembly;  and  these  to  be  arranged  so  as  to  alternate,  the  Synods 
meeting  one  year,  and  the  Assembly  the  next.  Answered  in  the 
negative. 

Similar  action,  1878,  p.  651  and  1879,  p.  36. 

324.  Accepting  invitations 

Whenever  invitations  have  been  made  to  the  Assembly  tendering 
to  its  member  hospitality,  excursions,  etc.,  the  custom  has  been 
to  return  thanks  for  the  courtesy,  and  if  deemed  advisable,  to  adjourn 
at  such  an  hour  as  will  permit  the  members  individually  to  accept 
the  invitation.  The  Assembly  has  not  deemed  it  proper,  in  its 


138 


Church  Courts 


[Book  III 


capacity  as  a  court,  to  attend  entertainments,  commencements,  etc. 

(see  1881,  p.  354,  et  passim). 

Latterly  the  custom  has  not  been  so  uniform  as  at  first. 

325.  Electioneering  pamphlets  disapproved 

1880,  p.  212.  Pamphlets,  bearing  upon  questions  pending  before 
the  Assembly,  having  been  put  in  circulation  among  the  members, 
the  Assembly  expressed  its  disapproval  of  this  method  of  attempting 
to  influence  its  decisions  as  disrespectful  to  this  body  and  an  infringe¬ 
ment  upon  its  prerogatives. 

326.  No  applauding 

1913,  p.  36.  The  Commissioners  were  requested  to  refrain  from 
applauding. 


327.  Notices  for  committee  meetings  to  be  written  and  handed  to  clerk 

1912,  p.  21.  It  was  ordered  that  hereafter  all  notices  for  Committee 
meetings  be  written  and  handed  to  the  Reading  Clerk  to  be  read. 


328.  Reports  to  be  read  by  the  Stated  Clerk 

1903,  p.  467.  It  was  resolved  that  hereafter  all  reports  on  refer¬ 
ences  to  the  several  committees  be  handed  in  to  the  Stated  Clerk,  to  be 
read  by  him  from  the  platform,  and  not  by  the  chairman  of  the 
committee. 


329.  Permanent  Standing  Committees 

1876,  p.  239.  Overture,  asking  the  Assembly  to  provide  that  its 
Committee  of  Bills  and  Overtures  and  its  Judicial  Committee,  be 
made  permanent  committees,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  publish  in  the 
newspapers  reports  of  matters  submitted  to  them,  and  their  decisions, 
for  discussion  in  the  newspapers,  before  they  be  submitted  to  the 
General  Assembly. 

Answer :  The  proposed  arrangement  seems  not  only  impracticable, 
but  appears  to  be  grounded  on  an  incorrect  conception  of  the  functions 
of  the  General  Assembly  as  a  supreme  court  of  Christ,  meeting, 
with  the  promise  of  the  presence  of  Christ,  to  deliberate,  and,  under 
the  leading  of  the  Spirit,  to  decide  upon  matters  pertaining  to  the 
general  interest  of  the  Church,  and  not  merely  to  express  the  public 
opinion  of  the  Church. 

330.  Standing  Committee  to  prepare  vote  of  thanks 

1915,  p.  80- j.  It  was  ordered  that  a  Standing  Committee  be 
appointed  at  each  Assembly  to  prepare  a  vote  of  thanks. 


Secs.  324-333] 


The  General  Assembly 


139 


331.  Printing  reports  of  Standing  Committees 

1898,  p.  197.  Overture  that  the  reports  of  all  Standing  Com¬ 
mittees  be  docketed,  without  discussion,  during  the  sittings  of  the 
Assembly  until  such  reports  can  be  printed  and  distributed  to  the 
commissioners.  Answered  in  the  negative. 

332.  Overtures  and  memorials  may  be  referred  without  being  first 

read 

1872,  p.  158.  Overture,  asking  that  a  rule  be  adopted  requiring 
that  all  memorials  and  overtures  presented  to  the  Assembly  shall  be 
read  before  they  are  referred  * a  committee.  Answered  in  the 
negative. 

333.  Advisable  that  overtures  should  come  through  Presbyter  or 

Synod 

1876,  p.  219.  Resolved ,  That  in  view  of  the  multiplication  of 
overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  to  the  General  Assembly,  and  without 
intending  to  pronounce  judgment  upon  the  question  whether,  under 
Sec.  IV.  of  Chap.  XI.  of  the  Form  of  Government,  the  Presbyteries 
have  the  constitutional  right  to  pass  by  the  Synods  and  overture  the 
General  Assembly  directly  on  all  proper  questions,  the  General  As¬ 
sembly  reminds  the  Presbyteries  that  this  growing  practice  is  of 
doubtful  expediency;  that  it  consumes  the  time  of  the  Assembly  in 
many  instances  without  any  practical  benefits;  and  that  it  would  be 
better  for  the  interests  of  the  Church  if  all  overtures  shall  be  ap¬ 
proved  by  the  Synods  before  they  are  sent  to  the  General  Assembly, 
except  in  extraordinary  cases. 

1878,  p.  610.  Overture,  asking  the  Assembly  to  decide  that  all 
overtures,  appeals,  complaints,  etc.,  should  proceed  in  regular  grada¬ 
tion  from  the  Session  to  Presbytery,  from  the  Presbytery  to  the 
Synod,  and  from  the  Synod  to  the  General  Assembly,  and  vice  verm, 
without  omitting  any  of  the  intermediate  courts. 

Reply :  1.  As  to  judicial  cases,  we  refer  to  Chap.  VI.,  Sec. 

III.,  Art.  VI.,  Book  of  Discipline. 

2.  That  while  the  General  Assembly  may  recommend  that  over¬ 
tures  should  ordinarily  be  sent  from  the  Synod,  it  cannot  deny  the 
right  of  Presbyteries,  the  constituent  elements  of  the  Assembly, 
nor  of  individuals,  to  overture  the  General  Assembly  whenever 
circumstances  may  rquire. 

3.  That  the  General  Assembly  has  the  right  to  send  its  deliver¬ 
ances  directly  to  the  Presbyteries. 

See  also  Minutes,  1878,  p.  641;  1879,  p.  43;  1883,  p.  59. 

1921,  p.  70.  Your-  Committee  recommends  that  it  be  a  rule  of  the 
General  Assembly  that  no  overture  will  be  considered  by  the  As¬ 
sembly  until  it  has  first  been  presented  to  a  Presbytery  or  Synod.  If 
the  overture  is  approved  by  a  Presbytery  or  Synod  it  will  then  come 
before  the  Assembly  as  an  overture  from  that  Presbytery  or  Synod. 


140 


Church  Courts 


[Book  III 


If  the  overture  is  rejected  by  the  Presbytery  or  Synod,  it  may  then 
be  presented  to  the  Assembly,  but  the  fact  that  it  has  been  presented 
to  a  Presbytery  or  Synod  must  be  clearly  stated  on  the  overture. 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  request  the  Editors  of  our 
religious  papers  to  segregate  the  overtures  which  are  reported  by  the 
various  Presbyteries  and  Synods  and  print  them  in  one  place  in 
their  papers. 

1922,  p.  75.  Overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  of  Mobile  and 
Kanawha,  asking  the  Assembly  to  rescind  the  action  of  the  last 
Assembly  regarding  the  process  of  the  presentation  of  overtures  to 
the  General  Assembly. 

We  recommend  that  these  overtures  be  answered  in  the  negative.. 

334.  “Ministers  otherwise  paid,”  not  to  be  in  statistical  blanks 

1907,  p.  56.  It  was  decided  not  to  add  such  a  column  in  the 
statistical  blanks. 

335.  Stated  Clerk  to  publish  annually  a  list  of  all  reports  required 

by  the  Assembly  of  its  Presbyteries 

1880,  p.  196.  Ordered,  That  the  Stated  Clerk  publish  hereafter 
in  the  Minutes,  in  connection  with  his  requests  to  Stated  Clerks  of 
Presbyteries,  a  full  list  of  all  reports,  both  regular  and  special,  which 
such  Clerks  are  required  to  transmit  to  the  Assembly. 

336.  Shall  overtures  be  printed  in  the  Minutes? 

1873,  p.  307.  Request  that  the  text  or  the  substance  of  all  over¬ 
tures  presented  to  the  Assembly  appear  in  the  printed  Minutes  of 
this  body. 

Answer:  We  think  our  Minutes  are  sufficiently  full  on  the  subject 
of  overtures. 

1883,  p.  28.  Overture  asking  that  the  substance  of  all  overtures- 
sent  up  to  the  Assembly  be  printed  in  the  Minutes  of  the  Assembly. 
Granted. 

337.  Synods  and  Presbyteries  to  be  arranged  in  Minutes  alphabeti¬ 
cally 

• 

1861,  p.  34.  The  Assembly  directed  the  Stated  Clerk,  in  publish¬ 
ing  the  Minutes,  to  cause  the  names  of  the  Synods  to  be  printed  in 
alphabetical  order,  and  the  names  of  the  Presbyteries  in  the  several 
Synods  to  be  printed  in  the  same  manner. 

1900,  p.  609.  It  was  decided  not  to  print  the  names  of  the 
churches  in  alphabetical  order,  nor  in  order  of  priority  of  organization. 
(1903,  p.  466).  See  also  1922,  p.  36. 

33.8.  Appointed  days  to  be  published  in  Minutes 

1903,  p.  466.  It  was  decided  that  particular  days  and  seasons 
appointed  by  the  Assembly  be  published  in  the  Minutes. 


The  General  Assembly 


141 


Secs.  333-342] 


339.  Prayer  for  the  General  Assembly 

1863,  p.  133.  Whereas,  the  General  Assembly  fully  recognizes  the 
efficacy  of  the  prayers  of  God’s  people,  and  the  necessity  for  divine 
guidance  in  its  own  deliberations;  therefore, 

Resolved,  1,  That  the  General  Assembly  recommend  to  all  the 
churches  under  its  care,  to  offer  special  prayer  during  the  devotions  of 
the  Sabbath  preceding  the  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly  in  each 
year,  that  God  would  of  great  mercy  so  give  the  Assembly  the  wisdom 
that  cometh  from  above,  and  so  direct  all  its  plans,  discussions  and 
decisions,  as  to  promote  His  own  glory,  and  advance  the  Kingdom  of 
Jesus  in  the  earth. 

Resolved,  2,  That  the  above  Preamble  and  Resolution  be  printed 
annually  in  the  Appendix  to  the  Minutes  of  the  Assembly. 

1910,  p.  56.  The  following  paper  was  offered  by  Rev.  R.  B. 
Willis,  D.  D.,  and  adopted: 

The  General  Assembly  of  1910  in  session  in  Lewisburg,  W.  Va.? 
wishes  to  invite  the  Sessions  of  all  the  churches  within  the  bounds 
of  its  territory,  all  the  Synods  and  the  Presbyteries  that  shall  send 
commissioners  to  the  Assembly  of  1911,  to  a  whole  year’s  co-operative 
effort  to  make  the  Assembly  of  1911  an  opportunity  not  only  for  the 
wise,  prompt  and  efficient  transaction  of  the  business  of  our  Lord’s 
Kingdom,  but  especially  a  time  and  means  of  great  increase  in  the 
spiritual  life  and  power,  not  only  of  all  the  commissioners,  but  of 
the  entire  membership  of  our  Zion.  To  this  end  we  suggest  to 
Sessions  of  churches  to  have  this  before  them  during  the  entire  year — 
that  it  be  made  a  frequent  subject  of  discussion  and  much  prayer, 
that  the  pastors  and  representatives  of  churches  arrange  to  be  present 
in  the  Synods  and  spring  meetings  of  Presbyteries  without  fail,  that 
if  possible  each  of  our  Presbyteries  and  ,  Synods  appoint  and  set 
apart  at  least  one  whole  day  from  the  ordinary  routine  work  as  a 
day  of  humiliation,  confession  of  sin  and  of  prayer.  In  these  and 
in  such  other  ways  as  the  Spirit  of  God  may  direct,  we  earnestly 
invoke  all  of  our  Sessions  and  other  courts  to  greatly  increase  the 
spiritual  life  of  Sessions,  of  Presbyteries,  of  Synods  and  especially 
of  the  Semi-Centennial  Assembly  of  our  Church. 


840.  Matters  referred  to  Ad-Interim  Committees  to  be  printed 

regularly  in  the  Minutes 

1912,  p.  25.  Overture  from  West  Hanover  Presbytery,  asking  that 
the  matters  referred  to  ad-interim  committees  be  printed  regularly  in 
the  Assembly  Minutes. 

Answer :  The  Assembly  directs  that  this  be  done. 

341.  To  be  omitted  from  the  Minutes 
1903,  pp.  466,  502.  Names  of  Clerks  of  Sessions. 

342.  Honorary  titles 

1892,  p.  432.  Overture  to  the  General  Assembly  to  adopt  a 


142 


Church  Courts 


[Book  III 


standing  rule  directing  its  Clerks  that  in  recording  and  printing  the 
official  Minutes  of  its  proceedings,  all  honorary  titles,  or  abbrevations 
thereof,  of  ministers  and  elders  be  omitted.  Answered  in  the  negative. 
See  also  Minutes  of  1906,  p.  25. 

343.  Information  as  to  contributions  to  be  taken  from  printed 
reports  of  Treasurers  of  Executive  Committee 

1908,  p.  26.  In  making  the  summary  of  the  statistical  tables  to 
be  published  in  the  Minutes  of  the  Assembly,  the  Clerk  was  instructed 
to  take  as  the  source  of  information  of  the  contributions  of  the 
churches,  the  printed  reports  of  the  Treasurers  of  the  various  Exe¬ 
cutive  Committees,  instead  of  the  incomplete  reports  from  the  Stated 
Clerks  of  Presbyteries. 

344.  Instructions  to  Clerks  concerning  Minutes 

1913,  p.  70-b.  First,  That  the  Clerk  be  instructed  to  abandon 
the  alphabetical  list  of  churches  ordered  by  previous  Assembly  as 
impracticable  and  of  little  use. 

Second,  That  Presbyterial  Stated  Clerks  be  instructed,  in  making 
out  their  statistical  reports,  to  arrange  the  list  of  ministers  alpha¬ 
betically. 

Third.  That  the  Clerk  be  instructed  to  preserve  the  present  ar¬ 
rangement  of  the  Index  of  Names  of  Ministers  and  Licentiates, 
adding  to  such  names  the  pages  of  the  Minutes  on  which  their 
Presbytery  is  to  be  found. 

Fourth.  That  the  names  of  the  Presbyteries  be  indicated  at  the 
top  of  the  pages  of  the  Minutes  in  black  type. 

Fifth.  To  insure  both  speed  and  accuracy,  the  Stated  Clerk  be 
allowed  two  hundred  ($200.00)  dollars  for  clerical  help  in  the 
preparation  of  the  Minutes. 

That  while  accuracy  should  not  be  sacrificed  to  speed,  there  is  no 
reason  why  both  should  not  be  had. 

1919,  p.  62.  From  the  Presbytery  of  Louisville,  asking  that  the 
heading  of  the  column  in  the  statistical  report  of  the  Minutes  of  the 
General  Assembly  be  changed  from  “Schools  and  Colleges”  to 
“Educational  Institutions.”  We  recommend  that  it  be  answered  in 
the  affirmative. 

345.  Minutes  to  be  published  by  the  Committee  of  Publication 

1887,  p.  202.  Ordered:  That  the  Stated  Clerk  be  directed  to  have 
the  Minutes  of  the  Assembly  printed  by  the  Publication  Committee 
in  Richmond.  This  order  to  begin  with  the  publication  of  the 
Minutes  of  1888. 

346.  Price  of  the  Minutes 

1863,  p.  151.  It  was  resolved  that  each  Presbytery  in  connection 
with  this  Assembly  be  requested  to  contribute  annually  a  sum  which 


Secs.  342-346]  The  General  Assembly 


143 


shall  be  equal  to  one  dollar  for  each  minister,  and  one  dollar  for 
each  church  under  its  care;  also  that  a  copy  of  the  Minutes  be  sent 
annually  to  every  minister,  and  to  the  Clerk  of  every  Session  belonging 
to  each  Presbytery  which  may  accede  to  the  foregoing  request. 

1864,  p.  263.  The  selling  price  [to  those  who  were  not  ministers 
nor  Clerks  of  Session]  had  been  fifty  cents;  it  was  now  made  two 
dollars.  It  was  ordered  that  one  copy  be  sent  annually  to  every 
minister  of  the  Church  free  of  charge. 

1865,  p.  357.  Money  having  returned  to  its  normal  value,  the 
selling  price  per  copy  for  the  Minutes  was  again  put  at  fifty  cents. 

1866,  p.  10.  It  was  ordered  that  one  copy  be  sent  to  the  Clerks, 
of  Presbytery  gratis. 

1870,  p.  505.  The  price  was  fixed  at  thirty  cents  a  copy,  provided 
as  many  as  twenty-five  copies  should  be  sent  to  one  address. 

1873,  p.  314.  The  price  was  made  thirty  cents  in  case  ten  copies 
should  be  ordered  sent  to  one  address. 

1874,  p.  523.  To  every  church  contributing  to  the  contingent  and 
commissioner’s  fund,  according  to  the  plan  this  year  inaugurated, 
one  copy  of  the  annual  Minutes  shall  be  sent  free. 

1885,  p.  404.  The  Stated  Clerk  was  directed  to  send  a  copy  of  the 
Minutes  each  year,  without  charge,  to  every  minister  of  the  Church. 

1887,  p.  247.  The  Stated  Clerk  was  instructed  to  present  each 
Session  with  a  copy  of  the  Minutes  free  of  charge. 

1888,  p.  401.  The  Assembly  ordered  two  thousand  copies  of  the 
Minutes  of  the  Assembly  published,  and  furnished  to  all  applicants 
at  twenty- five  cents  a  copy. 

1889,  p.  584.  The  Assembly  declined  to  return  to  the  old  rule 
and  furnish  each  minister  with  a  copy  of  the  Minutes  free  of  cost. 
This  refusal  was  repeated  in  1890,  p.  58,  but  with  the  recommen¬ 
dation  to  Presbyteries  that  they  furnish  to  each  of  their  ministers, 
and  vacant  churches  a  copy  of  the  Minutes  of  Assembly  in  such, 
manner  as  they  may  deem  best. 

1902,  p.  285.  The  Assembly  declined  to  make  any  change. 

1903,  p.  487.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  consider  the  matter 
and  report  to  the  next  Assembly. 

1904,  pp.  97,  35.  This  committee  made  a  report,  on  the  basis  of 
which  it  was  decided  that  2,000  copies  be  issued,  and  that  each 
minister  be  provided  with  a  single  copy  free  of  cost. 

1905,  p.  58.  The  price  of  the  Minutes  of  the  Assembly  for  parties 
outside  of  our  bounds,  commercial  houses,  etc.,  shall  be  $1.00;  for 
parties  within  our  bounds,  50  cents;  for  members  of  the  Assembly  and 
for  clubs  ordered  by  a  Presbytery  for  all  of  the  Sessions  of  the 
Presbytery,  25  cents.  A  free  copy  shall  be  sent  to  the  ministers, 
reported  on  our  roll. 

1921,  p.  37.  A  price  of  $2.00  was  fixed  for  the  Minutes  of  the 
General  Assembly  to  commercial  houses  and  others  outside  of  our 
Church,  and  $1.00  to  members  of  our  Church.  The  minutes  are  to- 
be  sent  by  insured  parcel  post.  A  free  copy  is  to  be  sent  to  each 
minister  and  licentiate  on  the  Assembly  roll. 


144  Church  Courts  [Book  III 

1917,  p.  42.  It  was  decided  that  the  Minutes  be  sent  free  to  all 
our  ordained  missionaries  in  the  foreign  fields. 

1911,  p.  40.  In  reply  to  the  request  of  the  Stated  Clerk  for  infor¬ 
mation,  we  recommend  that  all  schools  under  Presbyterial  control  and 
any  member  of  committees  (Assembly’s  Synodical  or  Presbyterial), 
shall  have  the  privilege  of  purchasing  copies  of  the  Minutes  at  25 
cents  per  copy. 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  shall  not  guarantee  the  delivery 
of  the  free  copies  sent  out,  and  the  Committee  of  Publication  shall 
not  be  expected  to  send  duplicates  in  case  the  first  copy  sent  fails 
of  delivery. 

347.  Copies  of  Standing  Committees  to  be  reprinted  for  use  of 

Commissioners 

1912,  p.  13.  It  was  ordered  that  250  copies  of  the  Standing  Com¬ 
mittees  be  printed  for  the  use  of  the  Commissioners. 

348.  The  Digest 

1898,  p.  213.  In  view  of  the  fact  that  Rev.  W.  A.  Alexander, 
D.  D.,  had,  with  great  labor,  prepared  a  Digest  of  the  Minutes  of 
all  the  General  Assemblies  of  the  Church  from  1861  to  1898,  and 
in  view  of  the  fact  that  the  aforesaid  Digest  was  practically  a  free 
gift  to  the  Church,  the  thanks  of  the  General  Assembly  were  extended 
to  Dr.  Alexander  for  the  same.  In  view  of  the  great  importance  of 
such  a  work  to  the  proper  conduct  of  the  business  of  the  courts  of 
the  Church,  the  Synods  and  Presbyteries  were  urged  to  purchase 
copies  of  the  said  Digest  and  place  them  in  the  hands  of  their  Stated 
Clerks. 

1909,  pp.  125,  16.  Dr.  Alexander  was  requested  to  revise  and 
republish  the  Digest,  and  the  Committee  of  Publication  was  instructed 
to  issue  an  edition  of  1,000  copies,  which  shall  be  put  on  sale  at  a 
price  as  near  the  cost  of  publication  as  possible. 

1910,  p.  36.  The  Committee  of  Publication  was  instructed  to 
purchase  the  Digest  from  the  estate  of  Dr.  Alexander,  and  to  issue 
the  new  edition  under  the  title  of  Alexander’s  Digest  Revised. 

1910,  p.  37.  The  Assembly  did  not  favor  incorporation,  in  the 
revised  Digest,  of  the  early  records  of  Synods  and  Presbyteries. 

1920,  p.  62.  Overture  from  Rev.  Thos.  H.  Law,  D.  D.,  Stated 
Clerk,  asking  that  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  be  author¬ 
ized  and  recommended  to  consider  and  arrange  for,  if  the  measure 
appear  feasible,  the  preparation  and  publication  of  another  revision 
of  or  supplement  to  Alexander’s  Digest.  We  recommend  that  the 
overture  be  answered  in  the  affirmative. 

349.  Contingent  fund 

1861,  p.  24.  The  Assembly  will  need  funds  for  its  own  con¬ 
tingent  expenses;  for  the  salaries  of  its  Clerks;  for  its  commissioners 


Secs.  346-352] 


The  General  Assembly 


145 


to  corresponding  bodies,  and  for  publishing  its  Minutes;  to  which 
may  also  be  added  a  commissioners’  fund,  out  of  which  should  be 
paid  the  mileage  and  expenses  of  commissioners  to  the  General 
Assembly  from  Presbyteries  that  are  not  able  to  bear  this  expense. 

1864,  p.  263.  Traveling  expenses  of  the  committees  of  the  As¬ 
sembly,  and  its  other  agents,  enumerated  as  ordinary  expenses. 

350.  How  this  fund  shall  be  raised 

1861,  p.  18.  The  Assembly  requested  the  delegates  from  each 
of  the  Presbyteries  represented  on  the  floor  to  pay  over  to  the  Stated 
Clerk  of  the  Assembly  the  sum  of  fifty  cents  for  each  minister  in 
said  Presbytery,  for  the  purpose  of  constituting  a  contingent  fund. 

P.  39.  To  this  was  added  the  proceeds  arising  from  the  sale  of 
the  Minutes  and  Address  ordered  to  be  sold.  An  assessment,  ranging 
from  five  to  twenty  dollars,  was  made  upon  the  Presbyteries,  to  be 
sent  up  to  the  next  General  Assembly.  This  assessment  was  con¬ 
tinued  for  two  years. 

1863,  p.  151.  Seven  hundred  and  eighty-five  dollars  were  assessed 
and  apportioned  among  the  Presbyteries,  at  rates  from  ten  to  twenty- 
five  dollars  on  each.  This  assessment  was  quadrupled  in  1864. 

351.  Assessments  and  the  contingent  fund 

The  assessments  w^re  changed  in  amount  from  year  to  year. 

1870,  p.  519.  An  overture  concerning  a  new  assessment  to  provide 
for  a  commissioners’  fund,  induced  (1871,  p.  33)  the  Assembly  to 
so  far  raise  the  assessments  as  to  provide  a  fund  for  meeting,  in  part 
at  least,  the  expenses  of  commissioners  from  the  more  distant  and 
impoverished  Presbyteries. 

1874,  p.  523.  The  Assembly  adopted  a  system  of  per  capita 
assessment  at  the  rate  of  ten  cents  for  each  communicant,  and  adopted 
certain  rules  on  the  subject.  (See  Alexander’s  Digest ,  p.  81.)  In 
the  next  two  years  (1875,  p.  35;  1876,  p.  232)  this  plan  proved  to  be 
a  failure,  and  the  Presbyteries  were  instructed  to  return  to  the 
original  plan.  This  plan  the  Assembly  was  twice  requested  to 
change  (1880,  p.  213,  1881,  p.  383),  but  declined. 

1896,  p.  604.  The  Assembly  determined  that  the  amount  neces¬ 
sary  for  the  treasury  of  the  General  Assembly  should  be  apportioned 
among  the  Presbyteries  on  the  basis  of  one  cent  for  each  communicant. 

1901,  p.  22.  The  Assembly  declined  to  change  this  plan. 

1908,  p.  58.  An  assessment  of  one  and  one-half  cents  per  member 
was  made  for  the  purpose  of  defraying  the  ordinary  expenses  of  the 
Assembly. 

1909,  p.  30.  The  Assembly  declined  to  reduce  this  assessment  to 
one  and  one-quarter  cents  per  member. 

352.  Travelling  expenses  and  entertainment  of  Commissioners 

1902,  p.  258.  Overtures  asking  that  provision  be  made  for  meeting 


146 


Church  Courts  [Book  III 

the  expenses  of  commissioners  to  the  Assembly.  Answered  in  the 
negative. 

1904,  p.  20f.  Same  action. 

1905  ,p.  16.  In  view  of  the  well-founded  conviction  that  the 
present  plan  of  entertaining  the  commissioners  to  the  General  As¬ 
sembly  imposes  a  burdensome  tax  upon  the  churches  whose  guests 
they  are,  the  Assembly  was  asked  to  appoint  an  ad  interim  committee 
to  take  the  whole  matter  under  advisement,  and  report  to  the  As¬ 
sembly  of  1906. 

Answered  in  the  negative. 

1907,  p.  56.  An  overture  asking  that  the  mode  of  entertaining 
the  commissioners  to  the  Assembly  be  so  changed  as  to  require  the 
expense  of  such  entertainment  to  be  borne  by  the  Presbyteries. 
Answered  in  the  negative. 

353.  Mileage 

1909,  p.  30.  In  reply  to  an  overture  that  the  General  Assembly 
pay  the  necessary  traveling  expenses  of  its  commissioners  on  a 
mileage  basis  out  of  a  contingent  fund  to  be  raised  for  that  purpose, 
the  question  was  submitted  to  the  Presbyteries  for  their  action;  and 
the  Stated  Clerks  of  the  several  Presbyteries  were  instructed  to  send 
to  the  next  General  Assembly  a  statement  of  the  actual  expenses  paid 
on  account  of  their  commissioners  to  the  General  Assembly  of  1909, 
Also  (p.  49)  the  following  proposed  change  of  form  of  Government, 
Par.  58,  VII.,  was  sent  down  to  the  Presbyteries: 

The  expenses  of  Ministers  and  Ruling  Elders  in  their  attendance 
on  the  Courts  shall  be  defrayed  by  the  bodies  which  they  respectively 
represent,  except  that  the  expenses  of  commissioners  to  the  General 
Assembly  shall  be  paid  out  of  the  treasury  of  the  General  Assembly. 

1910,  p.  48f.  This  change  was  approved  by  the  Presbyteries  by 
a  vote  of  sixty-three  to  nine,  and  was  thereupon  enacted  by  the  As¬ 
sembly,  as  follows: 

(1)  The  General  Assembly  enacts  the  same,  adding  these  words 
to  Paragraph  58,  “Except  that  the  expenses  of  commissioners  to  the 
General  Assembly  shall  be  paid  out  of  the  treasury  of  the  General 
Assembly.” 

(2)  The  overture  of  Fayetteville  Presbytery,  asking  that  the  rate 
be  fixed  on  the  basis  of  pastors’  salaries  is  answered  in  the  negative. 

(3)  The  mileage  rate  shall  be  on  a  per  capita  basis  of  communi¬ 
cants  according  to  the  last  Minutes  of  the  Assembly,  it  being  the 
most  feasible,  the  rate  to  be  two  and  one-half  (2 y2)  cents  per 
capita. 

(4)  The  Presbyteries  at  their  stated  meetings  next  following  the 
General  Assembly  shall  apportion  the  amount  required  of  the 
churches  for  this  purpose,  and  they  are  ordered  to  pay  over  their 
respective  apportionments  to  the  Stated  Clerk  or  Treasurer  at  or 
before  the  meeting  of  Presbytery  preceding  the  meeting  of  the  General 
Assembly,  the  Stated  Clerk  or  Treasurer  to  forward  the  same  to  the 
Stated  Clerk  and  Treasurer  of  the  Assembly. 


Secs.  352-353]  The  General  Assembly 


147 


(5)  The  commissioners  shall  be  paid  their  traveling  expenses 
entire,  provided  their  Presbyteries  have  paid  their  apportionment  in 
full.  In  case  the  Presbyteries  have  not  paid  their  apportionment 
in  full  their  commissioners  are  to  be  paid  their  expenses  in  proportion 
as  their  Presbyteries  have  paid  their  apportionments. 

(6)  The  General  Assembly  at  each  meeting  shall  appoint  a 
Standing  Committee  on  Mileage  to  receive  and  audit  the  accounts  of 
the  Stated  Clerk  and  Treasurer  resulting  from  this  action,  and  to 
pay  the  traveling  expenses  of  the  commissioners  from  funds  received 
by  him  for  this  purpose. 

1911,  p.  39.  The  protest  of  Fayetteville  Presbytery,  the  overture 
of  Sherman  Presbytery,  and  the  overture  from  the  New  Orleans 
Presbytery,  all  concerning  the  basis  of  the  Assembly’s  assessment  of 
the  Commissioners  expense  fund,  have  been  carefully  considered 
fiy  your  committee  and  we  recommend  that  the  present  system  and 
basis  be  continued. 

1911,  p.  40.  We  recommend  that  an  assessment  of  1  1-2  cents  be 
made  and  collected  for  the  purpose  of  defraying  the  ordinary  expenses 
of  the  Assembly,  and  for  the  Mileage  Fund,  2  1-2  cents,  both  per 
communicant  as  reported  this  year. 

1912,  p.  24.  We  recommend  that  the  assessment  for  the  uses  of 
the  General  Assembly  for  the  year  beginning  April  1,  1913,  be  one 
-and  one-half  cents  per  member,  and  for  the  mileage  of  the  commis¬ 
sioners  attending  the  meeting  at  the  next  General  Assembly  that  the 
assessment  be  two  and  one-half  cents  per  member,  the  whole  to  be 
apportioned  by  the  Stated  Clerk  to  the  several  Presbyteries  and  proper 
notice  thereof  sent. 

1913,  p.  7 Of.  The  Treasurer  was  authorized  to  pay  our  pro 
rata  share  of  the  expenses  of  the  joint  meeting  held  during  the 
sessions  of  the  Assembly  [in  Atlanta]. 

1913,  p.  70-g.  We  further  recommend  that  the  assessments  for 
the  uses  of  the  General  Assembly  for  contingent  fund  and  mileage 
for  the  year  beginning  April  1st,  1914,  be  reckoned  on  the  basis  of 
four  cents  per  member,  and  that  the  whole  be  apportioned  by  the 
Stated  Clerk  to  the  several  Presbyteries  and  proper  notice  thereof  be 
sent  down  to  them. 

1913,  p.  70-h.  In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  ministerial  Commis¬ 
sioner  from  Central  Mississippi  Presbytery  was  providentially  called 
from  the  last  Assembly  early  in  its  proceedings,  and  that  his  Presby¬ 
tery  would  have  had  no  representative  had  not  his  alternate  taken 
his  place,  w&  have  paid  the  expenses  of  said  Commissioner,  the  last 
Assembly  having  met  those  of  his  alternate. 

1914,  p.  25.  The  Assembly  declined  to  abolish  the  mileage  plan. 
Same  action  1917,  p.  69,  and  1918,  p.  53. 

1914,  p.  50.  Two  Presbyteries  were  reported  as  not  having  paid 
their  assessment.  As  a  consequence  the  expenses  of  Commissioners 
from  these  Presbyteries  were  not  paid. 

1914,  p.  77.  The  amount  was  increased  to  five  cents  per  member. 

1915,  p.  80-g.  1st.  The  Assembly  defined  what  may  be  included 


Church  Courts 


148 


[ Book  III 


in  the  expense  of  the  Commissioners  as  chargeable  to  the  Assembly  as 
follows : 

(a)  The  lowest  attainable  railroad  fare; 

(b)  Through  Pullman  fare  by  most  direct  route; 

(c)  Cost  of  meals  en  route  not  to  exceed  $2.00  per  day  for  mini¬ 

mum  time  required  for  trip; 

(d)  Necessary  expenses  during  attendance  upon  Assembly; 

(e)  Such  necessary  hotel  bills  as  may  be  incurred  in  transit. 

2nd.  Each  Commissioner  is  required  to  render  an  itemized  state¬ 
ment  of  his  traveling  expenses  for  the  round  trip. 

3rd.  It  shall  be  part  of  the  duty  of  the  Committee  on  Mileage 
to  audit  these  itemized  statements,  and  to  deduct  therefrom  or  reduce 
such  items  as  may  not  be  consistent  with  the  ruling  of  the  Assembly. 

4th.  To  encourage  the  continued  attendance  of  the  Commissioners- 
upon  the  Assembly  sessions  until  the  final  adjournment  thereof,  the 
Mileage  Committee  is  instructed  to  withhold  the  expense  checks 
until  the  last  day  of  the  session,  except  in  the  case  of  Commissioners 
excused  for  good  and  sufficient  reason  by  the  Committee  on  Leave 
of  Absence. 

5th.  In  due  time  before  the  meeting  of  the  Assembly  the  Stated 
Clerk  shall  secure  definite  information  as  to  the  most  favorable 
railroad  rates  from  each  section,  and  send  such  information  and 
advice  to  the  Stated  Clerk  of  each  Presbytery,  and  shall  include 
therewith  a  printed  blank  form  for  the  expense  account  of  each  Com¬ 
missioner  in  that  Presbytery;  this  blank  form  to  include  a  copy  of 
the  first  recommendation  in  this  report. 

1915,  p.  80-g.  The  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Kanawha,, 
“asking  that  the  Assembly  return  to  the  old  rule  for  meeting  the 
expenses  of  the  General  Assembly’s  Commissioners  by  letting  each 
Presbytery  meet  its  own  expense  account.”  We  recommend  that  this- 
change  be  not  made. 

To  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Central  Mississippi,  calling 
attention  to  the  constantly  increasing  assessments  and  asking  the 
Assembly  to  “order  the  assessment  for  mileage  kept  separate  from  the 
assessment  for  the  general  expenses  of  the  Assembly  and  also  to. 
reduce  as  far  as  consistent  with  the  interest  of  the  Church  the  now 
too  large  assessment.”  We  note  that  the  increased  assessment  was 
made  necessary  by  the  unprecedented  mileage  expenses  of  the  last 
Assembly  and  prospect  the  same  this  year.  We  recommend  that  the 
request  of  this  overture  be  granted  by  reducing  the  assessment  as- 
far  as  consistent  with  the  interest  of  the  Church.  But  that  the  request: 
for  the  assessment  for  mileage  be  kept  separate  from  the  assessment  for 
the  general  expenses  be  not  granted. 

P.  80-h.  The  assessment  for  next  year  was  fixed  at  five  cents  for 
each  communicant  reported  this  year. 

1916,  p.  67.  The  amount  was  fixed  at  five  cents  for  each  commu¬ 
nicant  reported  this  year. 

1917,  p.  71.  As  the  next  meeting  of  the  Assembly  was  to  be 
held  in  Durant,  Oklahoma,  the  assessment  was  fixed  at  six  cents, 
per  member. 


Secs.  353-355] 


The  General  Assembly 


149* 


1918,  p.  13.  The  allowance  for  meals  to  Commissioners  was  made 
$3  instead  of  $2  a  day. 

P.  39.  Owing  to  the  war  time  conditions  and  the  addition  to 
the  membership  of  at  least  one  Ad- Interim  Committee,  the  assessment, 
was  retained  at  six  cents. 

1919,  p.  68.  The  rate  was  reduced  to  five  cents. 

1920,  p.  53.  Your  Committee  would  venture  to  suggest  a  change  in 
Expense  Blanks  provided  for  use  of  Commissioners,  by  addition  of 
two  lines,  reading  as  follows: 

Estimated  expense  returning . 

Total  expenses  . 

This  would  then  be  self-explanatory  and  avoid  all  confusion  im 
making  these  out  by  Commissioners. 

To  the  overture  from  Presbytery  of  Durant  asking  that,  “In  the 
interest  of  economy  the  Assembly  print  in  the  Appendix  this  part 
of  the  mileage  committee’s  report,  giving  the  traveling  expenses  of 
each  Commissioner,  arranged  as  the  roll  is  by  Synods  and  Presby¬ 
teries.”  In  reply. 

We  do  not  deem  this  either  wise  or  necessary  as  instead  of  being 
in  the  interest  of  economy,  it  would  add  considerably  to  the  expense 
of  printing  the  proceedings,  and  so  far  as  we  can  see  serve  no  wise- 
purpose. 

P.  75.  Owing  to  the  prevalence  of  high  prices  the  rate  for  the- 
coming  year  was  fixed  at  six  cents. 

1921,  p.  80-a.  The  rate  was  made  nine  cents. 

1922,  p.  39.  Seven  cents. 

354.  Expenses  of  Ad  Interim  Committees 

1907,  p.  64.  In  view  of  the  custom  of  paying  the  expenses  of 
ad  interim  committees  out  of  the  funds  in  the  hands  of  the  Treasurer 
of  the  General  Assembly,  collected  for  the  purpose  of  paying  the 
annual  expenses  of  the  General  Assembly,  it  was  decided  that  the 
expenses  of  these  ad  interim  committees  should  be  paid  out  of  any 
funds  in  the  hands  of  the  Treasurers  of  the  Executive  Committees  of 
the  causes  for  which  the  appointment  and  action  of  each  ad  interim 
committee  is  intended,  and  where  there  is  no  committee  fund  to  meet 
such  ad  interim  committee  expenses,  the  money  should  be  supplied  by 
special  levy,  or  in  such  other  manner  as  the  Assembly  will  suggest. 

1919,  p.  53.  It  was  ordered  that  the  expenses  of  the  Ad-Interim 
Committee  on  Closer  Relations  be  paid  by  the  Treasurer  of  the 
Assembly. 

1919,  p.  69-i.  It  was  ordered  that  the  Treasurer  of  the  Assembly 
pay  the  expenses  of  the  Chairmen  of  Ad-Interim  Committees. 

355.  Reports  of  Ad  Interim  Committees  to  be  made  in  writing,  filed r 

printed  and  placed  on  the  docket 

1916,  p.  67.  For  the  future  guidance  of  our  Treasurer,  and  in 
order  to  avoid  confusion,  we  recommend  that  the  order  of  Assembly 


150 


Church  Courts 


[Book  III 


appointing  ad  interim  committees  shall  direct  “that  said  committee 
reports  its  acts  to  the  next  General  Assembly,”  and  that  all  reports 
be  made  in  writing  and  filed  with  the  Stated  Clerk  at  least  two  weeks 
before  the  convening  of  the  Assembly;  and  that  the  Stated  Clerk  be 
required  to  have  same  printed  in  pamphlet  form  for  the  use  of  the 
Assembly. 

1919,  p.  69-i.  That  the  Chairmen  of  all  Ad-Interim  Committees 
are  directed  to  leave  the  reports  of  their  Committees  in  the  hands  of 
the  Stated  Clerk  before  May  1st,  so  that  he  may  publish  them  in  a 
book  or  pamphlet,  similar  to  the  “Blue  Book”  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  U.  S.  A.,  and  mail  a  copy  of  same  at  least  two  weeks 
before  the  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly  to  each  Commissioner 
•of  the  Assembly  and  a  copy  to  each  of  our  newspapers. 

1920,  p.  22.  It  was  ordered  that  all  Ad-Interim  Committee  reports, 
when  presented,  be  placed  upon  the  docket  for  direct  consideration  by 
the  Assembly  at  such  time  as  the  Assembly  may  indicate. 

356.  Standing  Committee  on  Finance 

1864,  p.  281.  Resolved,  That  there  be  now  established,  as  one 
of  the  standing  Executive  Committees  of  the  Assembly,  a  Committee 
of  Finance,  consisting  of  the  Stated  and  Permanent  Clerks,  together 
with  the  Treasurer  of  the  Assembly,  to  whom  shall  be  referred  all 
the  financial  matters  of  the  Assembly  connected  with  the  publication 
of  the  Minutes,  and  the  providing  of  ways  and  means  to  meet  the 
annual  expenses  of  the -Assembly;  and  that  this  committee  be  required 
to  report,  as  the  other  Executive  Committees,  annually  to  the  General 
Assembly. 

357.  Auditing  financial  reports  to  the  Assembly 

Prior  to  the  Assembly  of  1864,  the  reports  of  the  Treasurers  of  the 
various  Executive  Committees  were  simply  audited  by  sub-committees, 
before  being  sent  to  the  Assembly,  and  there  inspected  by  the  respective 
Standing  Committees.  (See  1862,  pp.  ±0,  17.) — A. 

358.  Standing  Auditing  Committee  to  be  appointed 

1864,  p.  278.  Resolved,  That  the  Assembly  appoint  annually  a 
committee  of  three,  unconnected  with  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Domestic  Missions,  to  audit  all  the  accounts  of  the  Treasurer;  that 
it  be  made  the  duty  of  the  Treasurer  to  have  the  report  of  these 
auditors  endorsed  upon  his  account  before  laying  it  before  the 
Assembly. 

P.  266.  A  similar  provision  was  made  for  the  Executive  Committee 
of  Foreign  Missions;  these  committees  to  be  appointed  by  one  As¬ 
sembly  to  audit  reports  sent  up  to  the  next  Assembly. 

This  plan  does  not  appear  to  have  been  adhered  to  for  more  than 
a  year  or  two. — A. 

359.  An  Auditing  Committee  to  be  appointed  annually  among  the 

Standing  Committees 

1868,  p.  271,  Resolved,  That  each  of  the  Executive  Committees 


Secs.  355-362] 


The  General  Assembly 


151 


of  the  Assembly  shall,  along  with  its  annual  report,  send  up  also  the 
Treasurer’s  book  and  vouchers,  and  also  the  book  of  records  contain¬ 
ing  their  proceedings;  and  that  an  auditing  committee  shall  be  ap¬ 
pointed  annually  among  the  Standing  Committees. 

2.  That  the  Treasurers  be  requested  to  attend  each  meeting  of  the 
General  Assembly. 


360.  The  various  Executive  Committees  to  first  audit  the  reports  of 

their  respective  Treasurers 

1882,  p.  554.  In  view  of  the  great  labor  and  time  necessary  to 
examine  the  books  and  accounts  of  the  Executive  Committees  of 
Foreign  Missions,  Home  Missions,  Education,  Publication,  Tusca¬ 
loosa  Institute,  and  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly,  as 
submitted  at  each  General  Assembly,  it  was  ordered  that  hereafter 
each  of  the  Committees  above  named,  previous  to  submitting  their 
reports  to  the  General  Assembly,  appoint  from  among  its  own  number 
respectively,  a  sub-committee  to  audit  the  accounts  of  their  respective 
Treasurers;  who  shall  submit  a  written  report,  which  shall  accompany 
the  report  of  the  committee  as  made  to  the  General  Assembly,  and 
form  a  part  of  the  same. 

1899,  p.  426.  It  was  ordered  that  an  auditing  committee  be 
appointed  for  the  Home  and  School. 

361.  Auditing  Committees  to  be  continued 

1913,  p.  70-g.  Your  Committee  would  suggest  that  the  Auditing 
Committees  heretofore  appointed  at  the  last  General  Assembly  be 
continued  and  be  instructed  to  employ  expert  accountants  to  assist 
them  in  making  their  reports. 

362.  Recommendations  of  Auditing  Committee 

1919,  p.  68.  Recommendations. — 1.  Audit  No.  6,  the  report  of 
Trustees  of  the  Assembly.  We  find  the  Treasurer  fails  to  state  the 
character  of  the  investment  of  its  permanent  funds.  We  recommend 
that  hereafter,  year  by  year,  this  information  be  furnished  the  As¬ 
sembly. 

2.  We  recommend  that  all  examining  committees  appointed  by  the 
last  Assembly  be  reappointed  for  the  coming  year,  except  the  substi¬ 
tution  of  I.  A.  Phifer  for  J.  C.  Evins  on  the  committee  to  examine 
the  books  of  the  Treasurer  of  the  Assembly. 

3.  We  recommend  that  an  original  certified  report  should  be  sub¬ 
mitted  to  the  General  Assembly  from  each  of  our  Executive  Com¬ 
mittees  every  year. 

4..  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  continue  the  appropriation 
of  $75.00  to  the  Council  of  Reformed  Churches  in  America,  of 
$420.00  to  the  Alliance  of  the  Reformed  Churches  of  the  World,  and 
of  $375.00  to  the  Council  of  Churches  of  Christ  in  America. 


152 


Church  Courts 


[Book  III 


363.  Quarter-centennial  of  the  Assembly 

1885,  pp.  400,  421.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  arrange  for 
quarter-centennial  services  commemorative  of  the  organization  of  the 
General  Assembly.  This  Committee  designated  the  three  officers  of 
the  First  General  Assembly  as  the  speakers  for  the  occasion,  viz.: 

Rev.  B.  M.  Palmer,  D.  D.,  Moderator;  Rev.  Jno.  N.  Waddel,  D.  D., 

Stated  Clerk;  and  Rev.  Joseph  R.  Wilson,  D.  D.,  Permanent  Clerk. 

Tuesday,  May  25,  1886,  was  devoted  to  the  purpose.  The  three 
addresses  were  published  in  pamphlet  form,  together  with  other 
suitable  matter;  and  the  thanks  of  the  Assembly  were  tendered  to  the 
First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Augusta,  for  its  hearty  and  efficient  aid 
in  carrying  out  the  programme.  (Minutes  1886,  pp.  12,  21,  25.) 

1 

364.  Semi-centennial  of  the  Assembly 

1909,  p.  45.  It  was  resolved  that  arrangements  be  made  to  cele¬ 
brate  the  fiftieth  anniversary  of  the  organization  of  our  Church,  and 
also  that  the  Assembly  take  steps  to  raise  a  memorial  fund  at  the 
same  time. 

The  Assembly  authorized  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Mis¬ 
sions  to  take  whatever  steps  they  may  think  practicable  for  gathering 
a  semi-centennial  memorial  fund  for  Home  Missions,  the  said  sum 
to  be  kept  as  a  permanent  fund,  the  interest  of  which  shall  be  used 
in  the  work,  especially  in  the  erection  of  manses  and  houses  of 
worship. 

1910,  p.  32.  A  Committee  was  appointed  to  arrange  a  program 
for  the  occasion.  The  time  selected  was  Thursday  evening,  the  first 
day  of  the  Assembly  of  1911,  and  Friday  morning  and  evening  of  the 
same  week. 

1911,  pp.  10,  11,  14,  17.  Dr.  Henry  Alexander  White  made  the 
address  on  The  Origin  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States;  Dr.  Theron  H.  Rice  taking  the  place  of  Dr.  W.  W.  Moore, 
who  was  detained  by  sickness,  spoke  on  The  History  and  Progress  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States;  Dr.  Egbert  W.  Smith  • 
discussed  The  Mission  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States. 

The  Moderator  expressed  to  the  speakers  the  thanks  of  the  As-, 
sembly  for  their  excellent  addresses.  The  Committee  of  Publication 
was  directed  to  publish  the  addresses.  (For  further  details  see 
Alexander’s  Digest  of  1910,  pp.  117-8.) 

365.  Centennial  of  the  first  General  Assembly  in  America 

1886,  pp.  20,  22.  The  Assembly  was  invited  by  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America, 
to  co-operate  in  the  year  1888  in  the  celebration  of  the  organization  of 
the  General  Assembly  at  Philadelphia.  The  invitation  was  accepted, 
and  a  committee  appointed  to  act  with  a  similar  committee  of  the 
other  church  in  carrying  out  the  plan. 


Secs.  363-368] 


The  General  Assembly 


153 


On  the  appointed  day  the  Assembly  adjourned  and  proceeded  from 
Baltimore  to  Philadelphia.  An  elaborate  program  was  carried  out, 
and  social  courtesies  were  also  tendered  the  guests,  of  which  formal 
recognition  was  subsequently  made.  For  fuller  details,  see  Alexander’s 
Digest,  pp.  85ff,  and  Supplement,  46 ff. 

366.  Two  hundred  and  fiftieth  anniversary  of  the  Westminster 

Assembly 

1896,  p.  585.  In  response  to  two  overtures  the  Assembly  com¬ 
mended  to  the  Presbyteries  and  Synods  the  propriety  of  observing 
the  two  hundred  and  fiftieth  anniversary  of  the  formulation  of  the 
Westminster  symbols  of  doctrine,  and  took  order  to  celebrate  this 
event  in  connection  with  the  sessions  of  the  General  Assembly  of 

1897.  To  carry  this  order  into  effect,  the  Assembly  appointd  an 
ad  interim  committee  to  prepare  a  program  of  commemorative  exer¬ 
cises,  and  to  select  speakers  for  the  occasion. 

P.  618.  The  committee  to  arrange  for  this  celebration:  J.  Henry 
Smith,  chairman,  F.  R.  Beattie,  W.  M.  McPheeters,  T.  C.  Johnson, 
W.  A.  Alexander,  John  A.  Preston. 

1897,  p.  9.  This  committee  reported  the  following  program  which, 
was  adopted: 

1.  The  civil  and  religious  condition  of  Britain  at  the  time. 

2.  The  “personnel”  and  work  of  the  Assembly  in  its  Confession, 
Catechisms,  polity  and  worship. 

3.  The  relations  and  influences  of  these  symbols  of  doctrine  to 
current  popular  theology  and  to  the  Reformed  churches  generally,  and 
upon  individual,  family,  social,  and  civil  life,  making  in  all  eleven 
addresses. 

This  program  was  carried  out  and  the  addresses  were  subsequently 
published  in  book  form.  The  Assembly  expressed  its  high  appre¬ 
ciation  of  the  work  of  those  who  were  appointed  for  this  service. 
For  further  details,  see  Alexander’s  Digest  (Supplement),  pp.  3-7, 
and  Alexander’s  Digest,  1910,  pp.  118-9.  See  further,  Minutes  of 

1898,  pp.  199,  214. 

367.  Three  hundredth  anniversary  of  King  James  Version  of  the 

Bible 

1911,  p.  25.  A  suggestion  was  made  by  the  Standing  Committee 
on  Bible  Cause,  and  adopted  by  the  Assembly  that  a  program,  already 
prepared,  be  given  during  this  Assembly,  in  celebration  of  the  three 
hundredth  anniversary  of  the  publication  of  the  King  James  Version 
of  the  English  Bible. 

368.  Joint  meetings  at  the  Atlanta  Assembly 

1913,  pp.  10-13.  The  Assembly  adopted  and  carried  out  a  pro¬ 
gram  of  popular  meetings  to  be  held  jointly  with  the  Assemblies 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  the 


154 


Church  Courts 


[Book  III 


United  Presbyterian  Church  of  America,  and  a  Commission  of  the 
Associate  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  of  the  South. 


369.  Special  prayer  for  sick  ministers  and  missionaries 


1911,  p.  46. 

1915,  p.  75. 

1916,  p.  29. 

1917,  p.  25. 
.1919,  p.  31. 


Dr.  Forsythe. 

Rev.  Geo.  Hudson. 

Rev.  Dr.  J.  G.  Snedecor. 

Rev.  S.  L.  Rieves,  a  Commissioner. 

Rev.  R.  E.  Henderlite,  a  Commissioner. 


370.  Sympathy  to  bereaved  families 


1916,  pp.  41,  68.  To  the  family  of  Rev.  E.  O.  Guerrant,  D.  D. 

1920,  p.  11.  To  the  family  of  Ex-Gov.  R.  B.  Glenn. 

371.  Letter  to  Mrs.  John  F.  Cannon 

1921,  p.  28.  The  following  letter  addressed  to  Mrs.  Cannon, 
widow  of  the  late  Rev.  John  F.  Cannon,  D.  D.,  former  Moderator  of 
the  General  Assembly  and  pastor  of  the  Westminster  Presbyterian 
Church,  St.  Louis,  was  adopted  by  a  rising  vote  and  signed  by  the 
Moderator  and  Stated  Clerk  and  sent  to  Mrs.  Cannon: 


St.  Louis,  Mo.,  May  23,  1921. 

Mrs.  John  F.  Cannon, 

Fulton ,  Mo. 

Dear  Mrs.  Cannon: 

The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S., 
now  in  session  in  the  Westminster  Church,  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  known  far 
and  wide  as  the  field  for  more  than  thirty  years  of  your  deceased 
husband’s  pastoral  activities,  pauses  to  pay  tribute  to  his  great  life 
of  usefulness,  to  his  effective  method  of  preaching  and  teaching  the 
Word  of  God,  and  to  his  wonderful  influence  on  men  and  women  in 
all  walks  of  life.  Truly  his  righteousness  was  like  the  great  moun¬ 
tains;  by  faith  he  walked  in  fidelity  and  good  will,  seeking  in  all 
things  to  be  the  fellowdaborer  of  his  Lord. 

There  are  many  warm  friends  here  who  feel  the  loss  of  Dr.  Cannon 
more  keenly  as  the  days  go  by,  and  especially  while  discharging 
important  duties  in  the  beautiful  church  built  near  the  end  of  his 
earthly  career,  and  yet  there  is  a  perfume  about  it  “which  bears 
witness  that  his  soul  dwells  in  the  King’s  gardens.” 

Praying  that  your  faith  may  rise  triumphant  during  the  darker 
seasons  of  life  and  that  God  will  abundantly  keep  and  bless  you  and 
yours,  and  with  renewed  expressions  of  tender  sympathy, 

Cordially  and  fraternally, 

A.  B.  Curry,  Moderator. 

T.  H.  Law,  Stated  clerk. 


372.  Reply  of  Mrs.  Cannon 

1921,  p.  74.  The  following  letter  from  Mrs.  Mary  L.  Cannon 
was  read  and  ordered  placed  on  record: 

My  dear  Dr.  Curry: 

The  Assembly’s  kind  letter  touched  me  deeply.  I  do  not  grow 
accustomed  to  living  without  this  wonderful  companionship  which 


Secs.  368-374] 


The  General  Assembly 


155 


was  mine  for  forty  years,  so  I  can  understand  how  Dr.  Cannon’s 
friends  miss  him,  as  they  assemble  in  our*  beautiful  church,  with  the 
people  he  loved  and  served  so  faithfully. 

I  could  not  have  lived  with  my  dear  husband  so  many  years  and 
not  have  learned  that  all  things  work  together  for  our  good.  My 
Heavenly  Father  has  kept  His  promises  and  the  Comforter  has  filled 
my  heart  with  peace. 

My  dear  daughter,  Mrs.  Harris,  and  I  find  our  thoughts  turned 
constantly  to  the  Assembly,  meeting  in  the  church  we  love  so  much. 
It  is  a  great  sorrow  to  live  away  from  it,  but  that  is  a  part  of  God’s, 
plan  for  us. 

I  thank  the  Assembly,  through  Dr.  Curry,  for  the  thoughtfulness 
which  prompted  them  to  send  us  such  a  kindly  message.  I  pray 
that  Westminster  Church  may  receive  a  great  blessing  from  the 
united  prayers  of  so  many  of  Gcd’s  servants. 

Most  sincerely  and  gratefully, 

Mary  Cannon. 


373.  Sympathy  for  Dr.  Gilmour 

1921,  p.  37.  It  was  announced  to  the  Assembly  that  Rev.  A.  D.  P. 
Gilmour,  D.  D.,  was  called  away  on  account  of  the  death  of  his 
brother-in-law. 

The  Assembly  then  took  recess  and  the  Moderator  led  the  Assembly 
in  special  prayer  for  Dr.  Gilmour  in  his  bereavement. 

374.  Narrative 

1911,  p.  44.  We  would  respectfully  recommend  that  our  Presby¬ 
teries,  pastors,  Sessions  and  churches,  be  urged  and  directed  to  be 
most  earnest  and  faithful  in  the  use  of  every  scriptural  means  to 
secure  the  presence,  indwelling  and  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

That  special  emphasis  be  laid  upon  the  use  of  the  Bible  and  prayer 
in  the  home,  the  hour  of  prayer  in  the  churches,  and  the  Sabbath  as 
a  divinely  appointed  time  for  the  study  of  the  Word,  for  prayer,  for 
holy  meditation,  and  communion  with  God. 

That  our  people  be  urged  to  sanctify  themselves  from  the  world, 
that  they  may  become  a  fitting,  pleasing  and  honorable  temple  of  the 
Holy  Spirit. 

2.  That  our  Presbyteries,  Sessions,  and  pastors  be  urged  to 
appoint  special  meetings  and  devise  ways  and  means  as  may  seem 
wisest  and  most  efficient  in  their  several  localities  to  effect  the  desired 
ends  as  above  indicated. 

3.  That  our  Presbyteries,  Sessions  and  pastors  be  urged  to  place 
special  emphasis  upon  aggressive  evangelization  beyond  the  borders 
of  their  own  churches,  and  to  devise  ways  and  means  for  the  efficiency 
of  this  work. 

4.  That  all  Presbyteries,  pastors  and  Sessions  be  urged  to  place  a 
new  emphasis  upon  the  need  of  the  recruits  for  the  gospel  ministry, 
especially  in  the  way  of  obedience  to  our  Lord’s  command,  that  we 
pray  that  He  should  send  forth  laborers  into  His  harvest,  and  the 
proclamation  of  His  command  that  men  should  go  forth  to  preach. 

5.  That  the  request  of  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of 


156 


Church  Courts 


[Book  III 


Atlanta  be  granted,  namely:  that  an  ad  interim  committee  be  ap¬ 
pointed  to  prepare  and  address  a  pastoral  letter  on  worldliness  to 
the  pastors  and  churches,  and  that  our  ministers  be  asked  to  preach 
upon  this  subject  at  least  once  during  the  ensuing  year. 

6.  That  all  the  Stated  Clerks  of  the  Presbyteries,  be  requested  to 
give  special  care  to  the  preparation  of  the  Presbyterial  narratives,  and 
see  that  they  reach  the  hands  of  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the  Assembly 
before  the  meeting  of  the  Assembly. 

1912,  p.  34.  In  view  of  the  encouragement  found  in  the  Presby¬ 
terial  narratives  to  press  with  vigor  onward  and  upward,  and  the 
evidence  we  have  that  a  persistent,  courageous,  united  effort  through¬ 
out  the  Church  can  and  will  accomplish  much  towards  the  realization 
of  our  high  Presbyterian  ideal  and  doctrines,  thereupon  we  recommend 
that  this  General  Assembly  direct  its  constituted  Presbyteries  to 
organize  and  to  conduct  an  earnest  campaign,  in  each  congregation, 
directed  towards  four  specific  ends: 

1.  Securing  a  scriptural  observance  of  the  Sabbath  among  all 
people. 

2.  Inspiring  every  Presbyterian  home  to  diligently  and  prayer¬ 
fully  train  its  members  in  the  Holy  Scriptures  and  Catechisms  of 
our  Church. 

3.  Attempting  to  uplift  the  social  pleasures  of  our  young  people 
by  discouraging  worldliness,  and  by  encouraging  them  to  give  their 

'  energies  more  and  more  to  the  work  of  the  Church. 

4.  Establishing  some  form  of  family  worship  in  every  home 
possible. 

To  carry  this  recommendation  into  effect,  we  ask  this  General 
Assembly  to  direct  its  constituent  Presbyteries  to  plan  a  campaign 
in  pursuit  of  the  above  named  objects  during  the  autumn  meetings, 
each  Presbytery  making  its  own  plans. 

That  this  Assembly  call  upon  the  entire  Church  to  observe  a  day 
of  fasting  and  prayer,  humbling  ourselves  before  God  and  petition¬ 
ing  Him  for  an  outpouring  of  the  Holy  Spirit  to  enable  us  to  carry 
out  these  plans  for  His  glory,  and  the  good  of  our  Church. 

That  Wednesday,  October  2nd,  1912,  be  set  aside  as  the  day  of 
fasting  and  prayer,  and  that  the  whole  Church  assemble  in  their 
accustomed  places  of  worship  on  the  evening  of  that  day,  and  that 
this  be  considered  the  opening  of  the  campaign,  which  shall  continue 
until  the  close  of  the  ecclesiastical  year,  and  that  the  results  of  this 
campaign  be  communicated  through  Presbyterial  narratives  to  the 
53  rd  Assembly. 

1913,  p.  70-c.  Reports  from  many  Presbyteries  testify  to  much 
special  manifestation  of  the  Spirit’s  presence  and  power. 

The  remarkable  features  of  the  reports  are  the  indications  they 
give  of  most  encouraging  progress  in  the  spirit  of  Evangelism  and 
the  grace  of  giving.  Probably  never  before  in  the  history  of  our 
Church  did  these  two  important  lines  of  Christian  duty  stand  out 
with  such  commanding  prominence. 

1914,  p.  78.  The  Narratives  of  the  Presbyteries  change  but 
slightly  from  year  to  year.  Your  Committee  feels  that  it  is  unnecessary 


Sec.  374] 


The  General  Assembly 


157 


to  call  the  attention  of  the  Assembly  to  the  points  emphasized  an¬ 
nually,  but  will  state  that  the  attendance  upon  the  sanctuary  is  ordi¬ 
narily  reported  good,  especially  at  one  service,  while  a  minority  report 
discouraging  congregations.  Sabbath  Observance  is  usually  good,  the 
training  of  children  is  usually  good  in  the  Sabbath  School,  but  not  in 
the  home.  Fine  effects  of  the  Every-Member-Canvass  are  noted  in  a 
great  many  churches. 

Worldly  conformity  does  not  trouble  country  pastors,  but  it  rests 
as  a  burden  on  the  hearts  of  the  pastors  of  large,  rich  and  fashionable 
city  churches. 

Nearly  all  our  churches  are  supplied  with  preaching  in  some  form 
by  pastors,  supplies,  evangelists  or  laymen. 

The  call  to  the  Gospel  ministry  is  evidently  presented  from  the 
pulpit,  but  pastors  and  Sessions  do  not  seem  to  be  active  as  a  rule 
in  seeking  candidates  by  more  private  influence. 

Aside  from  these  important  but  stereotyped  observations,  your  Com¬ 
mittee  begs  to  note  several  important  points  suggested  by  the  Narra¬ 
tives: 

First.  The  wide  divergence  in  family  worship  (ranging  from 
none  to  75  per  cent,  of  the  membership  of  churches)  must  be  accounted 
for  in  part  by  the  influence  of  pastors,  present  and  former,  in 
teaching  the  people  the  necessity  of  this  vitally  important  matter. 

Your  Committee  urges  that  all  pastors  use  every  legitimate  influence 
to  persuade  their  people  to  establish  the  family  altar,  which  is  the 
cornerstone  of  Church,  Home,  and  State. 

One  Presbytery  reports  that  it  has  taken  steps  to  correct  the 
neglect  of  home  religion,  but  does  not  state  what  steps. 

Second.  That  pastors’  salaries  are  now  almost  uniformly  paid 
fully  and  promptly  suggests  a  condition  both  favorable  and  unfavor¬ 
able.  It  is  commendable  that  our  churches  pay  their  pastors,  but  we 
believe  that  in  a  great  many  cases  the  ease  with  which  the  congre¬ 
gations  pay  their  pastors  indicates  that  they  are  able  to  pay  more 
liberal  salaries  than  they  are  now  giving.  The  Assembly  would  lay 
upon  the  conscience  of  the  eldership  and  deacons  the  often  meagre 
and  pitifully  small  salaries  paid  by  rich  and  prosperous  congregations, 
both  in  city  and  country.  Pastors’  salaries  have  by  no  means  increased 
as  has  the  compensation  of  other  business,  laboring  and  professional 
:men. 

Third.  Many  churches  are  doing  fine  work  at  outposts  and 
mission  Sabbath  schools,  but  your  Committee  does  not  believe  that 
■enough  work  of  this  character  is  being  done.  Our  growing  cities 
and  country  villages  constantly  offer  opportunities  for  advance  that 
our  churches  are  far  too  slow  to  accept.  We  know  of  no  more 
speedier,  economical  or  efficient  way  by  which  the  membership  of  our 
Southern  Church  could  be  increased  than  by  the  wise  establishment 
of  mission  stations. 

We  call  the  attention  of  the  Assembly  to  the  fact  that  many  Presby¬ 
teries  make  effective  use  of  laymen  for  such  mission  work.  Also  the 
new  Presbytery  at  Tygart’s  Valley  reports  that  almost  every  church 
maintains  outposts.  We  urge  all  pastors  and  Sessions  to  consider 


158  Church  Courts  [Book  III 

this  method  of  enlarging  the  bounds  of  Presbyterianism  and  the 
bounds  of  the  Kingdom. 

1915,  p.  47.  1.  That  our  Presbyteries  be  urged  to  restore  the 

Catechisms  of  our  Church  to  their  place  in  the  training  of  children^ 
and  youth  in  the  homes  and  Sabbath  Schools. 

2.  That  the  overture  from  Suwanee  Presbytery,  asking  for  ex¬ 
tensive  changes  in  the  topics  and  questions  sent  down  by  the  Presby¬ 
teries  to  the  Sessions  for  their  annual  Narratives,  be  answered  in  the- 
negative,  but  that  the  Presbyteries  be  urged  to  secure  a  full  and: 
accurate  statement  of  the  work  and  spiritual  condition  of  the  churches- 
as  suggested  by  the  proposed  topics. 

1917,  p.  28.  (1)  That  our  Presbyteries  urge  the  matter  of  ther 

Family  Altar  League. 

(2)  That  the  Presbyteries  see  to  it  that  the  churches  send  up  more 
distinct  reports,  and  that  Presbyterial  Chairmen  of  Committees  use 
greater  pains  in  making  reports  to  the  Assembly. 

(3)  That  the  overture  from  St.  Johns  Presbytery,  asking  the 
Assembly  to  define  or  remove  from  Sessional  report  the  item  con¬ 
cerning  unholy  conformity  be  answered  (as  the  Assembly  answered 
it  last  year)  by  reference  to  Alexander’s  Digest,  p.  483. 

(4)  In  response  to  the  overture  from  the  Red  River  Presbytery r. 
concerning  the  meaning  of  “special  manifestations  of  the  Holy 
Spirit”  in  question  9,  we  recommend  that  the  word  “special”  be 
changed  to  the  word  “marked.” 

1921,  p.  64.  Extract  from  report  of  Standing  Committee: 

In  this  picture  of  the  Christian  Life  and  Work  of  our  Church,  the 
dark  spots  are  the  neglect  of  family  religion  and  of  the  observance 
of  the  Lord’s  Day,  for  on  these  twin  pillars,  institutions  of  God  that 
have  come  down  to  us  from  Paradise,  rests  the  whole  structure  of 
Church  and  society,  not  only  in  their  highest  well  being  but  in 
their  very  existence. 

Fears  have  been  felt  in  some  quarters  that  the  financial  side  of  the 
Presbyterian  Progressive  Program  was  over-emphasized,  but  in  view 
of  the  facts  given  in  the  reports  for  the  past  year  these  fears  are 
seen  to  be  groundless.  As  God’s  people  have  grown  in  their  grace 
of  giving  and  have  brought  in  larger  measure  the  tithes  into  His-- 
House,  God  has,  according  to  the  unfailing  promise  of  His  Work,, 
opened  to  us  the  windows  of  heaven  and  poured  out  a  blessing  so 
rich  and  full  that  it  has  been  felt  throughout  the  whole  Church. 

The  bright  spots  then  in  the  picture  are  the  rapidly  increasing; 
liberality  of  the  people  and  the  rising  tide  of  evangelism,  which  under 
the  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit  are  gradually  covering  our  Church 
with  their  sweet  and  powerful  influences. 

In  this  summary  of  Christian  Life  and  Work,  there  are  many  dis¬ 
couraging  items,  to  wit:  The  neglect  of  the  Family  Altar,  teaching; 
of  the  catechism  and  Scriptures,  both  in  the  homes  and  in  the  Sun¬ 
day  School,  to  the  children  of  our  Church.  To  offset  these  dark 
spots,  however,  there  are  many  encouraging  notes;  there  is  a  quick¬ 
ened  conscience  throughout  the  Church  upon  the  question  of  its; 
privileges  and  obligations  in  the  stewardship  of  life  and  possessions- 


Secs.  374-376] 


The  General  Assembly 


159 


Along  with  this  has  come  an  increased  interest  in  evangelism,  as 
manifested  in  the  great  number  of  special  evangelistic  efforts  dur¬ 
ing  the  past  year,  most  of  which  were  successful  in  a  marked  degree 
and  have  left  our  churches  with  a  deepened  spiritual  life  and  a  hope¬ 
ful  outlook  for  the  year  before  us. 

375.  Prayer  of  thanksgiving 

1917,  p.  12.  Prayer  of  thanksgiving  to  God  was  offered  for  His 
manifest  blessings  upon  our  Church  during  the  past  year,  as  evidenced 
in  the  reports  of  the  Executive  Committees.  The  Moderator  led  in 
this  prayer. 

376.  Publicity 

1921,  p.  29.  Rev.  W.  L.  Lingle,  D.  D.,  was  appointed  as  a  special 
representative  of  the  Associated  Press  for  this  Assembly. 

1921,  p.  69.  An  overture  from  Rev.  J.  M.  Holladay,  D.  D.,  asks 
the  Assembly  to  appoint  an  ad  interim  committee  to  study  the  whole 
question  of  giving  larger  publicity  through  the  public  press  to  the 
work  of  our  Church  and  to  the  proceedings  of  our  General  Assembly. 
In  reply  to  this  overture  we  [Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures] 
recommend  that  the  Moderator  appoint  such  an  ad  interim  commit¬ 
tee  whose  duty  shall  be  to  study  the  best  methods  of  publicity  and 
report  to  the  next  Assembly. 

We  also  recommend  that  until  the  report  of  this  ad  interim  com¬ 
mittee  provides  another  method,  the  Moderator,  at  the  opening  of 
-each  Assembly,  shall  appoint  a  carefully  selected  Committee  of  three 
to  be  known  as  the  Committee  on  Publicity.  The  duties  of  this 
Committee  shall  be  to  give  representatives  of  the  public  press  such 
information  as  may  be  desired  or  may  seem  wise,  and  to  use  any 
other  means  that  may  seem  wise  to  give  a  wide  and  accurate  pub¬ 
licity  to  the  proceedings  of  the  Assembly. 

1922,  p.  196.  The  Moderator  appointed  the  following  Ad-In¬ 
terim  Committee  on  Publicity:  James  O.  Reavis,  Henry  H.  Sweets, 
Home  McMillan,  Gilbert  Glass  and  Wm.  Fred  Galbraith.  This 
'Committee,  with  all  members  present,  met  in  Chattanooga,  Ten¬ 
nessee,  April  27th.  After  giving  a  thorough  study  to  the  best 
methods  of  publicity,  the  Committee  adopted  unanimously  the  fol¬ 
lowing  report. 

Inasmuch  as  the  Assembly’s  Stewardship  Committee  is  charged 
with  the  promotion  of  the  work  of  the  entire  Church  through  the 
Presbyterian  Progressive  Program;  and, 

Inasmuch  as  one  of  the  chief  agencies  of  this  Committee  for  the 
•accomplishment  of  its  task  is  publicity,  for  which  it  has  an  organ¬ 
ized  department,  we  therefore  recommend: 

1.  That  the  general  publicity  work  of  the  Church,  including  the 
reporting  of  the  proceedings  of  the  General  Assembly,  be  assigned  to 
the  Assembly’s  Stewardship  Committee. 

2.  That  all  the  Executive  Committees  and  agencies  of  the 


160 


Church  Courts 


[Book  III 


Church  be  urged  to  recognize  more  fully  the  place  and  value  of 
legitimate  publicity  and  to  use  more  adequately  this  means  of  mak¬ 
ing  the  work  of  the  Church  better  known. 

3.  That  Synods  and  Presbyteries  be  urged  to  appoint  a  small 
Committee  on  Publicity  at  the  opening  of  each  meeting  to  decide- 
what  matters  shall  be  given  to  the  public  press  and  to  endeavor  to 
have  them  presented  in  a  sane  and  effective  way. 

4.  That  all  our  churches  be  urged  to  recognize  the  importance 
of  giving  publicity  to  their  activities  and  to  seek  the  co-operation  of 
local  papers  and  other  avenues  of  publicity  to  the  end  that  the  truth 
concerning  the  scope,  purpose  and  achievements  of  the  Christian 
religion  and  of  the  Prebyterian  Church  in  the  extension  of  the  King¬ 
dom  of  God  throughout  the  world  may  be  better  understood  and 
rendered  more  impelling. 

377.  Overtures  to  be  sent  to  Stated  Clerk  and  to  the  Moderator 

1921,  p.  70.  Your  Committee  recommends  that  in  the  future  all 
copies  of  overtures  shall  be  sent  to  the  Stated  Clerk  and  to  the- 
Moderator  by  the  fifth  day  of  May,  and  the  Stated  Clerk  shall 
have  them  printed  in  full  and  furnish  each  Commissioner  with  a. 
copy,  and  that  the  Assembly  reserve  the  right  to  decline  to  consider 
any  overture  which  does  not  come  into  the  hands  of  the  Stated 
Clerk  by  the  fifth  of  May. 

378.  Assembly’ s  proportion  of  Benevolences 

1921,  p.  43.  In  response  to  the  question  submitted  by  your 
committee  on  the  Minutes  of  the  Synod  of  Kentucky,  we  refer  to  the^ 
action  of  the  Assembly  which  directs  that  60  per  cent,  of  the  amounts 
raised  for  the  Benevolent  Causes  be  set  aside  for  Assembly’s  Causes- 
and  40  per  cent,  for  Synodical  and  Presbyterial  Causes,  the  latter 
amount  to  be  divided  as  the  Synods  and  Presbyteries  may  elect. 


379.  Special  topics  at  various  Assemblies 


1913,  p.  64.  Assembly  of  1914 — Educational  (1914,  10,  20). 

1914,  p.  63.  Assembly  of  1915 — Evangelism  (1915,  p.  12). 

1915,  pp.  27,  49.  Special  thanks  were  voted  to  Dr.  J.  Wilbur 
Chapman  and  Mr.  Charles  M.  Alexander  for  their  services  on  this 
occasion. 

1915,  p.  41.  Assembly  of  1916 — The  Country  Church. 

See  Minutes  of  1916,  pp.  11-12,  25,  28,  49,  68. 

The  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  was  directed  to  print 
Dr.  Grafton’s  address. 

1916,  p.  51.  Assembly  of  1917 — Family  Religion  (1917,  p.  11). 
Assembly  of  1920 — Sunday  School  (1920,  p.  14). 
Assembly  of  1921 — Foreign  Missions. 

Assembly  of  1922 — Evangelistic  and  Home  Missions. 
Assembly  of  1923 — Prayer. 


1919,  p.  63. 

1920,  p.  42. 

1921,  p.  40. 

1922,  p.  75. 


Secs.  376-381]  The  General  Assembly 


161 


380.  Gavels 

A  number  of  gavels  were  presented  to  the  Assembly.  1911,  pp. 
10,  14,  17;  1913,  p.  29;  1914,  p.  10;  1916,  p.  12;  1917,  pp.  11,  70 
(this  was  presented  to  the  Moderator,  Dr.  J.  M.  Wells);  1920,  pp. 
20,  65  (these  two  were  presented  to  the  Moderator,  Dr.  W.  L. 
Lingle). 

In  1921,  a  gavel  made  from  wood  taken  from  the  church  buildings 
previously  occupied  by  the  Westminster  Church  [the  Assembly  met 
this  year  in  the  New  Westminster  Church],  the  silver  decoration 
being  taken  from  a  part  of  a  communion  set,  was  presented  to  the 
Moderator  by  Mr.  B.  M.  Charles,  the  gavel  to  become  the  property 
of  the  Moderator  [Rev.  A.  B.  Curry,  D.  D.] 

381.  Bibles  to  the  pages 

1920,  p.  53,  80-e.  The  Stated  Clerk  was  authorized  to  present 
a  Testament  and  Psalms  to  each  of  the  four  pages  who  have  served 
the  Assembly  so  faithfully. 


Church  Courts 


162 


[Book  III 


382.  Facsimile  Signatures  of  Commissioners  to  First  General  As¬ 
sembly  of  1861  to  the 

ADDRESS  TO  THE  CHURCHES 


Sec.  382] 


The  General  Assembly 


163 


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CHAPTER  V 


GENERAL  POWERS  ■ OF  CHURCH  COURTS 

383.  Church  courts  have  power  to  make  deliverance  affirming  what 

is  an  offense 

1865,  p.  361.  Has  every  Church  Session  the  right  to  make  it  a 
rule  that  dancing  and  other  amusements  are  disciplinary? 

Answer :  No  Church  judicatory  has  a  right  to  make  any  new  rules 
of  Church  membership  different  from  those  contained  in  the  Consti¬ 
tution;  but  it  is  the  undoubted  right  of  the  Church  Session,  and  of 
every  other  judicatory,  to  make  a  deliverance  affirming  its  sense  of 
what  is  “an  offense,”  in  the  meaning  of  the  Book  of  Discipline, 
Chap.  I.,  Sec.  IIL 

384.  The  nature  ind  authority  of  in  thesi  deliverances  of  Church 

courts 

1879,  p.  23.  Overture  asking  the  Assembly  for  definite  instruc¬ 
tions  upon  the  following  points,  to-wit: 

First,  Are  the  deliverances  of  1865,  1869  and  1877,  on  the  subject 
of  wordly  amusements,  to  be  accepted  and  enforced  as  law  by 
judicial  process? 

Second,  Are  all  the  offenses  named  in  them  to  be  so  dealt  with, 
or  are  exceptions  to  be  made? 

Third,  Are  the  deliverances  of  all  our  Church  courts  of  the  same 
nature  and  authority,  so  far  as  the  bounds  of  those  respective  courts 
extend  ? 

In  answer  to  these  questions,  the  Assembly  unanimously  adopted 
the  following  minute: 

First,  This  Assembly  would  answer  to  first  question  in  the  negative, 
upon  the  following  grounds: 

1.  That  these  deliverances  do  not  require  judicial  prosecution 
expressly,  and  could  not  require  it,  without  violating  the  spirit  of 
our  law. 

2.  That  none  of  these  deliverances  were  made  by  the  Assembly 
in  a  strictly  judicial  capacity,  but  were  all  deliverances  in  thesi  and 
therefore  can  be  considered  as  only  didactic,  advisory  and  monitory. 

3.  That  the  Assembly  has  no  power  to  issue  orders  to  institute 
process,  except  according  to  the  provisions  of  Book  of  Discipline, 
Chap.  VII.,  in  the  old,  and  Chap.  XIII.,  Sec.  I.,  in  the  revised 
Book;  and  all  these  provisions  imply  that  "he  court  of  remote  juris¬ 
diction  is  dealing  with  a  particular  court  of  original  jurisdiction,  and 
not  with  such  courts  in  general.  The  injunctions,  therefore,  upon  the 
Sessions  to  exercise  discipline  in  the  matter  of  worldly  amusements 
are  to  be  understood  only  as  utterances  of  the  solemn  testimony  of 


Secs.  383-384] 


General  Powers 


165 


these  Assemblies  against  a  great  and  growing  evil  in  the  Church. 
The  power  to  utter  such  a  testimony  will  not  be  disputed,  since 
it  is  so  expressly  given  to  the  Assemblies  in  the  Form  of  Government, 
Chap.  XII.,  Sec.  V.,  of  the  old,  and  in  revised  Book  of  Church 
Order,  Form  of  Government,  Chap.  V.,  Sec.  VI.,  Art.  VI.,  and  this 
testimony  this  Assembly  does  hereby  most  solemnly  and  affection¬ 
ately  reiterate. 

In  thus  defining  the  meaning  and  intent  of  the  action  of  former 
Assemblies,  this  General  Assembly  does  not  mean,  in  the  slightest 
degree,  to  interfere  with  the  power  of  discipline  in  any  of  its  forms, 
which  is  given  to  the  courts  below  by  the  Constitution  of  the  Church ; 
or  to  intimate  that  discipline  in  its  sternest  form  may  not  be  necessary, 
'in  some  cases,  in  order  to  arrest  the  evils  in  question.  The  occasion, 
the  mode,  the  degree  and  the  kind  of  discipline  must  be  left  to  the 
courts  of  original  jurisdiction,  under  the  checks  and  restraints  of  the 
Constitution.  All  that  is  designed  is  to  deny  the  power  of  the  As¬ 
sembly  to  make  law  for  the  Church  in  the  matter  of  “offenses,”  or 
to  give  to  its  deliverances  in  thesi  the  force  of  judicial  decisions. 

Second,  The  second  question,  which  is,  “Are  all  the  offenses  named 
in  the  deliverances  of  1865,  1869  and  1877  to  be  dealt  with  in  the 
way  of  judicial  process,  or  are  exemptions  to  be  made?  needs  no 
answer  after  what  has  been  said  in  answer  to  the  first. 

Third,  In  answer  to  the  third  question,  relative  to  the  nature  and 
authority  of  our  different  Church  courts,  this  Assembly  would  say 
that  the  nature  and  authority  of  all  our  Church  courts  are  the  same, 
so  far  as  the  bounds  of  these  respective  courts  extend,  subject,  of 
course,  to  the  provisions  for  review  and  control  of  the  lower  courts 
by  the  higher.  The  power  of  the  whole  is  in  every  part,  but  the 
power  of  the  whole  is  over  the  power  of  every  part. 

The  perplexity  about  the  nature  of  the  deliverances  in  question 
has  arisen  from  confounding  two  senses  in  which  the  word  discipline 
is  used  in  our  Constitution.  One  is  that  of  judicial  process,”  the 
other  is  that  of  inspection,  inquest,  remonstrance,  rebuke  and  “private 
admonition.”  (Form  of  Govrnment,  Chap.  IV.,  Sec.  III.,  Art.  IV). 
The  one  is  strictly  judicial  or  forensic;  the  other  is  that  general 
oversight  of  the  flock  which  belongs  to  the  officers  of  the  Church,  as 
charged  by  the  Holy  Ghost  with  the  duty  of  watching  for  souls.  The 
one  cannot  be  administered  at  all  except  by  a  court  of  the  Church; 
the  other,  while  it  is  a  function  of  that  charity  which  all  the  members 
of  the  Church  are  bound  to  possess  and  cherish  for  each  other,  is 
yet  the  special  and  official  function  of  the  rulers,  to  be  exercised 
with  authority  toward  those  who  are  committed  to  their  care.  In  the 
judgment  of  this  Assembly,  great  harm  is  done  by  the  custom  of  iden¬ 
tifying,  in  popular  speech,  these  two  forms  of  discipline,  or,  rather, 
by  forgetting  that  there  is  some  other  discipline  than  that  of  judicial 
process.  Many  an  erring  sheep  might  be  restored  to  a  place  of  safety 
within  the  fold  by  kind  and  tender,  yet  firm  and  faithful  efforts,  in 
private,  who  might  be  driven  farther  away  by  the  immediate  resort 
to  discipline  in  its  sterner  and  more  terrifying  forms.  The  distinction 
here  asserted  is  recognized  in  the  Word  of  God,  and  in  our  Consti- 


166 


Church  Courts 


[Book  III 


tution,  for  substance  at  least,  in  the  directions  given  for  the  conduct 
of  Church  members  in  the  case  of  personal  and  private  injuries. 
(See  Chap.  II.,  Art.  III.,  of  the  old  Book  of  Discipline,  and  Chap. 
1.,  Art.  IV.,  of  the  revised;  also  Matthew  xviii.  15,  16.)  If  scandal 
can  be  removed  or  prevented  in  such  cases,  more  effectually  often¬ 
times  by  faithful  dealing  in  private  with  offenders  than  by  judicial 
process,  it  does  not  appear  why  similar  good  results  may  not  follow 
from  the  like  dealing  in  the  matter  of  wordly  amusements. 

385.  Declines  to  repeal  or  modify  this  deliverance 

1880,  p.  201.  “The  Synod  of  South  Carolina  hereby  overtures 
the  General  Assembly,  respectfully  praying  that  it  will  consider  and 
repeal,  or  at  least  seriously  modify,  so  much  of  the  deliverance  of 
the  last  Assembly,  in  relation  to  wordly  amusements  as  declares  that 
all  deliverances  of  the  General  Assembly,  and  by  necessary  impli¬ 
cation,  of  the  other  courts  of  the  Church,  which  are  not  made  by 
them  in  a  strictly  judicial  capacity,  but  are  deliverances  in  thesi,  can 
be  considered  as  only  didactic,  advisory  and  monitory.” 

The  Assembly  met  in  Charleston,  in  virtue  of  its  power  to  give 
authoritative  interpretations  of  the  word,  declares: 

1.  Nothing  is  law,  to  be  enforced  by  judicial  prosecution,  but 
that  which  is  contained  in  the  word  as  interpreted  in  our  Standards. 

2.  The  judicial  decisions  of  our  courts  differ  from  in  thesi  de¬ 
liverances,  in  that  the  former  determine,  and  when  proceeding  from 
our  highest  court,  conclude  a  particular  case;  but  both  these  kinds 
of  decisions  are  alike  interpretations  of  the  word  by  a  Church  court, 
and  both  not  only  deserve  high  consideration,  but  both  must  be 
submitted  to,  unless  contrary  to  the  Constitution  and  the  word,  as 
to  wdiich  there  is  a  right  of  private  judgment  belonging  to  every 
Church  court,  and  also  to  every  individual  Church  member. 

3.86.  No  deliverance  in  thesi  can  modify  or  set  aside  a  judicial 

sentence 

1879,  p.  57.  Overture  from  the  Synod  of  Kentucky,  asking  the 
General  Assembly  to  reconsider  the  action  of  the  Assembly  of  1878, 
approving  the  action  of  the  Presbytery  of  Louisville  “in  restraining 
from  the  exercise  of  the  functions  of  the  ministry  a  minister  deemed 
irresponsible  for  his  words  and  acts  by  reason  of  unsoundness  of 
mind,  without  the  usual  form  of  judicial  process.” 

And  the  Synod  further  more  asks  the  Assembly  to  “make  such  a 
deliverance  on  the  subject  as  shall  obviate  any  liability  to  misinter¬ 
pretation,  or  danger  of  the  introduction  of  principles  or  usages  at 
variance  with  the  regulation  of  our  Standards,  and  threatening  to 
the  rights  and  liberties  of  our  ministers  and  people.” 

The  Assembly  made  the  following  answer: 

While  it  might  be  competent  for  one  General  Assembly,  under 
such  rules  as  the  Constitution  provides,  to  grant  a  new  hearing  of  a 
case  which  has  been  judicially  decided  by  a  previous  General  As- 


Secs.  384-390] 


General  Powers 


167 


sembly,  yet,  inasmuch  as  this  memorial  simply  asks  for  a  deliverance 
in  a  case  adjudicated  by  the  Assembly  of  1878,  this  Assembly  declines 
to  grant  the  request  of  the  memorial,  for  the  reason  that  no  delivarance 
in  the'si  can  modify  or  set  aside  a  judicial  sentence.” 

387.  The  right  of  private  judgment 

1881,  p.  383.  The  Form  of  Government  (Chap.  V.,  Sec.  II., 
Art.  II.,)  declares  that  “Church  courts  can  make  no  laws  binding 
the  conscience,  but  may  frame  symbols  of  faith,”  etc.  It  follows 
that  Church  courts  are  not  infallible,  but  on  the  contrary,  “all  may 
err,  and  many  have  erred;  therefore  they  are  not  to  be  made  the 
rule  of  faith  or  practice,  but  to  be  used  as  a  help  in  both.”  (Confes¬ 
sion  of  Faith,  Chap.  XXXI.,  Sec.  III.)  Thus  the  right  of  private 
judgment  is  asserted;  this  right,  however,  is  not  opposed  to  lawful 
authority,  but  to  the  assumption  of  power  to  bind  the  conscience. 

388.  A  protest  must  he  submitted  at  the  meeting  at  which  the  action 

was  taken 

1875,  p.  23.  Is  it  regular  for  a  member  who  was  not  present 
to  vote  at  a  meeting  of  a  judicatory,  to  protest  against  an  act  of  that 
judicatory  at  a  subsequent  meeting? 

Should  there  be  any  limitation  of  time,  when  a  protest  may  be 
admitted  to  record  against  such  action,  after  the  rising  of  the  judi¬ 
catory  ? 

Is  it  regular  to  protest  against  an  act  after  the  records  have  been 
approved  by  a  higher  judicatory? 

Answer:  A  protest  should  be  submitted  at  the  meeting  at  which  the 
action  was  taken  against  which  the  protest  is  offered. 

389.  Authority  of  deliverances  of  Church  courts  and  force  of  logical 

inferences  from  the  same 

1881,  p.  390.  All  just  and  necessary  consequences  from  the  law 
of  the  Church  are  a  part  of  the  same,  in  the  logical  sense  of  being 
implicitly  contained  therein.  The  authority  of  this  law  is,  however, 
two-fold :  it  binds  all  those  who  profess  to  live  under  it  as  a  covenant 
by  which  they  are  united  in  one  communion,  so  that  there  is  no  escape 
from  its  control  except  by  renouncing  its  jurisdiction;  and  it  binds 
because  it  has  been  accepted  as  a  true  expression  of  what  is  revealed 
in  Holy  Scripture  as  infallible  truth.  The  consequences  deduced 
from  it  cannot,  therefore,  be  equal  in  authority  with  the  law  itself, 
unless  they  be  necessarily  contained  within  it,  as  shown  by  their 
agreement  also  with  the  Divine  Word. 

390.  Quorum  of  courts 

1901,  p.  68.  To  an  overture  asking  that  the  quorum  of  all  courts 
above  the  Session  be  made  to  consist  of  an  equal  number  of  teaching 
and  ruling  elders,  the  Assembly  returned  an  answer  in  the  negative. 


168 


Church  Courts 


[Book  III 


391.  Not  enroll  members  while  the  house  is  voting 

1903,  p.  456.  A  motion  to  permit  the  enrollment  of  newly- 
arrived  commissioners  was  ruled  out  of  order  by  the  Moderator  on 
the  ground  that  new  business  cannot  be  interjected  into  the  business 
with  which  the  body  is  engaged  [voting].  On  appeal  to  the  house 
from  the  decision  of  the  Moderator,  his  ruling  was  sustained.  [Rules 
of  Parliamentary  Order,  22,  third.] 

392.  What  are  the  official  records  of  a  court,  and  how  may  errors 

in  same  be  corrected? 

1890,  p.  46.  The  Minutes  of  a  Church  court  become  its  official 
record  as  soon  as  they  are  approved  by  that  court,  and  the  signature 
of  its  Stated  Clerk  is  evidence  that  they  have  been  thus  approved. 

Any  errors  subsequently  discovered  by  the  court  in  its  approved 
records  may  be  corrected  at  its  subsequent  meeting,  the  correction 
appearing  only  in  the  Minutes  of  that  meeting. 

393.  Commissioner  to  a  higher  court  may  be  required  to  report  on 

other  matters  than  his  diligence 

1887,  p.  205.  The  Committee  on  the  Records  of  the  Synod  of 
Mississippi  reported  the  following  exception:  That  on  pages  213, 
214,  an  overture  from  the  Prytania  Street  Church  was  answered 
incorrectly.  A  commissioner  from  one  court  to  a  higher  is  required 
to  render  a  report  of  his  diligence  only.  (Form  of  Government, 
Chap.  V.,  Sec.  III.,  Art.  V.,  last  part  and  Sec.  IV.,  Art.  VI.,  last 
part,  and  Sec.  I.,  Art.  I.) 

This  exception  was  not  sustained.  P.  210.) 

394.  Minutes  of  a  court 

1913,  p.  70-e.  The  Presbytery  of  Potosi  overtures  the  General 
Assembly  to  render  decisions  on  the  following  questions: 

1.  When  a  court  formally  adopts  the  minutes  of  its  proceedings 
as  kept  by  the  Temporary  Clerk,  are  they  then  the  official  minutes 
of  that  court,  or  must  they  first  be  put  in  their  final  form  by  the 
Stated  Clerk  and  adopted  again  in  that  form  before  they  become 
official ? 

2.  When  a  reference,  or  a  complaint,  or  an  appeal  has  been 
withdrawn  from  the  court  with  which  it  has  been  placed,  does  it 
become  a  part  of  the  minutes  of  that  court  or  not? 

3.  Can  a  lower  court  amend  or  modify  its  official  minutes  after 
they  have  been  examined  and  approved  by  the  court  of  review  with¬ 
out  first  gaining  the  consent  of  the  court  of  review  to  so  do? 

We  recommend  the  following  answers: 

1.  They  become  final  when  adopted. 

2.  The  court  has  power  to  determine. 

3.  No. 


BOOK  IV 


THE  AGENCIES  OF  THE  CHURCH 

CHAPTER  I 


FOREIGN  MISSIONS 

395.  Constitution  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions 

1861,  p.  15.  For  the  organization  of  a  permanent  agency  for 
conducting  Foreign  Missions,  the  following  resolutions  were  adopted: 

Resolved,  1,  That  this  General  Assembly  proceed  to  appoint  an 
Executive  Committee,  with  its  proper  officers,  to  carry  on  this  work, 
and  that  the  character  and  functions  of  this  Committee  be  comprised 
in  the  following  articles  as  its  Constitution,  viz. : 

Art.  I.  This  committee  shall  be  known  as  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Foreign  Missions  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  Con¬ 
federate  States  of  America.  It  shall  consist  of  a  secretary,  who  shall 
be  styled  the  Secretary  of  Foreign  Missions,  and  who  shall  be  the 
committee’s  organ  of  communication  with  the  Assembly,  and  with  all 
portions  of  the  work  entrusted  to  this  committee;  a  treasurer,  and 
nine  other  members,  three  of  whom  at  least  shall  be  ruling  elders 
or  deacons,  or  private  members  of  the  Church,  all  appointed  annually 
by  the  General  Assembly,  and  shall  be  directly  amenable  to  it  for 
the  faithful  and  efficient  discharge  of  the  duties  entrusted  to  its 
care.  Vacancies  occurring  ad  interim  it  shall  fill  if  necessary. 

Art.  II.  It  shall  meet  once  a  month,  or  oftener  if  necessary,  at 
the  call  of  the  chairman  or  Secretary.  Five  members  may  constitute 
a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business.  It  may  enact  by-laws  for 
its  government,  the  same  being  subject  to  the  revision  and  approval 
of  the  General  Assembly. 

Art.  III.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Executive  Committee  to 
take  direction  and  control  of  the  Foreign  Missionary  work,  subject 
to  such  instructions  as  may  be  given  by  the  General  Assembly  from 
time  to  time;  to  appoint  missionaries  and  assistant  missionaries;  to 
designate  their  fields  of  labor,  and  provide  for  their  support;  to 
receive  the  reports  of  the  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  and  to  give  such 
directions  in  relation  to  their  respective  duties  as  may  seem  necessary; 
to  authorize  appropriations  and  expenditures  of  money,  including 
the  salaries  of  officers;  to  communicate  to  the  churches  from  time  to 
time  such  information  about  the  missionary  work  as  may  seem  im¬ 
portant  to  be  known;  and  to  lay  before  the  General  Assembly  from 


170 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


year  to  year  a  full  report  of  the  work,  and  of  their  receipts  and  ex¬ 
penditures,  together  with  their  books  of  Minutes  for  examination. 

Resolved,  2,  That  this  committee  shall  be  located  at  Columbia, 
S.  C. 

396.  Work  of  the  Provisional  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions 

Brethren  in  Columbia,  S.  C.,  having  called  the  attention  of  the  Church 
throughout  the  Confederacy  to  the  pressing  demand  of  our  missions 
among  the  Western  tribes  of  Indians,  and  having  received  and  dis¬ 
bursed  funds  sent  forward,  to  the  amount  of  more  than  $4,000, 
and  having  reported  its  labors  to  the  convention  of  delegates  from 
various  Presbyteries  in  the  Confederate  States  of  America,  commonly 
known  as  the  Atlanta  Convention  which  met  in  Atlanta  in  August, 
1861,  that  convention  fully  endorsed  their  action,  and  as  far  as  it 
had  authority,  and  to  the  extent  of  the  Presbyteries  represented 
therein,  appointed  the  same  brethren  at  Columbia  to  continue  the 
work  till  the  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly  to  be  held  in  Augusta 
in  December  next,  when  the  whole  subject  of  Missions,  Foreign  and 
Domestic,  as  well  as  all  other  subjects  of  Christian  enterprise  in 
which  our  Presbyterian  people  are  engaged,  would  be  provided  for. 

The  convention  further  appointed  Rev.  J.  Leighton  Wilson,  D.  D., 
and  Rev.  Charlton  Henry  Wilson,  formerly  missionary  to  the  Choctaws, 
a  commission  to  visit  the  missionaries  and  native  preachers  among 
these  Indians,  to  prevent  their  entire  dispersion  and  the  loss  of  what 
has  already  been  accomplished  among  them,  with  instructions  to 
report  fully  the  state  of  those  missions  to  the  General  Assembly  at 
its  first  meeting.  All  our  churches  were  requested  to  contribute 
to  the  support  of  these  Indian  missions,  and  of  those  missionaries  in 
more  distant  fields,  as  China,  Siam  and  Japan,  who  went  from  our 
Southern  country.  Provision  was  further  made  for  the  payment  of 
the  salary  of  Rev.  L.  Leighton  Wilson  from  the  time  he  entered  upon 
his  duties  at  Columbia,  in  June  last.  The  cost  of  this  entire  work, 
together  with  the  expenses  of  the  commission  to  the  Indians,  was 
estimated  to  be  about  $20,000  per  annum.  (Condensed  from  the 
published  proceedings  of  the  convention  of  delegates  held  in  Atlanta.) 
—A. 

1861,  p.  44.  The  commission  above  alluded  to  presented  to  the 
Augusta  Assembly  an  elaborate  and  exhaustive  report  of  its  visit 
to  the  Indian  Territory,  and  of  the  outlook  for  missions  in  that 
field.  It  described  the  country,  its  situation,  population  and  direction 
of  its  sympathies,  the  mode  in  which  missionary  work  has  heretofore 
been  conducted  among  the  Indians,  the  recent  excitement,  its  cause 
and  its  results.  It  spoke  of  the  interviews  held  with  the  missionaries 
and  addresses  made  to  the  Choctaw  council,  with  the  results  of  the 
same.  It  declared  these  missions  entitled  to  the  confidence  of  the 
Southern  States,  spoke  of  the  measure  of  success  so  far  achieved, 
and  its  great  need  of  being  sustained;  declared  that  the  Indian  tribes, 
in  the  providence  of  God,  have  been  thrown  upon  the  care  of  the 
Southern  Church,  and  that  their  sympathies  were  with  the  Southern 
people  in  the  great  conflict  now  agitating  the  land. 

In  regard  to  this  report,  and  the  Minutes  of  the  provisional  com¬ 
mittee,  the  following  resolutions  were  adopted: 

1861,  p.  16.  Rseolved,  That  three  thousand  copies  of  this  report 
be  printed  under  the  direction  of  the  Executive  Committee,  and  we 
earnestly  recommend  that  it  be  read  to  all  our  congregations  on  some 
suitable  occasion,  and  that  the  Minutes  be  committed  to  the  Executive 
Committee  to  be  appointed,  and  entered  on  their  book  of  records  as 
an  introduction  to  their  own  Minutes. 


Secs.  395-397] 


Foreign  Missions 


171 


The  General  Assembly  desires  distinctly  and  deliberately  to  inscribe 
on  our  Church’s  banner,  as  she  now  first  unfurls  it  to  the  world,  in 
immediate  connection  with  the  Headship  of  her  Lord,  His  last 
command:  “Go  ye  into  all  the  world,  and  preach  the  Gospel  to 
every  creature;”  regarding  this  as  the  great  end  of  her  organization, 
and  obedience  to  it  as  the  indispensable  condition  of  her  Lord’s  prom¬ 
ised  presence,  and  as  one  great  comprehensive  object,  a  proper  con¬ 
ception  of  whose  vast  magnitude  and  grandeur  is  the  only  thing 
which,  in  connection  with  the  love  of  Christ,  can  ever  sufficiently 
arouse  her  energies  and  develop  her  resources,  so  as  to  cause  her  to 
carry  on,  with  the  vigor  and  efficiency  which  true  fealty  to  her  Lord 
demands,  those  other  agencies  necessary  to  her  internal  growth  and 
home  prosperity.  The  claims  of  this  cause  ought,  therefore,  to  be 
kept  constantly  before  the  minds  of  our  people  and  pressed  upon 
their  consciences;  and  every  minister  owes  it  to  his  people  and  to  a 
perishing  world  to  give  such  instruction  on  this  subject  as  he  is  able; 
and  to  this  end  the  monthly  concert  ought  to  be  devoutly  observed 
by  every  church  on  the  first  Sabbath  of  each  month,  for  the  purpose 
of  missionary  instruction  as  well  as  prayer,  and  it  would  be  well 
to  accompany  their  prayers  with  their  offerings.  To  the  same  end 
the  Assembly  earnestly  enjoins  upon  all  our  ministers  and  ruling 
elders  and  deacons  and  Sabbath-school  teachers,  and  especially  upon 
parents,  particular  attention  to  our  precious  youth  in  training  them 
to  feel  a  deep  interest  in  this  work,  and  not  only  to  form  habits  of 
systematic  benevolence,  but  to  feel  and  respond  to  the  claims  of 
Jesus  upon  them  for  personal  service  in  the  field.  And  should  a 
Sabbath-school  paper  be  established,  they  recommend  that  at  least 
one  page  be  exclusively  devoted  to  this  subject. 

It  was  resolved  to  appoint  six  new  missionaries  to  be  sent  to  the 
Southwestern  Indian  tribes.  The  Assembly  also  approved  the  action 
of  the  Provisional  Committee  in  sending  funds  to  missionaries  in 
foreign  lands  who  had  gone  from  our  territory.  As  a  means  of 
rousing  and  increasing  interest  in  the  subject  it  was  recommended 
that  the  monthly  concert  of  prayer  for  Foreign  Missions  be  held  on 
the  first  Sabbath  of  each  month,  and  that  a  collection  be  taken  at 
that  time  for  the  cause. 

(For  fuller  details  see  Alexander’s  Digest,  1897,  p.  95f.  This  recom¬ 
mendation  was  repeated  in  1862  (p.  10),  and  from  year  to  year  in 
substantially  the  same  words.) 

397.  The  Committee  organized 

1862,  p.  30.  The  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions,  im¬ 
mediately  after  the  adjournment  of  the  General  Assembly  in  December 
last,  organized  themselves  as  a  committee,  and  entered  upon  the 
work  assigned  them  by  the  Assembly.  A  room  was  secured  in 
Columbia  for  the  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  and  also  as  a  place  of 
meeting  for  the  Committee. 

1875,  p.  138.  The  location  of  the  Committee  was  changed  to 
Baltimore. 


172 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


1889,  p.  590.  The  location  was  changed  to  Nashville,  Tenn. 

1909,  p.  43.  The  Executive  Committee  was  authorized  to  fill 
vacancies  in  its  own  body. 

398.  Separation  of  Home  and  Foreign  Missions 

For  the  final  severance,  between  the  departments  of  Home  and 
Foreign  Missions,  and  the  creation  of  two  separate  Committees, 
see  under  Home  Missions. 

399.  Consolidation  of  the  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  with  the 

Northern  Board  not  approved 

1886,  p.  36.  Upon  an  overture  asking  a  consolidation  of  the 
Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  of  our  Church  with  the  Board  of 
Foreign  Missions  of  the  Northern  Presbyterian  Church,  it  was  deemed 
not  expedient  to  take  such  action  at  this  time. 

400.  The  Executive  Committee  to  elect  all  officers  except  Secretary 

1893,  p.  42.  The  Assembly  appointed  an  ad  interim  committee  to 
investigate  and  report  to  the  Assembly,  among  other  things,  as  to 
whether  any  modifications  or  changes  are  advisable  in  the  present 
method  of  administration  in  this  part  of  the  Church’s  work;  this 
committee  made  a  report  (1894,  p.  183),  which  was  referred  to  the 
Standing  Committee  on  Foreign  Missions.  This  committee  recom¬ 
mended  and  the  Assembly  ordered  (p.  231)  that  the  Manual  be  so 
amended  that  hereafter  the  Assembly  shall  elect  only  the  Secretary 
of  the  Executive  Committee,  and  that  the  Committee  shall  elect  all 
other  officers. 

401.  Women’s  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  and  Woman  Secretary 

not  appointed 

1907,  p.  52.  In  reply  to  an  overture  the  Assembly  stated  that, 
in  view  of  the  splendid  work  now  being  done  by  our  women,  through 
their  Church  Societies  and  Presbyterial  Unions,  the  Assembly  did 
not  see  the  necessity  of  appointing  such  a  committee. 

1908,  p.  38.  The  Assembly  declined  to  appoint  a  Woman  Secretary 
for  the  Women’s  work. 

402.  Decision  not  to  appoint  a  woman  as  a  member  of  the  Executive 

Committee 

1911,  p.  59.  In  answer  to  the  communication  from  the  Synodical 
Union  of  Missouri,  we  deem  it  inexpedient  to  appoint  a  woman  as 
a  member  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions,  and  we 
would  state  as  a  matter  of  information,  that  Miss  Margaret  McNeilly, 
a  competent  woman,  is  now  in  the  employ  of  the  Executive  Committee, 
and  has  supervision  of  Women’s  Work,  and  will  give  accurate  infor- 


Secs.  397-406]  Foreign  Missions  173 

mation  and  intelligent  help  to  women's  and  young  people’s  missionary 
societies  in  their  work. 

403.  Incorporation  of  the  Executive  Committee 

1894,  p.  232.  Resolved,  That  the  Executive  Committee  be  incor¬ 
porated. 

1895,  p.  414.  The  last  General  Assembly  directed  that  the  Ex¬ 
ecutive  Committee  be  incorporated.  A  charter  of  incorporation,  with 
by-laws,  was  carefully  examined  by  your  committee.  We  recommend 
that  the  charter  and  by-laws,  with  suggested  amendments,  be  referred 
back  to  the  Executive  Committee  to  be  reported  to  the  next  General 
Assembly.  Adopted. 

1896,  p.  587.  The  new  charter  of  incorporation,  secured  in  May, 
1895,  by  direction  of  the  Assembly,  with  the  by-laws  based  on  it, 
and  the  Revised  Manual,  have  been  found  nicely  prepared,  and  with 
them  the  Executive  Committee  has  been  working  with  satisfaction. 

404.  Instructions  to  Executive  Committee 

1903,  p.  476.  To  exercise  the  most  rigid  economy  in  the  purchase 
of  property,  the  opening  of  new  stations,  and  the  equipment  of 
medical  and  educational  plants;  to  restrict  within  proper  limits 
the  industrial  and  eleemosynary  departments  of  work,  and  to  have 
supreme  regard  in  all  educational  agencies  to  the  essential  work  of 
Missions,  the  planting  and  development  of  the  Christian  Church  in 
heathen  lands. 


405.  Avoid  debt 

1911,  p.  60.  It  shall  be  the  policy  of  the  committee  not  to  again 
allow  the  debt  to  reach  such  large  proportions  as  at  present,  and  great 
and  urgent  needs  for  advanced  work  do  not  justify  the  contraction 
of  unreasonable  debt. 

We  suggest  that  this  debt  be  wiped  out,  as  far  as  possible,  by 
special  appeals  to  individuals  and  churches,  and  that  thereafter  no 
debt  be  created,  except  such  as  the  Committee  may  reasonably  expect 
to  pay  before  the  end  of  each  fiscal  year. 

See  1922,  p.  63. 

406.  Employ  expert  accountant 

1911,  p.  60.  In  view  of  the  rapid  growth  in  recent  years  of  the 
income  of  the  Foreign  Missions  Committee  and  its  complexity  of 
accounts,  through  the  creation  of  special  funds  and  other  forms  of 
gifts  for  definite  and  special  purposes,  and  the  necessity  of  administer¬ 
ing  these  funds  strictly  according  to  the  terms  of  the  gifts,  the 
Foreign  Missions  Committee  is  directed  to  employ  an  expert  ac¬ 
countant,  familiar  with  institutional  accounts,  to  investigate  their 
accounting  system  and  to  suggest  such  changes  therein  as  may  be 


174 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


necessary  to  insure  a  system  of  accounts  that  will  conform  to  all 
requirements  of  the  work. 


407.  Sub-committees 

1911,  p.  60.  We  recommend  that  the  work  of  the  Foreign  Missions 
Committee  be  organized  as  far  as  possible  by  dividing  its  work  among 
sub-committees  in  such  a  way  as  to  insure  the  thorough  oversight 
of  every  department  of  the  work. 

408.  Executive  Committee  enlarged 

1913,  p.  56.  Owing  to  the  expanding  work  of  the  Committee, 
Rev.  Josiah  Sibley  was  added  for  a  term  of  three  years. 

409.  Use  bound  books  for  records 

1914,  p.  38.  The  Executive  Committee  was  directed  to  provide 
itself  with  permanent  and  bound  books  for  its  records  instead  of 
using  the  loose  leaf  system  in  preserving  them. 

410.  Attendance  on  Missionary  Conferences 

1914,  p.  39.  The  matter  of  the  appointments  to  attend  the 
Conference  of  Mission  Boards  and  Committees  of  the  United  States 
and  Canada  is  to  be  determined  entirely  by  the  Executive  Committee. 

1915,  p.  67.  We  recommend  that  at  least  one  officer  and  one 
member  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  attend  the 
annual  sessions  of  the  Conference  of  the  Secretaries  of  the  Foreign 
Mission  Boards  of  the  United  States  and  Canada.  The  expenses 
of  this  attendance  to  be  borne  by  the  Executive  Committee. 

The  plan  of  the  proposed  Universal  Conference  of  the  Church 
of  Christ  on  Life  and  Work  was  submitted  to  the  last  General 
Assembly  and  was  approved  on  the  understanding  that  the  program 
of  the  Conference  and  all  proposals  regarding  it  should  first  be 
submitted  to  our  Assembly  before  being  put  into  effect.  The  pro¬ 
gram  of  the  Conference  is  now  in  process  of  being  arranged,  and 
will  consist  of  reports  of  various  commissions  representing  all  the 
different  branches  of  the  Church’s  work.  A  commission  on  “The 
Church  and  World  Evangelism”  has  been  appointed,  on  which  Rev. 
Jas.  I.  Vance,  Chairman  of  our  Eexcutive  Committee  of  Foreign 
Missions,  and  Rev.  S.  H  Chester,  one  of  our  Foreign  Secretaries, 
have  been  asked  to  serve,  Dr.  Vance  being  asked  to  accept  the 
chairmanship  of  the  commission.  Your  Committee  recommends  that 
the  Assembly  approve  of  the  acceptance  of  service  on  this  commis¬ 
sion  by  these  representatives  of  our  Church,  and  that  their  necessary 
expenses  in  attending  the  meetings  of  the  commission  for  the  pur¬ 
pose  of  preparing  this  report  be  defrayed  by  the  Treasurer  of  the 
Assembly. 


Secs.  406-414]  Foreign  Missions  175 

411.  Low  operating  expense  ? 

1916,  p.  59.  Your  Committee  ventures  to  express  the  opinion  that 
the  percentage  of  the  total  funds  handled  which  is  expended  for 
operating  expenses,  being  only  6.7  per  cent.,  is  wisely  expended,  and 
that  the  rate  is  perhaps  lower  than  that  of  many  of  our  larger  denom¬ 
inations. 

1917,  p.  61.  Due  to  the  fact  that  there  seems  to  be  a  mis¬ 
understanding  on  the  part  of  some  as  to  the  percentage  cost  of  the 
administration  of  Foreign  Mission  Funds,  we  recommend  that  in 
future  the  Executive  Committee  exercise  care  to  make  it  clear  in  all' 

r 

reports  and  statements  regarding  percentage  cost  of  administration 
that  such  cost  does  not  include  certain  expenditures  which  would 
properly  be  designed  as  “operating  expenses.” 

412.  Report  commended 

1916,  p.  59.  Concerning  the  printed  report,  your  Committee  is 
of  the  opinion  that  it  is  the  best  that  has  ever  been  issued  by  our 
Church.  It  is  gotten  up  in  attractive  form,  with  twenty-one  illustra¬ 
tions,  seven  maps,  and  an  excellent  index.  It  should  be  widely 
circulated  throughout  the  Church  as  a  dependable  source  of  infor¬ 
mation  concerning  our  work  abroad.  # 

413.  In  one  Presbytery  every  church  made  an  offering  to  Foreign 

Missions 

1916,  p.  59.  The  printed  report  shows  that  the  total  of  contri¬ 
butions  for  this  work  from  living  donors  during  the  past  year  has 
been  larger  than  for  any  preceding  year  in  our  history,  and  that  con¬ 
tributions  of  this  class  have  been  slowly  but  steadily  rising  for  the 
past  decade.  This  would  seem  to  indicate  a  widening  knowledge, 
.a  deepening  interest,  and  a  rising  tide  of  liberality  that  should  cause 
us  to  thank  God  and  take  courage. 

From  other  sources  we  have  learned  of  at  least  one  Presbytery  in 
which  every  church  within  its  bounds  made  an  offering  for  Foreign 
Missions  during  the  year.  This  admirable  result  was  obtained 
through  the  splendid  efforts  of  the  Presbyterial  Chairman  of  Foreign 
Missions,  who  ascertained  from  the  Nashville  office  the  status  of 
each  church  in  this  matter  before  the  fall  meeting  of  Presbytery,  and 
at  the  meeting  and  afterward  prosecuted  a  vigorous  campaign  through 
the  use  of  the  mails  until  every  church  in  the  Presbytery  had  made 
an  offering. 

The  example  of  this  Presbytery  and  its  Chairman  of  Presbytery’s 
Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  is  worthy  of  imitation. 

414.  Resignation  of  Dr.  McNeilly  from  Committee 

1913,  pp.  52,  55.  Dr.  McNeilly  having  been  a  member  of  the 
Executive  Committee  continuously  since  1889,  when  the  Committee 


176 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


was  moved  to  Nashville,  and  he  having  proved  in  all  that  time  most 
devoted  and  intelligent  in  the  discharge  of  the  responsible  and 
exacting  duties  of  the  place,  devout  in  spirit,  faithful  in  service,  wise 
in  council,  instant  in  prayer,  inspiring  in  courage,  tender  and  strong 
in  his  attachment  to  the  cause,  we  recommend  that  a  copy  of  this 
paragraph  be  conveyed  to  him  by  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the  Assembly 
as  an  expression  of  the  affectionate  appreciation  in  which  he  is  held 
by  the  Church,  accompanied  by  the  thanks  of  the  Assembly  and  an 
assurance  of  its  prayer  for  the  divine  blessing  upon  him  throughout 
the  remainder  of  his  life. 

This  was  adopted  by  a  rising  vote. 

415.  Resolutions  for  Dr.  Chester  and  Mr  Raymond 

1914,  p.  37.  Congratulations  and  good  wishes  were  expressed  to 
Dr.  Chester  on  the  completion  of  his  twenty  years  of  service  in  the 
Foreign  Mission  office. 

1919,  pp.  57,  60.  The  Assembly  expresses  appreciation  of  the 
services  of  Rev.  S.  H.  Chester,  D.  D.,  who,  for  a  quarter  of  a  century, 
has  shown  wisdom  and  tact  in  his  administration  of  the  Foreign 
Mission  work,  and  invokes  for  him  the  continue  d  blessing  and 
guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

This  was  adopted  by  a  rising  vote. 

Fame  for  Mr.  W.  H.  Raymond  in  1921. 

416.  Presbyterial  chairman  and  corresponding  members  of  the 

Executive  Committees 

1866,  pp.  19,  56.  That  the  Assembly  enjoin  upon  the  Presbyteries 
to  appoint  some  one  of  their  number  to  act  as  the  representative  of 
this  cause  within  their  own  bounds,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  see 
that  all  the  churches  contribute  to  this  cause,  and,  when  they  fail  to 
do  so,  to  report  them  to  the  Presbytery;  and  further,  that  the  same 
person  be  regarded  as  a  corresponding  member  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Foreign  Missions.  It  was  further  recommended,  that  until 
the  Presbyteries  meet  and  make  the  aforesaid  appointments,  the 
present  ministerial  commissioners  to  the  Assembly  be  directed  to  act 
in  this  capacity  in  their  respective  Presbyteries;  and  where  there 
are  two  ministerial  commissioners  from  the  same  Presbytery,  that 
the  older  take  the  precedence. 

417.  Changes  in  Secretaries 

Rev.  J.  Leighton  Wilson,  D.  D.,  was  the  first  Secretary  and  served 
until  1885;  from  1885  until  his  death  in  1887  he  was  Secretary 
emeritus,  with  a  salary  of  one  thousand  dollars  annually.  From 
1872  to  1882  Rev.  Richard  Mcllwaine  was  co-ordinate  Secretary 
and  Treasurer.  In  1883  Dr.  Wilson  was  authorized  to  secure 
clerical  aid,  at  an  expense  not  to  exceed  $1,200.  In  1884,  it  was 
.resolved  to  secure  an  assistant  Secretary,  and  dispense  with  the 


Secs.  414-419] 


Foreign  Missions 


177 


Clerk.  In  1885  Rev.  M.  H.  Houston,  D.  D.,  was  made  Secretary 
and  served  until  1893,  being  relieved  a  part  of  the  time  by  Rev. 
H.  M.  Woods,  D.  D.,  while  Dr.  Houston  was  visiting  the  Brazilian 
mission.  Dr.  Houston  continued  in  the  work  some  time  after  his 
resignation;  and  in  1894  Rev.  S.  H.  Chester,  D.  D.,  was  elected 
Secretary. 

1902,  pp.  28 If.  The  Assembly  expressed  its  high  appreciation 
of  the  services  of  Mr.  W.  H.  Raymond,  who  managed  the  business  of 
the  office  during  the  absence  and  subsequent  illness  of  the  Secretary. 

418.  Assistant  Secretary  and  Treasurer 

1888,  p.  40.  An  Assistant  Secretary  was  authorized,  at  a  salary 
not  to  exceed  $1,500  a  year;  Rev.  D.  C.  Rankin  was  elected. 

1889,  p.  609.  Rev.  D.  C.  Rankin  was  elected  Treasurer  and 
Assistant  Secretary. 

1891,  p.  238.  Resolved,  That  the  office  of  Assistant  Secretary 
and  Treasurer  be  divided,  the  former  to  be  elected  by  the  Assembly, 
the  latter,  for  the  ensuing  year,  to  be  elected  and  subject  to  removal 
by  the  Executive  Committee,  and  giving  the  usual  bond  for  the 
faithful  performance  of  his  duties  to  the  Trustees  of  the  General 
Assembly. 

Rev.  D.  C.  Rankin  was  elected  Assistant  Secretary. 

The  above  action  as  to  the  Treasurer  was  repealed  in  1892,  p.  447. 

1893,  p.  40.  The  Assembly  having  resolved  to  elect  a  Secretary  and 
Treasurer  of  Foreign  Missions  and  to  leave  the  election  of  all  other 
officers  in  the  Foreign  Mission  rooms  to  the  Executive  Committee, 
elected  Mr.  J.  H.  Kline,  of  Nashville,  to  the  office  of  Treasurer. 

P.  41.  Rev.  D.  C.  Rankin  was  requested  to  retain  the  office  of 
Assistant  Secretary  until  first  of  September  next,  at  which  time  the 
office  shall  be  abolished. 

P.  43.  ‘  The  Executive  Committee  was  directed  to  consider  and 
report  to  the  next  Assembly  concerning  the  desirability  of  re-uniting 
the  office  of  Assistant  Secretary  and  that  of  Treasurer. 

1894,  p.  251.  The  Executive  Committee  reported  that  on  the  12th 
day  of  June  Mr.  J.  H.  Kline  resigned  the  office  of  Treasurer,  and 
Mr.  George  G.  O’Brien  was  appointed  Treasurer  pro  tern .,  until  a 
permanent  Treasurer  could  be  secured.  On  Julv  3rd  Mr.  F.rskine 
Reed  was  elected  by  the  Committee  as  permanent  Treasurer. 

P.  232.  The  Executive  Committee  was  authorized  to  elect  such 
office  force,  including  the  Treasurer,  as  shall  appear  to  be  necessary 
to  efficient  service,  and  that  they  fix  the  salaries  of  such  force  at 
a  cost  consistent  with  the  demands  of  the  most  economical  adminis¬ 
tration  of  the  office. 

419.  A  Co-ordinate  Secretary 

t 

1900,  p.  622.  In  answer  to  a  memorial  urging  the  appointment 
of  a  second  Secretary,  the  Assembly  recognized  the  importance  of 
the  matter,  but  deemed  it  inadvisable  to  appoint  such  an  officer  at 
this  time. 


178  The  Agencies  of  the  Church  [Book  IV 

1902,  p.  281.  It  was  resolved  to  elect  a  Field  Secretary;  Rev. 
W.  R.  Dobyns,  D.  D.,  was  elected. 

1903,  p.  475.  Dr.  Dobyns  declined  the  office,  further  action  was 
postponed. 

1904,  p.  43.  Rev.  Egbert  W.  Smith,  D.  D.,  was  chosen  Co¬ 
ordinate  Secretary,  with  the  chief  charge  of  the  field  work,  but 
declined  to  accept. 

1905,  p.  35.  Rev.  J.  O.  Reavis  was  elected  to  the  office. 

420.  Missionary  Editor 

This  office  was  filled  for  ten  years  by  Rev.  D.  C.  Rankin,  D.  D. 
Upon  his  death  in  1902,  Rev.  H.  F.  Williams  was  elected. 

421.  Two  Co-ordinate  Secretaries  and  Treasurer 

1911,  p.  60.  With  regard  to  the  plan  of  office  adjustment  pro¬ 
posed  by  the  Executive  Committee,  we  recommend: 

1.  The  election  of  two  Secretaries,  who  shall  be  of  equal  rank,, 
and  who  shall  jointly  administer  the  affairs  of  the  whole  work,  and 
who  shall  agree  among  themselves  as  to  the  distribution  of  the  work, 
subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Executive  Committee. 

2.  We  recommend  that  the  election  of  a  Treasurer,  who  shall 
give  the  whole  or  such  part  of  his  time  as  may  be  found  necessary  to 
the  work  of  the  office,  be  left  in  the  hands  of  the  Executive  Committee 
of  Foreign  Missions,  as  now  provided  by  the  Manual  of  Foreign 
Missions  adopted  by  the  General  Assembly  of  1895  (Section  1,  Para¬ 
graph  3). 

1911,  p.  61.  The  election  of  the  Rev.  S.  H.  Chester,  D.  D.,  and 
Rev.  Egbert  W.  Smith,  D.  D.,  as  Secretaries  was  by  a  rising  vote. 

The  Stated  Clerk  of  the  Assembly  was  instructed  to  write  a  letter 
to  Rev.  J.  O.  Reavis,  D.  D.,  expressing  the  appreciation  of  the 
Assembly  for  his  services  as  Secretary  of  Foreign  Missions. 

422.  Distribution  of  duties 

1914,  p.  40.  That  the  nominees  of  the  Executive  Committee,  in 
its  majority  report,  for  Secretaries  other  than  the  Executive  Secretary,, 
viz.:  Rev.  S.  H.  Chester,  as  Secretary  of  Foreign  Correspondence 
and  Editor  of  the  Foreign  Mission  Department  of  the  Survey;  Rev.. 
Jno.  I.  Armstrong,  as  Educational  Secretary;  Rev.  J.  O.  Reavis, 
as  Field  Secretary,  to  serve  without  salary;  Rev.  H.  F.  Williams,, 
as  Field  Secretary,  to  give  at  least  three-fourths  of  his  time  to- 
work  in  the  field  for  a  term  of  three  years,  be  approved;  that  Rev. 
Egbert  W.  Smith,  D.  D.,  be  elected  Executive  Secretary  of  Foreign 
Missions  for  a  term  of  three  years;  that  vacancies  on  the  Executive 
Committee  for  the  term  of  three  years  be  filled  as  follows:  Rev. 
C.  E.  Diehl,  Rev.  E.  D.  McDougall,  Rev.  L.  E.  McNair,  G.  H. 
Baskette,  J.  P.  McCallie,  Rutherford  Lapsley,  W.  A.  Dale,  and  A. 
M.  Carroll;  that  Rev.  W.  L.  Caldwell  be  appointed  to  fill  the  un- 


'Secs.  419-426] 


Foreign  Missions 


179 


expired  term  of  Rev.  Josiah  Sibley,  and  that  Rev.  David  M.  Sweets 
be  appointed  to  fill  the  unexpired  term  of  E.  H.  Sharringhaus. 

423.  Joint  Educational  Secretary  proposed 

1915,  p.  66.  That  an  ad  interim  committee,  to  be  composed  of 
four  ministers  and  three  laymen  not  connected  with  any  of  the 
Executive  Committees,  be  appointed  to  consider  the  advisability  of 
electing  a  joint  Educational  Secretary  to  foster  education  throughout 
the  Church  in  regard  to  the  Assembly’s  beneficent  causes,  and,  if 
the  way  be  clear,  to  recommend  to  the  next  Assembly  a  comprehensive 
policy  of  education  covering  all  the  work  of  the  Church,  and  that  to 
that  Committee  be  referred  the  following  overture,  sent  to  this  As¬ 
sembly  by  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions: 

“The  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  respectfully  over 
tures  the  General  Assembly,  sitting  in  Newport  News,  May,  1915, 
to  adopt  for  use  in  the  Sunday  Schools  a  comprehensive  policy  of 
education,  covering  all  the  work  of  the  Church,  and  suggests  the 
following  as  a  possible  policy: 

‘T.  That  Sunday  Schools  use  one  Sunday  in  each  month  for 
teaching  by  special  service  or  otherwise  the  work  of  the  Church. 

“2.  That  April,  May,  July,  August,  and  January  be  used  for 
Foreign  Missions;  June,  November,  and  March  for  Assembly’s  Home 
Missions;  September  for  the  American  Bible  Society;  October  for 
Sunday  School  Extension;  December  and  February  for  Christian 
Education  and  Ministerial  Relief. 

“3.  That  the  last  Sunday  of  the  month  be  used,  except: 

“(1)  That  the  second  Sunday  in  September  be  used  for  the 
American  Bible  Society. 

“(2)  That  the  first  Sunday  in  October  be  used  for  Sunday 
School  Extension. 

“(3)  That  the  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial 
Relief  be  asked  to  select  and  publish  in  advance  each  year  the 
Sunday  in  December  after  the  second  Sunday  most  suitable  in  view 
of  the  day  on  which  Christmas  falls. 

“(4)  That  opportunity  be  given  for  offerings  to  the  causes  of  the 
Church,  and  the  Sunday  Schools  be  urged  to  support  all  causes  in 
due  proportion.” 

1916,  p.  23.  This  plan  was  not  adopted. 

424.  Associate  Secretary 

1920,  p.  41.  Rev.  J.  O.  Reavis,  D.  D.,  was  elected  for  three  years 
as  Associate  Field  and  Foreign  Secretary. 

425.  Missionary  Training  School 

See  Chapter  on  Christian  Education. 

426.  Day  of  Prayer  for  Missions 

1880,  p.  206.  The  Assembly  recommends  that  the  last  Wednesday 


180 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


of  October  be  observed  as  a  day  of  prayer  for  the  continuance  and 
increase  of  the  success  of  our  mission  work;  and  that  as  a  Church 
we  may  be  enabled  with  cheerful  zeal  to  meet  the  fresh  demands  which 
the  providence  of  God  now  makes  upon  our  fidelity,  in  order  that  we 
may  share  more  largely  than  ever  in  the  work  which  is  the  crowning 
duty  and  crowning  glory  of  the  Church,  to  give  the  Gospel  to  the 
world. 

427.  Noonday  prayer 

1895,  p.  415.  Resolved,  That  attention  be  called  to  the  fact  that 
in  the  office  of  the  Executive  Committee,  at  Nashville,  the  hour  of 
noon  of  each  working  day  is  spent  in  prayer. 

1896,  p.  588.  We  commend  the  noonday  prayer,  when  it  is 
practicable,  in  concert  with  the  brethren  at  that  hour  in  the  Mission 
office  at  Nashville. 

1897,  p.  60.  The  Executive  Committee  say:  “The  correspondence 
of  the  office  shows  that  many  throughout  the  Church  have  partici  - 
pated  in  the  midday  service  of  prayer  for  missions,  and  that  from 
many  homes  and  many  congregations  the  prayer  of  faith  has  regularly 
gone  up.  We  believe  it  to  be  in  direct  answer  to  these  prayers  that 
we  are  now  able  to  report  that  all  qualified  applicants  during  the 
year  who  were  ready  to  go  have  been  appointed  and  sent  out,  that 
no  debt  rests  upon  the  work  at  the  close  of  the  year,  and  that  there 
has  been  a  large  increase  over  last  year  in  the  numbers  added  to  the 
churches  in  the  mission  field. 

428.  Special  prayer 

1919,  p.  60.  In  view  of  the  greatly  increased  difficulty  and  cost 
in  carrying  on  the  Foreign  Mission  work,  the  Assembly  calls  our 
Church  to  special  and  constant  prayer. 

429.  Collections  at  the  Monthly  Concert 

1868,  p.  276.  Regular  collections  should  be  taken  up  at  such 
meetings,  in  addition  to  the  annual  collection  for  this  object,  as 
heretofore  advised  and  urged  by  the  Assembly. 

1872,  p.  168.  Resolved,  That  the  collections  made  in  connection 
with  the  monthly  concert  of  prayer,  on  alternate  months  (i.  e.  on  the 
first  Sabbath  in  February,  April,  June,  August,  October  and  Decem¬ 
ber)  be  devoted  to  Foreign  Missions. 

430.  Amounts  asked  and  contributed 

For  1911-12,  asked  (1911,  p.  58)  $550,000  (60%,  p.  70-b) ; 
received  $504,802  (1912,  p.  56). 

For  1912-13,  asked  (1912,  p.  56)  $550,000;  received  $651,060 
(1913,  p.  53). 

Deficit  of  year  before  $104,568  changed  to  surplus  of  $7,557. 


Secs.  426-433] 


Foreign  Missions 


181 


For  1913-14,  asked  (1913,  p.  131)  $574,560  (54%);  received 
$561,179  (1914,  p.  38). 

For  1914-15,  asked  (1914,  p.  54)  $678,333.33  (55%);  received 
$544,162  (1915,  p.  93). 

For  1915-16,  asked  received 

$534,682  (1917,  p.  60). 

For  1916-17,  asked  (1915,  p.  54)  $648,000  (54%);  received 
$586,544  (1917,  p.  60). 

For  1917-18,  asked  (1916,  p.  37)  $660,000;  received  $670,287. 

For  1918-19,  asked  (1917,  p.  64)  $732,600  (55%%);  received 
$791,441  (1919,  p.  58). 

For  1919-20,  asked  (1918,  p.  49)  $1,140,000  (55%%);  received 
$1,115,345  (1920,  p.  39). 

For  1920-21, j  asked  (1919,  p.  59)  ..1,332,000;  received  $1,153,- 


629.. 

For  1921-22,  asked  (1920,  p.  56)  $1,498,500;  received  $1,210,742. 
For  1922-23,  $1,206,912  (1922,  p.  62) 

The  above  figures  differ  in  some  cases  from  those  given  in  the 
Appendix.  The  reports  of  the  Presbyteries  sometimes  contain  items 
which  do  not  go  through  the  hands  of  the  Executive  Committee;  and 
the  receipts  of  the  Executive  Committee  sometimes  include  legacies. 


431.  Funding  the  debt 

1912,  p.  50.  That  the  Foreign  Missions  Committee  be  instructed 
to  fund  the  present  debt  of  approximately  $100,000.00,  if  the  way 
be  clear. 


432.  Debt  paid 

1913,  p.  54.  In  view  of  the  payment  of  the  debt  and  the  adoption 
of  wise  safeguards  against  the  recurrence  of  debt  in  the  future,  and 
in  view  of  the  enthusiasm  recently  awakened  throughout  the  Church, 
and  the  spiritual  blessing  that  has  followed  labors,  self-denial  and 
prayers,  we  recommend  that  the  Assembly  urge  all  the  lower  courts, 
Synods,  Presbyteries  and  Sessions,  on  the  one  hand  to  avail  themselves 
of  every  proper  means  to  guard  against  reaction,  and  on  the  other 
hand  to  utilize  the  new  zeal  as  a  means  of  pressing  forward  to  still 
more  glorious  results,  and  sound  a  note  of  new  confidence  and  con¬ 
secration  from  every  pulpit  in  the  Church. 


433.  New  financial  plan  no  cause  for  reduction 

1913,  p.  54.  “In  order  to  remove  an  erroneous  impression  on  the 
subject,  we  recommend  that  the  General  Assembly  declare  that  its 
new  financial  plan  neither  necessitates  nor  contemplates  the  reduction 
of  contributions  heretofore  made  by  societies,  churches  or  individuals 
to  any  cause,  but  rather  the  enlistment  in  behalf  of  the  other  causes, 
of  our  people’s  heretofore  unused  means  and  energies. 


182 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


434.  One  million  dollars  needed 

1914,  p.  39.  That  in  view  of  the  great  need  of  the  cause  of 
Foreign  Missions,  of  the  work  set  before  it  and  assumed  by  it  in 
the  Missionary  Platform  adopted  by  the  Assembly  of  1907,  and  of  the 
present  obligations  of  the  cause,  this  Assembly  urge  the  churches  and 
people  to  contribute  not  less  than  one  million  dollars  to  Foreign 
Missions  during  the  present  year.  The  Assembly  declares  that  a 
generous  increase  in  offerings  for  this  work  is  imperatively  needed. 

435.  Every  Member  Canvass 

1914,  p.  40.  That  in  the  Every-Member- Canvass  churches  the 
Assembly  urge  that  not  less  than  55  per  cent,  of  amounts  contributed 
to  Assembly  causes  be  assigned  as  the  percentage  for  Foreign 
Missions,  and  that  this  minimum  percentage  shall  apply  at  present 
to  the  years  1914-15  and  1915-16,  and  that  hereafter  the  provision 
be  made  for  one  entire  year  in  advance. 

436.  Reserve  fund  of  $100,000 

1914,  p.  40.  That  the  Assembly  approve  of  the  establishment,  if 
possible,  of  a  reserve  fund  of  at  least  $100,000,  to  be  drawn  upon  in 
seasons  of  special  need  in  lieu  of  borrowing,  such  fund  to  be  raised 
over  and  above  all  present  support  funds,  and  to  be  sought  through 
private  effort  chiefly  amongst  those  in  our  Church  whom  God  has 
blessed  with  means.  As  still  further  preventive  of  the  need  for 
borrowing,  the  Assembly  urges  upon  all  Church  Treasurers  the  great 
importance  of  prompt  remittance  of  the  collections  for  Foreign 
Missions. 

437.  Best  year  in  our  history 

1915,  p.  66.  Attention  was  called  to  the  fact  that  this  has  been 
the  best  year  in  the  history  of  our  work. 

438.  Three  million  dollar  campaign 

1919,  p.  58.  That  the  Assembly  recognize  the  invaluable  help  of 
the  Three  Million  Dollar  Campaign  in  March,  1918,  toward  the 
support  of  Foreign  Mission  work,  and  urge  the  heartiest  co-operation 
in  the  Progressive  Campaign. 

1922,  p.  61.  In  reply  to  the  overture  of  East  Hanover  Presbytery 
requesting  the  General  Assembly  to  ascertain  the  facts  concerning 
the  deficit  reported  by  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Mis¬ 
sions  as  now  existing  and  annually  increasing,  in  order  that  imme¬ 
diate  steps  be  taken  to  make  such  liquidation  of  this  deficit  as  may 
be  deemed  advisable,  your  Committee  submits  a  full  statement  (see 
minutes  1922,  pp.  61  f),  with  a  Committee  Reserve  Fund  of 
$45,339.95 


Secs.  434-441] 


Foreign  Missions 


183 


439.  Free-will  offerings 

1886,  p.  35.  As  the  Committee  is  laboring  under  the  pressure 
of  debt,  and  it  has  furthermore  been  found  that  the  single  annual 
collection  in  May,  ordered  by  the  Assembly,  does  not  gather  satis¬ 
factorily  the  full  contributions  of  the  Church,  it  is  hereby  ordered 
that  the  Executive  Committee  be  empowered  to  make,  during  the 
months  of  October  and  February  of  each  year,  special  appeals  for 
free-will  offerings  from  the  churches  and  from  individuals,  and  that 
such  appeals  shall  not  be  made  at  other  times. 

# 

440.  Contributions  to  special  objects 

1884,  p.  262.  Extract  from  the  Executive  Committee’s  report: 

Letters  are  received  from  Sabbath  Schools,  from  missionary  socie¬ 
ties,  and  sometimes  from  churches,  proposing  that  they  shall  contribute 
to  some  special  object,  and  asking  that  an  object  be  designated  for 
them.  Now,  the  position  which  this  Committee  has  held  in  this 
matter  is  well  known.  It  has  seemed  to  them  desirable  that  with 
all  our  people,  great  and  small,  an  interest  and  a  liberality  should  be 
shown  towards  all  parts  of  our  mission  work.  It  could  be  wished 
that  every  object  which  our  Church  has  in  hand  for  the  extension 
of  the  Redeemer’s  kingdom  among  the  heathen  should  be  to  our  people 
a  special  object.  At  the  same  time  it  is  apparent  that  there  is  a 
desire  in  many  quarters  that  special  objects  shall  be  assigned.  The 
fact,  too,  is  recognized  that  the  energies  of  some  will  be  better  called 
forth  if  they  are  directed  to  one  particular  object.  And  now,  in 
view  of  the  repeated  requests  which  are  made  for  special  objects, 
the  Committee  has  determined  to  accede  to  these  requests  as  far  as 
possible,  and  would  inform  the  Assembly  and  the  Church  that  our 
missionaries  in  each  field  have  been  requested  to  furnish  a  list  of 
all  the  objects  in  their  field  to  which  the  money  of  our  Church  goes; 
and  when  these  lists  are  received  the  Committee  will  be  prepared  to 
gratify  all  those  who  wish  a  special  object. 

441.  Assuming  support  of  individual  Missionaries 

1892,  p.  446.  The  Assembly  cordially  recommends  the  plan  now 
in  use  in  many  of  our  congregations  of  undertaking  the  support  of 
one  or  more  of  the  missionaries  in  the  foreign  field. 

This  is  the  plan  of  carrying  on  the  work,  long  maintained  in  that 
banner  Foreign  Missionary  Church  of  the  Presbyterian  family,  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church  of  Scotland,  a  body  about  the  same 
size  as  our  own,  which  gave  last  year  the  sum  of  $400,000  to 
Foreign  Missions. 

1894,  p.  249.  The  Executive  Committee  says:  “With  the  view 
of  bringing  the  home  churches  into  closer  relation  with  the  mission 
field,  the  effort  has  been  made  to  enlist  as  many  of  them  as  possible 
in  the  support  of  individual  missionaries.  Fifty-three  missionaries 
now  on  our  roll  are  thus  supported  in  whole  or  in  part;  three  are 


184 


The  Agencies  or  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


supported  by  individuals;  thirty-seven  by  single  churches  or  societies; 
nine  by  groups  of  churches  or  societies,  two  by  ladies’  Presbyterial 
unions,  and  two  by  Presbyteries.  In  almost  every  instance  where 
churches  have  undertaken  this  special  object  work,  their  contributions 
have  been  largely  increased,  sometimes  as  much  as  two  or  three¬ 
fold.”  (See  also  1894,  p.  231.) 

1895,  p.  415.  When  individuals  or  churches  desire  to  make  contri¬ 
butions  for  special  objects  they  are  requested  to  seek  advice  from 
the  Executive  Committee,  and  to  send  their  offerings  through  the 
Treasurer  of  the  Committee. 

1896,  p.  588.  The  Assembly,  approving  heartily  the  support  of 
individual  missionaries  by  churches  or  individual  Christians  at  home, 
yet  deems  it  not  wise  to  multiply  the  special  objects  in  the  foreign 
field  to  which  contributions  are  devoted  by  churches,  societies, 
Sunday  Schools  or  individuals,  as  diverting  attention  from  the  great 
work  of  Christ,  which  is  one,  and  embarrassing  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  in  its  control  of  the  mission  funds. 

1902,  p.  282.  This  plan  was  again  commended  by  the  Assembly. 

442.  Christian  Endeavor  Societies 

1917,  p.  61.  We  note  with  interest  that  the  first  year  of  recog¬ 
nized  Christian  Endeavor  work  among  our  young  people  has  been 
marked  by  the  assignment  to  them  for  support  of  Dr.  and  Mrs. 
Stixrud,  of  the  African  force,  and  that  the  indications  are  that  they 
will  soon  be  asking  for  others. 

1920,  p.  41.  That  all  Christian  Endeavor  Societies  be  urged  to 
use  the  programs  prepared  for  the  six  missionary  meetings  according 
to  the  regular  Christian  Endeavor  Society  schedule,  and  that  all 
other  Young  People’s  Societies  be  urged  to  use  at  least  six  missionary 
programs  during  the  year. 

443.  Special  gifts  to  be  published 

1911,  p.  60.  1.  That  the  records  of  the  committee  regarding 

special  and  individual  gifts,  individual  support,  assignment  of  shares 
in  a  similar  matter,  be  kept  so  that  prompt  and  accurate  information 
regarding  these  matters  may  be  given  to  inquirers,  and  the  publication 
of  these  special  gifts  be  continued  in  the  Missionary  annually. 

2.  That  the  funds  contributed  for  special  objects  be  sacredly 
kept  and  held  for  such  purposes,  and  not  be  used,  even  for  a  day,  for 
other  causes,  except  with  the  written  consent  of  the  donors,  such  con¬ 
sent  to  be  spread  on  the  minutes  of  the  committee. 

1912,  p.  50.  The  Foreign  Missions  Committee  published  in 
The  Missionary  the  list  of  individual  supporters  of  missionaries,  but 
having  failed  to  publish  the  special  and  individual  gifts  or  shares  in 
The  Missionary  or  Missionary  Survey  during  the  past  year  as  directed 
by  the  last  Assembly,  we  recommend  that  the  Foreign  Missions  Com¬ 
mittee  be  directed  to  publish  this  in  the  Missionary  Survey  as  soon  as 
possible,  and  not  less  frequently  than  once  yearly  hereafter. 


Secs.  441-446] 


Foreign  Missions 


185 


444.  Si)ec>al  donations  only  for  approved  objects 

1913,  p.  55.  While  approving  of  the  essumption  by  individuals, 
churches  or  socL.ies  of  special  responsibility  for  special  parts  of  the 
work,  the  Assembly  would  urge  donors  giving  in  this  way  to  select 
only  those  objects  tha*  have  been  approved  and  recommended  by  the 
Executive  Committee  The  adoption  of  all  new  enterprises  looking 
to  the  enlargement  of  the  work  is  the  function  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee,  and  the  Committee  is  advised  in  planning  its  work  for  the 
coming  year  to  use  all  possible  precaution  to  preserve  the  symmetry 
of  our  work  as  a  whole,  and  to  give  each  separate  field  due  consider¬ 
ation,  both  as  to  intrinsic  and  relative  importance  and  needs.  See 
1922,  p.  63. 

445.  Definite  responsibility  for  definite  parts  of  the  work 

1914,  p.  39.  That  the  Assembly  encourage  the  assumption  by 
churches,  societies,  Sunday  Schools,  Sunday  School  classes  and  indi¬ 
viduals  of  definite  responsibility  for  definite  parts  of  the  foreign 
work. 

1915,  p.  66.  Same  action. 

1916,  p.  65.  In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  experiences  of  our 
on  Executive  Committee,  as  well  as  that  of  other  agencies  conducting 
Foreign  Mission  work,  show  that  the  undertaking  of  a  definite  task, 
such  as  the  support  of  a  station,  the  support  of  an  individual  mis¬ 
sionary,  or  a  definite  share  in  some  station  or  missionary,  by  individ¬ 
uals,  churches,  societies,  and  Sabbath  Schools,  exerts  a  steadying 
influence  upon  the  support  of  the  work  as  a  whole,  we  recommend 
that  this  method  be  followed  by  our  churches  and  by  the  Executive 
Committee  wherever  possible. 

1917,  p.  61.  Similar  action;  also  1918,  p.  24  and  1920,  p.  41; 
1921,  p.  53. 

446.  Special  Donation  Fund 

1906,  p.  49.  The  Special  Donation  Fund  was  approved. 

1912,  p.  50.  That  this  Assembly  recognize  the  Special  Donation 

Fund  as  a  specific  trust,  all  of  which  sums  shall  be  so  secured  as 

to  conserve  the  said  amounts  so  long  as  the  Committee  is  obligated 

by  annuities  thereon,  and  such  steps  as  may  be  necessary  to  attain 
this  end  for  the  $74,743.00  now  in  hand,  and  to  provide  a  policy 
for  future  action  to  be  devised  by  the  Executive  Committee  and 
reported  to  the  next  Assembly. 

1912,  p.  55.  That  the  Assembly  direct  the  Foreign  Missions 
Committee  to  have  its  Treasurer  prepare  a  detailed  statement  showing 
how  the  Special  Donation  Fund  amounting  to  $74,743.00  has  been 
expended.  This  statement  to  show  the  Mission  Station,  the  object 
and  the  amount,  and  that  similar  statements  be  made  in  connection 
with  all  future  gifts  to  this  fund  and  these  statements  shall  be  care¬ 
fully  kept  and  constitute  a  part  of  the  permanent  records  of  the 
Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions. 


186 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


1913,  p.  54.  Your  Committee  would  again  call  the  attention  of 
the  General  Assembly  to  the  Special  Donation  Fund.  The  last 
Assembly  directed  that  this  fund  be  regarded  as  a  specific  trust,  and 
gave  other  directions,  as  found  in  Recommendation  1  of  the  Standing 
Committee’s  Report,  in  1912.  We  do  not  feel  that  the  Executive 
Committee  can  have  understood  the  direction  of  the  Assembly  of 
1912. 

We  insist  that  this  fund  is  a  trust  fund,  in  a  more  special  sense 
.  than  other  contributions  to  Foreign  Missions.  The  donor,  whatever 
the  terms  of  the  contract  may  be,  has  a  further  moral  claim  to  secure 
payment  of  the  interest  during  the  life  of  the  donor.  The  Committee’s 
obligation  to  pay  this  does  differ  from  its  other  expenses  of  conducting 
the  work,  and  we  fear  that  the  statements  as  incorporated  in  the 
Committee’s  report  will  be  a  barrier  in  the  way  of  securing  further 
donations  to  this  fund. 

We  recommend  that  this  Assembly  reiterate  the  recommendation  of 
1912  touching  this  fund,  and  that  the  interest  on  said  fund  shall 
constitute  a  first  charge  against  the  income  of  the  Committee. 

447.  Months  assigned  to  Foreign  Missions 

1914,  p.  40.  That  the  Executive  Committee  be  permitted  to 
retain  the  months  of  May  and  October  for  such  special  appeals  as 
may  not  be  inconsistent  with  the  plans  of  the  churches  or  the  schedules 
of  the  Assembly,  and  for  the  seeking  of  free-will  offerings  from  the 
churches  and  people. 

1915,  p.  68.  In  view  of  the  perils  which  threaten  our  Foreign 
Mission  work  through  forced  retrenchment  in  order  to  avoid  del  t, 
and  in  view  of  the  tremendous  burden  which  the  Executive  Committee 
is  compelled  to  bear,  and  in  further  view  of  the  danger  to  our  present 
financial  plan  which  lies  in  making  special  appeals,  we  recommend 
that  the  first  three  weeks  of  the  month  of  February  be  assigned  to 
the  cause  of  Foreign  Missions,  in  addition  to  the  two  months  which 
this  Committee  has  had  heretofore;  and  that  in  case  the  receipts  this 
year  should  threaten  another  shortage,  the  Executive  Committee  be 
authorized  to  use,  in  the  assigned  months,  such  special  means  as 
may  seem  to  the  Committee  legitimate  and  wise  to  avoid  the  threatened 
deficit. 

1916,  p.  61.  That  the  General  Assembly  direct  all  churches  that 
are  not  using  the  General  Assembly’s  Plan  of  Church  Finance  to 
present  the  cause  of  Foreign  Missions  to  the  congregation,  and  take 
special  collections  for  this  cause  in  the  months  of  May  and  October. 

1916,  p.  61.  That,  for  this  ecclesiastical  year  only  the  first  three 
weeks  of  February,  and  no  longer  period,  be  designated  as  a  time 
for  special  self-denial  and  free-will  offerings  for  Foreign  Missions  in 
all  the  churches  which  have  not  adopted  the  Assembly’s  Financial 
Plan,  or  which,  though  having  adopted  it,  are  not  securing  their 
apportionments;  and  that  all  the  churches  be  urged  to  observe  this 
season  as  one  of  special  prayer  for  God’s  blessing  on  this  cause. 

1917,  pp.  59,  62.  The  Select  Committee  appointed  to  make  recom- 


Secs.  446-451] 


Foreign  Missions 


187 


mendations  as  to  the  use  of  the  month  of  February  by  the  Executive 
Committees  made  a  report,  recommending  that  the  last  two  weeks 
in  January  be  given  to  the  Executive  Committee  on  Foreign  Missions, 
as  a  season  of  prayer,  preaching  and  self-denial. 

1918,  p.  24.  That  the  Assembly  appoint  the  days  of  February 
16th  to  23rd,  inclusive,  as  a  season  of  special  prayer,  preaching  and 
self-denial  in  the  interest  of  its  Foreign  Mission  work,  and  the 
Executive  Committee  prepare  special  programs  or  suggestive  outlines 
for  use  at  that  time  in  the  Sunday  Schools,  young  people’s  societies 
and  prayer  meetings. 

1920,  p.  41.  That  the  Assembly  appoint,  as  heretofore,  February 
13-20  as  the  Annual  Week  of  Prayer,  Preaching  and  Self-Denial 
for  Foreign  Missions. 

1921,  p.  54.  February  12-19.  (same  in  1922.) 

• 

448.  Special  appeals 

1915,  p.  68.  That  we  continue  to  operate  under  the  plan  of  the 
Assembly  for  the  past  two  years,  which  is  as  follows: 

“That  the  Assembly  suggest  to  Church  Sessions  that  they  encourage 
their  people  in  making  free-will  offerings  for  the  beneficent  work  of 
the  Church,  over  and  above  the  every-member  canvass,  and  that  no 
church,  in  adopting  the  Assembly’s  plan,  exclude  all  appeals  for 
special  offerings.” — Assembly’s  Minutes  1913,  p.  39. 

“That  the  General  Assembly  declare  in  the  most  forceful  way  to 
all  the  churches  that  the  results  of  the  evejy-member  canvass  should 
not  be  looked  upon  as  final,  but  as  a  means  by  which  to  build  no 
an  adequate  offering  for  the  year.” — x\ssembly’s  Minutes  1914, 
p.  51. 

449.  Use  of  annuities 

1915,  p.  67.  That  the  General  Assembly  approve  the  Executive 
Committee’s  new  annuity  plan,  by  which  they  invest  all  funds  placed 
in  their  hands  which  are  subject  to  annuities,  using  only  the  surplus 
income  from  such  investments  for  the  support  of  the  work  until 
such  time  as  the  annual  charge  upon  said  funds  shall  cease;  and 
using  these  funds  as  they  become  free  from  charge  as  a  basis  for 
their  reserve  funds. 

450.  Increased  appropriations  needed 

1917,  p.  61.  The  effect  of  war  on  international  business  and  the 
increased  cost  of  living  have  made  necessary  increased  appropriations. 

451.  Women’s  and  Young  People’s  Missionary  Societies 

1875,  p.  37.  This  Assembly  calls  attention  to  the  remarkable 
fact  that  the  gifts  of  our  Sabbath  Schools  and  the  “Women’s  Mission¬ 
ary  Associations,”  during  the  year  past,  amount  to  one-third,  the 
entire  sum  furnished  by  the  regular  contributions  of  the  churches. 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


188 


[Book  IV 


And  in  view  of  this  fact,  the  churches  are  urged  to  a  large  increase 
of  these  associations. 

1877,  p.  419.  Resolved,  That  while  the  Assembly  rejoices  in  the 
rapid  multiplication  of  Ladies’  Missionary  Societies,  and  would  not 
by  any  means  discourage  their  increase,  yet  a  tendency  manifested 
by  some  churches,  to  have  the  ladies  contribute  alone,  or  to  appear 
as  the  only  contributors  of  the  church,  would  seem  to  be  attended 
with  the  evil  effect  of  a  failure  to  cultivate  that  spirit  of  benevolent 
liberality  in  all  the  members  of  the  Church  which  is  inculcated  in 
the  Gospel. 

1878,  p.  619.  Congregations  are  exhorted  to  encourage  the  for¬ 
mation  of  Ladies’  Missionary  Societies,  wherever  they  do  not  already 
exist,  for  the  purpose  of  raising  funds  for  the  cause  of  Foreign 
Missions. 

1911,  p.  59.  The  work  of  the  women  during  the  past  year  shows 
a  gratifying  increase,  both  in  the  number  of  organizations  and  in  the 
number  of  women  enlisted  in  the  work.  We  are  especially  pleased  to 
note  the  increasing  interest  in  young  people’s  work.  We  have  now 
on  our  rolls  2,710  societies,  800  of  which  are  children’s  and  young 
people’s  organizations.  Our  Presbyterial  Unions  are  planning  their 
meetings  consecutively,  which  has  been  very  helpful  to  the  office  in 
securing  returned  missionaries  to  serve  them.  Many  prayer  circles 
have  been  organized,  to  which  we  attribute  much  of  the  increased 
interest  in  the  work.  We  have  gained  this  year  116  women’s 
societies,  180  children’s  societies  and  100  study  classes.  The  cor¬ 
respondence  with  our  women  shows  an  anxiety  on  their  part  to  know 
more  of  the  work,  so  that  they  can  more  intelligently  pray  and  work 
and  give. 

1914,  p.  38.  That  the  Assembly  express  its  warm  appreciation 
of  the  work  and  aid  of  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary.  The  receipts  from 
women’s  societies  during  the  year  amounted  to  $73,813. 

1916,  p.  63.  The  progress  made  by  the  Women’s  Auxiliaries  in 
systematizing  and  unifying  the  work  of  the  Women’s  Societies  in  the 
Church  is  a  manifestation  of  the  blessing  of  God  upon  this  branch 
of  the  Church’s  activities  and  sets  His  seal  upon  the  wisdom  of  the 
action  of  previous  Assemblies. 

We  note  with  gratification  the  change  in  the  name  of  the  various 
Synodical,  Presbyterial,  and  local  organizations  to  Auxiliaries  as 
adding  new  dignity  and  importance  to  the  organized  work  of  the  women 
and  removing  such  confusion  in  the  use  of  the  adjectives  “Presby- 
terial”  and  “Synodical”  without  a  substantive  which  they  might 
define. 

The  Fourth  Annual  Report  of  the  Women’s  Auxiliary  sets  forth 
with  admirable  fullness  and  clearness  the  work  of  the  women  of 
the  Church,  and  should  be  read  by  every  pastor  and  ruling  elder  in 
the  Church. 

The  Constitution  and  the  Annual  Report  present  a  lucid  statement 
of  the  relation  of  this  work  to  the  regularly  constituted  authorities 
of  the  Church,  and  remove  any  possible  interpretation  of  the  organ¬ 
ized  work  of  the  women  as  other  than  whole-hearted  loyalty  to  the 


Sec.  451] 


Foreign  Missions 


189 


principle  of  the  government  and  control  of  every  branch  of  the 
work  of  the  Church  by  its  various  courts. 

We  call  special  attention  to  the  fact  that  the  women  are  earnestly 
pleading  for  more  interest  and  heartier  co-operation  in  the  work  on 
the  part  of  Synods,  Presbyteries  and  Sessions.  They  have  no  other 
desire  than  to  follow  the  leadership  of  the  Church  through  its 
official  representatives;  they  only  complain  that  in  some  quarters  this 
leadership  is  lacking. 

We  have  here  a  living,  potent  force  for  the  advancement  of  the 
kingdom  of  God.  Those  in  charge  of  this  splendid  body  of  Christian 
women  plead  for  guidance,  lest  they  unwittingly  blunder.  Move 
forward  they  must;  if  they  move  not  wisely,  the  fault  must  lie  at 
the  door  of  the  Church,  to  whose  authority  they  yield  loving  and 
loyal  obedience,  for  failing  to  furnish  them  the  guidance  they  so 
earnestly  seek. 

The  restiveness  of  a  Deborah  in  the  presence  of  active  enemies  and 
an  inactive  and  timid  Israel  had  upon  it  the  seal  of  God’s  blessing, 
and  if  the  Church  of  today  is  to  maintain  the  Scriptural  norm  of 
the  relations  that  should  obtain  between  the  sexes  in  its  life,  the  men, 
and  particularly  the  authorities  of  the  Church,  must  themselves  be 
alert  and  active  in  their  divinely  appointed  leadership  of  the  service 
of  the  kingdom. 

We  recommend: 

( 1 )  That  the  Assembly  approve  the  plan  of  organization  embodied 
in  the  Constitution  of  the  Women’s  Auxiliaries  and  the  adoption  of  a 
uniform  name  for  the  various  constituent  bodies,  namely,  “Local 
Women’s  Auxiliary,”  “Presbyterial  Women’s  Auxiliary,”  “Synodical 
Women’s  Auxiliary,”  “Women’s  Advisory  Committee.” 

(2)  That  the  Assembly  commend  the  earnest  desire  of  the  women 
for  more  effective  relations  btween  the  Auxiliaries  and  the  constituted 
authorities  of  the  Church,  and  urge  upon  its  Synods  and  Presby¬ 
teries  to  select  for  their  Committees  on  Women’s  Work  men  who  will 
give  the  sympathetic  interest  and  support  it  so  richly  deserves. 

(3)  That  the  Assembly  urge  upon  pastors  and  their  Sessions 
to  secure  the  co-operation  of  the  various  women’s  organizations  in 
their  churches  with  the  Auxiliaries. 

(4)  That  the  Assembly  express  its  appreciation  of  the  self- 
sacrificing  service  of  the  women  of  the  Church  as  manifested  in  their 
large  gifts  to  the  causes  of  the  Church,  and,  since  no  statistics  can  even 
approximately  represent  the  service  rendered  by  the  women,  that 
attention  be  called  to  the  fact  that,  after  all,  the  highest  value  of  this 
service  is  to  be  found  in  the  educational,  inspirational,  and  spiritual 
factors  of  the  work,  rather  than  in  the  funds  raised. 

(5)  That  the  Presbyteries  be  requested  to  direct  their  Sessions 
to  see  to  it  that  all  the  causes  of  beneficence  have  their  proper  pro¬ 
portion  in  the  work  of  the  local  societies. 

(6)  That  the  financial  reports  of  Auxiliaries  and  Societies 
embrace,  so  far  as  possible,  the  work  actually  done  through  their 
organized  activities. 

(7)  That  wherever  especial  activities  outside  the  regular  bene- 


190 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


licences  of  the  Church  are  undertaken  by  Presbyterial  or  Synodical 
Auxiliaries,  or  local  Auxiliaries,  or  individual  Societies,  it  should 
be  with  the  co-operation  and  approval  of  the  Sessions  of  the  local 
churches,  or  the  Synodical  or  Presbyterial  Committees  on  Women’s 
Work. 

452.  Men’s  and  Women’s  Missionary  Associations 

1888,  p.  430.  This  General  Assembly  commends  the  formation,, 
wherever  practicable,  of  Men’s  Missionary  Associations,  as  alsa 
Women’s  Missionary  Associations  (to  be  under  the  direction  and 
control  of  the  Sessions)  wherever  they  do  not  now  exist. 

1906,  p.  37.  The  Assembly  expressed  its  hearty  approval  of  the 
work  being  done  by  the  Women’s  Societies  and  its  gratification  at 
the  evidence  of  their  increasing  members  and  zeal,  and  commended 
to  them  the  plan  of  mission  study  as  outlined  by  our  Executive 
Committee  of  Foreign  Missions,  and  urged  the  formation  of  Home 
and  Foreign  Mission  Study  classes  in  all  the  Societies  and  Mission 
Bands. 

453.  Presbyterial  and  Synodical  Unions  of  Women’s  Societies 

1908,  p.  36.  Method  of  organization  endorsed  as  outlined  by 
the  Executive  Committee. 

1910,  p.  47.  1.  The  Assembly  approved  of  the  organization  of 

Women’s  Synodical  Missionary  Conferences  whose  Constitutions 
accord  with  the  established  principles  and  methods  of  work  of  our 
Church.  In  accordance  with  these  principles  and  methods,  all  such 
Synodical  Unions  will  be  under  the  supervision  and  control  of  the 
Synods,  make  annual  reports  to  them,  and  send  their  contributions 
to  the  various  causes  through  the  regular  channels  of  the  Church. 

2.  The  Synodical  Conference  in  each  Synod  shall  be  composed  of 
two  or  more  delegates  from  each  Presbyterial  Union  to  meet  once  a 
year  and  discuss  matters  of  common  Interest  in  connection  with  the 
work  of  the  Presbyterial  Unions. 

3.  The  Assembly  recommended  that  each  Synod  appoint  a  com¬ 
mittee  on  Women’s  Work  through  which  the  proposed  Synodical 
Conference  may  report  to  that  body;  and  which  shall  act  in  an 
advisory  capacity,  both  to  the  Synodical  Conference  and  the  Pre^  by- 
terial  Unions  ad  interim. 

454.  Children’s  Day 

1887,  p.  242.  In  response  to  an  overture,  the  first  Sabbath  of 
June  was  set  apart  as  Children’s  Day — a  missionary  festival.  The 
Secretary  of  Foreign  Missions  was  requested  to  prepare  a  programme 
of  exercises  suited  to  the  day,  and  the  children  were  invited  to  con¬ 
tribute  to  the  cause  of  Foreign  Missions. 

1888,  p.  430;  1890,  p.  32.  Similar  action. 

1891,  p.  237.  The  last  Sabbath  of  May  was  set  apart  as  the 
“Children’s  Day”  and  the  missionary  festival,  and  the  Executive 


Secs.  451-456] 


Foreign  Missions 


191 


Committee  was  directed  to  make  all  necessary  arrangements  for  the 
observance  of  this  day. 

This  action  was  renewed,  1895,  p.  415. 

1897,  p.  36.  In  regard  to  the  observance  of  “Children’s  Day,” 
we  believe  that  its  services  may  be  made  useful,  and  we  recommend 
that  the  last  Sabbath  in  May,  or  such  other  day  as  may  be  suitable 
for  its  observance,  be  appointed.  We  also  recommend  that  the  Ex¬ 
ecutive  Committee  prepare  an  order  or  program  for  these  services,  and 
that  in  preparing  this  the  committee  be  careful  not  to  introduce 
anything  out  of  harmony  with  the  Directory  of  Worship  of  our 
Church. 

Adopted. 

1900,  p.  622.  Similar  action  was  taken. 

1906,  p.  49.  The  Assembly  approved  the  action  of  the  Executive 
Committee  in  appealing  to  the  Church  to  contribute  at  the  Children’s 
Day  Service  in  May,  a  fund  to  be  used  for  the  Lapsley. 

455.  Simultaneous  meetings 

1891,  p.  237.  The  General  Assembly  learns  with  pleasure  that 
“simultaneous  meetings”  have  been  held  during  the  year  with  decided 
success,  and  the  Executive  Committee  is.  directed  to  make  arrange¬ 
ments  for  a  more  general  and  efficient  observance  of  these  meetings 
during  the  current  year. 

456.  The  Forward  Movement 

1903,  p.  475.  The  Assembly  expressed  its  profound  satisfaction 
with  the  work  known  as  “The  Forward  Movement,”  and  gratefully 
acknowledged  its  indebtedness  to  Messrs.  J.  L.  Stuart,  L.  I.  Moffet 
and  J.  F.  Preston  for  their  vigorous  and  generous  labors.  The  work 
has  hardly  a  parallel  in  the  modern  church  for  aggressiveness,  wisdom, 
economy  and  success. 

1906,  p.  49.  The  Forward  Movement  received  the  continued  and 
cordial  endorsement  of  the  Assembly,  and  Mr.  Reavis  was  commended 
to  all  our  churches  while  promoting  it ;  and  the  policy  of  the  Executive 
Committee  in  using  young  men  under  appointment  as  missionaries, 
to  aid  in  this  movement,  was  endorsed  by  the  Assembly. 

1907,  p.  50.  The  work  was  reported  as  being  vigorously  and 
successfully  prosecuted,  the  total  number  of  churches  co-operating  in 
the  plan  at  the  time  being  575.  In  1908,  the  number  of  churches 
co-operating  was  726. 

1911,  p.  61.  The  plans  of  the  Executive  Committee  in  carrying 
on  the  work  of  the  Forward  Movement  during  the  past  year  are 
approved  and  the  committee  is  instructed  to  continue  to  press  the 
work  along  this  line  in  the  effort  to  realize  at  the  earliest  possible 
date  the  ideals  set  forth  in  our  Missionary  Platform,  namely,  “A 
subscription  by  every  member  of  the  Church  of  a  definite  amount 
to  be  paid  during  the  year,  either  for  the  general  work  or  for  some 
special  part  of  it,  as  an  expression  of  his  love  of  souls  and  of  loyalty 
to  Jesus  Christ.” 


192 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


Your  committee  is  gratified  to  learn  that  the  total  amount  at  present 
pledged  by  853  churches  and  104  individuals  in  the  Forward  Move¬ 
ment  for  the  present  year  is  over  $340,000.  It  is  recommended  that 
the  committee  use  every  possible  means  to  increase  both  the  number 
of  churches  and  individuals  who  shall  take  part  in  this  work  of  the 
Forward  Movement. 

1912,  p.  50.  That  this  Assembly  remind  the  original  Forward 
ivj.ovement  Churches  that  the  present  Ever/-Member  Canvass  Plan 
in  no  way  necessitates  nor  contemplates  their  withdrawal  from  the 
forward  movement  for  Foreign  Missions,  but  an  advance  to  the 
embrace  of  all  other  causes  in  the  same  scheme  of  beneficence. 


457.  Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement 

1907,  p.  51.  The  Assembly  learned  with  pleasure  and  gratitude 
to  God,  of  the  proposed  sending,  by  the  Laymen’s  Missionary  Move¬ 
ment,  of  a  Commission  of  Laymen,  of  not  less  than  fifty  in  number, 
to  visit,  at  their  own  expense,  all  the  mission  fields  of  the  world,  for 
the  purpose  of  investigating  the  work  now  being  done  and  the  needs 
of  the  various  fields. 

The  following  were  appointed  as  representatives  of  our  Church  on 
this  Commission,  Mr.  Alfred  D.  Mason,  of  Memphis,  Tenn.,  Mr. 
S.  L.  Foster,  of  Norfolk,  Va.,  and  Dr.  Hugh  S.  McLean,  of  Richmond, 
Va.  It  was  also  recommended  that  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Foreign  Missions  be  authorized  to  add  to  this  list  the  names  of  such 
others  as  may  be  found  to  be  available. 

1908,  p.  36.  The  Assembly  noted  with  pleasure  the  progress  of 
the  Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement,  endorsed  by  the  last  Assembly, 
and  already,  in  spite  of  hindering  financial  conditions,  demonstrating 
its  efficiency  as  an  agency  for  awakening  the  interest  of  men  of  our 
churches,  and  urged  them  to  avail  themselves  of  its  help  by  a 
thorough  organization  along  the  lines  suggested  by  the  last  Assembly. 
Appreciation  was  expressed  of  the  work  of  Rev.  D.  Clay  Lilly,  and 
the  action  of  the  Executive  Committee  in  continuing  him  in  it  for 
the  coming  year  was  approved. 

The  Assembly  also  expressed  its  thanks  to  Mr.  W.  T.  Ellis  for 
his  able  and  illuminating  address  delivered  before  it,  and  also  to 
him  and  his  fellow-worker,  Mr.  J.  Campbell  White,  for  the  very 
helpful  and  instructive  campaign  of  education  conducted  by  them 
among  our  churches,  which  has  done  so  much  to  disarm  prejudice 
and  stimulate  interest  in  mission  work. 

P.  37.  The  Assembly  declined  to  divide  the  funds  between 
Foreign  and  Home  Missions. 

1909,  p.  40.  During  the  year,  three  state  conferences  were  held, 
representing  the  movemnt  within  our  own  denomination,  and  one 
general  conference  for  the  whole  Church.  Besides  these  several 
interdenominational  conferences  were  held  in  which  our  own  Church 
took  a  prominent  part.  The  result  of  these  conferences  was  to  deepen 
and  widen  and  intensify  missionary  interest,  to  develop  the  grace 


■Secs.  456-458] 


Foreign  Missions 


193 


of  Christian  liberality,  and  thus  to  swell  the  contributions  to  the 
missionary  treasury. 

1910,  p.  53.  The  following  language  was  used  by  the  Assembly: 

We  believe  that  the  Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement  is  the  greatest 

and  most  significant  missionary  movement  among  the  men  of  the 
Church  that  the  world  has  ever  seen.  It  has  fired  the  heart  of  the 
whole  Church  with  enthusiasm.  This  movement  is  growing  in 
enthusiasm  and  power.  During  the  past  year  22  great  interdenomi- ‘ 
national  conventions  have  been  held  within  the  bounds  of  our 
Church.  We  rejoice  to  see  our  own  men  leaders  in  this  movement. 
Our  men  of  the  Laymen’s  Movement  have  been  instrumental  in  the 
past  year  in  raising  something  like  $75,000  for  the  better  equipment 
of  our  missionary  stations.  In  the  year  that  lies  before  us  we  will 
see  the  telling  effect  of  their  work  as  we  have  never  seen  it  before. 

The  General  Assembly  requested  the  Presbyteries  to  ratify  the 
appointment  of  a  Presbyterial  Chairman  of  the  Laymen’s  Movement 
in  each  Presbytery  and  to  make  this  Chairman  a  member  of  the 
Presbyterial  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions. 

1911,  p.  60.  The  Laymen’s  Movement  has  conducted  a  series  of 
district  conferences  during  the  past  year,  following  up  the  work  of 
the  national  campaign  of  the  previous  year,  the  purpose  of  which  has 
been  to  stimulate  the  organization  of  missionary  committees  in  the 
local  churches  and  to  train  leaders  in  this  work,  and  thus  prepare 
the  way  for  the  every-member  canvass  ordered  by  the  General  As¬ 
sembly. 

The  Assembly  would  express  its  grateful  appreciation  for  the  help 
given  by  the  Laymen’s  Movement  in  the  promotion  of  our  work  during 
the  past  year. 

1915,  p.  66.  That  this  Assembly  expresses  its  interest  in  the  plans 
of  the  Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement  in  co-operation  with  the 
Mission  Boards  of  America  for  a  National  Missionary  Campaign 
from  October,  1915,  to  May,  1916,  with  a  series  of  interdenomina¬ 
tional  missionary  conventions  in  about  eighty  leading  cities;  that 
the  campaign  be  commended  for  support  to  the  lower  courts  of  the 
Church  and  to  local  churches;  and  that  the  men  and  men’s  organ¬ 
izations  be  urged  to  participate  actively  in  the  campaign,  taking  part 
in  the  organization  of  conventions,  attending  conventions  as  delegates,, 
and  assisting  in  the  work  of  conservation,  with  a  view  to  securing  for 
our  Church  the  spiritual,  inspirational,  educational,  and  financial 
benefits  which  will  accrue  from  the  campaign. 

458.  Missionary  Platform 

1907,  p.  50.  1.  It  is  the  judgment  of  the  General  Assembly  [at 

Birmingham]  that,  according  to  the  distribution  of  territory  agreed 
upon  by  the  different  Boards  and  Committees,  the  number  of  human 
beings  in  non-Christian  countries,  for  whose  evangelization  our 
Church  is  responsible,  is  approximately  25,000,000  souls,  being 
distributed  as  follows:  Africa,  one  million;  Brazil,  three  millions; 
China,  twelve  millions;  Cuba,  five  hundred  thousand;  Japan,  four 


194 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


millions;  Korea,  four  millions,  and  Mexico,  five  hundred  thousand. 

2.  It  is  the  judgment  of  the  General  Assembly  that  the  number 
of  foreign  missionaries  of  our  Church  necessary  to  accomplish  the 
result  of  giving  the  Gospel  to  these  twenty-five  millions,  within  the 
present  generation,  is  not  less  than  800,  and  that  the  number  of 
trained  native  workers  to  be  used  in  the  same  work,  should  be  not 
less  than  5,000.  This  would  mean  for  our  denomination  the  increase 
of  our  present  force  about  fourfold. 

3.  It  is  the  judgment  of  the  General  Assembly  that  it  will  cost  not 
less  than  $1,000,000  per  annum  to  support  the  above-named  workers 
and  their  work,  and  we,  therefore,  declare  it  to  be,  in  our  judgment, 
the  duty  of  our  Church  to  begin  at  once  the  effort  to  bring  its  foreign 
mission  offerings  up  to  this  mark. 

To  this  end  we  earnestly  call  upon  every  individual  church  of  our 
denomination  to  adopt  the  following  missionary  policy,  which  we 
believe  to  be  that  laid  down  for  us  in  the  Word  of  God: 

a.  Every  true  church  of  Christ  is,  by  virtue  of  its  organization 
as  a  church  of  Christ,  a  missionary  society,  each  member  of  which  is 
under  solemn  covenant  to  the  Head  of  the  church  to  help  in  the  ful¬ 
fillment  of  our  commission  to  give  the  gospel  to  every  creature. 

b.  It  is  the  duty  of  those  who  have  the  proper  gifts  and  quali¬ 
fications,  and  who  are  not  providentially  hindered,  personally  to 
obey  the  command  of  the  Head  of  the  Church  to  “go”  on  this 
mission.  It  is  the  duty  of  those  who  may  be  lacking  in  necessary 
qualification  for  the  work  or  who  are  providentially  hindered  from 
going,  to  have  a  share,  by  their  gifts  and  prayer,  in  supporting  the 
work.  For  this  purpose  every  Christian  who  does  not  personally 
go  as  a  missionary,  is  Scripturally  bound  to  give  systematically, 
proportionately  and  cheerfully,  to  the  support  of  the  cause. 

The  following  recommendations  were  made  in  carrying  out  this 
platform. 

1.  It  is  urged  on  Synods  and  Presbyteries,  through  their  Foreign 
Mission  Committees,  that  they  endeavor  to  have  every  church  adopt 
the  above  missionary  policy. 

2.  The  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  is  hereby 
instructed,  in  consultation  with  Synodical  and  Presbyterial  Foreign 
Mission  Chairmen,  annually  to  lay  before  the  General  Assembly 
a  statement  of  the  amount  needed  for  the  ensuing  year,  and  a  sug¬ 
gested  apportionment  of  said  amount  among  the  various  Synods  and 
Presbyteries,  not  as  an  assessment,  but  as  indicating  to  them  a 
definite  share  of  the  great  responsibility. 

3.  In  the  effort  to  carry  out  our  missionary  policy  in  individual 
churches,  the  Assembly  hereby  recommends  the  plan  already  in 
operation  in  our  Forward  Movement  work,  which  has  heretofore  been 
approved  by  the  Assembly,  viz.:  The  plan  of  a  subscription  by 
every  member  of  the  Church,  of  a  definite  amount  to  be  paid  during 
the  year,  either  for  the  general  work,  or  for  some  special  part  of  it, 
such  as  the  salary  of  a  missionary,  or  a  share  'in  the  work  of  a 
station,  as  an  expression  of  his  love  of  souls  and  loyalty  to  Jesus 
Christ. 


Sec.  458] 


Foreign  Missions 


195 


The  contribution  of  one  million  dollars  from  our  Church  would 
mean  an  average  of  about  $4  per  member,  and  the  Foreign  Mission¬ 
ary  Chairmen  of  our  Synods  and  Presbyteries  are  hereby  urged  to 
use  their  best  endeavors  to  bring  their  churches  as  rapidly  as  possible 
to  this  standard  of  giving.  The  Assembly  would  also  earnestly 
appeal  to  men  of  large  means  in  our  Church,  to  supplement  by 
individual  gifts,  the  regular  contribution  of  the  churches  in  amounts 
proportioned  to  the  need  of  the  work,  and  our  churches’  responsibility 
to  it,  as  well  as  the  ability  which  God  has  given  them. 

4.  The  Assembly  hereby  calls  upon  the  consecrated  young  men 
and  women  of  our  Church  to  give  themselves  to  this  work  in  sufficient 
numbers  to  meet  the  demand  that  is  made  upon  us  to  do  our  part,  as 
a  Church  of  Christ,  toward  the  evangelization  of  the  world  in  this 
generation. 

1908',  p.  38.  This  platform  was  reaffirmed. 

1914,  p.  76.  The  General  Assembly,  in  session  at  Kansas  City, 
Missouri,  May,  1914,  reaffirms  the  following  deliverance  of  the 
historic  first  Assembly  of  our  Church: 

“The  General  Assembly  desires  distinctly  and  deliberately  to 
inscribe  on  our  Church’s  banner,  in  immediate  connection  with  the 
Headship  of  our  Lord,  His  last  command:  ‘Go  ye  into  all  the  world 
and  preach  the  Gospel  to  every  creature,’  regarding  this  as  the  great 
end  of  her  organization,  and  obedience  to  it  as  the  indispensable 
condition  of  her  Lord’s  promised  presence.” 

We  reaffirm  also  the  Missionary  Platform  adopted  by  the  General 
Assembly  at  Birmingham  in  1907,  in  which  as  a  Church  we  cove¬ 
nanted  with  God  and  the  other  Christian  denominations  to  evangelize 
25,000,000  of  our  fellow  men,  in  seven  foreign  countries,  as  our 
rightful  share  of  the  non-Christian  world,  and  called  for  an  offering 
of  $1,000,000  per  year  as  the  necessary  means  of  accomplishing  this 
Sacred  task. 

For  the  remarkable  progress  which  we  have  been  enabled  to  make 
toward  its  accomplishment,  we  would  express  our  humble  gratitude 
to  the  Giver  of  all  grace. 

Most  affectionately  and  earnestly  do  we  now  remind  our  people 
that,  if  this  progress  is  to  continue,  there  must  be  a  very  large 
increase  in  their  missionary  offerings  this  year  over  those  of  last 
year;  and  we  herewith  call  upon  all  our  pastors  to  use  their  utmost 
efforts  to  this  end. 

As  the  best  means  of  securing  this  increase  and  overtaking  our 
missionary  task,  the  Assembly  urges  upon  all  its  churches,  societies, 
Sunday  Schools  and  Sunday  School  classes  that  each,  wherever  prac¬ 
ticable,  assume  a  definite  obligation  for  some  definite  part  of  our 
Foreign  Mission  work. 

Reaffirmed  in  1916,  p.  60. 

1917,  p.  19.  Dr.  James  I.  Vance  was  appointed  to  deliver  an 
address  on  the  tenth  anniversary  of  the  Assembly’s  adopting  a  forward 
missionary  platform. 


196 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


Pastors  required  to  preach  on  the  subject  of  Missions 

1877,  p.  418.  Resolved,  That  it  be  enjoined  on  all  the  Presbyteries' 
to  require  each  pastor  and  stated  supply,  at  the  commencement  of 
•every  ecclesiastical  year,  to  preach  an  instructive  faithful  sermon  on 
the  great  duty  of  sending  the  Gospel  to  the  unevangelized  nations 
•of  the  earth. 

1884,  p.  212.  This  Assembly  urges  upon  our  ministers  that  at 
least  once  a  year  they  preach  on  Foreign  Missions,  and  that  in  the 
conduct  of  public  worship  they  fail  not  to  remember  in  the  prayers 
then  offered  a  cause  which  lies  so  near  the  Saviour’s  heart,  and  upon 
which  the  Divine  blessing  is  so  much  and  so  constantly  needed. 
(See  also  1878,  p.  619.) 

1915,  p.  68.  The  Assembly  urges  all  our  ministers  to  preach 
frequently  on  Foreign  Missions,  and  instructs  the  Executive  Committee 
to  supply  them  with  helpful  literature  for  this  purpose. 

459.  Foreign  Missions  and  the  Sabbath  School 

1868,  p.  276.  Resolved,  That  the  superintendents  and  teachers  of 
our  Sabbath  Schools,  in  co-operation  with  the  pastors,  be  urged  to 
bring  the  subject  of  Foreign  Missions  before  their  respective  schools 
and  classes  frequently  and  to  invite  regular  monthly  offerings  for 
this  cause.  (See  also  1873,  p.  314;  1875,  p.  37;  1867,  p.  138; 
et  passim.) 

460.-  Missionary  interest  in  the  Seminaries 

1884,  p.  212.  This  Assembly  recommends  to  the  faculties  of  our 
Theological  Seminaries  that  in  some  way  they  seek  to  beget  and 
foster  among  the  students  a  lively  interest  in  Foreign  Missions. 

Report  of  the  Executive  Committee  for  1885  says:  The  missionary 
interest  in  the  Theological  Seminaries  has  been  reported  as  excellent. 

461.  Evening  session  of  the  Assembly  in  the  interest  of  Missions 

1867,  p.  138.  Resolved,  That  the  Assembly  hold  aij  evening 
session  on  Monday  next,  commencing  at  seven  o’clock,  at  which  time 
the  interests  of  the  foreign  missionary  enterprise  shall  be  the  special 
topic  of  discussion. 

This  precedent  has  been  annually  observed  ever  since  thus  insti¬ 
tuted. 

462.  Thanks  to  Miss  Arnold  by  a  rising  vole 

1914,  pp.  37,  38.  That  special  appreciation  be  expressed  to  Miss 
Isabel  Arnold  for  the  elaboration  and  execution  of  the  unusually  fine 
and  instructive  missionary  tables,  maps,  illustrations,  etc.,  which  the 
walls  of  the  Assembly’s  meeting  place  display. 

1916,  p.  62.  Similar  action. 

463.  Missionary  meetings  at  Presbytery 

1882,  p.  546.  Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  advise  the 


Secs.  459-464] 


Foreign  Missions 


197 


Presbyteries  to  devote  one  evening  during  the  spring  session,  or  such 
other  hour  as  may  be  convenient,  to  the  general  discussion  of  the 
subject  of  Foreign  Missions,  in  the  presence  of  the  congregation  among 
whom  they  meet,  and  that  during  the  fall  sessions  a  similar  meeting 
be  held  in  the  interest  of  Home  Missions. 


464.  Mission  Study  Course 

1907,  p.  70.  From  the  report  of  the  Committee: 

The  Mission  Study  Course  has  passed  the  pioneer  stage  and  is  now 
generally  recognized  as  a  department  of  the  foreign  missionary  work 
of  churches  and  missionary  societies.  There  has  been  satisfactory 
growth  in  the  number  of  classes,  and  marked  progress  has  been  made 
in  the  system  and  thoroughness  of  the  work. 

1911,  p.  59.  An  urgent  need  at  the  present  time  is  some  more 
efficient  agency  for  the  promotion  of  missionary  education  in  our 
Sunday  Schools  and  Young  People’s  Societies,  and  especially  among 
the  men  of  the  Church.  Believing  as  we  do  that  information  is  not 
only  the  key  but  also  the  door  to  interest,  we  would  urge  our  pastors 
and  evangelists  to  use  diligently  the  ’means  at  their  command,  to 
secure  a  more  intelligent  understanding  among  our  people  of  the 
present  day  facts  of  missions,  even  the  marvels  among  the  nations 
being  wrought  today  by  the  power  of  God  through  human  efforts. 

We  recommend  that  the  history  of  our  work  entitled,  “In  Four 
Continents”  be  used  throughout  the  Church  as  a  mission  study  text¬ 
book  for  the  year  1911-12. 

1917,  p.  61.  We  would  call  attention  to  the  mission  study  text¬ 
books  for  the  year  1917-18,  which  are:  “An  African  Trail,”  by  Miss 
MacKenzie,  recommended  for  classes  composed  exclusively  of  ladies; 
“The  Lure  of  Africa,”  by  C.  H.  Patton,  recommended  especially  for 
mixed  classes  and  for  young  people  generally;  and  “African  Ad¬ 
ventures,”  also  by  Miss  MacKenzie,  for  children. 

Also  to  the  sets  of  missionary  maps  of  our  own  work  and  illus¬ 
trated  lectures  on  our  fields,  available  on  application  to  the  Committee. 

1918,  p.  24.  That  classes  be  organized  in  all  the  churches  to 
study  either  “Working  Women  of  the  Orient,”  by  Margaret  E. 
Burton,  or  “Ancient  Workers  at  a  New  Task,”  by  Willard  Price, 
the  two  adult  text-books  recommended  for  the  current  year;  and  that 
the  Executive  Committee  be  instructed  to  select  or  prepare  a  special 
text-book  or  books  adapted  to  the  use  of  the  men  of  the  Church. 

1919,  p.  58.  That  classes  be  organized  in  all  our  churches  to 
study  “Fifty  Years  in  China,”  by  Rev.  S.  I.  Woodbridge,  D.  D.,  the 
mission  study  text-book  recommended  for  the  current  year,  and  that 
mission  study  classes  for  men  be  urged  to  study  “Money,  the  Acid 
Test,”  by  David  McConaughy. 

1920,  p.  41.  That  classes  be  organized  in  all  the  churches  to 
study  “Day  In  and  Day  Out”  in  Korea,  by  Mrs.  A.  M.  Nisbet,  the 
Mission  study  text-book  recommended  for  the  year. 

1921,  p.  54.  The  text-book  recommended  for  the  current  year. 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


198 


[Book  IV 


is  “The  Triumphs  of  the  Gospel  in  the  Belgian  Congo,”  by  Rev. 
R.  D.  Bedinger. 

1922  ,  p.  64.  “In  Seven  Countires”, 

1922,  p.  59.  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  decline  to  instruct 
the  Executive  Committe  of  Publication  to  publish  missionary  books 
for  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  on  the  terms  sug¬ 
gested  by  the  overture  on  that  subject  from  the  Presbytery  of  Nash¬ 
ville. 

465.  Mission  Study  Classes  for  men 

1920,  p.  41.  That  Mission  Study  Classes  for  men  be  organized 
in  all  the  churches,  to  study  “Stewardship.” 

466.  Seven-year  plan  of  Missionary  Education 

1916,  p.  62.  .  That  the  General  Assembly  heartily  commend  the 
work  of  the  Educational  Department  of  the  Executive  Committee 
for  the  past  year,  and  approve  and  recommend  to  the  Sabbath  Schools 
for  their  hearty  co-operation  and  the  seven-year  program  of  study, 
prayer,  and  giving  in  the  Sabbath  Schools,  as  an  excellent  means  of 
raising  up  a  generation  to  succeed  ours  that  shall  know  mission  work 
and  pray  for  it  and  give  to  it  intelligently;  and  that  the  General 
Assembly  express  and  record  its  appreciation  of  the  faithful,  efficient, 
and  unremunerated  services  of  Miss  Isabel  Arnold  in  connection  with 
our  Executive  Committee’s  educational  work. 

1917,  p.  61.  Also  to  the  seven-year  plan  of  missionary  education 
in  the  Sabbath  Schools,  by  which  the  schools  are  asked  to  study  the 
work  in  one  country  each  year,  and  to  support  that  work  by  prayers 
and  gifts.  The  Committee  has  prepared  attractive  programs  for  this 
study,  which  are  available  on  application. 

In  three  or  four  cycles  of  seven  years’  use  of  this  plan  there 
should  be  produced  a  new  generation  of  Church  members  intelligently 
informed  about  the  work  and  actively  supporting  it. 

1918,  p.  24.  That  the  Seven-Year  Plan  of  Missionary  Education 
in  the  Sunday  schools  be  again  approved,  and  that  pastors  and 
Sessions  be  urged  to  secure  missionary  education  in  Sunday  schools 
according  to  this  plan,  and  especially  toward  lining  up  every  Sunday 
School  in  the  China  campaign  this  year. 

1919,  p.  58.  That  all  our  Sunday  Schools  be  asked  to  co-operate 
in  the  Korea  campaign  this  year,  following  the  “Seven-Year  Plan 
of  Missionary  Education  in  Sunday  Schools”  in  the  fifth  year;  and, 
while  this  plan  is  primarily  a  plan  for  missionary  education,  we 
ask  them  to  give  $40,000  toward  the  support  of  our  work  in  Korea 
for  the  year. 

1920,  p.  41.  That  all  Sunday  Schools  this  year  co-operate  in  the 
campaign  for  our  Mexican  Missions,  following  the  Seven-Year  Plan 
for  Missionary  Education  in  the  Sunday  Schools,  which  plan  is 
now  in  its  sixth  year. 

1921,  p.  54.  Special  attention  to  be  given  to  Educational,  Medical, 
Industrial  and  Agricultural  Missions  this  year. 


Secs.  464-468] 


Foreign  Missions 


199 


1922,  p.64.  Sunday  Schools  are  urged  to  use  the  book  prepared 
by  the  Educational  Department,  entitled  “Our  Prayer  Each  Week.” 

467.  Program  for  six  missionary  meetings 

1921,  p.  54.  That  all  Christian  Endeavor  Societies  are  urged  to 
use  the  programs  prepared  for  the  six  missionary  meetings,  as  adopted 
by  our  Executive  Committee  to  give  emphasis  to  our  work. 

1922,  p.  64.  Same  action. 

468.  Manual  for  Foreign  Missions 

1877,  p.  418.  A  Manual  for  the  use  of  missionaries  and  mission¬ 
ary  candidates  was  adopted  by  the  Assembly. 

1895,  p.  413.  The  Manual  was  revised. 

1898,  p.  218.  Paragraph  49  of  the  Manual  was  altered  so  as  to 
strike  out,  “He  shall  pay  the  missionaries  their  salaries  in  gold,” 
and  insert,  “He  may  pay  the"  missionaries  their  salaries  either  in 
gold  or  in  the  currency  of  the  country  to  the  amount  that  the  gold 
appropriated  for  salaries  will  purchase,  as  the  mission  shall  direct 
or  as  circumstances  may  render  practicable.” 

1912,  p.  50.  That  the  change  authorized  by  the  Assembly  of 
1910  in  the  Missionary  Manual,  granting  an  allowance  of  $200.00 
to  the  children  of  missionaries  at  boarding  schools  in  this  country, 
be  extended  to  include  those  also  at  boarding  schools  in  foreign 
countries. 

1915,  p  69.  That  the  Assembly  adopt  the  Manual  as  revised  by 
the  Executive  Committee. 

1919,  p.  59.  In  view  of  the  increased  cost  of  living,  we  recommend 
that  Paragraph  26  of  the  Manual  be  amended  so  as  to  allow  the 
Committee  discretion  to  change  for  the  time,  if  they  find  it  desirable, 
the  allowance  fixed  for  the  children  of  missionaries. 

1920,  p.  73.  A  request  came  from  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Foreign  Missions  for  a  change  in  the  Manual  of  Foreign  Missions, 
as  follows: 

“ Resolved ,  That  in  response  to  the  request  of  the  China  Mission, 
we  request  the  General  Assembly  to  make  such  change  in  the  Foreign 
Missions  Manual  as  will  leave  it  optional  with  the  different  missions 
as  to  whether  they  shall  accord  the  privilege  of  voting  to  the  women 
members  of  the  mission.”  Action  of  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Foreign  Missions  taken  May  26th. 

Moved,  That  this  request  be  granted,  and  that  the  following  change 
of  the  Manual  be  made  to  give  it  effect: 

(1)  In  Section  IV,  paragraph  47,  at  the  bottom  of  page  26,  to  the 
definition  of  the  mission  there  given,  add  the  words:  ‘‘But  any  mission, 
if  it  so  desires,  may  by  majority  vote  make  its  women  missionaries 
members  of  the  mission  technically  so  called,  and  accord  them  the 
privilege  of  voting.” 

It  was  adopted. 

1921,  p.  54.  The  Assembly  directed  that  the  Manual  be  changed 
as  suggested  in  the  annual  report  of  the  Executive  Committee  as 
follows : 

Section  22  on  page  16  shall  read  instead  of,  “The  amount  allowed, 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


200 


[Book  IV 


etc.,”  “The  amount  of  the  allowance  and  appropriations,  when  made, 
is  determined  by  the  Committee.” 

Section  26  on  page  18  shall  read,  “Specific  allowances  per  annum, 
increasing  with  the  age  of  the  child,  of  amounts  determined  by  the 
Committee,  are  made  for  each  child  under  10  years  of  age,  for  each 
child  over  10  and  under  21  years  of  age,  and  for  each  child  at 
boarding  school  and  not  living  in  the  parents’  home,  whether  in  this 
country  or  on  the  field.” 

Section  88  on  page  24  shall  read,  “The  salaries  of  missionaries 
in  this  country  on  furlough,  and  the  rental  allowance  when  this  is 
necessary,  are  fixed  by  the  Committee.” 

Section  28  on  page  19  shall  read,  “The  salary  of  new  missionaries 
begins  from  the  date  they  leave  this  country.” 

1922^  p.  64.  We  recommend  that  the  General  Assembly  approve 
the  amendments  to  the  Manual  of  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign 
Missions  printed  on  pages,  27  to  29  of  the  Executive  Committee’s 
annual  report  to  this  Assembly,  and  direct  the  incorporation  of  the 
same  in  the  new  edition  of  the  Manual  or  the  printing  of  copies  of 
the  amendments  on  loose  slips  which  can  be  placed  in  the  present 
copies  of  the  Manual. 

1922,  p.  59.  In  answer  to  the  letter  of  H.  Maxey  Smith,  repre¬ 
senting  Ad-Interim  Committee  of  the  Mid-China  Mission,  propos¬ 
ing  a  change  in  Sec.  Ill,  paragraph  18,  of  the  Manual  of  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missons,  we  recommend  that  the  Assem¬ 
bly  make  no  change  in  this  part  of  the  Manual. 


469.  The  Missionary 

1862,  p.  31.  From  the  report  of  the  Executive  Committee: 

The  Committee  have  thus  far  used  the  weekly  religious  journals 
as  the  medium  of  communicating  missionary  intelligence  to  the 
churches,  and  it  is  their  opinion  that  so  long  as  the  editors  of  these 
papers  are  willing  for  their  columns  to  be  used  in  this  way,  there 
will  be  no  necessity  for  any  other  organ  of  communication  with  the 
churches. 

1867,  p.  138.  The  committee  was  authorized  to  publish  a  monthly 
missionary  paper  for  gratuitous  circulation  to  ministers  and  Sabbath 
School  superintendents. 

1873,  p.  315.  Resolved ,  That  The  Missionary  be  strongly  com¬ 
mended  as  an  instrumentality  of  great  value  in  diffusing  information, 
and  in  creating  and  extending  an  interest  in  behalf  of  Missions. 
The  Executive  Committee  is  encouraged  to  press  the  circulation  of 
this  journal  by  all  the  means  in  their  power. 

Similar  recommendations  have  been  made  from  year  to  year.  In 
1887  it  was  ordered  that  this  journal  be  enlarged,  and  that  the 
subscription  price  be  fixed  at  $1.  (P.  229.) 

1888,  p.  430.  It  was  recommended  that,  from  time  to  time, 
outline  maps  of  our  foreign  mission  fields  be  printed  in  The  Mission¬ 
ary. 

P.  441.  Here  is  stated  the  manner  in  which  the  Executive  Com- 


Secs.  468-469] 


Foreign  Missions 


201 


mittee  carried  out  the  orders  of  the  last  Assembly  as  to  enlarging 
The  Missionary.  There  were  2,099  paying  subscribers  on  the  1st  of 
April.  To  be  self-supporting  3,000  are  necessary. 

1889,  p.  631.  To  increase  the  circulation  of  this  magazine,  it  was 
resolved  to  reduce  the  subscription  price  to  clubs,  beginning  with 
January  1,  1889.  The  club  rate  was  fixed  at  seventy-five  cents.  To 
form  a  club  in  any  church  it  was  requisite  that  the  number  of 
copies  of  the  magazine  subscribed  for  should  equal  at  least  one-tenth 
of  the  communicants  in  the  church,  as  reported  in  the  Minutes  of 
the  General  Assembly.  In  response  to  this  offer,  many  clubs  were 
formed;  and  the  number  of  paying  subscribers,  which  on  the  1st  of 
April  last  year  was  2,099,  was  on  the  same  date  this  year  about 
5,000,  being  an  increase  of  nearly  3,000.  This  advance  has  made 
the  magazine  self-supporting. 

1893,  p.  59.  The  circulation  of  The  Missionary  increased  during 
the  year  from  7,500  copies  to  9,250.  The  magazine  was  more  than 
self-sustaining  this  year. 

1894,  p.  232.  The  General  Assembly  authorized  the  Executive 
Committee  to  secure  such  editorial  aid  in  the  preparation  of  The 
Missionary  as  shall  be  found  necessary  to  keep  the  magazine  up  to 
its  high  standard  of  excellence  attained  under  the  editorship  of  Mr. 
Rankin,  who  for  a  year  had  devoted  himself  so  efficiently  and 
faithfully  to  this  important  work.  It  was  contemplated  that  the 
person  or  persons  thus  engaged  by  the  Executive  Committee  shall 
have  charge  of  the  Leaflet  Department  and  the  sending  out  of  liter¬ 
ature  to  the  churches. 

1894,  p.  232.  The  Assembly  declined  to  comply  with  the  over¬ 
ture  to  combine  The  Missionary  with  The  Home  Missionary.  (See 
Section  on  The  Home  Missionary .) 

1894,  p.  250.  The  circulation  of  The  Missionary  increased  during 
the  year,  beginning  with  an  issue  of  9,250  copies,  and  closing  with 
an  issue  of  10,000.  The  number  of  copies  sent  free  each  month 
was  1,475.  The  excess  of  cost  over  the  receipts  was  $1,233.75.  In 
1888  the  number  of  paying  subscribers  was  only  2,000;  now  there 
are  8,525. 

1895,  p.  415.  The  Executive  Committee  was  directed  to  consider 
the  advisability  of  reducing  the  subscription  price  of  The  Missionary 
to  fifty  cents  a  year. 

1895,  p.  436.  The  number  of  paying  subscribers  is  7,200;  the 
monthly  issue  is  now  9,100.  Excess  of  cost  over  receipts  is  $471.61. 

1896,  p.  622.  Paying  subscribers,  9,259.  Excess  of  cost  over 
receipts,  $544.68. 

1897,  p.  63.  Paying  subscribers,  9,826;  copies  sent  free,  1,600; 
•cost  of  publishing,  including  its  proportionate  part  of  the  editor’s 
salary,  was  $2,133.28  in  excess  of  receipts  from  subscriptions  and 
advertisements.  The  comittee  say:  Unless  a  much  larger  increase 
can  be  had  than  has  yet  appeared,  the  Committee  now  thinks  that 
the  reduction  of  the  price  to  fifty  cents  will  prove  to  have  been  a 
mistake. 

1906,  p.  49.  The  total  number  of  subscribers  reached  13,000.  A 


202  The  Agencies  of  the  Church  [Book  IV 

great  increase  is  noted  also  in  mission  study;  about  3,000  text-books 
were  handled  in  the  Senior  course. 

1907,  p.  70.  The  circulation  reached  20,500  copies. 

470.  The  Missionary  not  to  he  used  for  other  causes 

1898,  p.  240.  The  Assembly  decided  not  to  devote  a  part  of 
The  Missionary  to  Home  Missions. 

1906,  p.  57.  It  was  resolved  not  to  use  The  Missionary  as  the 
organ  of  all  the  causes. 

1908,  pp.  36,  37,  49.  Similar  action  was  taken. 

471.  The  Missionary  Survey 

1911,  p.  59.  We  recommend  the  consolidation  of  the  Missionary 
Magazine,  heretofore  published  by  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Foreign  Missions,  with  the  Home  Mission  Herald,  published  by  the 
Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions,  into  a  new  magazine,  to 
be  published  by  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  in  Richmond, 
in  which  the  interests  of  the  Executive  Committees  of  Publication  and 
of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  shall  also  be  repre¬ 
sented. 

It  is  also  recommended  that  these  four  committees  confer  as  soon 
as  possible  in  regard  to  the  necessary  steps  for  this  consolidation. 
It  is  further  recommended  that  in  the  proposed  new  magazine,  the 
two  committees  of  Home  and  Foreign  Missions  shall  continue  to 
have  the  same  amount  of  space  as  is  now  included  in  their  two 
separate  magazines,  and  that  the  other  two  committees  be  given  such 
space  as  the  proper  presentation  of  their  work  may  require. 

It  is  further  recommended  that  each  committee  shall  be  charged 
with  editorial  responsibility  for  the  department  of  the  magazine 
which  represents  its  work. 

1920,  p.  41.  That  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  be 
requested  to  restore  in  the  Missionary  Survey  the  space  allotted  to 
the  Cause  of  Foreign  Missions  at  the  time  of  the  first  issue  of  that 
magazine,  if  in  their  judgment  such  action  is  feasible. 

472.  The  Children’s  Missionary 

1890,  p.  31.  The  Presbytery  of  Columbia  overtured  the  Assembly 
to  provide  Tor  the  publication  of  a  children’s  missionary  paper. 

Answer :  1,  It  is  desirable  to  have  such  a  publication,  and  it 

is  directed  that  one  number  in  each  month  of  the  Children’s  Friend 
shall  be  devoted  to  this  purpose,  with  the  provision  that  the  usual 
exposition  of  the  Sunday  School  lesson  shall  be  retained  in  the 
missionary  number.  2,  The  copy  for  the  missionary  number  shall 
be  furnished  by  the  Secretaries  of  Foreign  Missions;  but  it  is  provided 
that  the  editorial  control  shall  remain  as  at  present,  the  subscription 
price  be  at  the  present  rate,  and  no  separate  subscription  for  the 
missionary  number  be  allowed. 


Secs.  469-474] 


Foreign  Missions 


203 


1894,  p.  232.  The  Executive  Committee  was  instructed  to  furnish 
the  children  of  the  Church  with  a  suitable  magazine  or  paper  at  a 
subscription  price  of  twenty- five  cents  a  year. 

1895,  p.  437.  The  first  number  of  The  Children's  Missionary 
was  issued  in  September.  It  has  met,  from  the  beginning,  a  most 
encouraging  reception.  Number  of  subscribers,  4,100.  The  excess 
of  the  receipts  from  subscription  over  cost  of  publication,  including 
its  proportionate  part  of  the  salary  of  the  editor,  has  been  $215.65. 
The  magazine  is,  therefore,  already  self-sustaining. 

1896,  p.  622.  Number  of  subscribers,  5,297;  cost  of  publication, 
including  proportionate  part  of  editor’s  salary  ($450),  was  $1,739.01. 
Receipts  from  subscriptions  were  $1,001.22.  There  is  still  needed 
an  addition  of  3,000  subscribers  to  make  it  fully  self-supporting. 

1897,  p.  63.  Number  of  subscribers,  6,059;  cost  of  publication 
including  $600  on  editor’s  salary,  was  $1,862.86;  receipts  from 
subscriptions,  $974.64. 

From  the  report  of  the  Executive  Committee: 

1907,  p.  70.  After  careful  consideration  it  was  deemed  advisable 
to  publish  only  one  missionary  magazine.  In  accordance  with  this 
decision,  the  Children’s  Missionary  was  discontinued,  as  a  separate 
publication,  with  the  December,  1906  issue.  Beginning  with  January, 
1907,  a  Junior  Department  was  opened  in  The  Missionary.  We 
have  also  accepted  the  offer  of  the  Committee  of  Publication  to 
furnish  material  for  one  issue  each  month  for  the  Children’s  Friend , 
a  paper  which  reaches  over  100,000  of  our  young  people.  The 
regular  monthly  edition  of  The  Missionary  is  now  20,500  copies,  the 
largest  in  the  history  of  the  publication.  The  average  increase  in 
circulation  for  the  past  five  years  has  been  over  2,000  copies  per 
year. 

473.  The  Missionary  Calendar  of  Prayer 

1895,  p.  414.  The  Prayer  Calendar  has  met  with  encouraging 
success. 

1896,  p.  622.  Two  editions  of  this  calendar,  of  2,000  each,  were 
issued  at  a  cost  (including  $150  of  editor’s  salary)  of  $821.27 
There  were  distributed  2,725  copies,  the  receipts  from  sales  being 
$532.27.  This  publication  is  intended  to  be  both  a  compendium  of 
missionary  information  and  a  stimulus  and  guide  to  intelligent 
prayer.  The  Assembly  highly  commended  this  calendar.  (P.  587.) 

1897,  Three  thousand  copies  were  issued  and  about  2,000  were 
distributed;  cost,  about  $30  in  excess  of  receipts. 

474.  Keep  the  Church  informed 

1915,  p.  68.  The  Assembly  commends  the  policy  of  the  Executive 
Committee  in  keeping  the  Church  informed  of  the  condition  and 
needs  of  the  treasury,  and  instructs  them  to  continue  this  policy. 

1918,  p.  25.  That  the  Assembly  heartily  commend  the  Committee 
for  the  publication  of  the  recent  pamphlets  of  “Missionary  Ammu¬ 
nition”  and  express  its  appreciation  of  their  value. 


204 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


475.  Monthly  or  quarterly  bulletin 

1903,  p.  476.  The  editorial  department  was  directed  to  publish 
a  monthly  or  quarterly  bulletin,  which  shall  be  a  special  medium 
of  communication  between  all  the  missionaries  of  our  Church,  and  - 
shall  keep  them  informed  regarding  all  matters  of  interest  and  value 
in  the  proceedings  of  the  Committee  and  the  progress  of  the  work. 

476.  Stereopticon  slides 

1907,  p.  43.  The  Assembly  instructed  its  Executive  Committee 
to  have  prepared,  from  pictures  on  hand  and  to  be  secured  from 
the  various  fields  in  which  our  Church  is  at  work,  stereopticon  slides, 
to  be  loaned  to  pastors  and  Presbyterial  chairmen  of  Foreign  Mis¬ 
sions  for  use  in  illustrating  missionary  addresses;  and  to  endeavor 
to  induce  Presbyterial  chairmen  to  secure  good  lanterns  and  to  visit 
systematically  the  churches  within  their  bounds,  giving  illustrated 
talks  on  our  work  in  distant  lands. 

477.  Missionary  Conference  in  Edinburgh 

1909,  p.  42.  A  World  Missionary  Conference  was  appointed  to 
be  in  Edinburgh,  Scotland,  Junel  14-24,  1910.  The  purpose  of  this 
conference  was  to  promote  in  every  way  the  enterprise  of  world  evan¬ 
gelization.  Our  Church  was  entitled,  according  to  the  basis  of  repre¬ 
sentation  laid  down  by  those  who  had  the  arrangements  in  charge, 
to  seventeen  delegates. 

For  the  names  see  Alexander’s  Digest,  1910,  p.  142. 

1911,  p.  57. ,  Your  committee  has  read  with  great  interest  the 
report  of  the  committee  appointed  by  the  delegates  of  our  Church  to 
the  World  Missionary  Conference  in  Edinburgh.  Among  the  many 
matters  named  in  this  report,  we  are  specially  impressed  by  Conclusion 
No.  6,  presented  by  Commission  No.  1,  namely,  that  “The  critical 
point  in  missions  is  the  state  of  the  home  Church;”  as  the  Church 
at  home  is  an  informed  Church,  as  it  is  a  praying  Church,  as  it  is 
a  Church  that  recognizes  and  fulfills  its  obligation  to  God  and  man, 
so  will  the  Church  on  the  mission  field  be  strong  and  true  and 
aggressive  and  effective  as  an  agency  for  giving  the  Gospel  to  the 
world. 

478.  Panama  Conference  on  Latin  America 

1915,  p.  66.  That  the  action  of  the  Executive  Committee  looking 
to  co-operation  with  other  missionary  boards  in  a  Missionary  Con¬ 
ference  for  Latin  America,  to  be  held  at  Panama  in  February,  1916, 
be  approved;  and  that  the  delegates  to  this  Conference,  nominated 
by  the  Executive  Committee,  be  appointed  by  this  Assembly. 

For  the  names  see  Minutes  1915,  p.  66. 

1916,  p.  62.  That  the  action  of  the  Executive  Committee  in  its 
participation  in  the  Congress  on  Religious  Work  in  Latin  America 
held  at  Panama,  be  approved,  and  that  the  General  Assembly  express 


Secs.  475-483] 


Foreign  Missions 


205 


its  cordial  sympathy  with  the  principle  of  interdenominational  comity 
and  co-operation  in  our  Protestant  mission  work  in  Latin  America 
which  this  Congress  was  intended  to  express  and  promote. 


479.  Treasurer’ s  bond 

1864,  p.  266.  Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  be  required  to  give 
a  bond  of  $10,000  and  that  an  auditing  committee  be  appointed  by 
the  Assembly,  who  shall  not  be  members  of  the  Executive  Committee. 

480.  Secretary’s  salary 

1861,  p.  16.  The  salary  of  officers  was  left  to  the  discretion  of 
the  Executive  Committee.  (1885,  p.  418.) 

1884,  p.  213.  The  salary  of  the  assistant  (contemplated  in  a 
previous  action)  shall  be  fixed  by  the  Executive  Committee,  provided 
it  be  not  more  than  $2,000. 

1900,  p.  622.  The  question  of  the  salary  of  the  Secretary  was 
left  to  the  discretion  of  the  Executive  Committee.  (So  again  in  1901, 
p.  35.)  This  Committee  was  also  instructed  to  publish  annually 
in  The  Missionary  a  statement  of  the  expenses  of  that  Committee,, 
showing  separately  the  salaries  paid  to  each  officer,  the  expense  of 
the  office  and  also  the  traveling  expenses  of  the  Committee. 

481.  Cost  of  Administration 

1914,  p.  39.  That  in  making  its  financial  statement  in  the  An¬ 
nual  Report  the  Executive  Committee  be  directed  to  give  the  items  of 
cost  of  administration  separate  from  all  others,  and  with  due  discrimi¬ 
nation  between  those  items  which  are  office  administration  and  outside 
or  educational  administration,  and  that  itemized  account  be  given 
of  all  official  salaries. 

That  the  expense  of  the  Southern  Missionary  News  Bureau  be 
listed  under  the  head  of  Cost  of  Administration. 

482.  Women  as  missionaries 

1873,  p.  365.  Resolved,  That  the  Executive  Committee  be  advised 
to  consider  carefully,  in  the  light  of  the  Scriptures  and  of  missionary 
enterprise,  the  propriety  of  engaging,  to  a  larger  extent,  pious  women, 
in  the  distinct  character  of  missionaries  in  the  service  of  the  Church* 
and  make  report  of  their  views  to  the  next  General  Assembly. 

In  the  twelve  months  following  the  adoption  of  this  resolution, 
five  females  were  sent  out  to  foreign  lands  as  missionaries.  (1874, 
p.  548.) 

483.  Training  of  women  for  Foreign  Missionary  work 

1890,  p.  31.  Whereas  there  is  an  increasing  number  of  appli¬ 
cations  from  young  women  for  foreign  missionary  work;  and  whereas 


206 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


there  is  great  need  of  special  training  in  order  to  fit  them  for  their 
work;  and  whereas  in  many  of  our  missionary  fields  it  is  important 
that  these  young  women  should  have  had  more  or  less  medical  training; 
therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  suggest  to  schools  and  col¬ 
leges  for  young  women  under  the  control  of  our  Presbyteries  and 
Synods  the  propriety  of  establishing  a  department  for  the  special 
training  of  such  young  women.  Should  any  of  these  institutions  act 
favorably  on  this  suggestion  and  young  women  endorsed  by  the 
Sessions  of  their  respective  churches  undertake  this  training,  it  is 
further  suggested  to  such  institutions  to  confer  with  the  Executive 
Committee  in  regard  to  their  methods  and  courses  of  study. 

484.  Qualifications  of  Missionaries 

1909,  p.  40.  The  Assembly  approved  the  proposition  of  the  Exec¬ 
utive  Committee  to  raise  the  standard  of  qualification,  and  thus 
secure  for  our  foreign  work  choice  and  winnowed  workers.  The 
following  rules  were  laid  down,  to  be  rigidly  adhered  to,  except  in 
extraordinary  cases:  “First:  In  the  appointment  of  ordained  mission¬ 
aries,  physicians  and  male  teachers,  the  Committee  will  endeavor  to 
be  even  more  careful  than  heretofore  in  maintaining  the  high  standard 
of  qualification  required  in  our  Manual.  Second:  No  single  lady, 
other  than  a  trained  nurse,  will  be  appointed  who  has  not  had  the 
equivalent  of  an  A.  B.  or  B.  S.  degree  from  a  reputable  college, 
and  also  in  addition  to  that  at  least  one  year  of  special  training 
for  the  special  line  of  work  for  which  she  is  appointed.”  An  age 
limit  was  also  adopted,  especially  for  female  applicants,  by  which, 
except  in  very  extraordinary  circumstances,  no  appointment  will  be 
given  to  an  applicant  who  is  over  thirty-five  years  of  age. 

485.  Outfit,  travel  and  year's  support  for  new  missionaries 

1911,  p.  58.  That  all  reinforcements  possible  be  sent  to  the 
foreign  field,  but  in  sending  out  reinforcements,  the  committee  is  in¬ 
structed  to  secure  beforehand,  for  each  missionary  sent  out,  the  full 
amount  required  for  his  outfit,  travel  to  the  field,  and  year’s  support. 

Furthermore,  we  recommend  that  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Foreign  Missions  hereafter  do  not  assign  missionaries  to  Churches 
or  individuals  except  on  the  provision  by  the  Churches  or  individuals 
of  $1,000  per  annum  for  the  salary  of  the  missionary  and  the  neces¬ 
sary  station  expenses  pertaining  to  his  work;  also  that  as  soon  as 
possible  those  who  now  have  a  missionary  assigned  to  them  at  less 
than  $1,000,  be  urged  to  raise  their  subscription  for  this  purpose  to 
this  amount,  and  when  a  church  or  individual  has  more  than  one 
missionary  assigned  for  whom  they  contribute  less  than  $1,000  each, 
that  they  be  urged  to  either  contribute  that  amount  for  each  mission¬ 
ary  assigned  or  else  agree  to  decrease  the  number  of  missionaries 
assigned  until  the  proportion  of  $1,000  for  each  missionary  is  reached. 

1912,  p.  50.  That  all  reinforcements  possible  be  sent  to  the 


Secs.  483-489] 


Foreign  Missions 


207 


field,  but  that  the  Executive  Committee  be  instructed  to  make  a  care¬ 
ful  investigation  of  the  actual  cost  of  supporting  a  missionary  in  the 
field,  including  all  necessary  incidental  expenses,  and  that  this  amount 
when  ascertained,  be  made  the  basis  on  which  new  missionaries 
are  sent  out,  and  that  the  Committee  be  instructed  to  send  out 
new  missionaries  only  when  the  amount  has  been  secured  on  reliable 
pledges  over  and  above  all  previous  contributions. 

1913,  p.  54.  “The  Foreign  Mission  Committee,  as  a  result  of 
investigation  into  actual  cost,  fix  twelve  hundred  dollars  as  the  amount 
necessary  to  be  raised  for  the  annual  support  of  each  missionary 
sent  out,  iji  addition  to  the  expense  of  travel  and  equipment.  We 
recommend  that  those  supporting  missionaries  be  urged  by  the 
Assembly,  as  soon  as  possible,  to  come  up  to  this'  standard.” 

486.  Dr.  Buckner  on  the  Executive  Committee 

1912,  p.  51.  The  need  of  a  practicing  physician  upon  the 
Executive  Committee  being  an  apparent  desideratum,  Dr.  M.  G. 
Buckner  was  appointed  on  said  Committee. 

487.  Examining  physicians  for  applicants  for  appointment  as 

missionaries 

1897,  p.  36.  The  Executive  Committee  calls  attention  to  the 
matter  of  examining  physicians  for  applicants  who  wish  to  go  to 
the  foreign  field,  and  it  recommends  that  each  Presbytery  appoint 
an  examining  physician,  whose  certificate,  as  well  as  that  of  the 
family  physician,  should  be  required  on  behalf  of  every  applicant. 
This  we  believe  to  be  a  mattter  of  great  practical  importance,  and 
conductive  to  safety  and  economy;  and  we  therefore  recommend  that 
each  Presbytery  of  the  Church  be  requested  to  appoint  such  an 
examining  physician  when  needed.  Adopted. 

488.  Payments  to  missions  to  he  prompt  and  regular 

1911,  p.  60.  The  full  amounts  promised  the  missions  at  the 
beginning  of  each  year  should  be  promptly  and  regularly  paid.  The 
Mission  Station  should  never  have  to  borrow  as  they  now  have  to 
do,  and  frequently  at  ruinous  rates  of  interest. 

489.  The  foreign  evangelist,  his  ecclesiastical  character  and  powers 

See  Section  on  Hangchow  Presbytery  (p.  99). 

1879,  p.  27.  An  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Abingdon, 
and  one  also  from  the  Presbytery  of  Louisville,  in  regard  to  the 
ordination  of'  Mr.  G.  W.  Painter  by  Rev.  J.  L.  Stuart. 

The  main  facts  in  the  case  were  as  follows: 

Mr.  Painter,  candidate  under  the  care  of  Abingdon  Presbytery, 
and  for  some  years  a  teacher  in  connection  with  the  mission  in 
China,  was  ordained  to  the  ministry  of  the  Gospel  in  that  country 


208 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


by  the  Rev.  J.  L.  Stuart,  an  evangelist  and  missionary  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States,  and  a  minister  of  the 
Presbytery  of  Louisville. 

There  are  two  questions  proposed  to  the  General  Assembly,  viz. : 

1.  Is  the  action  of  Mr.  Stuart  in  ordaining  Mr.  Painter  valid? 

2.  If  so,  to  which  Presbytery — Louisville  or  Abingdon — does 
Mr.  Painter  belong? 

Answer  to  these  overtures: 

1.  The  ordination  of  G.  W.  Painter  by  Rev.  J.  L.  Stuart,  both 
of  the  mission  in  China,  is  hereby  declared  to  be  valid. 

2.  Inasmuch  as  Mr.  Painter  was  a  candidate  at  the  time  of  his 
ordination,  under  the  care  of  the  Presbytery  of  Abingdon,  he  is 
hereby  declared  to  be  a  member  of  that  Presbytery. 

3.  The  Assembly  appointed  a  committee  to  report  on  the  whole 
subject  of  the  office  and  powers  of  the  evangelist,  his  relation  to  the 
General  Assembly  and  the  Presbytery  at  home,  his  relation  to  the 
Church  scattered  among  the  heathen,  and  his  relation  to  his  fellow- 
evangelists  in  the  same  missionary  field;  said  committee  to  report  to 
the  next  General  Assembly,  by  a  proposed  additional  chapter  to 
our  Form  of  Government  or  otherwise. 

1880,  p.  200.  This  committee  reported  progress  and  was  enlarged 
and  continued. 

1881,  p.  38 7.  This  committee  made  the  following  report,  which 
was  adopted: 

.  After  careful  consideration  of  the  whole  subject,  it  does  not 
appear  to  your  committee  to  be  necessary  to  add  a  new  chapter 
to  the  Form  of  Government,  for  the  reason  that  the  doctrine  of 
the  evangelist  is  set  forth  with  sufficient  clearness  in  Chap.  IV., 
Sec.  II.,  Arts.  I.  and  VII.  Nothing  is  required  but  the  application 
of  the  general  principle  to  the  concrete  case  of  the  evangelist  at  home 
or  abroad,  which  can  be  done  in  a  declarative  paper  without  import¬ 
ing  into  the  organic  law  details  of  legislation  upon  which  there  may 
be  more  or  less  diversity  of  opinion  in  the  Church.  The  committee 
therefore  avail  themselves  of  the  discretion  with  which  they  are 
indulged,  and  submit  their  conclusions  in  a  form  to  be  adopted 
by  the  Assembly,  if  it  sees  fit,  as  simply  interpretative  of  the  law 
which  already  exists. 

THE  OFFICE  AND  POWERS  OF  THE  EVANGELIST 

The  only  feature  that  distinguishes  the  evangelist  from  the 
ordinary  “minister  of  the  Word”  is,  that  he  labors  to  plant  the 
Gospel  and  the  institutions  of  the  Church  in  places  where  they  do 
not  exist.  When  his  field  lies  within  the  territory  of  the  Church 
as  already  organized,  his  powers  are  circumscribed  within  those  of 
the  court  having  jurisdiction  over  the  same.  As  the  Form  of 
Government  (Chap.  V.,  Sec.  IV.,  Art.  VI.,  and  Chap.  VI.,  Sec.  II., 
Art.  I.)  assigns  the  power  of  forming  new  churches  and  of  ordaining 
to  office,  to  a  court,  these  extraordinary  functions  of  the  evangelist 
can  be  exercised  only  when  expressly  delegated  by  the  court  to  him 


Sec.  489] 


Foreign  Missions 


209 


as  their  agent.  Whe  i  his  field  lies  beyond  the  territory  which  the 
Church  occupies,  his  powers  are  necessarily  enlarged.  There  being 
no  court  to  discharge  these  fuctions,  the  Constitution  recognizes  as 
inhering  in  his  office  all  the  powers  that  are  necessary  to  constitute 
the  Church.  He  may  organize  churches  and  ordain  to  all  the  offices 
required  to  make  them  complete ;  and  also,  with  a  view  to  the  extension 
■of  the  Church,  he  has  the  power  to  ordain  other  evangelists,  both 
natives  and  foreigners,  provided  that  the  latter  be  not  under  the 
jurisdiction  of  a  Presbytery  at  home,  in  which  case  the  concurrence 
of  said  Presbytery  shall  first  be  obtained.  As  soon,  however,  as 
a  court  is  created,  even  the  lowest,  his  extraordinary  powers  cease 
within  its  jurisdiction,  and  can  be  resumed  only  in  the  region  that 
is  beyond ;  the  guiding  principle  being,  that  the  powers  of  an  evangelist 
cannot  supersede  nor  impair  those  which  pertain  to  a  court,  either 
at  home  or  abroad. 

THE  EVANGELIST’S  RELATION  TO  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY  AND  THE 

PRESBYTERY  AT  HOME 

The  evangelist  is  a  member  of  the  Presbytery  to  which  he  belongs, 
in  the  same  sense  with  every  other  “minister  of  the  Word,”  with 
the  same  rights  and  privileges,  equally  amenable  to  its  discipline, 
and  sustains,  through  the  Presbytery,  precisely  the  same  relation  to 
the  Church  at  large;  but  as  the  foreign  missionary  is  supported  by 
the  whole  Church,  and  as  the  Form  of  Government  (Chap.  V., 
Sec.  VI.,  Art.  V.)  vests  in  the  General  Assembly  the  power  “to 
institute  and  superintend  the  agencies  necessary  in  the  general  work 
of  evangelization,”  the  immediate  direction  and  control  of  his  labors 
is  remitted  by  the  particular  Presbyteries  to  the  Assembly,  as  the 
Presbytery  which  is  common  to  them  all.  This  control  is  exercised 
ad  interim ,  by  the  Assembly,  through  its  Executive  Committee  of 
Foreign  Missions,  as  a  commission  created  for  that  purpose,  with 
such  powers  as  the  Assembly  may,  from  time  to  time,  see  fit  to 
delegate,  and  equally  responsible  with  the  evangelist  himself  to  the 
Assembly,  in  which  body  vests  the  authority  to  decide  all  questions 
that  may  arise  in  the  exercise  of  their  respective  functions. 

Upon  the  remaining  topics,  viz. :  “The  evangelist’s  relation  to  the 
Church  gathered  among  the  heathen,”  and  “his  relation  to  his  fellow- 
evangelists  in  the  same  field,”  your  committee  find  themselves,  after 
two  years  of  conference,  unable  to  agree.  It  would  be  easy  to  bring 
in  two  reports  running  counter  to  each  other,  which  would  only 
involve  the  Church  in  the  abstract  discussion  of  points  which  must 
at  last,  find  their  practical  solution  in  the  foreign  field.  Your  com¬ 
mittee  can,  therefore,  agree  only  in  recommending  to  the  Assembly 
to  drop  for  the  present  the  consideration  of  these  topics,  and  to  wait 
for  their  practical  solution  in  the  future  history  of  our  missionary 
operations. 

The  matter  was  further  discussed  for  several  years.  (See  Alex¬ 
ander’s  Digest,  1897,  pp.  106ff. )  It  was  finally  decided  that  a  practical 
solution  had  already  been  found  in  the  outworking  of  the  missionary 


210 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


operations  in  the  heathen  lands.  The  inherent  dfficulty  lay  in  the 
attempt  to  rule  the  Church  across  the  sea.  The  solution  was  found 
in  recognizing  the  autonomy  of  the  Church  as  a  free  Christian 
Commonwealth,  and  investing  it  with  the  power  of  self-government 
as  soon  as  it  was  organized. 

1922,  p.  59.  With  reference  to  the  overture  of  Potomac  Pres¬ 
bytery,  asking  the  Assembly  to  make  clear  the  extent  of  the  powers 
intended  to  be  conferred  by  the  action  of  the  Assembly  of  1920,  au¬ 
thorizing  members  of  the  Missions,  if  they  so  desire,  to  make  women 
missionaries  members'  of  the  Missions,  with  power  to  vote,  we  recom¬ 
mend  that  the  Assembly  answer  that  this  action  must  of  course  not 
be  interpreted  as  authorizing  the  Missions  to  authorize  their  unor¬ 
dained  members,  whether  men  or  women,  to  exercise  powers  and 
functions  which,  according  to  our  Constitution  can  only  be  ordained 
men.  We  also  recommend  that  the  attention  of  the  Japan  Mission 
be  called  to  this  matter,  with  instructions  to  examine  its  records  to 
ascertain  whether  the  Mission  may  or  may  not  have  inadvertently 
taken  any  action  in  regard  to  this  matter  that  would  be  in  conflict 
with  the  law  of  our  Church.  (See  p.  199  of  this  Digest.) 

1922,  p.  61.  1.  We  note  with  gratitude  to  God  the  loyalty  of 

our  missionaries  to  the  orthodox  faith,  and  their  zeal  therefor,  and 
we  commend  all  wise  plans  and  efforts  to  conserve  the  faith,  as  ex¬ 
pressed  in  our  standards. 

2.  The  continuance  of  our  co-operation  in  union  institutions 
shall  depend  on  the  removal  of  objectionable  text-books  from  the 
courses  taught  in  these  institutions. 

3.  The  matter  of  the  employment  of  non-Christian  teachers  and 
the  use  of  the  Bible  in  our  mission  schools  shall  be  left  in  the  hands, 
of  the  Executive  Committee. 

4.  We  urge  the  Committee,  however,  to  pursue  to  completion  its 
investigations,  undertaken  with  such  commendable  diligence,  and 
to  report  the  final  findings  to  the  next  Assembly. 

490.  Relations  of  the  Presbyteries  and  the  Executive  Committee  to 

the  appointment  of  missionaries 

1893,  p.  42.  Inasmuch  as  questions  had  been  raised  in  the  Church 
in  regard  to  the  expediency  of  transferring  certain  functions  now 
exercised  by  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  from 
that  Committee  to  the  Presbyteries  and  Church  Sessions,  and  inas¬ 
much  as  a  Presbytery  connected  with  the  General  Assembly  had 
already  exercised  functions  which,  according  to  the  Manual  of 
Foreign  Missions,  belong  to  this  Executive  Committee,  the  Assembly 
appointed  an  ad  interim  committee  of  five  to  investigate  the  entire 
matter,  and  report  to  the  next  General  Assembly,  (among  other 
things)  as  to  the  expediency  of  transferring  any  functions  from  the 
Executive  Committee  to  the  Presbyteries  or  Church  Sessions. 

1894,  p.  183.  This  Committee  made  a  report,  which  was  referred 
to  the  Standing  Committee  on  Foreign  Missions. 

P.  231.  The  report  of  the  Standing  Committee,  as  adopted  on  this 
topic  was : 


Secs.  489-491] 


Foreign  Missions 


211 


1.  That  we  deem  it  of  first  importance  that  closer  relations 

should  obtain  between  the  missionaries  in  the  field  and  their  brethren 
at  home  who  support  them. 

2.  That  the  seeking  'out  and  recommending  of  missionaries 

should  be  by  those  who  have  the  best  means  of  knowing  their 
fitness  for  the  work. 

3.  That  the  power  and  the  responsibility  of  Presbyteries  in 

ordaining  men  for  the  work  and  recalling  them  should  be  properly 
recognized. 

4.  That  physicians  and  teachers  called  and  set  apart  to  the 

work  should  be  recognized  and  classed  as  missionaries  rather  than 
assistant  missionaries. 

Resolution  6  states  that  the  transfer  of  any  of  the  functions  of 
the  Executive  Committee  to  the  Presbytery  seems  impracticable. 

1899,  p.  414.  In  regard  to  an  overture  from  Tuscaloosa  Pres¬ 
bytery,  asking  the  Assembly  to  define  the  relation  of  churches  and 
Presbyteries  organized  in  the  foreign  field  to  Presbyteries  and  Synods 
at  home,  and  begging  that  the  missionaries  of  the  African  field  be 
allowed  to  organize  churches  and  Presbyteries  in  Africa,  the  mission¬ 
aries  to  become  members  of  such  Presbyteries,  we  recommend  that 
the  Presbytery  of  Tuscaloosa  be  referred  to  Paragraphs  13-15  of 
the  Manual  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions,  adopted 
by  the  Assembly  of  1895,  in  which  the  ecclesiastical  status  and 
relations  of  our  foreign  missionaries  and  their  powers  are  carefully 
and  fully  defined. 

491.  Mixed  Presbyteries  in  the  foreign  field 

1886,  p.  37.  An  overture  from  several  ministers  and  elders  in 
Brazil,  asking  that  an  exception  be  made  in  their  case  “to  the 
enactment  of  the  General  Assembly  of  1876,  whereby  its  foreign 
evangelists  are  prohibited  from  uniting  with  mixed  Presbyteries  in 
their  respective  fields.” 

Your  committee  finds  that  during  the  sessions  of  that  Assembly 
a  committee  on  the  matter  of  Hangchow  Presbytery  brought  in  a 
report,  which  urged,  among  other  things,  “that  our  missionaries 
abroad  should  not  ordinarily  become  associated  with  natives  in  the 
composition  of  Presbyteries.”  This  report,  which  is  found  in  the 
Appendix  to  the  Minutes  of  that  Assembly,  was  adopted,  together 
with  certain  resolutions  not  recorded.  On  the  next  day  that  Assembly 
reconsidered  its  action  respecting  Hangchow  Presbytery,  and  adopted 
instead  a  resolution  declaring  that  it  was  unconstitutional  for  the 
Assembly  to  establish  or  dissolve  Presbyteries,  and  declaring  the  act 
of  a  previous  Assembly  void  whereby  Hangchow  Presbytery  was 
formed.  In  this  reconsideration  of  the  case  no  action  was  taken  in 
regard  to  the  formation  of  mixed  Presbyteries. 

The  answer  is,  therefore,  made  to  the  overture  of  the  brethren  in 
Brazil:  The  Assembly  sees  nothing  in  the  enactments  of  the  General 
Assembly  of  1876  bearing  upon  the  question  of  mixed  Presbyteries. 
The  exception  asked  is  therefore  needless,  as  that  Assembly  did 


212  The  Agencies  of  the  Church  [Book  IV 

not  abridge,  or  modify  any  right  in  this  regard  which  the  mission¬ 
aries  had  prior  to  that  time.  Adopted. 

492.  Transferring  a  missionary  to  a  foreign  Presbytery 

1887,  p.  230.  Overture  wishing  a  uniform  practice  to  be  indicated 
in  transferring  a  missionary  to  a  Presbytery  in  a  foreign  land. 

Answer :  No  minister  can  constitutionally  be,  at  the  same  time,  a 
member  of  two  Presbyteries.  Hence  the  transfer  to  a  foreign  Presby¬ 
tery  involves  the  complete  severance  of  previously  existing  Presbv- 
terial  relations,  precisely  as  at  home. 

1919,  p.  59.  That  the  Assembly  grant  the  request  of  Rev.  Henry 
L.  Reaves,  of  our  Mid- China  Mission,  to  be  allowed  to  join 
Soochow  Presbytery. 

493.  Relation  of  our  Foreign  Missionaries  to  the  native  Presbyteries 

1921,  p.  53.  Overture  from  the  Stated  Clerk  in  regard  to  the 
relation  of  our  Foreign  Missionaries  to  the  Native  Presbyteries 
was  referred  to  our  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions,  with 
instructions  to  investigate  and  report  to  the  next  General  Assembly. 

1922,  p.  59.  In  response  to  the  request  of  Rev.  R.  Clyde  Doug¬ 
las,  of  the  Mid-China  Mission,  for  permission  to  change  his  mem¬ 
bership  from  the  Presbytery  of  St.  John’s,  Florida,  to  the  Presbytery 
of  Hashing,  China,  we  recommend  that  the  General  Assembly  grant 
St.  John’s  Presbytery  permission  to  dismiss  Rev.  R.  Clyde  Doug¬ 
las  to  the  Presbytery  of  Hashing. 

494.  United  Presbyterian  Church  in  each  Mission  Field 

1905,  p.  35.  In  rer^rd  to  the  overture  from  missionaries  of  the 
Mid-China  Mission,  renewing  their  request,  made  to  previous 
Assemblies,  that  they  be  permitted  to  unite  with  the  native  Chinese 
brethren  in  forming  provincially  co-operative  Presbyteries,,  of  which 
they  shall  be  members,  while  at  the  same  time  retaining  full 
connection  with  their  respective  home  Presbyteries,  the  Assembly 
reminded  them  that  this  request  has  already  been  denied  by 
three  Assemblies  as  inconsistent  with  our  Form  of  Govrnment.  But, 
as  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  suggested,  the 
Assembly  approved  of  the  expressed  desire  on  the  part  of  our  missions 
in  Korea  and  China  to  co-operate  with  other  Presbyterian  missions 
in  the  organization  of  one  united  Presbyterian  Church  in  each  of 
those  fields;  and  it  authorized  our  missionaries  to  take  all  such  steps 
as  may  be  necessary,  and  in  their  judgment  in  conformity  with 
Presbyterian  principles,  to  secure  the  independence  of  the  proposed 
United  Presbyterian  Churches  in  Korea  and  China. 


495.  Reporting  ministers  in  Union  Presbyteries  on  foreign  soil 
1889,  p.  610.  An  independent  Synod,  composed  largely  of  native 


Secs.  491-497] 


Foreign  Missions 


213 


ministers,  having  been  organized  in  Brazil,  the  following  was  adopted: 

P.  611.  That  each  home  Presbytery  shall,  in  its  statistical  report, 
place  on  a  supplementary  roll  to  be  published  with  the  remainder  of 
the  reports  in  the  Minutes  of  the  General  Assembly,  the  names  of 
all  ordained  missionaries  who,  being  sent  out  by  it,  are  still  engaged 
in  our  foreign  missionary  work,  but  who,  by  joining  Union  Presby¬ 
teries  in  harmony  with  the  Reformed  doctrine  and  Presbyterian 
polity,  have  severed  their  former  membership  with  the  home  Presby¬ 
tery. 

496.  Co-operation  in  the  foreign  field 

1881,  p.  361.  Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  empower  the  Exec¬ 
utive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  to  conduct  such  correspondence 
with  missionaries  and  missionary  Committees  and  Boards  as  may 
be  necessary  to  ascertain  if  it  be  desirable  for  us,  and  if  so,  the 
best  practicable  method  of  carrying  out  the  scheme  of  co-operation 
between  the  missionaries  of  the  “Reformed  Churches”  in  the  foreign 
field  suggested  by  the  Pan-Presbyterian  Council,  and  report  to  the 
next  Assembly. 

1884,  p.  213.  This  Assembly  directs  that,  inasmuch  as  the 
Executive  Committee  has  been  authorized  to  conduct  a  correspondence 
relative  to  co-operation  in  the  foreign  field  and  has  reported  progress 
the  Committee  keep  the  matter  in  charge,  with  the  hope  that,  in  the 
providence  of  God,  the  way  may  be  open  for  the  formation  of  one 
Presbyterian  church  in  each  mission  field. 

1886,  p.  75.  Extract  from  report  of  the  Executive  Committee: 

Five  years  ago  the  Assembly  empowered  this  Committee  to  conduct 
correspondence  with  the  missionaries  and  missionary  Committees 
and  Boards,  to  ascertain  the  best  practical  method  of  attaining  co¬ 
operation  between  Presbyterian  missionaries  in  the  foreign  fidd. 
In  this  correspondence  the  Committee  stated  to  the  sister  churches 
and  their  missionaries  that  the  prevailing  view  in  our  own  Church 
favored  the  method  of  having  the  Presbyteries  on  mission  gr  >  md 
composed  exclusively  of  native  presbyters,  the  missionaries  holding 
only  advisory  relations  to  the  Presbytery.  It  appears  that  the 
method  thus  advanced  has  met  with  increasing  favor  among  those 
who  seek  for  a  satisfactory  basis  of  co-operation. 

1890,  p.  14.  The  union  of  missionaries  and  churches  in  Japan, 
composed  a  year  ago,  was  reported  has  having  been  given  up. 

497.  Co-operation  in  Foreign  Missions 

1892,  pp.  420,  446.  Our  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions 
having  proposed  to  confer  with  the  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  with  a 
view  to  preparing  a  plan  of  co-operation  in  Foreign  Mission  work, 
the  plan  to  be  reported  next  year  to  both  Assemblies,  we  recommend 
that  the  request  be  granted,  and  that  the  Stated  Clerk  be  directed 
to  notify  the  other  Assembly  of  this  action  at  once.  Adopted. 

P.  467.  A  statement  of  the  facts  which  make  co-operation  desirable 


214  The  Agencies  of  the  Church  [Book  IV 

is  here  made  by  the  Executive  Committee,  and  set  forth  in  their 
report.  It  states  that  in  Japan  and  Brazil  their  missionaries  and 
ours  are  in  the  same  ecclesiastical  organization;  that  there  is  virtual 
unity  of  work;  that  in  China  measures  are  in  contemplation  to 
create  this  same  unity. 

The  request  for  the  authorization  of  this  conference  contained  this 
proviso:  That  the  parties  to  the  conference  thus  held  shall  have 
no  power  except  to  consult  and  to  frame  recommendations  which 
shall  be  submitted  to  their  respective  General  Assemblies  for  action. 

1893,  p.  60.  Similar  authority  was  given  to  the  Board  of  Foreign 
Missions  by  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of 
America. 

P.  42.  Pursuant  to  the  action  of  the  last  General  Assembly,  a 
conference  was  held  in  January  of  this  year,  between  representatives 
of  the  Board  of  the  Northern  Presbyterian  Church  and  our  own 
Executive  Committee,  with  a  view  to  securing  harmonious  and 
co-operative  action  in  mission  work.  The  conclusions  reached  in 
this  conference,  and  submitted  in  the  report  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee,  were  approved  by  the  Assembly. 

P.  60.  It  was  decided  not  to  undertake  a  joint  foreign  missionary 
magazine;  and,  for  the  present,  not  to  form  a  union  seminary  in 
Brazil. 

Either  the  Committee  or  the  Board  is  free  to  send,  with  the  full 
consent  of  the  other  in  each  special  case,  any  accepted  missionary 
candidate  to  any  field  occupied  by  the  other,  supporting  him  and  any 
such  share  of  the  work  as  may  be  determined  by  the  mission  to 
which  he  is  sent  and  with  which  he  co-operates;  the  missionary  to 
work  under  the  direction  of,  and  in  full  co-operation  with,  the 
mission  already  established,  the  Committee  and  the  Board  reserving 
the  right  to  confer  with  its  mission  before  final  action,  if  deemed 
best. 

That  the  conference  express  the  earnest  hope  that  the  Committee 
and  the  Board  will  request  their  missionaries,  wherever  located,  to 
report  from  time  to  time  suggestions  as  to  the  methods  of  co¬ 
operation. 

The  Executive  Committee,  on  receiving  this  report  of  the  joint 
committee,  passed  a  resolution  approving  it. 

1895,  p.  438.  The  Executive  Committee  say:  The  phenomenal 
progress  of  the  United  Church  in  Christ  in  Japan  is  believed  to  be 
due  in  no  small  degree  to  the  united  efforts  of  all  the  Presbyterian 
bodies  working  in  that  field.  Full  co-operation  with  happy  results 
exists  between  our  mission  and  those  of  other  Presbyterian  bodies  in 
Korea.  In  China,  committees  of  conference  of  our  mission  and  that 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America  have 
been  appointed,  through  which  it  is  hoped  that  something  may  be 
accomplished  toward  a  fuller  co-operation  there.  The  plan  of  co¬ 
operation  adopted  two  years  ago  has  also  been  successfully  applied 
in  Brazil.  But  there  is  need  of  a  wider  co-operation  between  all 
evangelical  missions  in  all  mission  fields.  It  seems  probable  that 
this  desirable  end  will  eventually  be  reached  as  the  result  of  the 


Secs.  497-498] 


Foreign  Missions 


215 


annual  conference  of  Foreign  Missionary  Secretaries,  which  was 
held  this  year  in  New  York  City  on  the  14th  and  15  th  of  February. 
The  Secretary  attended  this  Conference,  at  which  the  subject  of 
missionary  methods  and  policies  was  discussed.  No  formal  action 
was  taken  by  the  Conference,  but  committees  were  appointed  on 
some  of  the  more  important  topics  to  investigate  and  ascertain  if 
possible  the  points  of  agreement  among  the  various  agencies.  .  . 

In  so  far  as  uniformity  of  method  and  the  wider  co-operation  that 
would  grow  out  of  it  can  be  attained,  that  would  result  not  only  in 
a  greater  economy  in  administration,  but  also  a  prevention  of  the 
hurtful  impressions  made  on  heathen  peoples  by  the  divisions  of 
Christendom  as  exhibited  among  them  in  our  present  missionary 
operations. 

1900,  p.  622.  In  view  of  the  manifestations  of  Christian  courtesy 
and  comity  on  the  part  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  South, 
to  our  missionaries  and  work  in  Cuba,  and  of  the  Presbyts:;an 
Church  in  the  United  States  of  America  to  our  missionaries  ill 
Korea  and  elsewhere,  and  the  expressed  desire  of  the  Baptist  Church 
to  co-operate  with  us  in  the  effort  to  secure  the  still  broader  exhi¬ 
bition  of  this  spirit  between  the  churches,  the  Secretary  was  instructed 
to  express  to  these  bodies  our  high  appreciation  of  all  they  have 
done,  and  our  desire  and  purpose  to  continue  to  work  with  them 
along  the  same  lines. 

1905,  p.  35.  Concerning  the  complaint  of  the  Rev.  W.  B. 
Mcllwaine  and  the  Rev.  J.  W.  Moore  against  the  action  of  the 
Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  authorizing  continued 
co-operation  in  the  Theological  Department  of  the  Meiji  Gakuin, 
the  action  of  the  Executive  Committee  was  approved.  This  recom¬ 
mendation  was  based  upon  the  fact  that  the  doctrinal  unsoundness 
of  the  institution  referred  to  had  been  corrected. 

1906,  p.  49.  The  Assembly  recommended  to  all  our  Missions  that 
in  the  organization  of  Mission  Churches  growing  out  of  their  work, 
or  of  their  work  in  co-operation  with  other  Presbyterian  Missions, 
the  Westminster  Shorter  Catechism,  properly  translated  and  written 
without  the  questions,  be  suggested  as  the  doctrinal  Standard  to  be 
adopted  by  such  churches. 

1919,  p.  59.  While  rejoicing  in  the  full  and  hearty  co-operation 
and  fellowship  already  existing  among  the  Foreign  Mission  Boards 
and  Committees  of  the  Presbyterian  and  Reformed  Churches  in  the 
United  States,  and  trusting  that  these  may  become  closer  still,  the 
Assembly  does  not  see  its  way  clear  to  consent  to  the  complete  uni¬ 
fication  of  these  bodies  suggested  by  our  Executive  Committee. 

498.  Inter-Church  World  Movement  not  underwritten 

1920,  p.  41.  We  find  from  the  minutes  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Foreign  Missions  that  this  Committee  made  no  agreement 
to  underwrite  the  Inter-Church  World  Movement  for  the  year  1919-20 
or  the  year  1920-21,  except  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Assembly. 
There  is,  therefore,  no  obligation  for  the  payment  of  any  money  to  the 


216  The  Agencies  or  the  Church  [Book  IV 

Inter-Church  World  Movement  unless  it  shall  be  ordered  by  this 
Assembly. 

499.  Itinerary  of  returned  missionaries 

1903,  p.  476.  The  Assembly  directed  its  Executive  Committee 
and  the  Secretary  to  take  a  more  immediate  and  constant  direction  of 
the  itinerancy  of  returned  missionaries,  exercising  due  regard  to 
their  need  of  rest  and  their  capacities  for  home  service. 

500.  Statistical  reports  from  the  foreign  field 

1883,  p.  32.  In  response  to  an  overture  the  General  Assembly 
instructed  our  foreign  missionaries  in  their  respective  fields  of  labor 
to  furnish  annual  statistical  reports  of  the  churches,  officers  and 
members  under  their  care;  also  of  baptisms,  Sabbath  Schools,  and 
contributions  to  the  various  objects  of  benevolence,  corresponding 
to  the  statistical  reports  of  our  churches  at  home,  which  should 
be  printed  opposite  their  names  in  the  Minutes  of  the  General 
Assembly. 

This  action  is  found  also,  in  substantially  the  same  words,  on 
page  40  and  page  61,  Minutes  of  1883;  also  in  1897,  p.  38. 

501.  Material  equipment  of  each  mission  station 

1912,  p.  50.  That  the  Assembly  direct  the  Foreign  Missions  Com¬ 
mittee  to  have  prepared  as  soon  as  practicable  a  detailed  statement 
showing  the  material  equipment  of  each  mission  station,  including 
all  real  estate  holdings,  buildings,  furnishings  and  other  equipment, 
with  the  cost  of  these  several  items,  and  that  similar  detailed  state¬ 
ments  be  prepared  as  to  the  material  equipment  of  each  station,  and 
that  these  statements  shall  be  carefully  kept  and  constitute  a  part 
of  the  permanent  records  of  the  Foreign  Missions  office,  and  the 
Committee  shall  publish  a  summary  in  the  annual  report  to  the 
General  Assembly. 

1913,  p.  55.  The  Executive  Committee,  not  having  complied  with 
the  recommendation  of  the  last  Assembly  touching  the  publication  in 
the  annual  report  of  a  detailed  statement  showing  the  material 
equipment  of  each  mission  station  because  the  difficulty  of  the  task 
has  prevented  the  completion  of  it  in  time,  we  recommend  that  more 
time  be  granted. 

1914,  p.  39.  That  the  Executive  Committee  be  asked  to  comply 
as  soon  as  possible  with  the  direction  of  the  Assembly  of  1912, 
repeated  by  the  Assembly  of  1913,  touching  the  publication  in  the 
Annual  Report  of  a  detailed  statement  showing  the  material  equipment 
of  each  mission  station. 

502.  Reports  from  Mission  Treasurers 

1912,  p.  50.  That  the  Assembly  direct  the  Foreign  Missions 
Committee  to  include  in  its  annual  report  a  statement  from  each 


Secs.  498-507] 


Foreign  Missions 


217 


mission  treasurer,  showing  in  condensed  form:  (1)  Total  receipts 
of  the  mission  and  from  what  sources;  (2)  Total  expenditures  of 
the  mission  made  under  appropriations,  Classes  A,  B,  and  C,  of  the 
Executive  Committee  Manual. 

1915,  p.  67.  That  the  General  Assembly  require  the  Executive 
Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  to  secure  from  the  treasurers  of 
the  different  mission  stations  regular  stated  reports  of  their  expendi¬ 
ture  of  the  funds  paid  to  them  by  the  Treasurer  of  the  Executive 
Committee,  with  proper  vouchers  for  the  same. 

503.  Monthly  payments  to  mission  stations 

1914,  p.  39.  That  the  Assembly  approve  of  the  action  of  the 
Executive  Committee  in  withdrawing  from  Mission  Treasurers  the 
authority  to  make  drafts,  the  Executive  Committee  having  provided 
for  monthly  remittances  by  its  Treasurer  to  the  Treasurers  of  the 
several  missions. 

1915,  p.  68.  That  the  General  Assembly  express  its  hearty  ap¬ 
proval  of  the  monthly  payment  of  funds  to  the  mission  stations 
by  the  Treasurer  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions. 

504.  Needs  of  each  field  to  he  reported 

1912,  p.  50.  That  the  Foreign  Missions  Committee  be  instructed 
to  report  each  year  to  the  Assembly  its  judgment  of  the  relative 
needs  and  the  proportionate  reinforcements  required  by  the  various 
fields  committed  to  our  charge. 

505.  Graduated  scale  of  salaries  for  missionaries 

1915,  p.  68.  That  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions 
be  instructed  to  investigate  the  matter  of  a  graduated  scale  of  salaries 
for  missionaries  and  report  on  this  matter  to  the  next  General  As¬ 
sembly. 

506.  A  missionary  entitled  to  a  copy  of  any  action  of  Executive 

Committee  reflecting  upon  him 

1884,  p.  221.  In  case  an  Executive  Committee  makes  any  record 
on  its  Minutes  of  any  moral  delinquency  of  one  of  the  missionaries, 
whether  expressed  or  by  plain  and  necessary  implication,  the  person 
interested  would  be  entitled  to  a  copy  of  the  same.  (Memorial  of 
Rev.  G.  Nash  Morton.) 

507.  Furlough  of  Foreign  Missionaries 

1921,  p.  52.  Overtures  from  the  Presbytery  of  East  Hanover,  and 
from  Robert  M.  Friend,  C.  A.  Rowland,  T.  H.  Dick,  A.  J.  A.  Alex¬ 
ander,  Rutherford  Lapsley,  M.  L.  Thrower,  J.  E.  Spillman,  Charles  T. 
Paxton,  and  J.  P.  McCallie,  touching  furlough  of  our  Foreign 


218  The  Agencies  of  the  Church  [Book  IV 

Missionaries,  were  referred  to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign 
Missions,  with  power  to  act. 

508.  First  mission* — The  American  Indians 

For  description  of  the  Indian  Territory,  its  tribes  and  population, 
their  political  relations  and  disturbances  resulting  from  the  outbreak 
of  the  war,  see  1861,  pp.  44  and  45. 

1862,  p.  31.  The  Committee,  immediately  after  entering  upon 
its  work,  and  upon  application  previously  made,  appointed  Rev. 
Cyrus  Kingsbury,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Messrs.  Cyrus  Byington,  Ebenezer 
Hotchkin,  C.  C.  Copeland,  Oliver  P.  Stark,  Alexander  Reid,  Pliny 
Fisk,  native  preacher,  and  Thomas  Benton,  native  licentiate,  members 
of  the  Choctaw  Mission;  Rev.  Hamilton  Balentine  and  Rev.  Allen 
Wright,  native  Choctaw  preachers,  members  of  the  Chickasaw 
Mission;  Rev.  John  Lilley,  of  the  Seminole,  Rev.  R.  M.  Loughridge, 
of  the  Creek,  and  Rev.  S.  Foreman,  native  Cherokee,  of  the  Cherokee 
Mission. 

1869,  p.  169.  The  whole  missionary  corps,  under  the  direction 
of  the  Committee,  and  supported  by  the  funds  of  the  Church, 
inclusive  of  five  female  teachers,  consisted  of  twenty  missionary 
laborers. 

509.  Schools  among  the  Indians 

1863,  p.  171.  Executive  Committee’s  report: 

The  missionaries  in  the  Choctaw  country  came  to  the  conclusion 
during  the  summer,  that  the  further  suspension  of  their  schools,  even 
for  a  limited  time,  would  prove  very  disastrous,  both  to  the  social 
and  religious  interests  of  the  people,  and  they  resolved  at  once,  with 
the  concurrence  of  the  Committee,  to  establish  day  schools  at  all 
their  principal  stations.  There  were  a  number  of  white  women  in 
the  country,  most  of  them  the  wives  or  daughters  of  the  missionaries, 
and  educated  Choctaw  women,  whose  services  were  found  available, 
and  schools  were  accordingly  established  at  Wheelock,  'at  Pine  Ridge, 
at  Good  Water,  Good  Land,  Bennington,  and  Living  Land.  All 
of  the  schools  above  mentioned  are  reported  as  doing  well. 

,  1866,  p.  55.  In  the  recent  treaty  with  the  United  States  Govern¬ 
ment,  provision  was  made  for  the  support  of  schools. 

1871,  p.  45.  The  Committee,  after  much  prayerful  consideration, 
determined  to  resuscitate  the  school  for  boys  at  Spencer  Academy. 
Such  an  institution  was  greatly  needed  in  the  nation,  but  the  Choc¬ 
taws  did  not  themselves  feel  able  to  conduct  it,  and  the  Committee 
was  forced  to  the  alternative  of  undertaking  its  management  or 
allowing  it  to  fall  into  hands  that  would  probably  make  it  a  curse 
instead  of  a  blessing  to  the  nation.  The  Committee  had  special 
reference  to  training  teachers  and  preachers.  The  school  was  to  have 


♦The  Digest  does  not  propose  to  give  a  complete  account  of  any  of 
our  Missions;  this  information  must  be  sought  elsewhere.  What  is 
intended  is  simply  to  register  the  actions  of  the  Assembly. 


Secs.  507-513] 


Foreign'  Missions 


219 


sixty  boys,  for  whose  support  the  nation  was  to  provide;  but  the 
Committee  was  to  provide  for  the  support  of  the  superintendent 
and  two  teachers. 

510.  Choctaw  Bible — Rev.  Cyrus  Byington 

1864,  p.  325.  Mr.  Byington  spent  a  portion  of  time  in  translating 
the  Scriptures  into  the  Choctaw  language,  and  also  in  preparing 
a  grammar  of  that  language.  When  compelled  to  give  up  active 
missionary  work,  he  continued  to  labor  on  the  translation  of  the 
Bible  until  his  death. 


511.  Rev.  Cyrus  Kingsbury,  D.  D. 

1871,  p.  42.  Rev.  Cyrus  Kingsbury,  D.  D.,  the  founder  of  the 
Choctaw  Mission,  and  for  more  than  fifty  years  an  active  and 
untiring  laborer  in  connection  with  it,  departed  this  life  on  the  27th 
of  June,  after  severe  and  somewhat  protracted  sickness.  The  last 
Assembly,  being  informed  of  his  enfeebled  condition,  directed  a 
letter  of  condolence  and  sympathy  to  be  addressed  to  him.  He 
lived  to  hear  of  the  kind  intention  of  the  Assembly;  but  before  the 
letter  itself  reached  its  destination  he  had  been  called  up  higher. 
Few  ministers  have  left  behind  a  brighter  record.  He  had  many 
noble  associates  in  the  missionary  work,  but  to  none  more  than 
himself  are  the  Choctaws  indebted  for  all  the  social,  intellectual, 
civil  and  religious  progress  they  have  made  in  the  last  half  century. 
His  name  is  held  in  the  highest  veneration  by  that  whole  people, 
and  eternity  alone  will  show  how  much  he  has  done  to  promote  their 
spiritual  and  everlasting  welfare. 

512.  Cherokee  Mission  suspended 

1878,  p.  677.  This  mission  was  discounted,  mainly,  if  not  wholly, 
because  the  Committee  did  not  have  the  means  either  to  sustain  or 
reinforce  it. 


513.  Indians  transferred  to  the  care  and  control  of  the  Executive 

Committee  of  Home  Missions 

1886,  p.  35.  The  Executive  Committee  was  authorized  and  in¬ 
structed  to  transfer  to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions 
the  entire  direction,  control  and  support  of  the  missions  among 
the  American  Indians,  so  soon  as  the  Home  Mission  Committee  was 
able  and  willing  to  receive  them  under  its  care. 

1887,  p.  229.  This  transfer  being  not  consummated,  it  was  recom¬ 
mended  that,  for  prudential  reasons,  the  whole  matter  be  postponed 
for  the  present. 

The  transfer  was  completed  in  1889. 


220 


The  Agencies  or  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


514.  Second  Mission — China 

Rev.  Elias  B.  Inslee,  a  member  of  the  Presbytery  of  Mississippi, 
went  out  as  a  missionary  to  China  under  the  direction  of  the  New 
York  Board  in  1856.  In  1866,  his  support  was  undertaken  by  our 
Executive  Committee,  and  he  settled  in  Hangchow. 

1869,  p.  406.  Rev.  Messrs.  M.  H.  Houston,  B.  Helm  and  J.  L. 
Stuart  sailed  for  China,  September  9,  1868.  Rev.  T.  E.  Converse 
and  wife  joined  them  in  Hangchow  a  little  later. 

1870,  p.  555.  A  second  station,  at  Gu-tsin,  about  one  hundred 
and  fifty  miles  west  of  Hangchow,  was  opened  by  Rev.  Messrs. 
Stuart  and  Helm. 

1873,  p.  364.  This  station  was  given  up  and  another  opened 
instead  at  Soochow,  between  Shanghai  and  Hangchow.  It  was 
occupied  by  Rev.  Messrs.  Stuart  and  DuBose. 

1897,  p.  37.  The  thirtieth  anniversary  of  the  founding  of  our 
China  mission  was  celebrated  by  our  missionaries  on  the  field. 


515.  Union  Presbyterian  Church  in  China 

1902,  p.  281.  An  overture  from  our  missionaries  in  the  Mid-China 
field,  and  from  officers  of  the  churches  there  was  presented  asking 
the  Assembly  to  permit  them  to  form,  on  the  basis  of  our  Standards, 
an  independent  Presbytery,  of  which  our  missionaries  shall  be  mem¬ 
bers,  while,  at  the  same  time,  they  shall  continue  members  of  their 
respective  Presbyteries  in  this  country.  To  this  overture  the  following 
answer  was  given :  The  Assembly  sincerely  sympathizes  with  our  mis¬ 
sionaries  in  the  many  and  serious  difficulties  they  have  to  encounter  in 
their  work,  and  which  prompted  this  overture,  but  it  does  not  see  its 
way  clear  to  consent  to  the  formation  of  such  a  Presbytery,  because, 
in  its  view,  such  a  Presbytery,  so  constituted,  would  be  contrary  to 
our  Standards.  It  does,  however,  consent  that  our  missionaries  in 
that  mission  shall  form  a  Presbytery  that  shall  afterwards  come  into 
connection  with  some  one  of  our  Synods,  and  remain  in  connection 
with  it  until  a  Chinese  Presbyterian  Synod  is  organized,  when  it 
shall  have  permission  to  connect  itself  with  it. 

1919,  p.  58.  From  China  comes  the  news  of  the  meeting  of  the 
first  General  Assembly,  and  that  real  progress  is  being  made  in 
teaching  the  students  and  educated  classes. 

1920,  p.  39.  In  China  also  the  notable  present  aspect  of  the  work 
is  its  unparalleled  opportunities.  A  Union  Presbyterian  Church  has 
been  organized  out  of  twelve  separate  churches.  It  has  six  Synods, 
twenty-six  Presbyteries,  seventy-seven  thousand  communicants,  and 
it  is  the  largest  single  denomination  in  China:  a  Church  Presby¬ 
terian  in  government  and  on  a  basis  of  union  which  conserves  the 
fundamental  doctrines  of  the  Gospel.  To  our  Church  came  the 
honor  of  furnishing  the  first  presiding  officer  of  the  new  Church  in 
the  person  of  Rev.  P.  F.  Price,  D.  D.,  of  the  Nanking  Theological 
Seminary,  and  the  first  Treasurer  in  Dr.  J.  M.  Blain,  of  Hangchow. 


Secs.  514-519] 


Foreign  Missions 


221 


516.  Co-operation  in  Theological  Seminary  and,  in  school  work 

1905,  p.  35.  The  action  of  the  Executive  Committee  endorsing 
the  establishment  of  a  Theological  Seminary  at  Nanking  by  the 
Mid-China  and  the  North  Kiangsu  Missions  of  our  Church  and 
the  Central  China  Missions  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States  of  America,  in  which  Rev.  Dr.  J.  W.  Davis,  of  our 
Church  was  made  one  of  the  professors,  was  approved. 

1909,  p.  41.  The  Assembly  approved  of  union  with  Central 
China  missions  in  certain  school  work. 

517.  Action  in  regard  to  riot  and  famine  in  China 

1908,  p.  36.  As  to  indemnity  for  property  destroyed  in  the  riot 
at  Donshang,  the  Assembly  commended  the  action  of  the  Executive 
Committee  in  advising  the  mission  “to  receive  in  return  the  payment 
of  an  amount  not  exceeding  the  value  of  the  property  destroyed,” 
and  placed  on  record  its  profound  appreciation  of  the  heroic  and 
self-sacrificing  labors  of  the  North  Kiangsu  Mission,  and  of  volunteers 
from  Mid-China  Mission  and  other  missions  during  the  unprecedented 
trials  of  the  famine  period,  and  also  expressed  its  gratitude  to  God 
that  He  had  enabled  men  and  women  of  our  Church  to  stand  so 
nobly  in  the  place  of  honor  and  service,  and  open  by  their  ministra¬ 
tions,  so  wide  a  highway  into  the  hearts  of  China’s  millions. 

518.  Biblical  Encyclopedia  in  Chinese 

1920,  p.  80.  Overture  from  Rev.  E.  W.  McCorkle,  relating  to 
the  publication  of  a  Biblical  Encyclopedia  in  Chinese.  We  recom¬ 
mend  that  the  overture  be  answered  in  the  affirmative,  and  that  the 
details  of  financing  the  work  be  referred  to  the  Executive  Committee 
of  Foreign  Missions,  with  the  request  that  the  work  be  completed  as 
•expeditiously  as  possible. 

Reaffirmed  in  1921,  p.  52. 

519.  T hird  mission — Italy 

1867,  p.  161.  Miss  Christina  Ronzone,  a  native  of  Italy,  but 
for  a  number  of  years  past  a  resident  of  South  Carolina,  and  a 
member  of  one  of  our  churches  there,  sailed  for  her  native  country 
in  August,  1866,  with  the  expectation  of  taking  charge  of  a  large 
Protestant  school  in  the  city  of  Naples.  She  was  to  act  under  the 
general  direction  of  the  Waldensian  Table  or  Committee  of  Missions, 
but  derive  her  support  from  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign 
Missions  of  our  Church.  This  arrangement  was  made  on  account 
of  the  disturbed  condition  of  Italy,  and  to  bring  our  Church  into 
close  fellowship  with  that  of  the  ancient  and  venerable  Waldenses, 
who  are  actively  and  successfully  engaged  in  promoting  evangelical 
religion  in  Italy. 

1868,  p.  291.  A  pious  lady  in  Scotland  generously  provided  the 
means  for  the  support  of  the  school  for  two  years. 


222 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


1870,  p.  554.  The  school  was  moved  from  Naples,  and  in  1872, 
Miss  Ronzone  returned  to  her  native  town,  Milan.  This  mission 
was  afterwards  discontinued  as  a  part  of  the  work  of  our  Church. 

520.  Fourth  mission — United  States  of  Colombia 

1869,  p.  406.  Rev.  H.  B.  Pratt  began  missionary  work  at  Baran- 
quilla,  having  had  previous  acquaintance  with  the  people  and  their 
language. 

1872,  p.  185.  This  mission  was  reinforced  by  the  arrival  of  Mr. 
A.  H.  Erwin,  who  immediately  entered  upon  his  work  as  teacher. 

1873,  p.  363.  Mr.  Pratt  transferred  his  headquarters  to  Sorocco, 
Mr.  Erwin  remaining  at  Baranquilla. 

1878,  p.  677.  This  mission  was  discontinued,  chiefly  from  want 
of  means  to  sustain  and  reinforce  it. 

521.  Fifth  mission — B ra  r  'I 

1866,  p.  19.  A  request  came,  from  some  Americans  who  were 
about  to  settle  in  Brazil,  that  a  missionary  be  sent  to  that  country. 
The  Assembly  considered  it  premature  to  take  action  at  that  time. 

1869,  p.  406.  Rev.  G.  Nash  Morton  visited  Brazil  with  reference 
to  the  establishment  of  a  permanent  mission  in  that  country.  As 
a  result  of  his  visit,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Morton  and  Rev.  Edward  Lane 
began  missionary  work  in  Campinas. 

1872,  p.  29.  The  Presbytery  of  Sao  Paulo  was  constituted,  in 
connection  with  the  Synod  of  Virginia;  it  was  dissolved  by  the 
Synod  in  1881. 

1873,  p.  363.  Rev.  J.  Rockwell  Smith  began  missionary  work 
at  Pernambuco,  in  the  northern  part  of  Brazil. 

522.  The  Synod  of  Brazil 

1887,  p.  229.  In  answer  to  memorials  from  several  of  our 
missionaries  in  Brazil,  who  had  united  with  the  representatives  of 
six  native  churches  in  organizing  the  “Presbytery  of  Campinas  and 
Western  Minas,”  and  who  desire  to  know  whether  the  Assembly 
would  approve  their  combining  with  the  Presbytery  of  Rio  Janeiro, 
belonging  to  the  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  United 
States  of  America,  in  forming  the  Synod  of  Brazil,  in  answer 
also  to  an  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Chesapeake  favoring 
this  movement,  it  was  decided  that  the  Assembly  give  its  approval 
to  the  formation  of  a  Brazilian  Synod  formed  of  Presbyteries  which 
shall  be  separated  from  both  the  Assemblies  in  this  country,  and 
constituting  in  Brazil  a  distinct  and  independent  Church,  free  from 
foreign  control.  It  was  further  advised  that  our  missionaries,  as 
soon  as  these  native  Presbyteries  could  be  safely  left,  push  forward 
as  rapidly  as  possible  into  the  destitute  regions  beyond,  fulfilling  the 
evangelist’s  office  in  them. 

1898,  p.  218.  In  response  to  the  communication  of  the  Synod  of 


Secs.  519-524] 


Foreign  Missions 


223 


Brazil,  asking  that  any  help  given  the  cause  in  Brazil  be  given  to 
them  to  aid  them  in  evangelization  and  education,  we  direct  the 
Secretary  of  Foreign  Missions  to  write  them  and  express  our  prefer¬ 
ence  that  any  money  or  property  we  may  have  or  be  able  to  send 
to  Brazil,  beyond  the  support  of  our  own  missionaries,  should  be 
used  in  assisting  to  educate  men  directly  for  the  ministry,  and  that 
our  policy  is  to  consult  our  missionaries  on  the  subject.  He  will 
also  assure  them  of  our  sympathy  with  them  in  their  efforts  at 
independence  and  self-support,  and  our  hope  that  the  day  may  soon 
come  when  they  may  be  fully  successful,  and  their  Church  may  take 
its  place  among  the  Presbyterian  Churches  of  the  world  and  enlist 
with  them  in  sending  the  Gospel  to  the  regions  beyond. 

523.  The  General  Assembly  of  Brazil 

1915,  p.  69.  That  this  Assembly,  in  response  to  the  address  of 
greeting  by  Rev.  Alva  Hardie,  from  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  Brazil,  expresses  its  pride  and  joy  in  the 
prosperity  of  our  daughter,  the  Church  in  Brazil,  and  that  the 
Stated  Clerk  of  this  Assembly  be  instructed  to  transmit  this  response 
to  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the  Assembly  in  Brazil. 

524.  Campinas  Institute 

The  movement  for  the  establishment  of  this  college  began  in 
1872.  In  1877  it  was  reported  as  having  one  hundred  and  twenty 
pupils. 

Complications  having  arisen,  upon  the  death  of  Dr.  Lane,  in 
regard  to  all  the  Campinas  property,  steps  were  taken  looking  to 
the  obtaining  of  a  legal  title.  (For  details  see  Supplement  to  Alex¬ 
ander’s  Digest,  1888,  pp.  63ff.) 

1894,  p.  230.  It  was  learned  that  there  was  no  cause  for  alarm 
about  the  Church’s  property  in  Campinas,  the  only  question  being 
as  to  the  best  plan  for  reducing  the  property  to  possession.  It  was 
decided : 

1.  That  all  questions  of  detail  in  getting  this  property  securely 
in  hand  be  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  Executive  Committee. 

2.  When  this  has  been  done,  (1),  That  in  case  the  Synod  of 
Brazil  continues  its  request  for  a  donation  of  a  part  of  this  property 
for  the  purpose  of  establishing  a  theological  school,  the  Assembly 
make  a  gift  of  such  part  of  the  buildings  and  grounds  as  may  be 
needed  for  this  purpose,  such  grant  to  be  made  under  a  charter 
approved  by  the  Church’s  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions; 
(2),  In  case  the  Synod  of  Brazil  does  not  renew  its  request,  that  a 
well-equipped  school  be  established  there  and  conducted  under  the 
control  of  the  Church’s  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions, 
or  under  control  approved  by  them;  (3),  That  such  part  of  said 
property  as  may  not  be  needed  to  realize  the  first  or  second  of  these 
recommendations  be  judiciously  sold;  and  that  the  proceeds  be 
used  in  establishing  and  equipping  evangelical  schools  in  other  parts 


224  The  Agencies  oe  the  Church  [Book  IV 

of  the  Brazilian  field  or  in  such  other  branches  of  our  mission 
work  as  may  seem  most  advisable. 

The  Assembly  of  1895,  p.  415,  renewed  the  authority  given 
above. 

1896,  p.  588.  The  Executive  Committee  was  directed  to  with¬ 
draw  the  offer  heretofore  made  of  part  of  our  property  at  Campinas 
to  the  Synod  of  Brazil,  for  the  purpose  of  a  theological  seminary, 
and  the  Executive  Committee  was  instructed  to  consider  the  pro¬ 
priety  of  discontinuing,  and  is  hereby  authorized  to  discontinue,, 
if  it  seem  clear  to  it,  the  professorship  now  maintained  by  us  in  the 
Theological  Seminary  of  the  Synod  of  Brazil  now  located  at  SaO' 
Paulo,  until  the  need  for  such  an  institution  shall  become  more 
apparent  than  at  present,  and  until  the  question  as  to  its  permanent 
location  shall  be  decided  by  the  native  church. 

1897,  p.  36.  Satisfactory  progress  was  reported  as  having  been 
made  in  regard  to  the  Campinas  property  in  Brazil.  The  matter 
was  left  in  the  hands  of  the  Executive  Committee  to  deal  with  and 
conclude  in  such  manner  as  they  might  deem  best  in  accordance 
with  Presbyterian  interests. 

1898,  p.  217.  The  Southern  Brazil  Mission  asked  the  Executive 
Committe  that  of  the  proceeds  of  the  sale  of  the  Campinas  property 
$5,000  shall  be  donated  to  the  Synod  of  Brazil  for  its  theological 
seminary.  It  was  recommended  that  the  Assembly  give  assurance  to- 
the  brethren  in  Brazil  of  our*  Church’s  cordial  sympathy  with  the 
Synod  in  its  efforts  to  establish  and  foster  a  theological  seminary,, 
and  that  it  would  be  glad  to  comply  with  their  request  had  we  undis¬ 
puted  possession  of  the  property.  In  the  present  condition  of  the 
property,  and  in  view  of  the  uncertainty  of  the  future,  it  was  decided 
that  the  management  of  the  property  and  distribution  of  the  proceeds, 
that  may  arise  from  a  sale  or  rent  thereof  should  be  left  to  the 
discretion  of  the  Executive  Committee. 

1901,  p.  33.  The  Secretary  was  directed  to  go  to  Brazil  for  the 
purpose  of  examining  the  condition  of  our  work,  and  of  accomplishing; 
a  settlement  of  the  Campinas  property  matter. 

1902,  p.  282.  The  Assembly  expressed  its  gratification  that  our 
Assembly  had  at  last  secured  a  perfect  legal  title  to  the  mission 
property  in  Campinas,  and  it  agreed  with  the  Executive  Committee 
that  it  should  be  used  according  to  its  original  design,  for  edu¬ 
cational  purposes.  It,  therefore,  directed  the  Committee  to  retain 
the  building,  and  so  much  of  the  land  as  might  be  necessary  for 
that  purpose,  and  to  sell  the  remainder,  using  the  proceeds  of  such 
sale  for  the  promotion  of  the  same  end. 

1907,  p.  49.  The  school  building  was  sold  to  the  Synod  of 
Brazil,  at  a  nominal  price,  and  the  Theological  Seminary  of  the 
Synod  was  moved  from  Sao  Paulo  and  opened  in  the  building. 

525.  Sixth  mission — Mexico 

1874,  p.  551.  Rev.  A.  T.  Graybill,  having  visited  Mexico  the 
year  before  with  reference  to  the  establishment  of  a  mission  some- 


Secs.  524-527] 


Foreign  Missions 


225 


where  along  the  borders  of  the  Rio  Grande,  selected  as  the  site 
Matamoras  on  the  south  side  of  the  river. 

In  1884,  the  Presbytery  of  Tamaulipas  was  organized  as  an  out¬ 
growth  of  this  mission,  composed  entirely  of  native  ministers  and 
churches. 

1901,  p.  33.  The  Independent  Synod  of  Mexico  was  organized 
by  the  union  of  churches  connected  with  both  branches  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  this  country;  and  in  response  to  the  earnest 
request  of  our  missionaries  there,  the  Assembly  appointed  as  our 
representative  on  the  occasion  Rev.  J.  H.  McNeilly,  D.  D.,  and  made 
him  the  bearer  of  a  letter  of  greeting  to  the  Synod. 

526.  Redistribution  of  territory  in  Mexico 

1915,  p.  67.  We  recommend  the  approval  of  the  underlying 
principles  of  the  “Cincinnati  Plan”  for  the  redistribution  of  the 
terrritory  among  different  denominations  in  Mexico  and  readjustment 
of  the  work,  and  that  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions 
be  authorized  to  co-operate  in  this  plan  according  to  their  judgment 
and  the  working  of  Providence.  As  the  “Cincinnati  Plan”  does 
not  specify  any  disposition  of  the  work  of  the  Foreign  Mission 
Committee  among  the  Mexicans  in  Texas,  we  recommend  that  this 
Committee  confer  with  the  Assembly’s  Executive  Committee  of  Home 
Missions  with  the  view  of  transferring  this  work  to  the  latter 
Committee,  in  case  the  necessity  should  arise. 

1919,  p.  59.  That  in  view  of  the  transfer  of  our  Foreign  Mission 
work  from  Northern  to  Southern  Mexico,  the  Rio  Grande  be 
designated  as  the  boundary  line  between  our  Home  and  Foreign 
Mission  work,  and  that  the  Mexican  churches  of  Brownsville, 
Harlingen,  San  Benito  and  Mercedes  be  transferred  from  the  care 
and  aid  of  the  Foreign  Mission  Committee  to  that  of  the  Home 
Mission  Committee,  and  be  advised  by  the  Foreign  Mission  Committee 
to  ask  for  admission  into  the  Texas-Mexican  Presbytery. 

527.  Seventh  mission — Greece 

1873,  p.  315.  In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  Rev.  M.  D.  Kalopo- 
thakes,  a  native  missionary  in  Greece,  and  a  minister  of  the  Gospel 
in  connection  with  our  Church,  had  been  for  years  engaged  in  an 
interesting  and  peculiarly  difficult  work,  and  was  in  the  providence 
of  God,  left  without  the  fostering  care  of  any  missionary  society,  his 
case  was  commended  to  our  Executive  Committee  for  such  fraternal 
interest  and  aid  as,  in  its  judgment,  might  be  deemed  advisable. 

1874,  p.  547.  The  Executive  Committee  announced  that  the 
Greek  mission  had  been  opened  in  Athens,  and  that  Rev.  M.  D. 
Kalopothakes,  Mr.  George  Kazacos,  and  Mr.  J.  S.  Dewar  had  been 
added  to  the  list  of  missionary  laborers.  1875,  Salonica,  in  European 
Turkey,  was  occupied  as  a  new  station,  and  four  new  missionaries 
reported  as  sent  out  to  the  Greek  field. 

1882,  p.  579.  The  Committee  reported  the  establishment  in 


226 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


Greece,  as  the  result  of  our  missionary  labors,  of  an  evangelical 
Greek  Presbytery,  composed  entirely  of  native  Greeks.  The  name 
of  this  Presbytery  is  the  “Greek  Evangelical  Synod.” 

1892,  p.  469.  Our  missionaries  among  the  Greeks  were  withdrawn; 
and  some  years  later  the  property  belonging  to  our  Church  at 
Salonica  was  transferred  to  the  Greek  Evangelical  Church. 

528.  Eighth  mission — Japan 

1885,  p.  418.  The  Executive  Committee  was  authorized  to  establish 
a  mission  in  Japan.  Kochi  was  selected  as  the  station,  and  Rev. 
Messrs.  R.  E.  Me  Alpine  and  R.  B.  Grinnan,  with  Mrs.  Grinnan 
were  sent  out  to  found  the  mission. 

1907,  p.  51.  A  letter  from  the  Rev.  W.  R.  Lambuth,  D.  D., 
Secretary  of  the  Mission  Board  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  South,  con¬ 
veyed  to  our  Executive  Committee  the  offer  of  the  use  of  their  buildings 
and  equipment  at  Kobe,  Japan,  for  our  educational  work  in  that 
field.  It  was  recommended  that  the  Assembly  instruct  its  Executive 
Committee  to  express  our  grateful  appreciation  of  this  offer,  and  to 
correspond  with  our  Japan  Mission  with  reference  to  the  practica¬ 
bility  of  such  co-operative  work. 

1917,  p.  60.  We  would  call  attention  to  a  new  method  of 
missionary  propaganda  which  has  been  used  in  Japan  effectively, 
namely:  the  publication  in  the  secular  press  of  articles  on  the 
fundamental  topics  of  Christianity.  These  have  appeared  in  fourteen 
of  the  prominent  daily  papers  of  Tokio,  thus  disseminating  the 
Gospel, to  many  thousands  who  had  never  entered  a  Christian  church. 

The  success  of  this  effort  has  been  such  as  to  justify  its  recom¬ 
mendation  to  the  serious  thought  of  all  our  missions  who  might 
find  it  feasible. 

1922,  p.  58.  Inasmuch  as  the  Synod  of  the  Church  of  Christ  in 
Japan  at  the  last  session  in  Kobe,  October,  1921,  passed  a  resolu¬ 
tion  that  a  delegation  be  appointed  to  visit  next  spring,  the  Reformed 
and  Presbyterian  Churches  of  the  United  States  having  connection 
with  the  Church  of  Christ  in  Japan,  to  report  on  the  results  of  Chris¬ 
tian  work  in  Japan  up  to  the  present,  and  convey  expressions  of 
gratitude  for  the  good  will  and  labors  expended;  at  the  same  time 
discussing  informally  with  them  the  most  appropriate  forms  of 
work  for  those  churches  to  undertake  in  Japan,  with  a  view  to  a 
thorough  operation,  and  inasmuch  as,  in  accordance  with  the  above 
resolution,  the  Rev.  Masahisa  Uemura,  the  Moderator  of  the  Synod, 
was  appointed  the  delegate  to  convey  this  message  to  the  American 
Churches,  this  Assembly  has  heard  with  much  interest  and  sympathy 
the  address  of  our  distinguished  brother,  rejoices  with  him  and  with 
the  Church  which  he  represents  in  the  attainment  of  the  fiftieth 
anniversary  of  the  founding  of  the  Church  of  Christ  in  Japan,  con¬ 
gratulates  them  on  the  fruitfulness  of  their  labors  under  the  blessing 
of  our  gracious  Lord,  and  stands  ready  to  co-operate  in  the  future, 
as  we  have  been  happy  to  do  in  the  past,  in  every  practicable  enter¬ 
prise  for  the  advancement  of  our  Saviour’s  cause  in  Japan. 


Secs.  527-531] 


Foreign  Missions 


227 


529.  Ninth  mission — Africa 

Attention  was  directed  as  early  as  1865  to  Africa  as  a  suitable 
field  of  missionary  labor  for  our  Church.  The  matter  was  taken  up 
again  in  1881.  But  it  was  not  until  1890  that  the  mission  was 
established  by  Rev.  Messrs.  S.  N.  Lapsley  and  W.  H.  Sheppard. 

1914,  p.  39.  That  the  Assembly  warmly  welcome  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  South,  to  the  mission  work  close  to  our  own  in 
Africa;  that  it  approve  of  the  practical  arrangements  made  between 
that  mission  and  our  own  in  evangelistic  helpers,  printing,  and 
transportation;  that  it  heartily  reciprocate  the  kind  words  and 
fraternal  interest  of  our  sister  Church;  and  that  it  cordially  invite 
Bishop  Lambuth,  who  personally  founded  the  Congo  Mission  for 
his  Church,  to  address  this  Assembly  on  Wednesday  evening,  May 
27th.  The  Assembly  prays  that,  from  the  very  beginning,  the  work 
of  our  Methodist  brethren  may  enjoy  the  favor  of  Almighty  God, 
who  has  so  signally  blessed  the  work  of  our  mission  in  that  field. 

530.  The  Congo  boat 

1894,  p.  312.  The  children  of  the  Church  were  appealed  to  and 
raised  $10,000  for  this  cause.  It  was  found  that  this  amount  was 
not  sufficient,  and  the  carrying  out  of  the  plan  was  necessarily  post¬ 
poned  for  some  years. 

1898,  p.  217.  The  Assembly  commended  the  wisdom  and  dili¬ 
gence  of  the  Executive  Committee  in  conserving  the  Congo  Boat 
Fund,  and  approved  their  determination  to  proceed  at  once  to  build 
the  boat,  and  directed  that  it  be  sent  forward  as  soon  as  was  con¬ 
sistent  with  due  care  and  prudence. 

1900,  p.  621.  The  Assembly  approved  the  action  of  the  Executive 
Committee  in  reference  to  the  construction  of  the  Congo  boat. 

The  boat  was  of  great  service  in  the  mission  work,  but  was  upset 
in  the  currents  of  the  Congo  and  became  a  total  loss.  The  matter 
was  taken  up  afresh  and  a  larger  boat  built  and  put  in  operation  on 
the  river. 

531.  Atrocities  on  the  Congo — Trial  of  Drs.  Morrison  and  Sheppard 

1904,  p.  43.  The  Assembly  approves  of  the  action  of  one  of  our 
missionaries,  the  Rev.  W.  M.  Morrison,  D.  D.,  in  making  known 
to  the  civilized  world  the  atrocities  of  the  Belgian  Government  in 
the  Congo  Free  State,  and  directs  the  Executive  Committee  to  co¬ 
operate  with  other  missionary  agencies  and  to  continue  to  ask  our 
own  Government  to  use  such  measures  as  are  practicable,  to  secure 
grants  of  land  in  Africa,  in  accordance  with  treaty  rights,  for  the 
use  of  the  Mission. 

1906,  p.  50.  Whereas,  repeated  atrocities  have  been  committed 
upon  the  natives  in  the  Congo  Independent  State,  for  which  the 
government  is  directly  responsible,  either  by  permission  or  connivance; 
therefore, 


228 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


Be  it  Resolved,  First,  That  the  cruelty  and  atrocities  which  have 
been  committed  by  the  military  authorities  of  the  government  of 
the  Congo  Independent  State,  and  by  the  officers  and  agents  of  the 
trading  companies,  under  government  protection,  upon  the  people 
of  the  Congo  Independent  State,  in  Africa,  are  an  outrage  on 
humanity,  to  which  the  civilized  nations  of  the  world  cannot  submit. 

Second,  That  we  respectfully  petition  the  government  of  the  United 
States  of  America,  through  its  Executive  Department,  to  take  such 
action,  and  bring  to  bear  on  the  government  of  the  Congo  Independent 
State  such  pressure  as  will  compel  the  abatement  of  this  outrage 
against  our  common  humanity. 

Third,  That  we  further  petition  our  government  to  bring  about  by 
any  means  that  may  be  practicable,  an  immediate  concert  of  action 
on  the  part  of  all  civilized  nations  and  particularly  of  those  nations 
participating  in  the  Berlin  Convention,  establishing  the  Congo  Inde¬ 
pendent  State,  to  abate  the  atrocities  which  have  been  and  are  being 
committed  on  the  natives,  and  to  grant  to  all  nations,  and  particularly 
to  Protestant  missionaries,  free  access  to  all  parts  of  the  State  for 
establishment  of  missions. 

Fourth,  That  to  this  end,  we  call  upon  all  Christians  to  unite  in 
earnest  prayer  to  the  God  of  the  nations,  to  overrule  the  forces  of 
evil  which  are  seeking  to  hinder  the  progress  of  the  truth  in  the 
Congo  Independent  State. 

1907,  p.  52.  In  reference  to  present  conditions  in  the  Congo 
Free  State,  Africa,  the  Assembly  adopted  the  following  resolutions: 

Whereas,  The  General  Assembly  has  learned  with  great  satisfaction, 
of  the  unanimous  action  of  the  Senate  of  the  United  States,  at  the 
last  session  of  Congress,  in  giving  assurance  to  the  President  that 
he  would  have  their  cordial  support  in  any  steps  he  mighf  take 
after  investigation  of  conditions  in  the  Congo  Free  State,  ‘;in  co¬ 
operation  with  or  in  aid  of,  any  of  the  powers  signatory  of  the 
Treaty  of  Berlin,  for  the  amelioration  of  the  condition  of  such 
inhabitants;” 

Resolved,  That  we  express  our  earnest  hope  that  the  way  may 
open  at  an  early  date  for  the  President  to  render  the  aid  suggested 
in  the  action  taken  by  the  Senate  in  behalf  of  the  helpless  people 
of  the  Congo,  whose  wrongs  have  excited  a  world-wide  sympathy. 

Resolved,  That  we  place  on  record  our  appreciation  of  the  efforts 
that  have  been  put  forth  by  the  National  Council  of  the  Evangelical 
Free  Churches  of  England  and  Wales,  in  urging  that  Great  Britain, 
as  one  of  the  leading  signatory  powers  of  the  Treaty  of  Beilin, 
should  take  the  initiative  in  calling  a  Conference  to  consider  and  act 
upon  the  evidence,  disclosing  conditions  in  the  Congo. 

Resolved,  That  we  recognize,  with  hearty  commendation,  the  work 
of  the  representative  committee  appointed  by  the  Inter-Church  Con¬ 
ference  on  Federation  in  1905,  in  calling  the  attention  of  the  President 
and  Congress,  to  the  appeal  of  the  Protestant  churches  of  our  land 
in  behalf  of  international  action  and  authoritative  adjudication  of 
the  issues  involved  in  the  present  intolerable  conditions  in  the  Congo 
country. 


Secs.  531-532] 


Foreign  Missions 


229 


As  this  national  committee,  representing  churches  having  a  member¬ 
ship  of  over  seventeen  millions,  is  in  correspondence  with  the  National 
Council  of  the  Free  Churches  of  England,  we  place  these  Resolutions 
in  their  hands,  with  the  pledge  of  our  best  endeavor,  in  joining  the 
Christian  churches  and  the  forces  of  righteousness  in  every  land, 
in  the  effort  to  secure,  through  international  action,  the  relief  of  an 
oppressed  people,  who,  as  we  believe,  in  violation  of  treaty  obligations, 
are  held  in  the  bondage  of  a  practical  slavery. 

1909,  p.  14.  The  Assembly  passed  the  following  resolutions: 

1.  That  the  General  Assembly  in  session  at  Savannah,  Ga., 
would  hereby  assure  Rev.  Dr.  W.  M.  Morrison  and  Rev.  Dr.  W.  H. 
Sheppard,  our  missionaries  in  the  Congo  Independent  State,  of 
its  profound  and  heartfelt  sympathy  with  them  in  the  trial  they  are 
about  to  undergo  before  a  court  of  that  State  on  the  charge  of 
“calumnious  denunciation”  of  the  officers  of  the  Company  Kassai; 
and  also  of  the  approval  and  admiration  of  their  brethren  at  home 
of  their  course  in  reporting  to  the  world  the  atrocities  perpetrated 
on  the  native  people  by  the  agents  of  the  Company  and  by  others. 

2.  That  in  view  of  the  fact  that  the  trial  of  these  missionaries 
is  to  be  held  at  Leopoldville  on  May  the  25th,  the  Assembly  hereby 
directs  that  on  next  Sabbath  morning  May  23,  special  prayer  be 
offered  in  all  our  churches  and  at  the  family  altar  in  all  our 
Christian  homes  for  their  deliverance  from  any  miscarriage  of  justice 
under  the  forms  of  law,  and  also  for  the  deliverance  of  the  people 
of  the  Congo  Independent  State  from  the  hand  of  the  oppressor. 

3.  Inasmuch  as  our  missionaries,  who  are  American  citizens, 
Messrs.  Morrison  and  Sheppard,  in  the  Congo  Free  State  are  to  be 
brought  to  trial  on  the  25th  day  of  May,  1909,  at  Leopoldville, 
upon  charges  which  we  are  informed  are  groundless;  and  will  be 
tried  under  great  disadvantage,  we,  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.,  petition  and  earnestly  request  the 
President  of  the  United  States,  through  the  State  Department,  to 
use  his  influence  with  the  Belgian  Government  to  have  said  trial 
postponed  to  some  future  day,  and  then  to  see  to  it  that  our  mission¬ 
aries  are  properly  represented. 

4.  That  we  heartily  thank  the  State  Department  for  what  it  has 
already  so  kindly  done  for  us. 

5.  That  the  Stated  Clerk  wire  this  action  to  the  President. 

The  case  against  Dr.  Morrison  was  dropped.  Dr.  Sheppard  was 
acquitted. 

532.  The  Luebo  church  and  school 

1908,  p.  35.  Though  hampered  by  the  well-known  and  much-to- 
be-deplored*  political  conditions  that  environ  them,  this  work  shows 
no  abatement  in  interest  or  success.  The  number  added  by  baptism 
last  year  was  963,  and  the  people  everywhere  are  keenly  responsive 
to  the  teaching  of  missionaries  and  native  evangelists.  In  the  month 
of  November  last  a  native  church  was  organized  at  Luebo,  with 
five  elders  and  six  deacons,  regularly  elected  and  ordained,  an  organ¬ 
ization  which  the  missionaries  had  wisely  deferred  until  men  could 


230  The  Agencies  of  the  Church  [Book  IV 

be  adequately  instructed  and  trained  for  the  duties  of  their  responsible 
offices. 

1909,  p.  43.  The  General  Assembly  was  asked  to  give  its  endorse¬ 
ment  and  co-operation  to  the  movement  to  erect  at  least  a  $10,000 
Training  School  for  Native  Workers  at  Luebo,  Africa,  to  be  known 
as  “The  John  Leighton  Wilson  Memorial  School.”  Answered  in 
the  affirmative. 

533.  Memorial  to  Dr.  J.  Leighton  Wilson 

1911,  p.  58.  That,  while  we  sympathize  with  the  desire  which 
has  assumed  a  definite  form,  and  for  which  some  money  has  been 
raised,  namely,  to  establish  a  school  in  Africa  in  memory  of  the 
distinguished  and  beloved  Rev.  John  Leighton  Wilson,  D.  D.,  we 
do  not  at  present,  in  view  of  the  other  pressing  and  immediate 
financial  needs,  deem  it  expedient  to  undertake  this  work. 

534.  The  Jews 

1873,  p.  306.  An  overture  asking  the  General  Assembly  to  consider 
the  religious  condition  of  the  Jews,  and  to  put  forth  some  effort  to 
bring  them  to  Christ.  This  overture  was  referred  to  the  Executive 
Committee  on  Foreign  Missions. 

1874,  p.  598.  Resolved,  That  the  Assembly  appreciates  the  force 
of  the  scruples  which  have  deterred  the  Executive  Committee  from 
embarking  in  the  attempt  to  found  a  mission  among  the  Jewish  race, 
and  while  cherishing  the  hope  that  the  way  may  ultimately  be  opened 
for  our  Church  to  take  part  in  the  effort  to  restore  “the  lost  sheep 
of  the  house  of  Israel”  to  the  Shepherd’s  fold,  yet,  in  the  absence 
of  a  clear  call  at  the  present  time  to  engage  in  that  effort,  would 
limit  its  agency  to  the  dissemination  of  such  information,  through  the 
columns  of  The  Missionary  or  otherwise,  as  may  educate  the  mind 
of  our  people  to  a  proper  apprehension  of  the  claims  of  that  work. 

535.  Mission  to  the  Jews  in  Palestine 

1891,  p.  237.  In  reply  to  an  overture  touching  work  among  the 
Jews  in  Palestine,  the  Assembly,  in  view  of  the  large  and  pressing 
demands  of  the  fields  already  occupied  was  very  regretfully  forced 
to  decline  the  proposed  undertaking. 

1894,  p.  202.  The  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  was 
directed  to  consider  the  propriety  of  establishing  a  mission  of  our 
Church  for  the  special  benefit  of  the  Jews  and  others  in  Jerusalem,  or 
some  other  place  in  Palestine. 

1  i 

536.  Korea 

1892,  p.  445.  It  was  reported  that  steps  had  been  taken  to  estab¬ 
lish  a  mission  in  Korea. 

1903,  p.  475.  The  Korean  Mission  made  request  that  in  con¬ 
junction  with  the  other  Presbyterian  Missions  “its  missionaries  be 


Secs.  532-536] 


Foreign  Missions 


231 


permitted  to  organize  an  independent  Korean  Presbytery,  of  which 
they  shall  be  members  so  far  as  concerns  the  rights  and  privileges 
of  voting  and  participating  in  all  its  proceedings,  but  ecclesiastically 
they  shall  be  sujbect  to  the  authority  and  discipline  of  their  home 
Church,  retaining  their  full  ecclesiastical  connection  with  their  respec¬ 
tive  Presbyteries  in  the  United  States.”  The  Assembly  recognized 
the  serious  difficulties  which  confront  our  missionaries  in  the  devel¬ 
opment  of  the  native  church  and  which  suggested  the  proposed 
movement.  In  view  of  the  important  questions  of  constitutional 
law  and  missionary  policy  involved  in  the  matter,  the  request  cf 
the  Korean  Mission  was  referred  to  an  ad  interim  committee,  to  confer 
with  all  the  parties  interested  and  report  to  the  next  Generai 
Assembly  some  plan  to  meet  the  necessities  of  the  case  in  Korea  and 
other  Missions. 

1904,  p.  42.  The  Assembly  adopted  the  recommendation  of  the 
ad  interim  committee  on  the  Memorial  of  the  Korean  Mission,  which 
is  as  follows: 

“It  is  with  the  utmost  reluctance  that  we  find  ourselves  unable 
to  recommend  the  constitution  of  a  Presbytery  in  accordance  with  the 
plan  proposed.  It  appears  to  the  committee  that  this  mode  of  organ¬ 
ization  is  inconsistent  with  the  principles  of  Presbyterian  polity,  and 
is  of  doubtful  expediency,  and  we  are  compelled,  however  reluctantly, 
to  recommend  to  your  venerable  body  that  it  decline  to  approve  and 
consent  to  the  organization  of  a  Presbytery  either  in  Korea  or  in 
China,  in  which  the  Foreign  Evangelist  shall  have  the  right  to  dis¬ 
cussion,  and  the  right  of  voting,  while  he  is,  at  the  same  time,  a 
member  of  the  home  Presbytery  with  all  the  rights  and  privileges 
of  such  membership,  and  subject  to  its  discipline.”  The  Standing 
Committee  recommends  that  the  whole  matter  of  the  relation  of  the 
missionaries  to  the  churches  in  mission  lands,  and  to  the  Presbyteries 
in  those  lands,  be  referred  to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign 
Missions,  to  report  to  the  next  Assembly;  and  that  along  with  this 
answer  of  the  Assembly,  a  copy  of  the  report  of  the  ad  interim 
committee  be  forwarded  to  the  Korean  Mission. 

1911,  p.  58.  In  view  of  the  marvelous  opportunities  before  us  in 
Korea,  the  total  number  of  converts  being  more  than  half  of  all 
our  other  mission  fields  combined,  as  also  the  number  of  embryo 
Churches  already  established  in  that  mission;  and,  further,  since 
the  total  amount  of  permanent  equipment  necessary  for  that  mission 
has  been  provided,  we  believe  that  our  Executive  Committee  is 
justified  in  sending  out  the  reinforcements  asked  as  fast  as  they 
volunteer  and  the  amount  necessary  for  their  maintenance,  outfit  and 
traveling  expenses  is  guaranteed. 

1919,  p.  58.  And  from  Korea,  in  spite  of  all  the  misfortunes  and 
sadness  of  the  people,  there  is  the  same  faith  and  consecration  that 
has  characterized  that  Church  from  the  beginning. 

1919,  p.  58.  That  all  our  Sunday  Schools  be  asked  to  co-operate 
in  the  Korea  campaign  this  year,  following  the  “Seven-Year  Plan  of 
Missionary  Education  in  Sunday  Schools”  in  the  fifth  year;  and. 
while  this  plan  is  primarily  a  plan  for  missionary  education,  we 


232 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


ask  them  to  give  $40,000  toward  the  support  of  our  work  in  Korea 
for  the  year. 

537.  Mission  to  the  Waldensians  in  Uruguay 

1894,  p.  331.  A  communication  came  from  the  Rev.  Dr.  M. 
Prochet,  a  minister  of  the  Waldensian  Church,  recently  traveling  in 
this  country,  proposing  to  our  Church  to  take  under  its  care  a 
colony  of  the  Waldensian  Church  in  Uruguay,  South  America.  This 
communication  was  read  to  the  Assembly  and  then  referred  to  the 
Executive  Committee  for  their  consideration,  with  discretionary  power 
to  dispose  of  it  according  to  their  best  judgment. 

538.  Cuba 

1899,  p.  416.  The  Assembly  approved  the  action  of  the  Executive 
Committee  in  inaugurating  a  mission  in  Cuba,  and  instructed  the 
Committee  to  prosecute  the  work  begun  there,  as  the  way  may  be 
clear,  with  all  possible  vigor;  the  interest  of  our  young  people  in  the 
evangelization  of  that  island  was  heartily  commended,  and  they  were 
urged  to  continue  their  efforts  in  the  same  direction. 

1916,  p.  62.  That  the  Executive  Committee  be  authorized  to  confer 
with  other  missionary  agencies  working  in  Cuba,  and  especially  with 
the  Home  Mission  Board  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  U.  S.  A.,  and 
to  consummate  any  arrangement  that  in  its  best  judgment  would  be 
conductive  to  economy  and  efficiency  and  to  the  best  interests  of  the 
cause  of  missions  in  that  field. 

1918,  p.  25.  That  the  Assembly  authorize  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  to  make  such  disposition  of  the  matter  touching  the  work  of 
our  Church  in  Cuba  as  the  Committee  shall  deem  wisest  and  most 
for  the  advancement  of  the  whole  work. 

1919,  p.  58.  From  Cuba  comes  the  news  of  the  unification  of  the 
Presbyterian  work,  and  the  assignment  to  our  Church  of  the  educa¬ 
tional  work  of  the  missions. 

1920,  p.  39.  On  the  Cuban  field  the  co-operation  of  our  Exec¬ 
utive  Committee  with  the  boards  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  U.  S. 
A.,  has  shown  results  that  amply  justify  the  arrangement.  Presby¬ 
terianism  has,  under  the  new  order,  attained  a  prestige  never  enjoyed 
before,  and  the  possibility  of  working  out  plans  for  the  whole  field 
gives  a  definiteness  to  the  work  which  it  did  not  otherwise  possess. 

1922,  p.  63.  We  recommend  that  the  resolution  offered  by  Dr. 
R.  A.  Lapsley  touching  the  opening  of  mission  work  among  the 
Indians  of  Central  America  be  referred  to  the  Executive  Committee 
of  Foreign  Missions,  with  the  request  that  a  report  on  the  subject 
be  made  to'the  next  Assembly. 

539.  Pozsony  Reformed  Presbytery,  Hungary 

1902,  p.  202.  A  communication  from  the  Pozsony  Reformed 
Presbytery,  Hungary,  was  presented,  giving  a  history  of  the  trials 


Secs.  53.6-543] 


Foreign  Missions 


233 


through  which  the  Reformed  Church  in  that  country  had  passed,  and 
soliciting  assistance  from  this  Assembly  in  the  work  in  which  it  is 
engaged.  The  Stated  Clerk  of  the  Assembly  was  directed  to  ack¬ 
nowledge  the  reception  of  this  communication,  and  express,  in  the 
Assembly’s  name,  its  sympathy  with  that  Church  in  its  struggles, 
and  to  impress  upon  the  authorities  of  that  Church  that  we  have 
done  all  that  we  could  for  their  aid,  which  was  to  bring  it  to  the 
notice  of  our  Assembly,  and  to  ask  our  ministers  and  elders  to  give 
it  their  consideration. 

540.  Residents  in  foreign  seaports 

1904,  p.  43.  The  matter  of  evangelizing  the  large  number  of 
American  and  European  residents  in  foreign  seaports,  was  referred 
to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions,  to  consider  whether 
any  means  can  be  devised  in  co-operation  with  other  Boards  or 
Committees  of  Foreign  Missions  to  accomplish  this  desired  result. 

1906,  p.  49.  In  view  of  the  large  number  of  Americans  and  other 
foreign  residents  in  such  places  as  Yokohama,  Kobe,  Canton  and 
Peking,  for  whose  spiritual  needs  no  provision  is  made,  and  whose 
irreligion  is  a  most  serious  obstacle  to  missionary  work,  the  Executive 
Committee  was  authorized  to  take  such  steps  as  they  may  deem  best 
in  connection  with  other  religious  bodies,  to  relieve  this  condition. 

1908,  p.  37.  The  Assembly  was  asked  to  petition  our  government 
as  to  the  character  of  its  official  representatives  in  the  port  cities 
of  the  Orient.  Answer:  The  Assembly  deems  it  inexpedient  to  offer 
this  petition. 

541.  Russia 

1919,  p.  59.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  Greenbrier  Presby¬ 
tery,  touching  the  undertaking  of  some  form  of  mission  work  in 
Russia,  we  recommend  that  our  Executive  Secretary  bring  that  question 
to  the  consideration  of  the  Foreign  Mission  Secretaries  of  the  Presby¬ 
terian  and  Reformed  Churches  at  their  next  conference,  to  discover 
whether  they  regard  such  work  as  practicable. 

542.  Thanks  to  Mr.  Robert  Whyte 

1903,  p.  500.  Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  does  hereby 
express  to  Mr.  Robert  Whyte,  elder  in  the  Regent  Square  Presbyterian 
Church,  in  London,  England,  its  grateful  appreciation  of  the  invalu¬ 
able  service  which  he  has  rendered  to  our  African  Mission  as  its 
representative  in  London  and  its  helper  from  the  beginning,  and 
for  the  kindly  aid  which  he  has  given  to  our  other  missions  and 
their  missionaries. 

543.  List  of  missionaries,  etc.,  to  be  published  twice  a  year 

1910,  p.  54.  The  Assembly  instructed  its  Executive  Committee 
to  publish,  at  least  twice  a  year,  a  list  of  its  missionaries  and  the 


234 


The  Agencies  of  the  Chu.rch 


[Book  IV 


sources  of  their  support;  and  the  shares  in  each  mission  station, 
indicating  the  shares  that  are  taken,  and  by  whom,  and  those  still 
remaining. 

544.  Call  for  more  laborers 

1910,  p.  55.  It  was  ordered  that  a  letter,  appealing  for  laborers 
in  the  Foreign  Mission  work,  be  sent  out  by  the  chairman -of  the 
Assembly’s  Standing  Committee  on  Foreign  Missions,  Rev.  W.  L. 
Tingle,  D.  D. 

545.  Reinforcements  to  be  sent  out 

1914,  p.  39.  That  the  Assembly  instruct  the  Executive  Committee 
to  make  every  effort  possible  to  send  out  the  reinforcements  which  are 
most  sorely  needed,  and  that  in  case  another  or  continued  shortage 
of  funds  should  threaten,  the  Executive  Committee  be  authorized  to 
use  such  means,  not  inconsistent  with  methods  already  adopted  and 
recommended  to  the  Church,  as  may  seem  legitimate  and  wise  to 
increase  the  Foreign  Missions  income. 

546.  One  business  man  as  treasurer  of  a  mission 

1915,  p.  67.  That  whenever  the  appropriations  to  any  mission 
field  shall  justify  it,  the  Executive  Committee  be  authorized  to 
appoint  one  business  man  as  treasurer  for  the  entire  mission  or 
missions  in  that  country. 

547.  Call  for  workers 

1919,  p.  60.  As  we  have  faith  to  believe  that  the  present  year 
will  see  the  payment  of  our  debt,  and  the  placing  of  funds  in  the 
hands  of  our  Committee  for  the  enlargement  of  the  work,  the 
Assembly  advises  our  Committee  to  begin  at  once  to  plan  and  secure 
workers  that,  with  the  opening  of  the  year  1920-21,  there  may  begin 
an  advance  movement  to  go  in  and  adequately  occupy  that  part  of 
the  world  assigned  to  us  to  win  for  Christ. 

548.  Call  to  medical  students 

1920,  p.  41.  That  our  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions 
endeavor  to  arrange  to  have  the  call  to  service  on  the  foreign  field 
presented  to  the  young  men  of  the  various  medical  colleges  of  the 
country  by  public  address,  written  appeal,  and  personal  interview, 
with  a  view  to  securing  volunteers  for  this  most  important  and 
needy  branch  of  the  work. 

549.  Trustees  of  Mission  Court 

1920,  p.  54.  The  report  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Mission 
Court  was  read  and  the  recommendation  as  to  Trustees  was  adopted, 
approving  of  the  election  of  the  following  Board  of  Trustees: 


Secs.  543-552] 


Foreign  Missions 


235 


For  three  years — Mrs.  J.  Calvin  Stewart,  Mrs.  George  Randolph 
Cannon,  Rev.  W.  W.  Moore,  D.  D. 

For  two  years — Miss  Carrie  Lee  Campbell,  Miss  Mary  Weddell, 
Mr.  John  S.  Munce. 

For  one  year — Mrs.  Chas.  A.  Morgan,  Mrs.  Frank  S.  Royster, 
Mr.  George  W.  Watts. 

1921,  p.  79.  The  report  of  the  Trustees  of  Mission  Court,  the  home 
for  missionaries  on  furlough,  located  in  the  city  of  Richmond,  con¬ 
tains  the  gratifying  information  that  the  center  building  has  been 
completed  and  furnished  at  a  cost  of  $35,480.25,  and  that  all  finan¬ 
cial  pledges  mentioned  in  the  report  of  last  year  have  been  fully 
redeemed  and  the  building  is  now  free  from  debt. 

During  the  last  summer  the  home  has  been  occupied  by  mission¬ 
aries  and  their  families  from  Mexico,  Brazil,  China  and  Africa,  and 
the  four  apartments  are  assigned  for  the  coming  year  to  missionaries 
from  China,  Japan  and  Korea. 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  express  its  most  hearty  approval 
of  this  institution. 

2.  That  the  following  members  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  whose 
terms  have  expired  be  appointed  for  a  term  of  three  years:  Mrs. 
Geo.  W.  Watts,  Mrs.  Chas.  S.  Morgan,  Mrs.  Frank  S.  ^Royster. 

1922,  p.  64.  The  following  were  appointed  for  three  years:  Miss 
Carrie  Lee  Campbell,  Mrs.  R.  C.  Wight,. Mr.  John  Munce. 

550.  Golden  Castle  School  for  Girls  (Japan). 

1821,  p.  52.  In  response  to  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Mecklenburg  in  regard  to  the  Imperial  Rescript  and  the  Constitu¬ 
tion  of  the  Golden  Castle  School  for  Girls,  we  recommend  that  the 
Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  be  instructed  to  investi¬ 
gate  and  if  it  be  found  that  the  Imperial  Rescript  does  encourage 
idolatrous  worship  or  seriously  comprises  essential  Christian  truth, 
then  the  Executive  Committee  shall  protest  against  its  incorpora¬ 
tion  in  the  Constitution  of  the  Golden  Castle  School  for  Girls,  and 
take  such  action  as  may  seem  wise  and  proper. 

551.  Missionary  Memorial  Day. 

1921,  p.  52.  In  response  to  the  overtures  from  the  Louisville 
Presbyterial  Auxiliary,  in  regard  to  the  appointment  of  an  annual 
Missionary  Memorial  Day,  the  Assembly,  while  appreciating  the 
noble  Christian  motives  that  prompted  this  overture,  and  expressing 
tender  sympathy  with  this  spirit  of  its  authors,  yet  in  view  of  the 
number  of  special  days  already  being  observed  in  our  churches  and 
the  tendency  to  multiply  such  days  to  the  interruption  of  the  regular 
work  of  the  Church  and  other  considerations,  did  not  see  the  way 
clear  to  designate  the  Memorial  Day  requested. 

552.  N on-ministerial  mission  workers  and  co-operative  institutions. 

1921,  p.  53.  The  overture  from  the  Central  Mississippi  Presbytery, 


236 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


asking  that  ,  an  ad  interim  committee  be  appointed  with  reference  to 
the  examination  of  non-ministerial  mission  workers  and  the  char¬ 
acter  of  the  instruction  given  in  foreign  mission  institutions  in 
which  we  are  co-operating  with  other  Churches,  was  referred  to  the 
Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions,  with  instructions  to  in¬ 
vestigate  and  report  to  the  next  General  Assembly  what  action,  if 
any,  should  be  taken  by  our  Church  touching  the  matters  referred  to. 

553.  Sanitary  houses  for  missionaries. 

1921,  p.  53.  In  response  to  the  overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  of 
Macon  and  Mobile,  in  regard  to  sanitary  houses  for  our  missionaries, 
the  Executive  Committee  was  instructed  to  use  diligently  every  legiti¬ 
mate  means  to  secure  funds  for  the  equipment  of  our  Foreign  Mis¬ 
sion  work,  giving  preference  to  sanitary  houses  for  our  missionaries. 

554.  New  appointments. 

1921,  p.  53.  The  General  Assembly  approved  the  sending  out 
of  the  thirty  foreign  missionaries  now  under  appointment  by  the 
Executive  Coipmittee,  as  follows: 

Africa — One  lady  physician,  one  female  teacher. 

Brazil — One  ordained  man  (married),  one  male  teacher  (mar¬ 
ried),  one  female  teacher. 

China — One  female  teacher. 

Japan — One  ordained  man  (married),  one  female  teacher,  one 
female  evangelist. 

Korea — Four  ordained  men  (two  married),  two  female  evangelists, 
two  nurses,  one  stenographer  and  secretary. 

Mexico — Two  ordained  men  (married),  one  male  teacher  (mar¬ 
ried),  one  female  evangelist. 

The  Executive  Committee  was  authorized  to  send  out  additional 
missionaries  where  most  needed,  and  so  far  as  consistent  with  the 
spirit  of  this  report,  touching  equipment  and  without  increasing  our 
foreign  mission  debt. 

The  Assembly  authorized  a  Church-wide  campaign  for  equip¬ 
ment,  in  which  the  Foreign  Mission  cause  shall  share  as  recom¬ 
mended  by  the  Systematic  Beneficence  Committee. 

1922,  p.  63.  That  the  offer  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of 
Wilmington,  N.  C.,  and  the  Purity  Church  of  Chester,  S.  C.,  to 
furnish  an  annual  cost  fund  of  $1,350  each  to  support  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  C.  W.  Worth  and  Miss  Orene  Mcllwaine,  made  before  the 
Committee’s  action  in  December  was  published,  be  accepted,  and  . 
that  arrangements  for  their  sailing  be  made  as  soon  as  the  Commit¬ 
tee  is  able  to  secure  “over  and  above”  cash  contributions  of  $800 
each  to  provide  for  their  sailing. 

The  Assembly  further  authorizes  the  sending  out  of  the  following 
additional  missionaries  when  they  are  secured,  namely,  a  man  to 
fill  the  vacancy  in  our  quota  of  the  faculty  of  Hangchow  Christian 
College,  an  evangelist  to  take  the  place  at  Sutsien  Station,  China, 


Secs.  552-554] 


Foreign  Missions 


237 


made  vacant  by  the  removal  of  Rev.  B.  C.  Patterson,  an  agricultural 
missionary  for  the  Evangelical  Institute  of  Lavras,  Brazil,  to  be 
supported  by  the  appropriation  of  the  government  of  the  State  of 
Minas,  and  a  music  teacher  for  the  Charlotte  Kemper  Institute  at 
Lavras,  to  be  supported  by  the  income  of  the  musical  department  of 
the  school. 


CHAPTER  II. 


HOME  MISSIONS. 

555.  Southwestern  Advisory  Committee  of  Domestic  Missions. 

This  Committee  was  created  by  an  order  of  the  General  Assembly 
of  1859,  and  began  active  operations  in  November  of  that  year.  In 
1861  this  Committee  was  obliged  to  assume  the  independent  manage¬ 
ment  of  its  affairs. 

1861,  p.  20.  The  Assembly  approved  the  action  of  the  Com¬ 
mittee  in  conducting  their  operations  for  the  past  eight  months,  with¬ 
out  reference  to  the  Board  of  Missions  at  Philadelphia,  thereby  con¬ 
tinuing  our  missionaries  in  the  field  without  embarrassment.  The 
Assembly  also  accepted  the  trust  surrendered  to  it  by  the  Committee, 
and  requested  the  Committee  to  turn  over  to  the  Assembly’s  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Domestic  Missions  all  its  books,  papers,  accounts  and 
funds,  and  missionaries,  so  soon  as  that  Committee  shall  be  ap¬ 
pointed  and  located  by  the  Assembly. 

556.  Constitution  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Domestic  Missions. 

1861,  p.  20.  The  constitution  adopted  for  this  Committee  and 
this  branch  of  the  Church’s  work  was,  mutatis  mutandis,  entirely 
similar  in  its  provisions  to  that  adopted  for  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Foreign  missions. 

557.  Manual  of  Home  Missions. 

A  Manual  was  adopted  in  1875,  and  published  in  1880. 

1888,  p.  412.  The  revised  Manual  of  the  Executive  Committee 
was  examined  and  approved,  and  the  General  Assembly  adopted 
it  in  place  of  the  old  Manual. 

1893,  p.  38.  In  adopting  the  new  plan  of  conducting  Home 
Missionary  work,  the  Assembly  repealed  such  parts  of  the  Manual 
as  conflict  with  the  plan,  and  instructed  the  Executive  Committee 
to  prepare  a  new  Manual  to  be  submitted  to  the  next  Assembly. 

1894,  p.  237.  The  Manual  thus  reported  was  adopted  with  cer¬ 
tain  changes.  These  provide  that  the  number  of  members  on  the 
committee  shall  be  ten  instead  of  nine.  The  Secretary  is  styled 
“The  Assembly’s  Secretary  of  Home  Missions.”  His  salary  shall 
be  fixed  by  the  Committee  itself  when  not  fixed  by  the  Assembly  in 
open  session.  The  Executive  Commiftee  shall  elect  a  Treasurer  who 
shall  give  bond  to  the  Assembly’s  Board  of  Trustees. 

The  Manual  of  1896  increased  the  membership  of  the  committee  to 
eleven,  and  in  1901  (p.  42)  the  Committee  was  made  to  consist  of 
twelve  members  beside  the  Secretary. 


Secs.  555-558] 


Home  Missions 


239 


1895,  p.  406.  Several  changes  were  made  in  the  Manual. 

1896,  p.  593.  The  General  Assembly  of  1895  having  directed 
a  certain  addition  to  be  made  to  the  rules  of  the  Manual,  and  to 
harmonize  the  rest  of  the  Manual  with  this  paragraph,  and  the 
Executive  Committee  believing  that  the  principle  announced  was 
calculated  to  create  confusion,  and  open  the  way  for  unguarded  ap¬ 
propriation  of  funds,  revised  its  Manual  upon  the  principle  follow¬ 
ing,  viz:  That  the  Executive  Committee  be  instructed  to  pay  out 
money  for  work  which  has  been  accomplished,  as  specified  in  the 
application.  The  Standing  Committee,  believing  that  this  was  the 
only  safe  and  equitable  principle  in  the  premises,  recommended  that 
the  Assembly  approve  said  principle  for  future  operations. 

The  Manual,  revised  upon  this  principle  and  in  other  matters  of 
detail,  was  adopted  by  the  Assembly. 

It  was  ordered  that  all  previous  acts  of  the  Assembly  in  conflict 
with  this  be  repealed,  the  Manual  to  go  into  operation  at  this  date. 

558.  Location  of  Committee — Changes  of  name. 

1862,  p.  18.  The  Secretary  of  Domestic  Missions  was  authorized 
to  select  any  place  of  temporary  residence  where,  in  his  judgment 
he  could  best  accomplish  the  work  which  he  was  commissioned  to 
perform. 

The  Committee  was  located  first  at  New  Orleans,  then  at  Athens, 
Ga.,  after  that  at  Montgomery,  Ala.;  in  1863,  at  Columbia,  S.  C. 

1864,  p.  278.  The  Committee,  Secretary,  and  Treasurer  ap¬ 
pointed  for  Foreign  Missions  were  also  appointed  for  Domestic  Mis¬ 
sions. 

1866,  p.  27.  The  name  was  changed  to  Executive  Committee  of 
Sustentation. 

1868,  p.  274.  It  was  decided  not  to  separate  Home  and  Foreign 
Missions. 

1870,  p.  535.  The  Assembly  declined  to  remove  the  Committee 
to  New  Orleans. 

1872,  p.  165.  It  was  considered  inexpedient  at  this  time  to  make 
any  change  in  the  location  or  constitution  of  the  Committee. 

1875  pp.  138,  47.  It  was  decided  to  remove  the  Committee  to 
Baltimore. 

1879,  p.  50.  The  name  was  changed  to  Executive  Committee  of 
Home  Missions. 

1880,  p.  208.  The  Assembly  declined  to  remove  the  Committee 
to  St.  Louis. 

1885,  p.  418.  The  Assembly  declined  again  to  make  any  change. 

1886,  p.  33.  It  was  decided  to  separate  Home  and  Foreign  Mis¬ 
sions  and  to  remove  the  former  to  Atlanta,  Ga. 

1893,  p.  15.  Home  Mission  Work  was  divided,  Evangelistic 
work  was  relegated  to  the  Synods,  Local  Home  Missions  to  the  sev¬ 
eral  Presbyteries;  General  Assembly’s  Home  Missions  (frontier 
work)  remained  under  the  care  of  the  Assembly’s  Committee  (to 
go  into  effect,  January  1,  1894). 

(See  Minutes  of  1898,  p.  203.) 


240  The  Agencies  of  the  Church  [Book  IV 

1896,  p.  593.  The  Assembly  declined  an  overture,  suggesting  the 
removal  of  the  Committee  west  of  the  Mississippi. 

An  overture  requesting  the  abolition  of  the  Executive  Committee 
and  the  transfer  of  its  work  to  the  Synods,  with  certain  instruc¬ 
tions,  was  answered  in  the  negative. 

Similar  action  was  taken  in  1901  (p.  41)  and  1903  (p.  494.) 

1898,  p.  219.  The  Assembly  declined  to  change  the  constitution 
of  the  Committee  so  as  to  have  it  consist  of  representatives  from 
every  Synod. 

1922,  p.  79.  The  paper  of  Ruling  Elder  J.  Nat  Harrison  touching 
the  appointment  of  an  Ad-Interim  Committee  to  consider  a  closer 
co-ordination  of  the  Executive  Committees  on  Home  and  Foreign 
Missions  was  taken  from  the  docket,  adopted,  and  the  following  Ad- 
Interim  Committee  was  appointed:  J.  Nat  Harrison,  Ernest  Thomp¬ 
son,  D.  D.,  W.  McC.  White,  D.  D.,  H.  S.  Wells,  John  Eagan. 

The  paper  is  as  follows: 

Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  appoint  an  Ad-Interim  Committee 
of  five  members,  consisting  of  two  ministers  and  three  elders,  with 
instructions, 

First — To  investigate  thoroughly  the  practicability  of  bringing 
about  a  closer  co-ordination  of  the  Home  and  Foreign  Missionary 
Committees  of  our  Church,  which  probably  could  best  be  done  by  the 
removal  of  these  two  Committees  to  some  point  closer  to  the  center 
of  the  majority  of  the  membership  of  the  Church. 

Second' — In  order  to  make  the  work  of  these  Executive  Commit¬ 
tees  more  effective,  the  Committee  is  further  instructed  to  ascertain 
the  cost  of  operation  under  the  present  system,  for  purpose  of  com¬ 
parison,  with  the  cost  of  operation  under  the  establishment  of  a 
supervisory  committee  consisting  of  three  or  five  consecrated  Chris¬ 
tians  with  business  experience,  to  be  elected  by  the  Assembly,  who 
would  give  their  entire  time  to  the  administration  of  the  affairs  of 
these  two  existing  Executive  Committees,  functioning  through  the 
said  Executive  Committee  and  their  Secretariat. 

Third — This  Ad-Interim  Committee  shall  report  its  findings,  with 
its  recommendations,  at  |the  next  meeting  of!  the  General  Assembly. 

F’ourth — The  extire  expenses  of  this  Ad-Interim  is  to  be  handled 
without  any  cost  whatever  to  the  Assembly. 


559.  The  Committee  incorporated. 

1905,  p.  25.  The  Assembly  directed  the  Committee  to  have  itself 
incorporated. 

1906,  pp.  33,  71.  The  incorporation  of  the  Committee  was  re¬ 
ported  to  the  Assembly. 

560.  Small  cost  of  operation. 

1919,  p.  42.  Your  Committee  would  call  attention  to,  and  com¬ 
mend,  the  economy  of  the  Executive  Committee,  which  conducts  all 
<of  its  work  at  the  small  cost  of  seven  per  cent,  of  the  total  receipts. 
This,  we  think,  is  a  notable  record. 

1920,  p.  43.  The  cost  this  year  was  six  per  cent. 


Secs.  558-566] 


Home  Missions 


241 


561.  Fine  report  of  Executive  Committee. 

1920,  p.  44.  We  feel  that  the  thanks  of  this  Assembly  are  due 
to  this  Committee  for  the  full  and  admirable  report  which  it  makes 
to  this  Assembly.  Its  arrangement  and  completeness  of  detail  thor¬ 
oughly  furnish  every  worker  in  the  Assembly  with  the  informa¬ 
tion  needed  to  a  full  understanding  of  every  department  of  our  work. 

Similar  comment  is  made  almost  every  year. 

562.  The  Secretaries. 

Rev.  John  Leyburn  was  the  first  Secretary.  In  1863  Rev.  J. 
Leighton  Wilson,  D.  D.,  was  chosen,  and  served  until  1882.  Rev. 
Richard  Mcllwaine  was  then  made  Secretary,  having  been  co-ordi¬ 
nate  Secretary  for  ten  years  previous.  He  was  succeeded  by  Rev. 
J.  N.  Craig,  D.  D.  Upon  the  death  of  Dr.  Craig,  Rev.  T.  P. 
Cleveland  served  temporarily,  and  Rev.  S.  L.  Morris,  D.  D.,  was 
elected  to  the  office  (1901,  p.  43). 

The  appointment  of  an  Assistant  Secretary  was  authorized  in 
1905  (p.  25),  of  an  Associate  Secretary  in  1906  (p.  34).  Rev. 
Homer  McMillan  was  elected  to  this  office  in  1907  (p.  33),  and  re¬ 
elected  in  1910  (p.  41),  as  co-ordinate  with  Dr.  Morris. 

563.  Rising  vote  for  the  Secretaries. 

1914,  p.  42.  The  Assembly  expressed  by  a  rising  vote  its  very 
high  appreciation  of  the  faithfulness  and  efficiency  of  Rev.  S.  L. 
Morris,  D.  D.,  and  Rev.  Homer  McMillan,  D.  D.,  the  Secretaries 
of  Home  Missions,  and  members  of  the  Executive  Committee. 

Se  also  1916,  p.  32  and  1917,  pp.  43,  47. 

564.  The  Secretary  to  visit  different  parts  of  the  church. 

1882,  p.  562.  The  Secretary  was  directed,  as  far  as  might  be  in 
his  power,  to  visit  different  parts  of  the  Church,  with  a  view  to  se¬ 
curing  larger  contributions  to  help  forward  this  work. 

565.  Attendance  on  sessions  of  Home  Mission  Council. 

1914,  p.  46.  To  the  item,  asking  that  one  Secretary  and  one 
member  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  should  at¬ 
tend  the  annual  sessions  of  the  Home  Mission  Council,  the  expenses 
of  such  attendance  to  be  borne  by  the  respective  Executive  Com¬ 
mittees,  your  Committee  recommends  a  negative  answer;  leaving  the 
action  contemplated  in  this  item  wholly  to  the  discretion  of  the 
Executive  Committee  itself. 

566.  The  Treasurer’s  salary  and  bond. 

1864,  p.  278.  That  the  Executive  Committee  be  instructed  to 
pay  a  suitable  salary  to  the  Treasurer,  and  to  require  of  him  a  bond 


242 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


of  ten  thousand  dollars  to  the  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly, 
with  good  securities,  for  the  faithful  discharge  of  his  trust. 

1887,  p.  237.  The  Assembly  declined  to  order  any  change  in 
the  amount  of  the  Treasurer’s  bond. 

567.  The  Treasurer’s  accounts,  how  audited. 

1864,  p.  278.  The  Assembly  shall  appoint  annually  a  committee 
of  three,  unconnected  with  the  Executive  Committee,  to  audit  all  the 
accounts  of  the  Treasurer;  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Treasurer  to 
have  the  report  of  these  auditors  endorsed  upon  his  account  before 
laying  it  before  the  Assembly. 

1911,  p.  37.  We  recommend  (Exhibit  C,  part  2,  the  report  on 
Home  Missions  by  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Benefi¬ 
cence,  No.  3),  that  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions,  with 
the  consent  of  the  auditors  appointed  by  the  General  Assembly,  em¬ 
ploy  a  public  auditor  to  examine  the  accounts  of  their  Treasurer, 
and  certify  to  his  cash  account  and  balance  sheet. 

568.  The  Treasurer  not  required  to  attend  meetings  of  the 

Assembly. 

1891,  p.  240.  The  rule  requiring  the  Treasurer  of  the  Home  Mis¬ 
sions  Committee  to  attend  each  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly 
was  repealed. 

569.  The  Treasurers. 

This  office  has  been  held  by  the  following  persons:  Rev.  James 
Woodrow,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Richard  Mcllwaine,  L.  C.  Inglis,  W.  A. 
Powell,  A.  N.  Sharp. 

570.  Non-co-operating  Presbyteries  urged  to  help  and  report. 

1863,  p.  139.  Those  Presbyteries  which  conducted  the  work  of 
Domestic  Missions  for  themselves,  and  were  situated  in  the  portions 
of  the  country  best  supplied  with  the  gospel,  were  enjoined  to  re¬ 
member  those  elsewhere  who  were  destitute  of  the  ordinances  of  God’s 
house,  and  to  send  a  proper  portion  of  their  funds  to  the  treasury 
of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Domestic  Missions,  to  be  expended 
by  them  in  extending  the  gospel;  and  this  whole  cause  was  anew 
commended  to  the  liberality  of  the  Church. 

The  Presbyteries  were  directed  to  furnish  to  the  Secretary  of  the 
Executive  Committee  an  annual  statement  of  their  efforts  in  this 
cause,  including  the  missionaries  employed  and  the  funds  expended 
for  their  support. 

1880,  p.  208.  The  Assembly  being  persuaded  that  the  efficiency 
of  this  arm  of  service  largely  depends  upon  its  intimate  contact  with 
the  mind  and  heart  of  the  Church  at  large,  earnestly  invited  the  co¬ 
operation  of  all  the  Presbyteries  with  the  Executive  Committee  in 
the  prosecution  of  its  work. 


Secs.  566-574] 


Home  Missions 


243 


1885,  p.  424.  The  attention  of  the  Assembly  was  called  to  the 
following  clause  in  the  Assembly’s  Home  Mission  Manual,  p.  8: 

“If  any  Presbytery  shall  insist  upon  managing  its  own  work  in 
separation  from  the  Executive  Committee,  the  General  Assembly  does 
not  enjoin  upon  such  Presbytery  to  send  all  the  moneys  raised  to  the 
central  committee,  provided  that  a  collection  shall  be  taken  in  all 
its  churches  for  the  work  committed  to  the  Home  Mission  Com¬ 
mittee.”  The  Assembly  called  the  attention  of  those  Presbyteries 
which  conducted  their  work  separately,  to  this  clause  in  the  Manual, 
and  urged  upon  them  that  the  unity  of  the  Church  and  the  impera¬ 
tive  needs  of  the  cause  seemed  to  call  loudly  upon  them  to  comply 
with  this  wish  of  the  Assembly. 

571.  Non-co-operating  churches  not  entitled  to  aid. 

1874,  p.  489.  The  Assemblv  cannot  recognize  any  “church,”  or 
“group  of  churches,”  of  any  Presbytery,  refusing  or  neglecting  to 
co-operate  with  the  Evangelistic  department  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Sustentation,  as  entitled  to  aid  from  that  committee. 

572.  Presbyteries  to  report  amounts  raised  for  Local  Home 

Missions. 

1895,  p.  406.  The  Assembly  directs  all  its  Presbyteries  imme¬ 
diately  after  their  spring  meeting  to  report  to  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  the  amounts  contributed  in  their  bounds  to  Synodical  and 
Presbyterial  missions,  that  a  complete  exhibit  may  be  made  to  the 
Assembly  of  the  total  contributions  for  Home  Missions  throughout 
the  church. 

573.  Appropriations  to  be  made  in  lump  to  the  Presbyteries. 

1895,  p.  406.  Presbyterial  Committees  in  those  Presbyteries  that 
seek  aid  from  the  Central  Treasury  shall  once  a  year,  or  oftener  if 
occasion  requires,  lay  before  the  Central  Committee  a  full  statement 
of  the  work  proposed,  the  cost  of  maintaining  it,  and  the  amount 
that  can  be  raised  for  it  in  the  Presbytery.  Upon  the  basis  of  this 
information  the  Central  Committee  shall  make  its  appropriations  to 
each  Presbytery;  and  the  disbursement  of  the  sum  so  appropriated 
shall  be  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  Presbytery  through  its  local 
Committee. 

574.  Each  Presbytery  may  draw  out  its  own  contributions. 

1892,  p.  443.  The  Assembly  does  not  see  its  way  clear  to  pro¬ 
pose  a  change  in  the  practice  of  the  Committee  allowing  Presbyteries 
to  draw  out  their  own  contributions  if  needed  during  the  year,  but 
the  Assembly  hereby  urges  the  older  and  stronger  Presbyteries  vigor¬ 
ously  to  endeavor  to  send  more  than  they  will  need  to  draw,  that 
the  weaker  fields  may  be  cared  for. 


244 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


575.  1'he  Workman  legacy  for  the  Kentucky  field. 

1886,  p.  55.  The  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly 
were  authorized  to  take  such  legal  steps,  and  execute  such  legal 
papers,  as  were  necessary  to  enable  the  Board  to  receive  the  moneys 
coming  to  the  Board  under  the  terms  of  the  compromise  which  had 
been  made  in  reference  to  the  will  of  Wm.  Workman,  deceased,  and 
to  invest  said  moneys  in  some  safe  interest-bearing  securities;  and 
the  Board  shall  pay  over  the  annua1,  interest  accruing  from  said  in¬ 
vestment  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Synod  of  Kentucky,  to  be  applied 
under  the  directions  of  that  Synod  in  the  promotion  of  the  cause  of 
Christ  and  the  extension  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  within  the 
bounds  of  said  Synod,  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  the  said 
will  of  Wm.  Workman. 

576.  Division  of  legacies. 

1887,  p.  238.  The  Executive  Committee  was  authorized  to  di¬ 
vide  legacies  given  to  Home  Missions  (the  testator  mentioning  no 
special  departments)  between  the  causes  according  to  their  needs. 

For  settlement  of  the  Mary  J.  Baldwin  legacy,  see  Minutes  of 
1898,  p.  203. 

577.  Publication  of  receipts. 

1886,  p.  39.  Resolved,  That  the  Home  Mission  receipts  being  now 
excluded  from  publication  in  The  Missionary,  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  be  authorized  to  arrange  for  monthly  publications  of  its  re¬ 
ceipts,  if  they  can  do  so  upon  satisfactory  terms.  (The  Assembly 
of  1887  declined  to  order  the  publication  of  these  receipts  either  in 
The  Missionary  or  The  Earnest  Worker,  on  account  of  expense.) 

578.  Harmonizing  Synodical  and  Assembly's  Plans  of  Home 

Missions. 

1892,  p.  442.  As  to  harmonizing  Synodical  and  Assembly’s  plans, 
the  Assembly  state,  the  Synodical  movements  are  not  uniform  but 
varied,  and  the  Assembly  hereby  directs  that  the  Moderator  of  this 
Assembly,  Rev.  S.  A.  King,  D.  D.,  as  Chairman,  and  the  Secretary 
of  Home  Missions,  Rev.  J.  N.  Craig,  D.  D.,  and  thirteen  others  to  be 
appointed  by  the  Moderator,  shall  be  an  ad  interim  committee  to 
give  this  whole  question  of  the  local  and  general,  or  united  Home 
Mission  work,  a  full  and  careful  investigation,  and  report  to  the  next 
Assembly  whether  any,  and  if  any,  what,  change  of  methods  in  work 
would  be  wise. 

The  report  of  this  committee  made  to  the  Assembly  of  1893  recites 
in  substance:  1.  That  the  Assembly’s  plan  of  Home  Missions  now 
in  operation  was  adopted  in  1866  when  the  great  need  of  the  Church, 
and  consequently  the  great  feature  of  the  work,  was  Sustentation. 

2.  That  in  the  past  few  years  the  evangelistic  branch  of  the  work 
has  assumed  prominence,  and  the  relative  emphasis  required  to  be 
put  on  these  two  branches  of  the  work  has  changed. 


Secs.  575-579] 


Home  Missions 


245 


3.  That  while  some  Synods  are  able  to  do  their  own  evangelistic 
work  and  help  others,  there  are  Synods  that  need  help  in  this  depart¬ 
ment,  and  may  be  called  Missionary  Synods. 

1893,  p.  15.  This  report  was  referred  to  the  Standing  Committee, 
which  recommended,  in  lieu  of  the  recommendations  of  the  report,  the 
following  as  setting  forth  the  Assembly’s  future  method  of  conduct¬ 
ing  home  missionary  work: 

1.  The  Assembly  urges  upon  all  its  Synods  and  Presbyteries  to 
prosecute  the  work  of  Home  Missions  within  their  own  bounds  to 
the  extent  of  their  ability,  and  reserves  the  months  of  February, 
June  and  August  for  the  collections  to  defray  the  expenses  of  this 
work. 

2.  The  General  Assembly  appoints  two  annual  collections  for 
Assembly’s  Home  Missions,  including  the  causes  now  known  as 
Sustentation,  Evangelistic  and  Church  Erection,  to  be  taken  in  the 
months  of  January  and  September,  and  urges  upon  all  its  Synods 
and  Presbyteries  to  secure  these  collections  from  all  their  churches 
at  these  times,  or  at  such  other  times  as  may  be  most  convenient. 

3.  The  Assembly’s  Committee  is  also  instructed,  other  things 
being  equal,  to  apply  its  funds  to  the  development  of  the  work  in 
the  weaker  portions  of  the  church  which  lie  in  the  southern,  south¬ 
western  and  western  portions  of  our  territory,  including  the  Indian 
Territory,  and  in  regions  beyond. 

4.  This  plan  of  work  shall  go  into  operation  on  the  1st  of  Jan¬ 
uary,  1894,  and  the  Assembly’s  Executive  Committee  is  instructed 
to  prepare  an  explanatory  letter  to  the  Presbyteries  and  Synods,  fully 
explaining  the  nature  and  intent  of  the  plan  now  adopted,  that  the 
same  may  be  fully  before  those  bodies  at  their  next  regular  meet¬ 
ings;  and  since  the  Assembly  is  convinced  that  the  very  life  of  our 
church  in  the  territory  covered  by  the  weaker  Presbyteries  and  Synods 
depends  upon  aid  to  be  given  by  the  stronger  Presbyteries  and  Synods, 
the  Assembly  expresses  the  hope  that  there  will  be  entire  harmony  of 
action  throughout  its  bounds  upon  the  plan  here  presented.  Adopted 

1894,  p.  236.  Under  the  new  plan  which  went  into  operation 

on  the  1st  of  January,  1894,  the  Assembly’s  Committee,  having  no 
connection  with  the  local  work  of  the  stronger  Presbyteries,  finds  its 
field  of  operation  in  what  is  confessedly  the  common  missionary 
ground  to  which  all  parts  of  our  Zion  should  give  willing  and 
generous  aid  *  *  *  The  new  plan  has  started  with  encourage¬ 

ment.  (See  §  558,  year  1893.) 

579.  Change  of  plan. 

1901,  p.  41.  The  Assembly  appointed  an  ad  interim  committee, 
of  which  the  Secretary  to  be  elected  shall  be  chairman,  and  which 
shall  be  composed  of  the  chairmen  of  the  Synodical  Committees  of 
Home  Missions,  who  shall  take  into  consideration  the  whole  matter 
of  our  Home  Mission  work,  in  order  to  devise,  if  they  find  it  practi¬ 
cable,  a  more  efficient  plan  of  Home  Mission  work,  and  report  the 
result  to  the  next  Assembly  for  its  action. 

1902,  p.  278.  The  report  of  this  Committee  was  referred  back 


246 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


to  the  Committee,  with  instructions  to  report  to  the  next  Assembly. 

1903,  p.  492.  The  report  of  the  Assembly’s  ad  interim  committee 
was  adopted,  and  is  as  follows: 

1.  The  Home  Missionary  work  of  the  church  is  a  unit,  but  for 
its  better  administration  it  is  divided  into  two  departments,  Local 
and  General. 

2.  The  Assembly  urges  upon  all  its  Synods  and  Presbyteries  to 
prosecute  the  work  of  Local  Home  Missions  within  their  own  bounds 
to  the  extent  of  their  ability,  and  reserves  for  the  use  of  these  courts 
the  months  of  February,  June,  and  August  for  collections  to  defray 
the  expenses  of  their  local  work. 

3.  The  Assembly’s  Home  Mission  work  embraces  the  whole 
church  for  the  purpose  of  aiding  the  weaker  Presbyteries  and  fron¬ 
tier  districts  in  the  various  Synods,  but  more  especially  in  the  new 
territory  and  unorganized  sections  of  the  West. 

4.  The  Executive  Committee  shall  aid,  within  its  ability,  the 
work  in  any  Presbytery  where  it  is  shown  to  the  satisfaction  of  the 
Committee  that  said  Presbytery  is  unable  to  compass  the  work;  and 
in  all  cases  the  Presbyteries  shall  secure  offerings  for  this  cause 
from  their  churches  during  the  months  designated  for  this  purpose. 

5.  The  General  Assembly  appoints  two  annual  collections  for 
Assembly’s  Home  Missions,  including  the  causes  formerly  known  as 
Sustentation,  Evangelistic  and  Church  Erection;  and  appoints  the 
months  of  January  and  September  for  the  presentation  of  this  work, 
and  urges  upon  all  its  Synods  and  Presbyteries  to  endeavor  to  have 
this  department  of  the  work  presented  to  the  churches  distinctly 
upon  its  own  merits,  and  to  secure  liberal  collections  from  the 
churches  in  their  bounds. 

6.  The  Assembly’s  Executive  Committee  shall  be  as  at  present 
constituted. 

580.  Assembly9 s  percentage  ratio  (27%). 

1913,  p.  61.  To  prevent  confusion  as  to  the  Assembly’s  percent¬ 
age  ratio,  (27%)  “the  Synods  and  Presbyteries  shall  add  the  amounts 
needed  for  their  local  work  to  the  Assembly’s  apportionments  and 
make  apportionments  to  the  churches  within  their  bounds  on  such 

basis.”  See,  also,  1917,  p.  46. 

* 

581.  Local  Committee  of  Home  Missions  to  be  called  Presbyterial 

Committee  of  Home  Missions. 

1914,  p.  45.  To  the  overture  of  the  Presbytery  of  Augusta,  re¬ 
questing  a  change  in  the  designation  of  the  local  Committee  of  Home 
Missions  to  that  of  Presbyterial  Committee  of  Home  Missions,  we 
recommend  an  affirmative  answer. 

582.  Notice  to  be  given  of  change  in  chairmanship  of  Presbyterial 

Committee. 

1917,  p.  46.  That  the  Presbyteries  be  urged  to  notify  promptly 


Secs.  579-586] 


Home  Missions 


247 


the  Executive  Committee  of  any  change  in  the  chairmanship  of  the 
Presbyterial  Committee  on  Home  Missions. 

583.  Assembly's  Horne  Missions  defined. 

1916,  p.  32.  That  the  Assembly  define  Assembly  Home  Missions 
to  be  work  done  only  under  the  authorization  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Assembly’s  Home  Missions,  as  distinguished  from  congre¬ 
gational,  Presbyterial,  and  Synodical  Home  Missions,  as  well  as 
all  merely  charity  work. 

584.  Secretary  of  Home  Missions  as  advisory  member  of  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Comity. 

1917,  p.  46.  That  the  General  Assembly  recommend  to  the  va¬ 
rious  Synods  and  Presbyteries  the  advisability  of  inviting  one,  or 
both,  of  our  Secretaries  of  Home  Missions  to  become  an  advisory 
member  of  their  Committee  on  Comity  for  counsel  and  assistance  in 
promoting  co-operation,  exchange  of  churches,  and  to  prevent  over¬ 
lapping. 

585.  Gifts  to  Nacoochee  classed  under  Synodical  Home  Missions; 

to  be  sent  direct  to  that  Institution. 

1918,  p.  44.  That  to  the  Overture  of  Augusta  Presbytery,  as  to 
whether  gifts  to  Nacoochee  Institute,  an  institution  owned  and  con¬ 
trolled  by  the  Synod  of  Georgia,  but  aided  by  the  Assembly’s  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Home  Missions,  are  to  be  counted  as  contributions  to  As¬ 
sembly  Home  Missions,  or  as  contributions  to  Synodical  Home  Mis¬ 
sions,  the  following  reply  be  given:  Only  such  funds  as  are  sent 
directly  to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  shall  be 
counted  as  contributions  to  Assembly’s  Home  Missions;  and  all 
funds  sent  directly  to  Nacoochee  Institute  shall  be  counted  as  con¬ 
tributions  to  Synodical  Home  Missions.  In  giving  this  reply  the 
Assembly  adds  the  following: 

That  27  per  cent,  of  contributions  of  Assembly’s  benevolences  by 
provision  of  the  General  Assembly  have  been  assigned  to  Assembly’s 
Home  Missions  and  should  be  sent  to  A.  N.  Sharp,  Treasurer.  If 
churches  and  societies  desire  to  contribute  extra  amounts  to  Nacoo¬ 
chee  they  should  be  sent  direct  to  that  Institution,  but  should  not 
be  deducted  from  funds  assigned  to  Assembly’s  Home  Missions. 

586.  Amount  of  money  asked  for  by  the  Assembly  for  this 

committee. 

In  1878  it  asked  for  fifty  cents  from  each  communicant,  to  be 
divided  between  Sustentation  and  Evangelistic  work.  In  1879  it 
set  before  it  as  a  mark  to  be  aimed  at,  $40,000  for  Sustentation  and 
$20,000  for  Evangelistic  work.  In  1880,  the  same,  with  $12,000 
for  the  Invalid  Fund;  in  1882,  the  same  for  Sustentation  and 


248 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


$25,000  for  the  Evangelistic  Fund;  in  1883  it  asked  $100,000  for 
all  its  branches,  and  authorized  the  Executive  Committee  to  appor¬ 
tion  this  amount  among  the  co-operating  Presbyteries,  with  the  re¬ 
quest  that  the  Presbyteries  would  require  their  committees  to  ap¬ 
portion  their  respective  amounts  among  the  churches.  This  same 
estimate  and  plan  was  renewed  in  1884.  In  1885,  $75,000  was 
asked  for  Sustentation  and  Evangelistic  work,  to  be  apportioned. 
In  1886,  the  committee  asked  for  $65,000. 

587.  Amounts  asked  and  received. 


Year 

Asked 

Received 

(1914, 

P- 

44  f. 

1901 — 

$  26,915 

1902 — 

35,293 

1903 — 

36,477 

1904— 

64,742 

1905 — 

68,326 

1906 — 

64,557 

1907 — 

74,814 

1908— 

71,133 

1909- 

90,641 

mO— 

106,042 

1911— 

111,098 

1912 — $190,000  (1911,  37) 

125,787 

1913— 

154,210 

1914— $287,280  (27%)  (1913, 

p.  61) 

168,671 

1915— (p.  46) 

$330,000 

167,566 

(1915, 

P- 

71) 

1916— (1915,  p, 

,  46)  $33.0,000 

176,381 

(1916, 

P* 

31) 

1917— $324,000 

(1915,  p. 

72) 

193,363 

(1918, 

P- 

42) 

1918— $324,000 

(1916,  p. 

31) 

233,991 

(1918, 

P* 

42) 

1919— $356,000 

(1917,  p. 

46) 

303,387 

(1919, 

P* 

40) 

1920— 

407,643 

(1920, 

P- 

43) 

1921— $640,000 

(1919,  p. 

42) 

536,836 

1922— $720,000 

(1920,  p. 

47) 

543,432 

(1922, 

P- 

42) 

1923— $760,000 

(1922,  p. 

42) 

These  figures  differ  in  some  cases  from  those  given  in  the  ap¬ 
pendix.  The  reports  of  the  Presbyteries  sometimes  contain  items 
which  do  not  go  through  the  hands  of  the  Executive  Committee; 
and  the  receipts  of  the  Executive  Committee  sometimes  include  leg¬ 
acies. 


588.  Semi-centennial  celebration  and  memorial  fund. 

1909,  p.  45  f.  The  Assembly  appointed  a  committee  consisting 
ing  of  Rev.  R.  H.  Fleming,  D.  D.,  Rev.  R.  Cecil,  D.  D.,  Rev.  L. 
W.  Irvin,  D.  D.,  and  Rev.  E.  E.  Lane,  and  Ruling  Elders  G.  E. 
Caskie,  Richard  Hancock  and  W.  S.  Currell,  to  report  to  the  next 
General  Assembly  a  program  for  a  semi-centennial  celebration,  to  be 
held  in  connection  with  the  Assembly  of  1911. 


Secs.  586-588] 


Home  Missions 


249 


The  Assembly  authorized  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Mis¬ 
sions  to  take  whatever  steps  they  might  think  practicable  for  gather¬ 
ing  a  semi-centennial  memorial  fund  for  Home  Missions,  the  said 
sum  to  be  kept  as  a  permanent  fund,  the  interest  of  which  shall  be 
used  in  the  work,  especially  in  the  erection  of  manses  and  houses  of 
worship. 

1910,  p.  40.  The  Committee  already  appointed  to  prepare  a 
program  for  the  Assembly  of  1911,  celebrating  our  semi-centennial, 
was  directed  to  include  the  subject  of  Home  Missions  in  its  pro¬ 
gram.  (See  1910,  p.  117.) 

1911,  p.  34.  One  pressing  need  of  the  Home  Mission  Committee 
now  is  a  building  fund.  Two  years  ago  the  Assembly  authorized 
the  accumulation  of  a  building  fund  of  $100,000  as  a  semi-centen¬ 
nial  fund  to  be  loaned  to  churches  for  erecting  houses  of  worship. 
This  matter  has  been  held  in  abeyance  owing  to  the  pressing  needs 
of  funds  for  the  development  of  the  new  Home  Mission  work. 

1911,  p.  37.  We  recommend  that  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Home  Missions  of  the  Assembly  be  authorized  to  ask  for  aid  toward 
the  Semi-Centennial  Building  Fund  during  the  months  of  June  and 
November  set  apart  for  special  collections  for  the  Assembly’s  Home 
Missions,  or  for  any  voluntary  contributions  toward  this  end,  as 
recommended  by  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Benefi- 
cense.  (Exhibit  C,  part  2,  No.  2.) 

1912,  p.  46.  One  overture  is  from  Mecklenburg  Presbytery,  ask¬ 
ing  the  General  Assembly  to  direct  its  Executive  Committee  of  Home 
Missions  to  continue  the  effort  to  raise  the  Semi-Centennial  Build¬ 
ing  Fund  until  the  full  amount,  $100,000,  as  already  approved  by 
the  Assembly,  be  secured. 

Your  committee  recommends  that  this  request  be  granted. 

1914,  p.  43.  We  wish  also  to  emphasize  this  item  of  the  report 
concerning  the  Semi-Centennial  Building  and  Loan  Fund:  Three 
years  ago  the  Church  decided  to  raise  a  fund  of  $100,000  to  com¬ 
memorate  the  fiftieth  anniversary  of  our  existence  as  a  Church,  and 
the  Home  Mission  office  made  an  appeal,  backed  by  striking  litera¬ 
ture  setting  forth  the  needs  of  raising  this  Semi-Centennial  Building 
and  Loan  Fund.  As  a  result  of  this  effort  $10,000  has  been  se¬ 
cured,  which  is  already  doing  its  blessed  work.  Others  have  given 
promises  which  will  materialize  in  the  future,  and  some  have  been 
known  to  remember  this  cause  in  their  last  will  and  testament.  Any 
individual  giving  as  much  as  $500  will  be  entitled  to  a  memorial 
fund,  and  we  have  already  several  such  memorials.  One  generous 
friend  offers  to  give  $10,000,  provided  the  Church  will  raise  the 
amount  to  complete  the  fund.  This  will  require  but  $70,000,  which 
should  be  but  a  slight  task  when  we  consider  the  ability  and  re¬ 
sources  of  our  great  Church.  We  recommend  that  the  pastors  give 
their  people  the  opportunity  to  present  this  cause  and  secure  offer¬ 
ings  during  Home  Mission  Week,  or  Thanksgiving  Day,  or  such 
other  opportunity  as  may  present  itself. 

1916,  p.  32.  That  the  Semi-Centennial  Building  and  Loan  Fund 
be  kept  before  the  attention  of  our  people,  and  that  the  Executive 


250  The  Agencies  of  the  Church  [Book  IV 

Committee  be  instructed  to  make  strenuous  and  sustained  efforts  to 
increase  these  funds  to  at  least  $100,000.00. 

589.  Individual  support. 

1902,  p.  280.  The  individual  support  of  men  by  churches  and 
Ladies’  Societies  was  encouraged. 

1916,  p.  32.  That  the  Assembly  discourage  the  growing  tendency 
on  the  part  of  some  to  request  that  their  contributions  be  applied 
to  “special  objects”  not  included  in  the  regular  appropriations,  where¬ 
by  the  Committee  must  inevitably  incur  debts  which  will  greatly 
embarrass  the  work. 

590.  One  dollar  per  member. 

1908,  p.  29.  The  Assembly  regards  an  apportionment  of  at  least 
one  dollar  per  member  as  necessary  to  meet  the  requirements  of  this 
great  and  promising  work,  and  earnestly  calls  upon  all  our  Presby¬ 
teries,  churches  and  societies  to  unite  in  the  work  of  raising  this 
amount. 

Repeated  in  1909  (p.  46)  and  1910  (p.  39). 

591.  Annuities. 

1909,  p.  46.  The  Assembly  authorized  the  Executive  Committee 
to  adopt  the  plan  of  annuities. 

592.  Forward  movement. 

1909,  p.  45.  The  Forward  Movement  is  on  the  increase  in  Home 
Missions,  and  a  larger  number  of  churches  and  individuals  are 
ready  to  assume  the  support  of  individual  missionaries. 

593.  Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement  asked  to  include  Home 

Missions. 

1912,  p.  46.  Four  overtures  are  from  the  four  Presbyteries  of 
Western  Texas,  North  Alabama,  Mecklenburg,  and  Louisiana,  ask¬ 
ing  the  General  Assembly  to  request  the  Laymen’s  Missionary  Move¬ 
ment  to  broaden  the  scope  of  its  activities  so  as  to  include  the  work 
committed  to  the  Assembly’s  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Mis¬ 
sions. 

Your  committee,  with  perfect  unanimity  and  great  earnestness, 
recommend  that  these  overtures  be  answered  in  the  affirmative. 

594.  Home  Mission  Convention. 

1912,  p.  46.  One  overture  is  from  Brazos  Presbytery,  asking  the 
General  Assembly  to  arrange  for  the  calling  of  a  convention,  at 
some  convenient  time  and  place,  during  the  current  year,  to  consider 


Secs.  588-597] 


Home  Missions 


251 


the  question  of  Home  Missions  with  a  view  to  arousing  a  more 
active  interest  in  the  same. 

Your  committee  recommends  that  this  overture  be  answered  in  the 
affirmative,  and  would  suggest  that  as  a  means  of  carrying  out  the 
object  of  the  overture  that  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Mis¬ 
sions,  with  the  help  of  the  Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement,  be  in¬ 
structed  to  issue  the  call  and  arrange  for  the  convention. 

595.  Ex-Governor  Glenn. 

1909,  p.  45.  Governor  Glenn,  of  North  Carolina,  has  been  em¬ 
ployed  for  seven  months  of  the  present  calendar  year.  His  salary 
has  been  supplied  by  individuals  and  his  work  has  been  under  the 
direction  of  the  Executive  Committee.  He  has  traveled  over  large 
parts  of  our  territory  and  large  audiences  attend  his  meetings.  He 
not  only  produces  a  profound  impression,  but  substantial  results 
follow  in  profound  interest  and  large  gifts. 

The  Executive  Committee  was  granted  full  authority  and  discre¬ 
tion  in  the  effort  to  secure  a  continuation  of  his  labors  in  arousing 
the  Church  to  the  importance  of  this  great  work. 

1910,  p.  39.  The  campaign  of  Governor  Glenn  as  the  special 
representative  has  exceeded  the  highest  expectations  of  the  Com¬ 
mittee.  He  has  been  received  everywhere  with  great  enthusiasm,  and 
has  secured  very  large  gifts.  The  Assembly  would  urge  upon  the 
Committee  to  continue  Governor  Glenn  in  the  work,  believing  that 
there  is  no  man  in  our  Church  who  can  do  more  for  the  cause.  The 
churches  are  urged  to  give  him  a  hearty  reception  and  allow  him  to 
use  approved  methods  for  raising  funds. 

1911,  p.  35.  The  Assembly  is  specially  grateful  to  ex-Governor 
R.  B.  Glenn,  for  his  very  efficient  and  unselfish  efforts  in  arousing 
interest  and  securing  aid  for  the  Home  Mission  cause. 

596.  Home  Missionary  Societies. 

1906,  p.  37.  A  Home  Missionary  Society  shall  be  organized  in 
every  church  if  practicable;  in  cases  where  it  is  deemed  best  to  have 
only  one  Society,  it  is  recommended  that  a  Home  Missionary  de¬ 
partment  be  added. 

597.  A  Home  Missionary  Journal. 

1889,  p.  620.  The  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  was 
authorized  to  issue  a  small  monthly  sheet. 

1890,  p.  56.  The  last  Assembly  having  authorized  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  to  publish  from  their  office  an  eight-page  monthly 
paper  in  the  interest  of  their  work,  and  as  they  think  it  can  be  done 
at  an  expense  of  about  $2,000  per  annum,  which  will  be  reduced 
by  the  income  from  subscriptions  and  advertising,  therefore  we  recom¬ 
mend  that  they  go  forward  at  once  with  this  publication,  the  paper 
to  be  called  The  Home  Missionary. 


252  The  Agencies  of  the  Church  [Book  IV 

1891,  p.  239.  The  publication  of  this  journal  was  begun  in 
July,  1890,  and  until  now  it  has  fully  paid  expenses. 

1892,  p.  442.  The  Assembly  recommends  its  enlargement  and 
increased  rate  of  subscription. 

1893,  p.  63.  The  Executive  Committee  says:  The  receipts  for 
the  paper  from  the  commencement  of  the  publication  to  April  1, 
1893,  have  been  less  than  the  expense  incurred  on  its  account  at 
the  rate  of  over  four  hundred  dollars  per  year.  It  is  correct  to  say 
that  the  excess  of  the  outlay  over  the  receipts  of  the  paper  is  about 
what  is  necessary  to  cover  the  cost  of  the  copies  sent  to  ministers  and 
sent  out  as  sample  copies.  We  are  of  the  opinion  that,  although  the 
actual  receipts  have  not  been  equal  to  the  outlay,  the  paper,  neverthe¬ 
less,  is  not  an  expense  to  the  work.  We  are  persuaded  that,  as  it 
makes  its  way  into  four  thousand  to  six  thousand  families  from 
month  to  month,  its  effect  is  to  cause  an  increase  in  regular  contri¬ 
butions  sufficient  at  least  to  warrant  its  publication. 

P.  37.  Pastors  are  urged  to  make  special  efforts  in  their  churches 
to  increase  the  circulation  of  this  paper. 

1894,  p.  253.  Cost  of  publishing  over  and  above  receipts  has 
been  for  the  year,  $672.39. 

P.  237.  In  response  to  an  overture,  it  is  recommended  that  the 
Assembly  appoint  an  ad  interim  committee  to  report  to  the  next 
Assembly  as  to  the  advisability  of  consolidating  The  Missionary  and 
The  Home  Missionary,  and  that  meanwhile  the  publication  of  The 
Home  Missionary  be  discontinued,  and  the  matter  of  publishing  re¬ 
ceipts  be  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  Executive  Committee. 

1895,  p.  396.  The  committee  recommended  that  the  union  be  not 
effected  because  of  the  practical  difficulties  in  the  way  of  joint-man¬ 
agement. 

598.  Home  Missionary  Herald. 

1907,  p.  63.  The  Assembly  authorized  the  Executive  Committee 
of  Home  Missions  to  publish  a  Home  Mission  paper,  when,  in  the 
judgment  of  that  Committee,  the  way  is  clear. 

1908,  p.  29.  Inasmuch  as  the  “Home  Mission  Herald”  has  in 
the  first  few  months  become  almost  self-supporting,  we  call  upon 
our  pastors  to  finish  the  work  of  making  it  entirely  so,  by  first 
recommending  it  to  the  people  from  their  pulpits,  and  then  securing 
subscriptions  for  it  in  whatever  way  their  wisdom  may  suggest. 

1910,  p.  39.  The  subscription  list  of  the  Home  Mission  Herald 
has  grown  steadily  until  it  requires  7,000  copies  each  month  to 
supply  the  demand.  This  list  should  be  materially  increased  so  that 
the  magazine  may  become  self-supporting. 

1911,  p.  37.  We  recommend  the  Home  Mission  Herald,  or  the 
consolidated  paper,  to  all  of  our  people  as  well  as  the  prayer  calen¬ 
dar  and  leaflets  published  by  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Mis¬ 
sions,  and  urge  our  ministers  to  call  attention  to  the  circulation  of 
this  literature  among  the  families  of  our  Church. 

For  the  consolidated  paper  ( The  Missionary  Survey)  see  Foreign 
Missions,  §  471. 


Secs.  597-602] 


Home  Missions 


253 


599.  Prayer  Calendar. 

1910.  p.  39.  The  experiment  of  a  Prayer  Calendar  has  proven 
a  success,  and  we  express  the  hope  that  it  may  become  a  valuable 
agency  for  increasing  the  interest  in  Home  Missions. 

600.  The  Sunday  Schools  and  Home  Missions. 

1891,  p.  240.  A  resolution  was  adopted  looking  to  collections  for 
the  various  branches  of  Home  Missions  from  the  Sabbath  Schools, 
and  to  their  instruction  in  reference  to  these  causes,  and  to  their 
training  in  giving  regularly  to  their  support. 

601.  Children's  Day  for  Home  Missions. 

1897,  p.  57.  The  last  Sabbath  in  September  of  each  year  was  set 
apart  as  “Children’s  Day”  for  Home  Missions,  to  correspond  with 
“Children’s  Day”  for  Foreign  Missions  in  the  spring. 

1904,  p.  34.  This  was  changed  to  the  last  Sabbath  of  March. 

1915,  p.  72.  That  Sabbath  School  Superintendents  be  urged  to 
make  larger  use  of  Children’s  Day  for  Home  Missions,  March  26th, 
1916,  in  order  to  educate  the  young  people  along  all  lines  of  mis¬ 
sionary  activities. 

1917,  p.  46.  That  the  Assembly  urge  upon  Sabbath  School  Super¬ 
intendents  the  proper  observance  of  Children’s  Day  for  Home  Mis¬ 
sions,  with  its  educational  value  in  training  the  young  people  for 
future  leadership. 

602.  Home  Mission  Week. 

1912,  p.  46.  We  learn  that  the  Home  Mission  Council,  an  or¬ 
ganization  composed  of  the  Home  Mission  Agencies  of  all  the  Pro¬ 
testant  Evangelical  Churches  of  the  country,  has  appointed  Novem¬ 
ber  17-24,  to  be  observed  as  “Home  Mission  Week.”  Your  secre¬ 
taries  of  Home  Missions  have  asked  us  to  request  the  endorsement 
of  the  Assembly  for  this  movement,  and  further  to  request  that  the 
financial  results  of  the  observance  of  Home  Mission  Week  be  ap¬ 
propriated  to  equipment,  and  to  swell  the  Semi-Centennial  Fund. 

Your  committee  recommends  that  the  General  Assembly  give  its 
endorsement  to  Home  Mission  Week,  and  direct  the  money  to  be 
used  as  requested. 

1913,  p.  59.  Attention  was  called  to  the  results  of  the  observance 
of  Home  Mission  Week. 

1915,  p.  72.  That  churches  and  pastors  be  urged  again  to  ob¬ 
serve  more  generally  and  practically  Home  Mission  Week,  November 
14th  to  21st,  giving  the  people  opportunity  for  making  voluntary 
offerings  for  the  better  equipment  of  our  important  mission  stations 
and  the  completion  of  the  Semi-Centennial  Building  Fund. 

1917,  p.  46.  That  Presbyteries  urge  upon  pastors  and  churches 
a  more  general  and  effective  observance  of  Home  Mission  Week,  and 


254  The  Agencies  of  the  Church  [Book  IV 

allow  opportunity  for  making  special  offerings  for  the  better  equip¬ 
ment  of  our  promising  mission  stations. 

1921,  p.  40.  November  20  to  27. 

1922,  p.  43.  November  12-19. 

1922,  p.  43.  During  the  season  leading  up  to  Home  Mission 
Week  the  Assembly  endorse  and  recommend  the  use  of  the  new 
text-book,  “Unfinished* Tasks,”  by  Rev.  Homer  McMillan,  D.  D., 
and  that  this  book  be  given  the  widest  possible  circulation  through¬ 
out  our  bounds  for  the  use  of  study  groups. 


603.  June  and  November  for  Home  Missions. 

1911,  p.  37.  We  recommend  that  the  collection  of  June  and  No¬ 
vember  be  emphasized  by  our  ministers,  and  set  apart  for  this  cause, 
and  that  our  churches  be  urged  to  contribute  liberally,  and  when 
churches  adopt  the  Every-Member  Canvass  or  the  Assembly’s  plan 
Sessions  and  pastors  be  urged  to  emphasize  the  Assembly’s  Home 
Mission  cause  and  its  increasing  need  of  funds  in  the  pro  rata 
distribution. 

1915,  p.  72.  That  all  churches  and  Sabbath  Schools  be  urged  to 
take  liberal  offerings  for  this  cause  during  the  months  of  June  and 
November,  which  have  been  set  apart  for  Assembly’s  Home  Missions, 
in  order  that  all  of  God’s  people  may  have  a  share  and  responsibility 
in  the  great  campaign  of  evangelizing  and  Christianizing  our  own 
country. 

1916,  p.  32.  That  Sessions  and  pastors  be  urged  to  use  diligently 
every  means  of  giving  the  people  comprehensive  information  on  the 
work  and  the  importance  of  Assembly’s  Home  Missions,  such  as 
the  observance  of  Home  Mission  Week,  sermons  in  June  and  No¬ 
vember  on  the  distinctive  work  and  special  needs  of  this  cause,  a 
faithful  use  in  the  Sabbath  School  of  the  special  exercises  and  of 
the  helpful  articles  in  the  Earnest  Worker,  and  a  liberal  distribu¬ 
tion  of  the  suggestive  leaflets  furnished  by  the  Executive  Committee. 

1917,  p.  46.  That  in  churches  which  do  not  observe  the  every- 
member  canvass  pastors  be  urged  to  present  the  cause  by  sermon  and 
appeal  during  June  and  November,  in  order  to  secure  offerings  com¬ 
mensurate  with  the  enlarging  work  and  needs  of  Assembly’s  Home 
Missions. 

1918,  p.  43.  That  the  observance  of  Home  Mission  Week,  No¬ 
vember  17-24,  be  urged  upon  all  the  Congregations,  and  that  the 
attention  of  all  our  people  be  specially  called  at  that  time  to  the 
need  for  a  larger  equipment  for  Home  Mission  Work,  and  that  the 
time  be  used  as  an  opportunity  for  voluntary  offerings  for  such 
equipment,  and  that  such  churches  as  do  not  use  the  Every-Member- 
Canvass  be  urged  to  present  the  claims  of  the  Assembly’s  Home 
Missions  in  June  and  November. 

1918,  p.  42.  It  was  reported  that  the  debt  had  been  entirely 
wiped  out. 


Secs.  602-607] 


Home  Missions 


255 


604.  February  for  Home  Missions. 

1917,  p.  67.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Albemarle,  asking  that  the  month  of  February  be  no  longer  selected 
as  the  time  for  special  appeal  for  any  other  cause,  but  that  it  be 
left  wholly  and  intact  for  the  support  of  the  Home  Mission  work, 
we  recommend  that  the  Assembly  reply  in  the  affirmative. 

605.  Changes  in  regard  to  fifth  Sabbath  collections. 

1902,  p.  280.  This  collection  may  be  used  for  evangelistic  as 
well  as  educational  purposes. 

1906,  p.  34.  The  time  of  the  collection  was  changed  to  Review 
Sabbaths. 

606.  Country  Church. 

1914,  p.  46.  We  believe  that  the  problem  of  the  country  church 

is  essentially  a  local  one  and  must  be  solved  largely  in  the  light  of 

local  conditions;  however,  as  aid  to  the  solution  of  this  problem, 
we  recommend  that  the  Home  Mission  Committee  collect  all  the 

available  data  upon  this  subject  and  put  it  into  such  form  as  may 

be  useful  to  local  committees  in  our  Church  in  solving  this  problem. 

1915,  p.  72.  That  the  paper  prepared  by  Rev.  S.  L.  Morris, 
D.  D.,  at  the  request  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic 
Beneficence,  entitled  “The  Country  Church:  Its  Ruin,  Its  Remedy,” 
be  issued  in  pamphlet  form  for  distribution  by  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Home  Missions. 

1916,  p.  11.  Program — Discussion  of  the.  Country  Church,  this 
Assembly  being  designated  “The  Country  Church  Assembly.”  (See 

p.  160.) 

607.  Conference  with  Northern  Presbyterian  Church  with  reference 

to  avoiding  friction. 

1894,  p.  238.  Resolved,  That  there  be  appointed  a  committee 
of  three  to  confer  with  the  Home  Mission  authorities  of  the  Northern 
Presbyterian  Church  with  a  view  of  making  an  agreement,  if  practi¬ 
cable,  to  avoid  unnecessary  competition  and  waste  of  men  and  means 
in  the  territory  occupied  by  both  churches. 

1895,  p.  385.  The  report  of  this  committee  was  referred  to  the 
Standing  Committee,  which  (page  407)  recommended  that  the  corre¬ 
spondence  on  the  subject  be  referred  to  the  Executive  Committee. 

1903,  p.  494.  The  Secretary  of  the  Executive  Committee  on 
Home  Missions  was  instructed  to  take  up  the  matter  by  correspond¬ 
ence  with  the  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Home  Missions  of  the  Presby¬ 
terian  Church  in  the  U.  S.  A.,  trusting  that  such  correspondence 
will  result  in  the  adjustment  of  all  differences  and  allay  all  friction. 

1904,  p.  34.  In  the  matter  of  alleged  friction  in  certain  regions 
between  the  operations  of  our  church  and  those  of  the  Presbyterian 


256 


The  Agencies  of  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  the  fidelity  of  our  Secre¬ 
tary,  Dr.  Morris,  was  commended,  and  it  was  directed  that  the 
correspondence  be  continued  by  him  until  some  friendly  settlement 
be  reached. 

1905,  p.  25.  In  view  of  the  progress  made  by  the  Secretary  ap¬ 
pointed  for  that  purpose  by  the  Assembly,  the  arrangement  was 
continued,  looking  to  the  adjustment  of  relations  with  the  Northern 
Presbyterian  Church  where  the  operations  of  the  two  churches  touch 
or  overlap. 

1906,  pp.  16,  29,  38.  Correspondence  between  the  Assemblies  on 
the  subject. 

1907,  pp.  16,  20,  54.  Further  correspondence  between  the  As¬ 
semblies. 

1911,  p.  41.  With  reference  to  the  action  of  the  Council  regard¬ 
ing  a  basis  of  co-operation  in  Home  Missions,  we  recommend  the 
adoption  of  Item  I,  to- wit: 

Where  Presbyteries  or  Classes,  belonging  to  the  General  As¬ 
semblies  or  General  Synods,  cover  the  same  ground,  they  are  ad¬ 
vised  to  endeavor,  either  as  Presbyteries  or  Classes,  or  through  their 
committees,  to  agree,  as  brethren,  to  have  the  efforts  of  one  Church 
expended  in  certain  fields  and  the  efforts  of  the  other  Churches  ex¬ 
pended  in  certain  other  fields  within  their  common  bounds,  so  as  to 
prevent  hurtful  rivalry  or  antagonism. 

608.  Huss  Memorial. 

1914,  p.  56.  To  a  communication  placed  in  our  hands  from  the 
Session  of  the  Central  Presbyterian  Church  of  St.  Louis,  asking  the 
Assembly  for  an  offering  from  all  the  churches  of  this  body  in  the 
year  1915  for  the  Reformed  Church  of  Bohemia  and  Moravia,  for 
the  purpose  of  aiding  in  the  establishment  of  a  theological  seminary,, 
and  that  this  fund  so  collected  be  entitled  “the  Huss  Memorial 
Gift  from  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  to  the  Re¬ 
formed  Church  of  Bohemia  and  Moravia,”  we  recommend  a  nega¬ 
tive  answer,  and  that  this  answer  be  conveyed  through  Dr.  Morris,, 
Executive  Secretary  of  Home  Missions. 

609.  Importance  of  Home  Missions. 

1914,  p.  47.  In  view  of  the  wide  extent  and  varied  operation  of 
our  Home  Mission  Work,  we  recommend  that  the  Assembly  call 
upon  all  of  our  people  to  give  this  great  and  vitally  fundamental 
cause  its  proper  place  in  their  thinking,  praying  and  giving,  so  that 
this  work  and  the  workers  engaged  in  it  may  be  recognized  as  de¬ 
serving  of  equal  honor  and  of  equal  importance  with  any  depart¬ 
ment  of  the  Church’s  activity. 

1915,  p.  71.  Until  the  present  year  the  additions  to  the  Church 
through  the  Assembly’s  Committee  on  Home  Missions  have  been 
about  3,000,  but  this  year  there  has  been  an  increase  of  fifty  per 
cent. 


Secs.  607-609] 


Home  Missions 


257 


1915,  p.  72.  That  the  Assembly  reiterate  the  appeal  of  the  Kan¬ 
sas  City  Assembly  in  emphasizing  the  distinctive  place  of  Assembly’s 
Home  Missions  and  accord  the  Executive  Committee  and  its  work 
a  larger  place  in  the  thinking,  praying,  and  giving  of  the  Church. 

That  Presbyteries,  pastors,  and  churches  be  urged  to  recognize  the 
twenty-seven  per  cent,  allowed  the  Assembly’s  Home  Missions  as 
its  just  and  fair  proportion  of  the  benevolences  of  the  Church,  and 
that  it  be  not  divided  and  shared  by  local  interests.  And  that  for 
the  year  1916-17  we  recommend  that  the  amount  be  $324,000,  as 
recommended  by  the  Permanent  Committee  of  Systematic  Benefi¬ 
cence. 

1916,  p.  30.  The  work  assigned  to  this  Committee  is  varied,  and 
its  magnitude  can  best  be  realized  by  recalling  the  fact  that  in  some 
other  denominations  it  requires  five  distinct  agencies  to  accomplish 
it.  What  most  other  great  Churches  seek  to  do  through  five  sepa¬ 
rate  boards,  supported  by  about  one-half  of  the  Church’s  entire 
benevolent  funds,  this  Assembly  commits  to  its  Executive  Committee 
of  Home  Missions  alone,  but  for  its  accomplishment  appropriates 
only  about  one-fourth  of  its  benevolent  funds! 

1917,  p.  46.  Recognizing  the  necessity  of  prayer  in  the  work  of 
Home  Missions  and  the  importance  of  getting  this  great  cause  into 
the  prayer  life  of  our  people,  we  recommend  that  Synods  and  Presby¬ 
teries  be  urged  to  set  apart  a  special  hour  during  their  sessions  for 
intercessory  prayer  and  earnest  consideration  of  the  need  and  widen¬ 
ing  scope  of  Assembly’s  Home  Missions,  and  that  Sessions  and 
pastors  give  this  cause  a  place  in  the  monthly  concert  of  prayer,  and 
urge  upon  their  congregations  the  daily  use  of  the  calendar  of  prayer 
for  Home  Missions. 

1918,  p.  43.  That  all  our  ministers  be  requested  to  preach  to 
their  people  on  the  cause  and  work  of  Home  Missions,  during  Home 
Mission  Week,  in  November,  or  as  near  thereto  as  possible,  and 
also  in  the  month  of  June. 

1919,  p.  42.  The  same  request  that  the  Assembly  urge  upon 
pastors  and  Sessions  the  duty  and  privilege  of  intercession  in  behalf 
of  the  Assembly’s  Home  Missions,  that  the  cause  may  be  more  thor¬ 
oughly  wrought  into  the  prayer  life  of  the  Church,  in  order  to  receive 
more  sympathetic  and  substantial  support;  and  that  the  formation 
and  conduct  of  Mission  Study  Classes  be  given  special  attention. 

1918,  p.  43.  That  the  Assembly  reiterate  the  distinctive  claim 
of  the  Assembly’s  Home  Missions  as  distinguished  from  other  Home 
Mission  responsibility,  and  emphasize  the  necessity  of  pastors  and 
Sessions  recognizing  the  obligation  to  meet  their  proportionate  share 
of  the  support  of  this  work  by  according  it  the  full  27  per  cent, 
recommended  by  the  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence,  and  re¬ 
peatedly  approved  by  the  General  Assembly. 

1919,  p.  40.  From  the  financial  point  of  view,  the  past  year 
was  a  year  of  unparalleled  achievement  in  the  history  of  missions 
in  our  Church.  The  Executive  Committee  reports  receipt-,  from 
various  sources  amounting  to  the  splendid  total  of  $303,386.97, 


258 


The  Agencies  or  the  Church 


[Book  IV 


which  represented  an  increase  of  $69,396.24  over  the  previous  year. 
This  increase  was  due,  no  doubt,  to  two  causes:  First,  the  Three 
Million  Dollar  Campaign,  which  was  prosecuted  with  much  earnest¬ 
ness  and  enthusiasm;  and,  second,  the  fact  that  the  people  had  been 
schooled  in  sacrificial  giving  by  the  demands  of  the  great  war,  as 
never  before.  Whatever  may  be  the  explanation,  the  work  has  been 
supported  during  the  past  year  in  an  unprecedented  way,  for  which 
we  thank  God  and  take  courage.  The  record  of  the  more  distinctly 
spiritual  results  of  the  work  may  seem  at  first  somewhat  disappoint¬ 
ing,  as  the  number  of  accessions  to  the  Church  was  not  as  large  as 
was  reported  for  the  preceding  year.  However,  it  should  be  borne 
in  mind  that  probably  never  before  did  the  services  of  the  churches 
suffer  such  serious  interruptions.  The  wide-spread  prevalence  of 
influenza,  resulting  in  the  suspension  of  public  worship  in  most  of 
our  communities  for  many  weeks,  the  absorption  of  the  nation’s 
energies  and  attention  in  a  great  military  enterprise,  the  abandon¬ 
ment  of  their  work  by  many  pastors  who  went  to  serve  the  soldiers 
in  the  homeland  and  overseas — all  these  things  must  be  taken  into 
consideration.  In  view  of  the  adverse  conditions  that  prevailed,  we 
feel  that  remarkable  success  has  attended  the  work. 

1919,  p.  43.  In  reply  to  the  following  overture  from  the  Presby¬ 
tery  of  Louisville,  to-wit:  “In  view  of  the  unprecedented  oppor¬ 
tunities  of  the  Home  Mission  task  in  the  Southland,  following  and 
resulting  in  large  measure  from  the  war,  the  General  Assembly  is 
asked  to  consider  the  closer  co-ordination  of  all  cur  Home  Mission 
agencies  for  more  effective  and  far-reaching  results:  namely,  Pres- 
byterial  Home  Missions,  Synodical  Home  Missions  and  Assembly 
Home  Missions,  Evangelism,  Sunday  School  Extension,  Missions  and 
the  Schools,  with  the  presentation  of  a  large  and  statesmanlike  plan 
of  action  worthy  of  the  faith,  effort  and  resources  ,of  our  great 
Church,”  your  Committee  recommends  that  this  overture  be  referred 
to  the  Assembly’s  Executive  Committee  on  Home  Missions  for  con¬ 
sideration,  and  that  suggestions  be  invited  from  the  Church  at  large 
in  an  effort  to  accomplish  the  purposes  contemplated  in  above  over¬ 
ture. 

1920,  p.  47.  That  the  Assembly  continue  to  call  upon  the  whole 
Church  to  entrench  its  aggressive  Home  Missions  work  in  the  hearts 
of  its  constituency  by  means  of  intercessory  prayer  an  dby  substan¬ 
tial  support  with  liberal  offerings.  Only  that  which  costs  touches 
the  deepest  depths  of  the  heart. 

1915,  p.  69.  We  have  gone  very  carefully  over  the  Forty-ninth 
Annual  Report  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions,  and 
cannot  speak  in  too  high  praise  of  the  same.  This  report  gives  a 
most  comprehensive  view  of  the  Home  Missionary  situation  in  our 
Church  and  furnishes  to  the  Church  a  most  valuable  book  of  infor¬ 
mation  which  should  be  placed  in  the  possession  of  every  minister 
in  the  Church.  It  is  systematically  arranged,  so  as  to  furnish  readily 
information  in  any  department  at  a  glance,  and  cannot  but  be  of 
invaluable  help  in  the  prosecution  of  our  work.  Every  minister  is 
urged  to  make  a  special  study  of  the  same. 


Sec.  609] 


Home  Missions 


259 


The  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  has,  it  would  seem 
to  us,  a  perfect  organization;  the  work  having  been  divided  into  eight 
departments,  each  in  charge  of  a  separate  sub-committee,  reporting 
to  the  general  Committee. 

1917,  p.  44.  Your  Committee  does  not  deem  it  necessary  in  this 
report  to  give  in  detail  the  facts  and  figures  under  the  various  de¬ 
partments  of  our  great  Home  Mission  work,  inasmuch  as  these  are 
contained  in  the  abstract  of  the  Executive  Committee’s  report  and 
published  in  the  Appendix  to  the  Minutes  of  the  Assembly. 

Suffice  it  to  say  that  in  all  the  eight  departments  of  this  work  the 
facts  are  thrilling  and  the  figures  encouraging  as  to  the  work  accom¬ 
plished,  and  almost  staggering  as  to  the  work  that  still  needs  to 
be  done.  This  is  true  whether  we  consider  the  large  number  of 
weak  churches  in  frontier  territory,  the  product  of  evangelistic  work, 
which  must  have  preachers  or  perish;  or  the  scores  of  newly  organ¬ 
ized  churches  in  the  same  territory,  which  must  have  houses  of  wor¬ 
ship  or  suffer  irreparably;  or  the  crying  need  for  adequate  equip¬ 
ment  of  our  mission  schools,  so  essential  to  the  training  of  a  local 
constituency  capable  of  intelligently  and  successfully  running  Pres¬ 
byterian  churches;  or  the  vast  need  among  the  thousands  of  our 
Southern  mountaineers  or  those  of  the  millions  of  Negroes,  who  are 
on  our  field,  at  our  doors,  and  in  our  homes,  whose  industry  and 
labor  have  been  and  are  such  important  factors  in  the  economic  de¬ 
velopment  and  welfare  of  our  country;  or  the  mute  appeal  for  help 
from  the  foreign-speaking  peoples  in  our  land,  soon  either  to  become 
citizens  or  to  return  to  their  own  land  with  Christ  in  their  hearts  or 
without  Him.  It  is  impossible  for  one  who  loves  God,  his  fellow- 
man  or  his  country  to  become  acquainted  with  actual  conditions  and 
needs  in  these  various  departments  of  our  Home  Mission  work  and 
not  feel  his  heart  burn  within  him  with  a  desire  to  have  our  great 
Church  rise  to  an  adequate  sense  of  its  duty  and  opportunity. 

In  this  day  of  distracting  thoughts  and  absorbing  activities  occa¬ 
sioned  by  the  entrance  of  our  nation  into  the  great  world  war,  and  at 
the  same  time  a  day  when  many  of  our  people  are  rapidly  amassing 
wealth,  the  Assembly  calls  upon  our  people  not  to  forget  the  para¬ 
mount  importance  of  holding  our  nation  true  to  the  God  of  Nations 
and  to  the  principles  of  righteousness,  and  of  sending  our  young 
men  from  the  cities  and  the  mountains  and  the  plains  to  the  tempta¬ 
tions  of  the  camp  and  to  the  perils  of  the  battle  front  with,  the  sus¬ 
taining  and  comforting  love  of  Christ  in  their  hearts.  To  this  end, 
the  Assembly  would  urge  our  people  in  the  support  of  our  Home 
Mission  work,  to  show  something  of  the  interest,  zeal,  and  self- 
denying  devotion  with  which  they  are  giving  their  money  and  their 
sons  and  daughters  to  the  prosecution  of  the  war  for  justice  and 
humanity. 

1922,  pp.  40-42.  Evangelism — 4559  added  to  the  church 
Mountain  Missions — 114  paid  missionaries 
17  schools 
over  1600  pupils 


260 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


Negro  Work — Annual  Conference  for  negro  women. 

Snedecor  Memorial  Synod — 1700  members. 

(over  300  in  other  churches.) 

Mexico — Spanish  Department  in  Austin  Seminary. 

Indian — 1 1  missionaries. 

21  churches. 

762  communicants. 

610.  Difficulties  in  Home  Mission  work. 

1921,  p.  39.  1.  Failure  of  the  Church  to  forward  to  the  Execu¬ 

tive  Committee  the  full  quota  assigned  to  this  cause  by  the  Sys¬ 
tematic  Beneficence  Committee,  which  quota  is  often  diverted  to  other 
causes. 

2.  Lack  of  equipment;  although  90  per  cent,  of  the  Presby¬ 
terian  churches  in  the  United  States  have  their  origin  in  Home  Mis¬ 
sion  work. 

3.  Lack  of  sympathetic  understanding  of  the  work.  (See 
Minutes  for  fuller  statement.) 

P.  41.  The  Assembly  approved  a  sum  of  not  less  than  one  mil¬ 
lion  dollars  to  be  included  in  the  Assembly’s  equipment  budget. 

1922,  p.  42.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Louisana,  asking 
the  Assembly  to  inaugurate  a  special  Home  Mission  equipment  cam¬ 
paign  at  the  earliest  possible  date. 

Your  Committee  is  in  sympathetic  accord  with  this  overture,  and 
refers  the  same  to  the  Stewardship  Committee  for  action. 

In  conclusion,  your  Committee  would  express  the  renewed  en¬ 
thusiasm  that  its  members  feel  as  the  result  of  having  engaged  in 
this  review  of  the  abundant  labors  of  the  Ejxecutive  Committee  of 
Home  Missions.  I  hereby  expresses  the  hope  that  by  the  contagion 
of  such  enthusiasm,  our  whole  Church  may  go  forward  in  the 
advancement  of  its  great  enterprise. 

I.  Evangelism. 

611.  Evangelists  to  be  appointed — Their  duties  and  powers. 

1866,  p.  36.  Resolved,  That  every  Presbytery  under  the  juris¬ 
diction  of  this  Assembly  be  enjoined  to  seek  out  and  set  apart  a 
minister  to  the  work  of  the  evangelist  for  its  bounds,  to  take  the 
superintendence  of  its  vacant  congregations  wherever  practicable. 
These  evangelists  shall  be  authorized  to  act  as  Moderators  of  the 
Sessions  of  the  vacant  congregations;  to  preach  the  gospel  and  ad¬ 
minister  the  Sacraments  to  them,  at  stated  intervals;  to  counsel  the 
Sessions  in  holding  social  worship  in  the  absence  of  ministers;  to 
encourage  the  organization  of  Sabbath  Schools  and  Bible  classes, 
and  the  making  of  oblations  for  systematic  benevolence;  and,  in 
general,  to  take  the  pastoral  supervision  of  the  vacant  congregations, 
both  white  and  colored.  But  when  a  suitable  evangelist  cannot  be 
obtained,  then  the  Presbytery  is  enjoined  to  apportion  such  congre¬ 
gations  among  its  ministerial  members  for  the  same  object,  so  that 


Sec.  609-611] 


Evangelism 


261 


every  congregation  and  all  our  freed  people  shall  enjoy  the  pastoral 
oversight  of  some  minister  in  their  assemblies.  (Reaffirmed,  1867, 
p.  148,  and  substantially  renewed,  1871,  p.  36.) 

This  resolution  was  accompanied  by  others  looking  to  the  perfor¬ 
mance  of  evangelistic  labor  by  certain  ruling  elders  in  neighboring 
congregations,  and  the  more  effective  utilizing  of  our  ministerial 
forces  not  now  actively  engaged  in  preaching,  and  requiring  that  the 
Presbyteries  report  to  the  Assembly  their  diligence  in  the  matter. 
1886,  p.  37  (See  chapter  on  Ruling  Elders.) 

1867,  p.  152.  Reports  of  fidelity  in  obeying"  the  injunction  of 
the  last  General  Assembly  on  the  subject  of  evangelists  and  the 
ordinances  in  vacant  churches  having  been  received  from  only  a 
few  of  the  Presbyteries;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  attention  of  the  Presbyteries  and  Synods  be 
recalled  to  the  subject,  and  that  they  be  ordered  to  report  thereon  to 
the  next  Assembly. 

1868,  p.  265.  The  committee  appointed  by  the  Assembly  to  re¬ 
view  and  report  upon  the  reports  of  the  Presbyteries  touching  the 
matter  of  evangelistic  labors  within  their  bounds,  according  to  the 
injunction  of  the  last  Assembly,  w7ould  report — 

1.  That  only  eleven  Presbyteries  have  reported  at  all. 

2.  That  of  these  eleven  Presbyteries,  only  four  have  appointed 
evangelists,  viz.:  Mississippi,  Knoxville,  South  Carolina,  and  Green¬ 
brier.  But 

3.  That  in  all  these  Presbyteries  evangelistic  labors  have  been 
performed  by  the  pastors  of  the  churches,  under  the  direction  of  the 
Committees  of  Domestic  Missions. 

These  reports  exhibit  a  mournful  state  of  poverty,  and  of  in¬ 
ability,  in  consequence,  to  sustain  the  preached  Word  among  a 
large  number  of  their  churches.  But  at  the  same  time  they  mani¬ 
fest  the  lovely  gospel  rule  of  the  strong  helping  the  weak,  by  .sur¬ 
rendering  a  portion  of  the  time  of  their  pastors  to  supply  the  lack 
of  service  in  these  destitute  and  impoverished  churches. 

The  following  items  are  of  importance! 

(a)  The  evangelist  is  “an-  officer.”  He  must,  therefore,  be  an 
ordained  minister.  A  licentiate  does  not  fulfill  the  requirements 
of  the  rule,  and  cannot  receive  an  appropriation  from  this  fund 

(b)  He  is  “duly  and  formally  set  apart  by  a  Presbytery.”  His 
work,  therefore,  is  specific  and  important. 

(c)  His  duty  is  to  “take  charge  of  feeble  churches  and  desti¬ 
tute  fields.”  His  work,  therefore,  is  not  to  preach  in  churches  al¬ 
ready  supplied  with  the  ministrations  of  the  Word,  but  to  represent 
the  Presbytery  in  places  where  his  services  are  needed  to  strengthen 
the  weak  and  build  up  new  organizations. 

(d)  The  Executive  Committee  does  not  pay  a  salary  to  the 
evangelist,  except  by  way  of  supplement,  or  until  they  are  certified 
that  the  fields  served  by  him  are  contributing  their  equitable  propor¬ 
tion  to  his  support,  nor  then  unless  the  Presbytery  conducts  its 
work  on  the  Assembly’s  plan. 

(e)  It  is  contemplated  that  the  evangelist’s  salary  shall  be  such 


262 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


an  amount  as  in  the  judgment  of  the  Presbytery  shall  be  sufficient 
to  enable  him  to  devote  his  whole  time  unembarrassed  to  his  work, 
and  to  keep  him  without  interruption  in  the  field.  Great  care  ought 
to  be  taken  by  Presbyteries  in  the  selection  of  this  officer,  and  great 
honor  be  put  upon  the  office.  The  duty  of  appointing  him  should 
seldom  be  entrusted  to  a  committee,  and  such  appointments  should 
never  be  sanctioned  and  continued  unless  Presbytery  is  fully  satis¬ 
fied  of  their  suitability.  No  minister  who  is  unwilling  to  work  on 
the  Assembly’s  plan  ought  to  be  appointed  an  evangelist  by  a  co¬ 
operating  Presbytery.  The  Executive  Committee  is  prohibited  from 
making  an  appropriation  to  such. 

612.  A  Standing  Committee  on  Evangelistic  Labor . 

1869,  p.  373.  It  was  resolved:  That  a  Standing  Committee  on 
Evangelistic  Labor  shall  hereafter  be  appointed. 

613.  Standing  Committee  discontinued. 

1876,  p.  221.  Resolved,  That  inasmuch  as  the  Presbyteries  no 
longer  report  upon  this  subject  directly  to  the  Assembly,  the  Stand¬ 
ing  Committee  on  Evangelistic  Labor  be  abolished,  and  the  whole 
subject  in  the  future  be  remanded  to  the  Standing  Committee  on 
Sustentation. 

614.  Grouping  of  churches  under  evangelists,  and  requiring  them 

to  contribute. 

1870,  p.  513.  The  Assembly  recommended  that  the  Presbyteries 
be  urged,  whenever  it  be  practicable,  to  lay  off  the  missionary  fields 
under  their  care,  including  all  vacant  churches  which  are  vacant  by 
reason  of  the  fact  that  they  are  not  self-sustaining,  into  districts, 
according  to  the  requirements  of  the  case,  to  be  placed  under  the 
charge  of  one  or  more  missionaries  or  evangelists,  with  the  consent, 
of  course,  of  the  vacant  churches  in  the  several  districts.  This 
plan,  substantially,  is  already  in  operation  in  some  of  the  Presby¬ 
teries,  and  with  eminent  success. 

But,  still  further,  in  order  that  this  matter  may  be  made  to  bear 
directly  upon  the  hearts  and  consciences  of  those  immediately  con¬ 
cerned  in  it,  the  committee  would  recommend  to  the  Presbyteries, 
through  the  General  Assembly,  to  require  all  the  churches  in  their 
bounds  to  which  it  shall  be  proposed  to  give  the  benefit  of  the  labors 
of  an  evangelist  or  domestic  missionary,  as  an  essential  condition 
of  having  the  gospel  carried  to  them,  to  contribute  regularly,  ac¬ 
cording  to  their  means,  to  its  support.  Adopted.  (Reaffirmed  1873, 
p.  327;  1881,  p.  382.) 

615.  Special  collection  appointed  for  this  cause. 

1870,  p.  527.  An  overture  praying  the  Assembly  to  make  the 
collection  for  evangelization  a  special  collection. 


Secs.  611-617] 


Evangelism 


263 


Answer :  It  is  not  deemed  expedient  to  multiply  the  number  of 
special  collections  beyond  the  necessities  of  the  case.  And  inasmuch 
as  any  Presbytery  in  which  such  a  distinct  collection  may  be  deemed 
advisable  has  ample  power  to  make  all  necessary  orders  in  the  prem¬ 
ises,  the  Assembly  does  not  deem  it  wise  to  make  such  an  order 
binding  upon  all  the  churches. 

1871,  p.  37.  The  Assembly  directs,  that  a  collection  be  made  in 
all  our  churches  for  the  Evangelistic  Fund  on  the  first  Sunday  in 
April,  or  as  near  thereto  as  may  be  convenient.  (In  1872  the  time 
for  this  collection  was  changed  to  the  first  Sabbath  in  September, 
or  as  near  thereto  as  convenient.  Pp.  163-168.) 

616.  Evangelistic  work  and  Sustentation  to  be  conducted  separately. 

1873,  p.  327.  We  commend  that  part  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee’s  report  touching  the  Evangelistic  work  to  the  special  atten¬ 
tion  of  the  Assembly,  and  concurring  with  the  Committee  in  regard 
to  the  expediency  of  conducting  the  Evangelistic  and  Sustentation 
work  as  distinct  enterprises,  we  recommend  that  the  following  be 
adopted  and  incorporated  as  Rule  No.  4,  in  the  by-laws  of  the 
Executive  Committee,  to-wit: 

“4.  The  Sustentation  and  Evangelistic  work  shall  be  conducted 
separately  after  January  1,  1874.  The  evangelist  is  an  officer  duly 
and  formally  appointed  and  set  apart  by  a  Presbytery  to  take  charge 
of  its  feeble  churches  or  destitute  fields.  His  salary  shall  be  paid,  . 
first,  by  the  field  of  labor  served  by  him,  under  the  direction  and 
supervision  of  the  Presbyterial  Committee  of  Sustentation,  and  sec¬ 
ond,  from  the  Evangelistic  Fund.  In  ordinary  cases  the  salary  of 
the  evangelist  shall  be  $800,  but  a  greater  amount  may  be  given 
when  the  Presbytery  shall  distinctly  state  that  it  is  necessary;  pro¬ 
vided,  that  in  every  case  all  collections  for  this  cause  in  the  Presby¬ 
tery  shall  be  sent  to  the  Evangelistic  Fund,  and  that  the  Executive 
Committee  shall  be  guided  by  what  the  churches  of  each  Presbytery 
are  doing  to  sustain  the  cause.”  Adopted. 

1874,  p.  488.  To  an  overture  the  Assembly  replied: 

(1.)  Rule  4,  By-laws  of  Committee  of  Sustentation,  applies  solely 
to  the  funds  contributed  for  evangelistic  purposes. 

(2.)  All  such  funds  (for  evangelistic  purposes)  made  within  the 
bounds  of  any  Presbytery,  co-operating  with  the  Assembly’s  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  of  Sustentation,  must  (by  Rule  4,  By-laws,  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee),  be  sent  to  that  Committee. 

617.  Evangelism  in  the  Seminaries. 

1886,  p.  44.  In  reference  to  an  overture  touching  Evangelistic 
work. 

The  Assembly  answered,  (a)  That  Presbyterianism  cannot 
accomplish  its  mission  unless  it  becomes  more  aggressive;  ( b )  That 
constant  aggressiveness,  in  other  words,  preaching  the  gospel  to  the 
regions  beyond,  is  one  great  mission  of  the  Church;  ( c )  That  preach- 


264  Home  Missions  [Book  IV 

ing  the  gospel  to  the  poor  is  the  distinguishing  characteristic  of  the 
true  Church. 

The  Assembly  therefore  recommended  our  Seminaries  to  make  due 
provision  for  proper  instruction  upon  this  subject,  either  by  pro¬ 
curing  annually  a  series  of  lectures  by  some  regularly  ordained  and 
experienced  evangelist,  or  by  adding  to  the  course  on  Pastoral  Theol¬ 
ogy  the  full  instruction  concerning  evangelism,  which  its  pressing 
importance  demands. 

618.  Column  for  Evangelistic  Fund  placed  in  Presbyterial 

blanks 

1874,  p.  522.  The  Assembly  so  ordered. 

619.  Rule  requiring  Presbyteries  to  report  to  the  Assembly 

repealed 

1875,  p.  21.  The  action  of  the  Assembly  calling  for  written  re¬ 
ports  from  the  Presbyteries  on  evangelistic  labor  is  hereby  rescinded, 
and  hereafter  so  much  of  the  report  of  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Sustentation  as  refers  to  evangelistic  labor  shall  be  placed  in  the 
hands  of  the  Standing  Committee  on  Evangelistic  Labor,  to  be  re¬ 
ported  on  by  them  to  the  General  Assembly. 

620.  Evangelistic  Committee. 

1903,  p.  469.  The  Assembly  was  asked  to  appoint  an  Evange¬ 
listic  Committee  to  co-operate  with  other  similar  committees  ap¬ 
pointed  or  to  be  appointed  by  other  allied  bodies  in  the  hope  that 
there  may  result  a  general  revival  of  religion,  covering  our  entire  con¬ 
tinent.  The  Assembly  declined  to  make  this  appointment,  but  re¬ 
ferred  the  subject  matter  of  the  proposal  to  the  Executive  Committee 
of  Home  Missions  to  render  such  co-operation  as  it  might  deem  wise 
and  practicable. 

1905,  p:  25.  To  overtures  from  two  Presbyteries  and  the  sug¬ 
gestions  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  touching 
evangelistic  work,  the  Assembly  answered: 

(1)  That  it  does  not  see  its  way  clear  to  recommend  an  increase 
of  the  machinery  of  the  Church  by  the  appointment  of  a  new  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Evangelization,  but  does  most  earnestly  emphasize  the 
necessity  of  the  use  of  the  evangelistic  arm  of  the  Church.  The 
Committee  would  urge  upon  pastors  to  engage  more  frequently  in 
evangelistic  services  in  their  own  churches,  and  call  to  their  aid, 
as  far  as  practicable,  their  own  brethren  in  the  ministry. 

(2)  That  the  Assembly -recommend  the  appointment  or  continu¬ 
ance  of  committees  on  evangelistic  work  in  each  Presbytery  and 
Synod. 

(3)  That  the  .coming  year  be  signalized  by  aggressive  work  for 
the  winning  of  souls,  and  that  the  General  Assembly  recommend 
to  each  church,  by  special  services  or  otherwise,  to  take  definite  and 


Evangelism 


265 


Secs.  617-623] 

systematic  measures  to  that  end,  and  that  Presbyteries  be  instructed 
to  initiate  and  direct  the  work,  so  far  as  necessary,  and  arrange  for 
the  conduct  of  such  special  services  in  the  vacant  churches. 

(4)  That  the  General  Assembly  recommend  that  the  work  in 
the  Sabbath  School  and  Young  People’s  Societies  be  conducted  with 
distinct  evangelistic  purposes;  and  that  under  the  supervision  of 
the  Session  of  each  church  such  methods  be  adopted  as  will  promote 
the  all-important  object  of  bringing  the  children  and  yoimg  people 
to  accept  and  confess  Christ. 

(5)  That  the  General  Assembly  emphasize  the  primary  responsi¬ 
bility  for  evangelistic  effort  as  resting  upon  pastors  and  Sessions. 
At  the  same  time  the  Assembly  recognizes  the  use  and  value  of  ac¬ 
credited  evangelists,  and  therefore  would  urge  upon  pastors  and 
Sessions  in  arranging  for  special  services  to  invite  only  such  evan¬ 
gelists  as  are  sound  in  their  preaching  and  conservative  in  their 
methods. 

1907,  p.  56.  An  overture  asking  the  inauguration  of  a  General 
Assembly’s  Evangelistic  movement.  It  is  recommended  that  this  be 
answered  in  the  negative.  Adopted. 

621.  Permanent  Committee  on  Evangelistic  Work  to  be  appointed. 

1908,  p.  34.  The  following  paper  was  offered  and  after  earnest 
discussion  was  unanimously  adopted: 

Whereas,  We  believe  that  the  great  need  of  our  church  is  more 
evangelistic  preaching  on  the  part  of  our  pastors,  and  a  more  dili¬ 
gent  effort  on  the  part  of  the  church  to  reach  the  unchurched  and 
the  unsaved;  we  therefore  recommend: 

1.  That  the  General  Assembly  call  on  all  of  our  ministers,  to 
seek  more  and  yet  more  the  spirit  of  prayer  for  the  salvation  of 
souls  and  use  more  diligent  evangelistic  effort  in  the  pulpit  and 
out  of  it  to  bring  souls  into  the  kingdom  of  God. 

2.  That  the  Assembly  annually  appoint  a  Permanent  Committee 
on  Evangelistic  Work,  to  organize  and  direct  the  distinctively  evan¬ 
gelist  work  of  our  Church. 

622.  Evangelistic  work  by  individual  churches. 

1909,  p.  35.  An  overture  asking  “the  Assembly  to  interpret  defi¬ 
nitely  question  No.  10  in  the  narrative  of  the  Session.” 

The  Assembly  replied:  Question  10  in  the  blank  for  the  narra¬ 
tive  of  the  Session  (What  evangelistic  work  is  done  by  your  church 
outside  its  bounds?)  has  reference  to  evangelistic  work  by  the  church 
in  territory  immediately  touching  hte  bounds  of  the  congregation, 
e.  g.,  a  mission  Sunday  School. 

623.  Report  of  Select  Committee  on  Evangelism. 

1909,  pp.  53 ff.  The  Select  Committee  on  Evangelism  had  placed 
in  its  hands  the  first  annual  report  of  the  Permanent  Committee 


266  Home  Missions  [Book  IV 

on  Evangelistic  Work,  together  with  certain  overtures  touching  the 
work  of  the  same. 

The  following  recommendations  were  made  and  adopted: 

1.  That  this  Assembly  call  upon  our  pastors  and  people  to  give 
themselves  to  prayer  that  God  may  in  his  sovereign  grace  visit  our 
home  land  with  a  great  awakening. 

2.  That  as  a  means  of  deepening  a  concern  and  of  lending  as¬ 
sistance  along  evangelistic  lines  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Evan¬ 
gelistic  Work  be  continued,  and  placed  upon  the  same  footing  with 
other  Permanent  Committees  of  the  Assembly,  as  an  agency  for 
gathering  information,  circulating  literature  and  giving  such  counsel 
and  assistance  in  every  part  of  the  Church  as  may  be  sought  from 
them. 

3.  That  the  Committee  be  commended  for  the  diligent,  earnest 
and  intelligent  manner  in  which  it  has  done  its  work,  and,  in  view 
of  the  many  independent  evangelistic  agencies  now  operating  within 
our  bounds,  that  the  Assembly  recommend  to  our  members  the  offi¬ 
cers  of  this  our  own  Evangelistic  Committee  and  commend  it  to 
their  prayer,  co-operation  and  support. 

4.  That  in  view  of  a  possible  world-wide  and  concerted  evan¬ 
gelistic  movement  among  the  various  Presbyterian  bodies,  which  has 
been  reported  to  us  by  our  Permanent  Committee,  we  recommend  in 
accordance  with  their  suggestions  that  they  be  authorized  to  appoint 
such  committees  as  they  may  find  expedient  to  confer  with  similar 
committees  from  other  Presbyterian  bodies  and  that  they  submit  to 
the  next  Assembly  such  suggestions  in  regard  to  this  matter  as  may 
seem  to  them  wise. 

5.  That  the  Assembly  furthermore  authorize  the  Committee  to 
keep  in  as  close  correspondence  with  the  Presbyteries  through  the 
Presbyterial  representatives,  or  otherwise,  as  possible,  and  that  all 
Presbyterial  representatives  be  urged  to  diligence. 

6.  That  the  Permanent  Committee  be  authorized  to  secure  money 
for  its  expenses  not  exceeding  $1,000  per  year. 

7.  That  this  Committee  be  empowered  to  elect  a  general  Secre¬ 
tary  and  to  call  ministers  to  be  Assembly  Evangelists,  provided  they 
can  see  their  way  clear  to  do  so  without  involving  the  Assembly 
in  financial  obligations. 

8.  That  the  following  be  members  of  the  Permanent  Committee 
of  Evangelization  for  the  ensuing  year:  C.  R.  Nisbet,  A.  B.  Curry, 
Wm.  M.  Anderson,  C.  R.  Hemphill,  Geo.  H.  Cornelson,  Jr.,  W. 
H.  Raymond,  C.  C.  Gilbert. 

624.  Report  of  Standing  Committee  on  Evangelistic  work. 

1910,  p.  62.  First  of  all  we  would  call  attention  to  the  services 
of  the  Permanent  Committee,  as  seen  in  the  structure  and  character 
of  its  report,  as  worthy  of  special  commendation. 

The  development  of  the  work  of  this  Committee,  depending  solely 
upon  voluntary  action  for  its  means  and  agents,  bears  evidence  of  the 
special  favor  of  the  Lord. 


Secs.  623-624] 


Evangelism 


267 


The  first  work  of  the  Committee  was  to  awaken  the  Church  to 
an  appreciation  of  the  necessity  and  value  of  the  work  it  was  di¬ 
rected  to  do.  This  required  an  agency  of  special  fitness  endowed 
with  faith  in  the  work,  and  devotion  to  the  Master.  Such  an  agent 
was  found  in  the  person  of  Rev.  Dr.  J.  Ernest  Thacker.  And  it  is 
with  special  gratification  that  we  note  the  blessing  of  God  that  has 
rested  upon  his  labors  since  he  entered  upon  this  work. 

The  admirable  method  under  which  he  works  enables  him  to  make 
definite  reports  on  the  more  important  aspects  of  his  work.  From 
these  reports  we  gather  that  a  large ‘number  of  persons  have  been  led 
to  express  definitely  a  desire  to  live  more  for  the  glory  of  God. 
Likewise  a  corresponding  number  of  those  who  confessed  Christ,  and 
registered  their  purpose  to  unite  with  the  Church,  besides  many 
who  promised  to  transfer  their  membership  to  the  Church  in  the 
bounds  of  which  they  live.  More  than  this,  the  Chairman  of  the 
Permanent  Committee  has  received  scores  of  letters  that  attest  the 
efficiency  of  his  work. 

The  Assembly  would  express  its  approval  of  the  action  of  the  Com¬ 
mittee  in  securing  the  services  of  Rev.  Dr.  R.  A.  Walton  as  one 
bringing  special  fitness  and  large  experience  to  this  work.  And  the 
work  already  done  by  him  gives  promise  of  the  highest  efficiency. 
And  the  Assembly  hereby  prays  that  the  fulness  of  the  Spirit’s  bless¬ 
ing  may  rest  upon  the  future  labors  of  these  dear  brethren. 

For  the  further  direction  of  this  work  we  urge  that  steps  be  taken 
to  unify  and  develop  the  plan  of  work  which  was  already  approved 
by  the  Assembly,  and  was  the  more  confidently  recommended  to 
this  Assembly  after  the  test  of  another  year’s  experience,  as  follows: 

(1)  First  to  procure  in  each  Presbytery  a  corresponding  mem¬ 
ber,  who  shall  be  nominated  by  the  Presbyterial  Home  Missions 
Committee,  and  who  shall  represent  the  Assembly’s  Committee  in 
his  Presbytery. 

(2)  That  each  Synod  be  urged  to  adopt  a  Synodical  policy  of 
evangelistic  work,  and,  as  far  as  possible,  in  harmony  with  the  plan 
of  the  Assembly’s  Committee. 

To  this  end  the  plans  adopted  by  the  Synods  of  Virginia  and 
North  Carolina  are  commended  to  the  other  Synods. 

It  is  earnestly  hoped  that  every  Synod  may  see  its  way  clear  to 
secure  an  able  evangelist  to  operate  within  its  bounds,  and  give  di¬ 
rection  to  its  evangelistic  work. 

(3)  That  evangelistic  conferences  be  held  wherever  practicable, 
that  this  distinctive  service  of  the  Church  may  have  due  consider¬ 
ation. 

(4)  Whenever  practicable,  to  organize  evangelistic  campaigns  in 
churches,  and  simultaneous  campaigns  in  cities  and  Presbyteries, 
that,  by  the  power  of  united  effort,  the  masses  may  be  impressed 
with  the  necessity  of  the  religious  life.  Letters  from  every  part  of 
the  Church,  to  which  your  Committee  has  had  access,  assure  us  of 
a  widespread  and  deepening  interest  in  this  work,  and  we  regard  it 
as  important  that  this  interest  be  cultivated  by  the  circulation  of 
literature,  sent  out  under  the  endorsement  of  the  Committee. 


268 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


(5)  It  is  a  matter  of  special  gratification  that  the  work  has  sup¬ 
ported  itself,  and  at  the  request  of  the  Permanent  Committee  we 
recommend  that  this  be  the  plan  for  the  ensuing  year.  However, 
the  Committee  needs  and  must  have  at  least  one  thousand  dollars 
for  its  necessary  running  expenses,  and  we  recommend  that  the  Perma¬ 
nent  Committee  be  empowered  to  take  such  steps  as  their  wisdom 
suggests  for  raising  this  amount,  and  that  the  Assembly  commend  the 
claims  of  this  work  to  the  liberality  of  our  men  and  women  of 
means,  and  ask  for  it  liberal  free-will  offerings. 

(6)  The  various  Presbyterian  bodies  of  our  continent  are  plan¬ 
ning  for  an  extensive — even  world-wide — evangelistic  campaign,  and 
we  recommend  that  our  Committee  avail  itself  of  the  benefit  to  be 
derived  from  co-operation  in  this  great  movement. 

(7)  That  the  Committee  be  constituted  as  follows:  Rev.  J. 
Ernest  Thacker,  General  Secretary;  C.  R.  Nisbet,  Chairman;  A.  B. 
Curry,  C.  R.  Hemphill,  C.  E.  Diehl,  W.  H.  Raymond,  C.  C.  Gilbert, 
together  with  the  successors  in  the  pastorates  of  W.  M.  Anderson  and 
Geo.  H.  Cornelson  at  Nashville,  Tenn.  Adopted. 

625.  Oversight  oj  vacant  congregations. 

1899,  p.  612.  The  Assembly  recommend  that  its  constituent 
Presbyteries  take  steps  to  assign  each  vacant  congregation  within 
their  respective  bounds  to  the  care  of  some  minister,  whose  duty  it 
shall  be  to  take  charge  of  such  congregation,  supply  them  with 
week-day  preaching,  moderate  the  Session,  and  take  spiritual  over¬ 
sight  of  the  congregation  until  a  minister  can  be  regularly  employed, 
due  care  being  exercised  with  reference  to  expediency. 

626.  Grouping  •  churches. 

» 

1879,  p.  50.  Presbyteries  were  again  advised  so  to  group  the 
churches  now  dependent  on  the  Executive  Committee  as  to  make 
them  more  nearly  self-sustaining,  and  to  examine  with  particular 
care  those  applications  for  aid  which  come  from  long-established 
congregations,  giving — except  under  extraordinary  circumstances — 
decided  preference  to  fresher  fields,  and  such  as  promise  a  speedier 
return. 

1890,  p.  54.  The  Assembly  recommends  that  the  system  of  group¬ 
ing  feeble  churches,  shown  to  be  so  helpful  in  providing  ministerial 
supplies,  be  continued,  and  that  in  forming  groups  churches  in  dif¬ 
ferent  Presbyteries,  and  even  Synods,  may  properly  be  connected 
by  consent  of  the  respective  Presbyteries. 

627.  An  evangelist  for  each  Presbytery. 

1889,  p.  612.  The  Assembly  while  recognizing,  with  gratitude 
to  God,  the  growing  interest  in  evangelism,  manifested  on  every 
hand,  expressed  the  wish,  that  Presbyteries  will  not  relax  their 
efforts  in  this  direction  until  the  evangelist  becomes  a  factor  in  the 
aggressive  work  of  every  Presbytery  in  its  bounds. 


Secs.  624-630] 


Evangelism 


269 


628.  Synodical  Evangelist. 

1883,  p.  38.  Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  answer  the 
overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  of  Missouri,  Potosi,  and  St.  Louis, 
as  follows:  While  fully  appreciating  the  earnest  desire  of  these 
Presbyteries  for  the  enlargement  of  Zion  and  the  strenthening  of  the 
feeble  churches  in  their  bounds,  the  General  Assembly  has  no  au¬ 
thority  for  the  appointment  of  a  Synodical  evangelist  or  Synodical 
superintendent  of  missions. 

1914,  p.  46.  We  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following  items 
of  the  report  of  Systematic  Beneficence  committed  to  us: 

(a)  That  the  General  Assembly  urge  every  Synod  to  organize  the 
work  thoroughly  within  its  own  bounds,  in  order  that  the  needs  of 
the  weaker  Presbyteries  may  be  supplied  through  Synodical  assist¬ 
ance. 

(b)  That  as  a  general  policy,  wherever  it  is  found  practicable, 
each  Synod  be  urged  to  elect  a  Synodical  Superintendent  of  Home 
Missions,  as  has  been  done  in  Virginia,  North  Carolina,  South  Caro¬ 
lina,  Georgia,  Mississippi  and  Missouri. 

(c)  That  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  stimulate 
and  encourage  the  Synods  in  such  Synodical  organization. 

629.  Conference  of  Chairmen  and  Superintendents  of  the  several 

Synods. 

1920,  p.  46.  To  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Louisville, 
endorsed  and  sent  to  the  General  Assembly  at  New  Orleans,  asking 
the  General  Assembly  to  authorize  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home 
Missions  to  hold  a  Conference  of  the  Chairmen  and  Superintendents 
of  the  several  Synods  to  meet  annually  for  the  purpose  of  consider¬ 
ing  the  Home  Mission  task  of  the  Church  and  discuss  together 
methods  of  co-operation  by  the  various  agencies  of  the  Presbytery, 
Synod  and  Assembly,  and  so  presenting  a  unified  Home  Mission  task 
for  the  whole  Church,  your  Committee  recommends  an  affirmative 
answer. 

630.  Extension  of  evangelistic  work  in  Synods  and  Presbyteries 

1911,  p.  37.  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  urges  the  exten¬ 
sion  of  our  evangelistic  work  in  the  Synods  and  Presbyteries,  and 
the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  is  requested  to  lend  its 
aid  to  secure  some  co-ordination  in  this  work  in  our  entire  Church, 
looking  to  its  increased  extension  and  efficiency. 

1913.  p.  60.  To  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Atlanta, 
asking  that  “the  Presbyteries  be  urged  to  appoint  Permanent  Com¬ 
mittees  on  Evangelism,  and  that  the  Stated  Clerks  of  the  Presbyteries 
be  instructed  to  report  to  the  Executive  Secretary  of  the  Assembly’s 
Home  Missions  the  action  of  the  Presbyteries  and  the  names  of  the 
Chairman  and  members  of  the  sub-committee,”  we  recommend  that 
the  Assembly  answer  in  the  affirmative. 


270 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


1914,  p.  42.  The  Home  Mission  Committee  has  laid  the  founda¬ 
tion  for  the  general  evangelistic  movement  in  its  literature  on  the 
subject  of  Evangelism  spread  broadcast  throughout  the  Presbyteries 
of  the  Assembly.  The  campaign  carried  on  by  Dr.  J.  E.  Thacker 
and  Dr.  W.  W.  Orr  has  met  with  marked  success.  Dr.  Orr,  unfor¬ 
tunately,  has  been  able  to  give  us  only  small  portions  of  his  time. 
Dr.  Thacker  reports  as  to  the  result  of  his  year’s  work:  7,212  re¬ 
consecrations,  441  additions  by  letter,  1,168  professions  of  faith,  and 
7  young  men  who  expressed  a  desire  to  study  for  the  ministry.  We 
most  heartily  recommend  the  continuance  of  Dr.  Thacker  in  his 
present  office  and  at  his  present  salary,  and  trust  that  the  Executive 
Committee  may  soon  see  their  way  clear  to  employ  other  workers 
in  the  same  great  field. 

1915,  p.  72.  That  the  program  of  Evangelism  submitted  by  Dr. 
W.  H.  Miley,  and  embodied  in  the  report,  be  endorsed  as  a  sug¬ 
gested  program  for  the  prosecution  of  this  work;  and  that,  in  addi¬ 
tion,  we  strive  to  realize  the  ideal  of  a  Presbyterial  Evangelist  and 
Superintendent  in  every  Presbytery  and  a  Synodical  Superintendent 
in  every  Synod. 

We  reiterate  the  declaration  of  the  Atlanta  Assembly,  that  every 
Presbytery  appoint  a  carefully  chosen  Permanent  Committee  on 
Evangelism,  which  is  to  co-operate  in  every  way  possible  with  the 
Assembly’s  Superintendent  and  sub- Committee  on  Evangelism. 

1916,  p.  32.  That  the  Assembly  again  reiterate  the  declaration 
of  former  Assemblies,  “that  every  Presbytery  appoint  a  carefully 
chosen  Permanent  Committee  on  Evangelism,  which  is  to  co-operate 
in  every  way  possible  with  the  Assembly’s  Superintendent  and  sub¬ 
committee  on  Evangelism.” 

1917,  p.  44.  In  the  Evangelistic  Department,  two  additional 
Evangelists  have  been  elected,  viz:  Rev.  G.  W.  Belk  and  Rev.  G. 
F.  Robertson,  who  now,  with  Dr.  J.  E.  Thacker,  are  our  Assembly 
Evangelists.  Under  the  superintendency  of  Rev.  W.  H.  Miley,  the 
work  has  prospered  and  the  evident  blessing  of  God  has  rested  upon 
it.  The  number  of  persons  added  to  our  Church  on  profession  of 
faith  through  this  department  constitute  about  one-third  of  all  the 
additions  through  Assembly  Home  Mission  agencies,  and  about  eight 
per  cent,  of  the  whole  number  received  by  our  Church  during  the 
year.  Another  important  part  of  the  work  of  this  department  is  its 
educational  and  inspirational  work  in  churches.  Presbyteries,  and 
Synods  through  conferences,  formal  and  informal,  and  through  liter¬ 
ature  seeking  to  stimulate  the  spirit  of  Evangelism  throughout  our 
Church.  The  Superintendent  has  submitted  to  your  Committee  an 
excellent  evangelistic  program  for  our  churches,  covering  the  entire 
coming  year,  which,  after  its  approval  by  the  Executive  Committee, 
we  recommend  to  the  favorable  consideration  of  all  our  pastors  and 
Sessions. 

It  should  be  understood,  further,  that  this  department  is  almost 
self-sustaining.-  The  Assembly’s  Evangelists  receive  no  money  from 
the  Committee’s  treasury,  while  the  expenses  of  the  Superintendent 
and  his  office  are  largely  met  by  private  subscriptions  and  the  offer- 


Secs.  630-631] 


Evangelism 


271 


ings  made  in  the  evangelistic  meetings  held  by  the  Superintendent 
himself. 

1918,  p.  42.  In  Evangelism,  there  have  been  three  Synodical 
Evangelists,  twelve  Presbyterial  Evangelists,  and  about  fifty  others 
whose  work  was  of  a  similar  nature,  and  in  special  Evangelism 
a  Superintendent  and  three  General  Evangelists.  The  Committee 
notes  and  records  with  pleasure  the  faithfulness  and  abundance 
in  labors  of  Dr.  J.  E.  Thacker,  Rev.  G.  W.  Belk,  Rev.  G.  F. 
Robertson,  and  Dr.  W.  H.  Miley,  the  General  Evangelists,  as  well 
as  the  devotion  and  success  of  all  the  other  workers  in  Home  Mis- 

,  ^  I 

sions. 

631.  Superintendent  of  Evangelism. 

1914,  p.  46.  That  the  General  Assembly  authorize  the  office  of 
Superintendent  of  Evangelism  in  connection  with  and  under  the  di¬ 
rection  of  the  Assembly’s  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions, 
this  Superintendent  to  have  charge  of  and  responsibility  for  the 
supervision  and  stimulation  of  evangelistic  work  along  the  lines  of 
Evangelism  in  accord  with  the  theory  and  practice  of  our  Church. 

1915,  p.  70.  In  the  Department  of  Evangelism,  we  rejoice  to  say 
that  the  Executive  Committee  has  a  comprehensive  grasp  of  the  situa¬ 
tion  and  has  addressed  itself  resolutely  to  the  task  of  meeting  the 
same.  We  would  approve  of  the  election  of  Rev.  W.  H.  Miley, 
D.  D.,  to  the  position  of  Superintendent,  and  would  commend  him 
to  the  sympathy  of  the  churches,  assuring  him  of  our  co-operation 
and  prayers.  The  evangelistic  policy,  as  outlined  in  the  Committee’s 
report,  is  given  the  endorsement  of  the  Assembly,  as  is  also  the  pro¬ 
gram  submitted  by  Dr.  Miley,  which  is  hereto  attached — Exhibit  A. 
We  note  that  Dr.  Miley  entered  upon  his  work  November  1,  1914, 
and  during  these  few  months  of  his  incumbency  he  has  conducted 
three  meetings  of  three  weeks  each,  addressed  four  Synods,  two 
Presbyteries,  and  a  number  of  churches.  He  has  arranged  for 
simultaneous  meetings  and  planned  conferences  with  this  end  in 
view. 

1915,  p.  73.  EXHIBIT  A. 

Suggested  Program  for  1915-1916. 

1 .  A  Year  of  Prayer. 

A  constant  waiting  upon  God,  who  alone  can  save  and  fit 
for  service. 

2  .  A  Year  of  Study. 

a.  To  learn  the  facts  in  regard  to  the  whole  field; 

b.  To  discover  the  cause  and  cure  for  every  failure; 

c.  To  acquaint  ourselves  with  the  best  method  employed  by 

others. 

3 .  A  Year  of  Perfecting  Organization. 

f  Every  Church. 

For  Evangelistic  Work  in  ]  Every  Presbytery. 

[Every  Synod. 


272 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


4.  A  Year  of  Concerted  Effort. 

a.  Between  the  Assembly’s  Committee  on  Evangelism,  the 
Church,  and  the  corresponding  committee  of  Presbyteries 
and  Synods. 

b.  In  making  every  church  and  every  organization  of  the 
Church  fruitful  in  saving  the  lost. 

Objectives. 

1 .  An  efficient  Evangelistic  Committee  and  an  Evangelist  in 

every  Presbytery  and  Synod. 

2 .  A  definite,  aggressive  Evangelistic  program  for  every  Synod, 

Presbytery,  Church. 

[  His  own  Evangelist. 

3 .  Every  Pastor  -{  A  Personal  Worker. 

I A  Volunteer  Evangelist. 

4.  Every  Christian  a  zealous  winner  of  souls. 

1916,  p.  31.  We  are  pleased  to  note  the  unusually  large  number 
of  accessions  to  our  Church  during  the  past  year.  The  Superintend¬ 
ent  of  Evangelism  and  our  evangelists  have  done  much  towards 
creating  a  strong  evangelistic  spirit  among  our  people.  The  original 
aim,  policy,  and  spirit  of  this  department  should  be  heartily  en¬ 
couraged. 

1920,  p.  47.  In  this  report  your  Committee  is  asked  to  recommend 
the  election  of  a  Superintendent  of  Evangelism  to  give  his  entire 
time  to  the  work,  and  whose  duties  would  be  the  same  as  those  au¬ 
thorized  by  the  Assembly  of  1914  for  that  office.  We  would  recom¬ 
mend  that  this  matter  of  the  election  of  such  Superintendent  be 
left  entirely  to  the  discretion  of  the  Executive  Committee.  We  note 
that  this  Committee  is  already  authorized,  by  the  action  of  the  As¬ 
sembly  of  1918  in  Durant,  to  create  this  office  and  to  elect  such  a 
Superintendent,  when  in  its  judgment  such  a  measure  shall  be  wise. 

632.  Pre-Assembly  Evangelistic  Conference. 

1921,  p.  40.  That  the  General  Assembly  give  its  hearty  approval 
to  the  Pre-Assembly  Evangelistic  Conference  arranged  by  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee,  and  that  the  Committee  consider  the  advisability  of 
holding  similar  conferences  in  connection  with  future  Assemblies. 
Your  Committee  would  further  recommend  that,  carrying  out  the 
spirit  and  message  of  the  Pre-Assembly  Conference  on  Evangelism, 
this  year  be  made  a  year  of  greater  evangelistic  effort  and  that 
our  next  Assembly  be  designated  as  an  Evangelistic  and  Home  Mis¬ 
sion  Assembly. 

1922,  p.  39.  This  conference  has  now  passed  the  experimental 
stage  and  promises  to  become  a  large  factor  in  developing  an  intel¬ 
ligent  interest  among  the  office  bearers  of  the  Church. 

1922,  p.  43.  The  Assembly  commended  the  Pre- Assembly  Con- 


Secs.  631-637] 


Evangelism 


273 


ference  on  Evangelism  and  requested  the  Executive  Committee  to 
arrange  for  a  like  conference  to  precede  the  meeting  of  next  year. 

633.  Personal  Evangelism. 

1914,  p.  47.  We  recommend  most  earnestly  the  adoption  by  the 
churches  of  our  Assembly  of  some  plan  of  personal  evangelism  dur¬ 
ing  opportune  weeks  of  the  year,  in  which  the  membership  of  the 
churches  shall  be  led  by  their  pastor  and  officers  to  the  great  work 
of  soul-winning. 

634.  Committees  on  Evangelism  and  Presbyterial  Home  Missions 

not  to  be  merged. 

1917,  p.  42.  We  recommend  that  Overture  asking  that  Presby¬ 
teries  be  recommended  to  merge  Committees  on  Evangelism  and 
Presbyterial  Home  Missions,  be  answered  in  the  ngeative. 

635.  Printing  in  the  Minutes  the  names  of  Home  Mission 

Chairmen. 

1917,  p.  42.  Overtures  asking  the  Assembly  to  print  in  the 
Minutes  the  names  and  addresses  of  Synodical,  Presbyterial,  and 
Assembly  Chairmen  of  Home  Missions  and  Evangelism,  we  recom¬ 
mend  be  answered  in  the  affirmative. 

1918,  p.  23.  The  Stated  Clerk  of  the  Assembly  was  directed  to 
omit  from  the  Minutes  of  the  Assembly  the  list  of  Chairmen  of 
Presbyterial  Home  Missions. 

636.  Prison  Evangelist. 

1913,  p.  58.  In  addition  to  evangelistic  work,  the  Committee  se¬ 
cured  the  services  of  Mr.  George  W.  Crabtree  as  Prison  Evangelist. 
He  visits  prisons,  holds  services  for  the  prisoners,  and  seeks  to  arouse 
interest  in  the  churches  for  these  unfortunate  people.  The  work  is 
new  and  as  yet  somewhat  of  the  nature  of  an  experiment. 

1914,  p.  43.  We  desire  to  call  especial  attention  to  the  work 
of  Rev.  G.  W.  Crabtree,  who  has  now  been  engaged  for  a  year  in 
his  remarkable  work  as  Prison  Evangelist.  So  far  as  we  are  in¬ 
formed,  it  is  the  only  work  of  this  character  carried  on  by  any  de¬ 
nomination  for  these  unfortunate  classes.  The  following  surprising 
and  gratifying  results  are  reported  of  this  work:  Number  of  pris¬ 
oners  addressed,  10,253;  number  of  confessions,  3,611;  number  of 
letters  in  churches,  58;  collections  and  donations,  $725.52. 

637.  Evangelization  of  the  Jews  in  our  bounds. 

1890,  p.  24.  The  Assembly  urges  the  Synods  to  take  such  steps 
as  they  may  deem  wise  for  the  evangelization  of  the  Jews  within 
their  bounds. 


274 


Home  Missions 


[ Book  IV 


1894,  p.  202.  The  General  Assembly  enjoins  upon  all  our  min¬ 
isters  the  duty  of  preaching  the  gospel  to  the  Jews  in  private  as  well 
as  in  public,  and  would  urge  all  our  officers  and  members,  in  their 
intercourse  with  God’s  ancient  people,  to  improve  every  opportunity 
to  labor  and  earnestly  pray  for  the  removal  of  spiritual  blindness 
from  the  eyes  of  those  in  whom  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  have 
been  blessed. 

We  deem  it  unwise  at  this  time  to  employ  an  evangelist  to  labor 
among  the  Jews  in  this  country. 

1895,  p.  407.  The  Assembly  while  substantially  renewing  the 
action  of  1894  above,  instructed  the  Executive  Committee  to  gather 
information  and  report  to  the  next  Assembly  what  opening  there  is 
for  work  among  this  people,  and  what  measures  are  practicable  for 
reaching  them. 

1896,  p.  592.  Your  Executive  Committee  has  obeyed  the  instruc¬ 
tions  of  the  General  Assembly  of  1895,  in  gathering  information  in 
regard  to  openings  for  work  among  the  Israelites,  and  in  devising 
practicable  measures  for  reaching  them,  and  has  formulated  the  fol¬ 
lowing  plan,  which  your  Standing  Committee  recommends  for  the 
adoption  of  the  General  Assembly: 

This  plan,  as  given  on  p.  8  of  the  Executive  Committee’s  printed 
report,  is  as  follows:  We  suggest — 

1.  The  propriety  of  a  distinct  and  earnest  expression  on  the  part 
of  this  Assembly  of  its  profound  interest  in  and  of  its  desire  for  the 
welfare,  temporal  and  spiritual,  of  this  race,  of  which  our  Lord  was, 
according  to  the  flesh,  a  member. 

2.  That  the  Assembly  shall  call  the  attention  of  its  lower  courts, 
its  ministers,  church  officers  and  members  to  the  duty  and  privilege 
of  showing  special  kindness  to  this  race,  for  which  God  surely  has 
great  things  in  store. 

3.  That  the  suggestion  be  made  to  our  ministers  to  present  to 
the  Israelites  in  their  communities,  from  the  pulpits,  if  possible,  or 
in  any  other  practicable  way  the  evidences  which  show  that  Jesus 
was  the  Messiah. 

4.  That  wherever  it  can  be  done,  our  ministers  and  others  be 
advised  to  form  missions  to  the  Jews  of  their  vicinity,  as  was  re¬ 
cently  done  in  St.  Louis,  and  has  been  done  in  other  cities  | 

5.  That  our  lower  courts  be  advised  to  watch  for  opportunity  to 
set  consecrated  Christians  to  work  as  missionaries  to  the  people  of 
Israel  in  each  locality  of  this  Southland,  where  this  may  be  practi¬ 
cable. 

6.  That  the  General  Assembly’s  Executive  Committee  of  Home 
Missions  is  authorized  to  give  any  aid  in  its  power  to  inaugurate  or 
to  help  this  work. 

For  a  summary  of  the  information  reported  by  the  Committee, 
see  p.  625  of  the  Minutes. 

1905,  p.  27.  The  Assembly  declined  to  direct  its  Executive  Com¬ 
mittees  of  Home  and  Foreign  Missions  and  Publication  to  give 
careful  consideration  to  the  cause  of  evangelistic  work  among  our 
Hebrew  population,  but  urged  upon  pastors  and  Sessions  to  re- 


Secs.  637-638] 


Evangelism 


275 


member  them  continually  in  their  prayers,  and  seek  by  personal  effort 
their  salvation. 

1911,  p.  38.  Five  overtures  with  reference  to  work  amongst  the 
Jews  have  been  placed  in  the  hands  of  your  committee.  The  Presby¬ 
teries  of  North  Mississippi,  and  of  Memphis,  request  the  Assembly 
to  establish  a  mission  work  at  once  at  some  place  within  our  bounds. 
We  recommend  in  reply  to  these  overtures  that  the  Assembly  ex¬ 
press  its  deep  and  tender  interest  in  the  Jews,  as  the  chosen  people 
of  God,  and  would  urge  upon  individual  churches  within  our  bounds 
to  consider  seriously  the  prosecution  of  such  work  wherever  there 
is  an  opportunity  for  doing  so. 

Overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  of  Mississippi  and  Cherokee,  and 
from  the  Woman’s  Missionary  Union  of  Mississippi,  request  the  As¬ 
sembly  to  direct  the  Home  Mission  Committee  to  open  its  books  for 
the  reception  of  funds  for  the  establishment  of  a  work  amongst 
the  Jews  when  a  sufficient  amount  has  been  secured  for  that  pur¬ 
pose. 

Your  Committee  would  recommend  in  reply  to  these  overtures  that 
the  Assembly  direct  its  Committee  of  Home  Missions  to  invite  volun¬ 
tary  contributions  for  this  purpose,  and  undertake  such  work  as  soon 
as  in  the  judgment  of  the  committee  the  way  be  clear. 

1913,  p.  59.  The  Committee  has  been  unable,  for  lack  of  funds, 
in  spite  of  repeated  appeals,  to  start  a  mission  for  the  Jews. 

1914,  p.  45.  In  response  to  the  resolutions  and  recommendations 
of  the  Committee  of  Systematic  Beneficence,  placed  in  our  hands, 
we  recommend  that  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  pro¬ 
ceed  at  once  to  investigate  the  needs  and  work  among  the  Jews  in 
the  bounds  of  our  Assembly;  ascertain  the  best  methods  to  be  pur¬ 
sued  in  meeting  these  needs,  and  suggest  in  their  next  report  to  the 
General  Assembly  a  definite  program  for  this  work. 

1920,  p.  43.  The  Home  Mission  Committee  has  been  correspond¬ 
ing  with  the  Home  Mission  Committee  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
U.  S.  A  .,  as  to  the  feasibility  of  conducting  a  joint  Jewish  mission 
in  the  city  of  Baltimore.  The  details  of  the  arrangement  have  been 
worked  out,  and  it  is  now  in  full  operation. 

1922,  p.  42.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Lexington,  peti¬ 
tioning  the  General  Assembly  to  consider  the  question  of  providing 
an  annual  budget  for  the  work  of  Jewish  Evangelism,  out  of  the 
General  Assembly’s  Home  Mission  funds,  so  that  this  work  may  be 
conducted  more  efficiently.  The  Presbytery  further  overtures  the 
Assembly  to  consider  the  question  of  engaging  independently  in  the 
work  of  Jewish  evangelization. 

To  this  we  would  reply  that  the  work  already  begun  will  be  en¬ 
larged  by  the  Executive  Committee  as  means  are  provided.  To 
this  end  all  our  people  are  urged  to  support  our  own  work  among 
the  Jews,  rather  than  independent  irresponsible  missions. 

638.  Seamen. 

1879,  p.  19.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  New  Orleans,  ask- 


276 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


ing  the  Assembly  “to  take  under  its  special  consideration  the  matter 
of  the  religious  instruction  and  conversion  of  seamen  and  boatmen,” 
etc. 

Answer:  1.  The  Assembly  commends  the  efforts  of  the  Presby¬ 
tery  of  New  Orleans  to  bring  seamen  under  Christian  influence. 

2.  The  Assembly  recommends  to  the  several  Presbyteries  who 
have  access  to  this  class  of  people,  to  do  all  they  can  for  their 
evangelization. 

3.  The  Committee  of  Sustentation  is  hereby  authorized  to  grant 
such  aid  as  may  be  in  its  power  to  this  enterprise;  subject,  however, 
to  all  the  regulations  which  govern  the  Committee  in  making  similar 
appropriations;  and  that  Rev.  A.  J.  Witherspoon,  chaplain  of  the 
Seamen’s  Bethel  of  New  Orleans,  be  requested  to  co-operate  with 
the  Assembly’s  Committee  of  Sustentation. 

4.  The  Assembly  affectionately  commends  to  the  prayers  and 
alms  of  its  people  that  class  of  men  “that  go  down  to  the  sea  in 
ships,  and  do  business  in  great  waters,”  and  invites  them  to  pray 
for  the  coming  of  that  day  when  the  abundance  of  the  sea  shall  be 
converted  unto  the  Lord,  and  mariners  shall  become  missionaries 
to  carry  the  gospel  to  the  distant  parts  of  the  earth. 

1882,  p.  562.  Inasmuch  as  deep  interest  is  felt  in  several  places 
among  seamen,  it  is  recommended  that  the  Executive  Committee  be 
authorized  to  organize  such  a  work  in  whatever  places  the  opening 
may  seem  favorable. 

1885,  p.  424.  With  reference  to  the  work  among  seamen  at 
Charleston  and  New  Orleans,  the  Assembly  reaffirmed  its  deep  in¬ 
terest  in  this  important  work.  It  commended  the  brethren  in  charge 
of  these  enterprises  to  the  warm  sympathy  and  generous  aid  of  our 
churches  and  people  in  their  efforts  to  enlarge  the  sphere  and  extend 
the  influence  of  their  work,  and  expressed  the  hope  that  in  all  our 
seaports  similar  institutions  might  be  established  and  maintained. 
(This  resolution  was  repeated  in  1886.) 

The  Assembly  from  time  to  time  renewed  its  former  expressions 
of  interest  in,  and  endorsement  of  the  Bethel  work  among  seamen, 
commending  such  to  the  prayers  and  support  of  the  churches.  (See 
1888,  p.  411;  1889,  p.  568;  1890,  p.  59;  1891,  p.  240;  1892,  p. 
418;  1893,  p.  9;  1894,  p.  199;  1895,  p.  403;  1896,  p.  604.) 

639.  Army  Chaplains. 

1889,  p.  604.  The  Assembly  declined  to  join  in  a  memorial,  urg¬ 
ing  Congress  to  increase  the  ministerial  service  of  the  army  until 
a  chaplain  be  provided  for  every  post  occupied  by  troops. 

640.  War  Work. 

1918,  p.  43.  That  the  Committee’s  part  in  the  promotion  of  the 
recent  Three  Million  Dollar  Campaign  be  approved;  that  its  action 
in  connection  with  War  Work  be  approved;  and  that  it  be  authorized 


Secs.  638-643] 


Evangelism 


277 


to  co-operate  in  every  way  practicable,  so  far  as  it  may  be  asked  to 
do  so,  in  the  further  pressing  of  these  great  enterprises. 

1919,  p.  42.  That  the  Assembly  express  its  appreciation  of  the 
assistance  given  by  the  Executive  Committee  to  the  work  for  soldiers 
during  the  past  year. 

641.  After  the  War  Problems. 

1919,  p.  51.  From  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions, 
asking  the  Assembly  to  appoint  a  Committee  to  prepare  and  issue 
a  testimony  for  our  Church  upon  the  After-the-War  Problems,  and 
that  particular  attention  be  given  to  such  questions  as  the  Negro 
Problem,  the  Labor  Problem,  the  so-called  Soldier  Problem,  due  to 
the  peculiar  situation  resulting  from  the  close  of  the  war  and  the 
demobilization  of  millions  of  soldiers,  and  the  appealing  and  chal¬ 
lenging  situation  presented  by  world  unrest. 

Answer. — The  request  is  granted,  and  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Home  Missions  instructed  to  prepare  and  send  out  such  a  message 
and  testimony. 

642.  Use  Lavmen. 

o' 

1918,  p.  43.  That  the  Assembly  call  to  the  Church  to  advance, 
to  meet  the  great  needs  of  the  country,  the  demands  for  new  under¬ 
takings,  and  the  opportunities  that  increasingly  challenge  its  devo¬ 
tion;  and  that  in  the  presence  of  these  great  needs  and  of  the  condi¬ 
tions  which  are  likely  to  follow  the  war,  the  largest  possible  use 
be  made  of  qualified  laymen  for  such  phases  of  the  Home  Mission 
Work  as  they  may  be  able  to  compass. 

643.  Pastoral  letter  regarding  our  soldiers. 

1918,  p.  58-ff.  The  Select  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  let¬ 
ter  to  our  churches  regarding  our  soldiers  made  the  following  report 
which  was  adopted: 

We  recommend  that  the  following  letter  be  sent  down  by  this 
Assembly,  to  be  read  in  all  churches: 

The  coming  of  large  bodies  of  young  men  into  the  government 
cantonments  is  thrusting  on  our  Church  a  duty  and  privilege  such 
as  has  not  been  witnessed  in  this  generation. 

In  this  crisis  there  are  a  number  of  considerations  which  are 
forced  upon  the  hearts  of  thoughtful  Christian  men,  namely: 

First.  Our  duty  to  give  to  each  of  our  soldiers  all  that  Chris¬ 
tianity  has  to  offer  them  to  satisfy  the  soul  in  definitf  preparation 
for  their  future  life. 

Second.  The  opportunity  of  our  Cnurch  to  square  itself  in  the 
eyes  of  these  young  men  as  being  the  institution  able  and  anxious 
to  give  them  definite  knowledge  of  a  Saviour  from  sin. 

Third.  The  fact  that  the  men  of  our  Church  are  not  even  measur¬ 
ably  coming  up  to  their  full  duty  in  these  vital  and  urgent  responsi¬ 
bilities. 

Our  young  men  are  thinking  seriously  as  never  before.  In  all  the 
efforts  which  have  been  made  to  present  ihe  claims  of  a  Saviour 
from  sin  directly  to  the  individual  man  no  instance  has  been  recorded 


278 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


where  the  offer  was  not  appreciated,  and  in  many  cases  it  was  eagerly 
received.  They  are  hungry  for  that  which  will  give  them  a  certainty 
of  hope  and  a  real  assurance  of  soul  salvation;  the  present  situation 
is  a  direct  challenge  to  our  men  to  give  each  man  in  the  camps  a 
chance  to  make  an  open  confession;  and  this  challenge  is  more  urgent 
for  the  reason  that  much  precious  time  is  being  wasted  by  Christian 
leaders  in  presenting  ethics,  patriotism  and  other  non-essentials,  and 
for  the  reason  that  it  is  sometimes  stated  to  the  men  that  the  supreme 
sacrifice  of  patriotism  will  take  the  place  of  repentance  and  acceptance 
of  a  personal  Saviour. 

Many  thousand  of  these  young  men  are  in  an  attitude  of  indifference 
to  the  Church,  or  even  an  aversion  to  any  acknowledgement  of  its 
claims  upon  their  personal  allegiance;  this  crisis  in  their  lives,  and 
their  impressionable  condition  of  mind  now  present  to  the  men  of 
our  Church  the  supreme  duty  of  redeeming  the  time  and  pressing  home 
to  each  man  the  truths  of  the  Gospel;  and  for  the  further  reason  that 
they  may  come  back,  if  it  may  be,  under  a  deeper  sense  of  allegiance 
to  the  Church,  and  as  owing  a  debt  of  gratitude  for  the  interest  of 
the  Church  in  their  real  welfare. 

Wholly  inadequate  to  the  bigness  of  this  task  are  the  plans  and 
equipment  so  far  provided  or  attempted  by  our  men,  though  our  own 
men  have  given  their  money,  with  that  of  many  worldly  men,  to 
provide  amusements  and  conveniences,  some  of  which  are  questionable 
or  distinctly  harmful,  and  yet  they  have  not  made  liberal  provision 
for  reaching  these  men  with  the  Gospel. 

Our  day  of  privilege  is  rapidly  passing;  thousands  of  our  young 
men  have  passed  through  our  midst  without  a  word  from  our  con¬ 
secrated  laymen  and  earnest  ministry,  because  they  are  asleep  to 
the  call  of  the  hour;  will  the  men  of  our  Church  continue  to  permit 
this  drama  to  pass  on  to  tragedy? 

We  therefore  call  upon  our  men  to  rise  to  the  occasion  and  with 
consecrated  and  patriotic  fervor  undertake  big  things  for  our  boys 
in  khaki,  our  brothers  and  sons  in  race  and  patriotism. 

And  in  order  that  the  efforts  of  men  may  have  a  definite  purpose, 
it  is  suggested: 

First.  That  the  men  of  our  Church  take  it  upon  themselves  to 
speak  to  the  selectmen  in  their  own  community  at  the  time  the  boys 
are  called  to  service,  giving  each  one  a  word  of  encouragement  and 
pressing  the  personal  acceptance  and  confession  of  the  Saviour. 

Second.  That  liberal  support  and  active  co-operation  be  given 
to  the  work  of  our  War  Work  Council,  and  particularly  to  the  efforts 
of  our  camp  pastors  in  the  cantonments. 

Third.  That  the  men  of  our  Church  use  their  utmost  personal 
efforts  and  influence  against  allowing  to  be  placed  in  reach  of  our 
soldiers,  temptations  to  vice  and  immorality,  and  that  they  promote 
in  every  way  those  agencies  and  associations  producing  good  morals. 

Rev.  W.  R.  Dobyns,  D.  D.,  then  addressed  the  Assembly  concern¬ 
ing  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  work  in  the  Army  Camps. 

The  following  resolution,  offered  by  Rev.  T.  D.  Wesley,  was 
adopted : 

Resolved ,  That  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  United  States  most  earnestly  prays  that  God’s  blessing  may  rest 
upon  our  boys  serving  under  the  colors. 

644.  Work  of  Dr.  J.  Ernest  Thacker. 

1911,  p.  37.  We  recommend  that  the  Rev.  J.  Ernest  Thacker, 
D.  D.,  be  re-elected  evangelist  for  one  year,  and  that  the  Executive 
Committee  of  Home  Missions  consider  the  advisability  of  paying  him 


Secs.  643-645] 


Evangelism 


279 


a  salary  rather  than  continuing  the  present  arrangement  as  recom¬ 
mended  by  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence, 
(Exhibit  C.,  part  2,  No.  1). 

1912,  p.  46.  Your  committee  recommends  that  the  General  As¬ 
sembly  give  its  endorsement  to  Home  Mission  Week,  and  direct 
the  money  to  be  used  as  requested. 

As  the  term  of  the  Special  Evangelist,  Rev.  J.  E.  Thacker,  D.  D., 
expires  at  this  time,  we  recommend  his  re-election  under  the  same 
terms  and  conditions  as  heretofore.  We  further  recommend  that 
the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  be  authorized  to  secure 
two  more  general  evangelists,  at  a  salary  for  each  not  to  exceed 
$2,500.00  per  annum,  to  labor  in  our  smaller  churches  and  more 
destitute  parts  of  our  territory. 

1912,  p.  46.  Similar  action;  also  1913,  p.  61,  and  1914,  p.  45. 

1915,  p.  70.  Rev.  J.  E.  Thacker,  D.  D.,  General  Evangelist,  con¬ 
tinues  to  give  satisfaction  throughout  the  Church,  being  very  much 
in  demand  and  blessed  with  results  under  God.  We  especially  call 
attention  to  the  fact  that  under  his  ministry  during  the  year  1,257 
have  made  confession  of  faith  in  Christ;  five  have  expressed  a  pur¬ 
pose  to  study  for  the  ministry;  7,441  have  expressed  a  desire  to 
live  more  for  God’s  glory  and  for  the  good  of  the  Church.  In  this 
work  Dr.  Thacker  has  been  ably  assisted  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  George 
A.  Fisher,  who  continue  to  direct  the  music  in  his  services. 

1916,  p.  41.  The  following  resolution  concerning  the  work  of 
Rev.  J.  E.  Thacker,  D.  D.,  Evangelist,  was  adopted. 

Resolved,  That  the  General  Asembly  express  to  Dr.  J.  E.  Thacker, 
our  Assembly  Evangelist,  its  deep  appreciation  of  the  work  done  by  him 
the  past  seven  years  in  stirring  up  the  spirit  of  Evangelism  in  our 
churches,  as  manifest  in  the  increased  numbers  added  on  profession  of 
faith,  and  that  Dr.  Thacker  be  cordially  commended  to  all  pastors 
and  Sessions  desiring  special  services  in  their  churches  as  a  thoroughly 
safe,  sane  and  helpful  evangelist. 

645.  Service  of  Drs.  J.  A.  Bryan ,  R.  F.  Kirkpatrick,  and  John 

McNeill. 

1915,  p.  70.  The  Committee  would  express  its  appreciation  of 
the  splendid  service  rendered  by  the  Rev.  J.  A.  Bryan,  voluntarily 
rendered,  who  has  been  constant  and  indefatigable  in  evangelistic 
zeal,  and  who  had  the  privilege  of  leading  two  hundred  and  forty- 
two  into  the  Presbyterian  Church,  with  about  the  same  number  join¬ 
ing  other  denominations,  and  twenty-seven  joining  the  Presbyterian 
Church  by  letter.  Mr.  Bryan  is  an  illustration  of  the  possibilities 
in  the  Church,  if  we  could  enlist  every  minister  in  this  voluntary 
evangelistic  work. 

1920,  p.  47.  We  desire  also  to  endorse  most  heartily  the  recog¬ 
nition  given  by  the  Committee  of  Systematic  Beneficience  to  the  splen¬ 
did  service  rendered  by  Rev.  R.  F.  Kirkpatrick,  D.  D.,  in  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee’s  Department  of  Evangelism.  Much  of  the  success 
in  this  realm  of  their  work  during  the  past  year  is  due  to  his  leader¬ 
ship. 


280 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


1920,  p.  46.  The  Committee  also  desires  that  the  General  Assem¬ 
bly  place  on  record  its  profound  appreciation  of  the  helpful  and 
inspiring  address  of  Rev.  John  McNeill,  D.  D.,  and  to  thank  him 
heartily  for  this  valuable  service. 

646.  Salaries  of  Evangelists. 

1921,  p.  40.  An  overture  from  the  Synod  of  West  Virginia  “That 
the  Assembly  instruct  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions 
to  revise  its  plan  authorizing  and  employing  general  and  regional 
Evangelists,  with  a  view  to  using  only  such  ministers  in  these  posotions 
as  are  willing  to  devote  all  their  time  to  the  work  on  a  definite  salary, 
and  to  report  and  forward  to  the  Executive  Committee  on  Home  Mis¬ 
sions  all  offerings  made  in  connection  with  their  Evangelistic  Work.” 

Your  Committee  recommends  the  following  answer:  That  the 
Assembly  approve  the  present  plan  of  the  Executive  Committee,  in 
the  conduct  of  the  Evangelistic  work,  with  the  suggestion  that  they 
consider  the  advisability  of  fixing  the  maximum  limit  for  the  re¬ 
muneration  of  their  evangelists. 

% 

647.  Irregular  Evangelism. 

1909,  p.  55.  In  view  of  the  existence  and  activity  of  a  number 
of  organizations  and  agencies,  more  or  less  independent  of  either 
ecclesiastical  connection  or  control,  engaged  in  various  Home  Mis¬ 
sion  and  Evangelistic  enterprises  throughout  the  country;  and  in 
view  of  the  varying  character,  some  of  them  being  much  more  worthy 
than  others,  this  Assembly  calls  the  attention  of  the  Presbyteries 
and  churches  to  the  fact  that  our  regular  Home  Mission  organiza¬ 
tion  can  receive  and  disburse,  safely  and  efficiently,  all  the  benefi¬ 
cence  of  our  people  for  Home  Mission  purposes,  and  that  our  Perma¬ 
nent  Committee  on  Evangelistic  work  is  prepared  to  furnish  full 
information  and  advice  on  all  matters  of  an  evangelistic  character. 

648.  Combined  with  Home  Missions. 

1910,  p.  21.  In  accordance  with  the  recommendation  of  the  ad 
interim  Committee  on  the  Co-ordination  of  the  Executive  Committees 
it  was  decided  to  combine  the  Evangelistic  work  with  Home  Mis¬ 
sions. 

1917,  p.  45.  That  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Piedmont, 
asking  that  the  Assembly  “set  the  Department  of  Evangelism  off  to 
itself,”  be  answered  in  the  negative. 

1918,  p.  44.  That  to  the  Overtures  of  the  Assembly’s  Executive 
Committee  of  Home  Missions  and  the  Presbyteries  of  Atlanta,  Con¬ 
cord,  Ebenezer,  Louisville,  and  Mecklenburg,  touching  the  Depart¬ 
ment  of  Evangelism,  the  Superintendency  of  Evangelism,  the  Com¬ 
mittee  that  shall  have  charge  of  Evangelism,  the  appointment  of 
Evangelists,  and  arrangement  of  places  of  labor  of  Evangelists,  and 
the  means  and  methods  of  providing  for  the  maintenance  of  Special 


Secs.  645-650] 


Evangelism 


281 


Evangelism  in  its  Superintendency  and  in  its  field  work,  the  follow¬ 
ing  reply  be  made:  The  Assembly  hereby  directs  that  the  Depart¬ 
ment  of  Evangelism  be  continued  under  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Home  Missions,  being  recognized  and  administered  as  one  of  the 
regular  Departments  of  the  Committee’s  work  on  an  equal  footing 
with  the  other  Departments;  that  the  Executive  Committee  stress  the 
Department  and  its  work  as  far  as  possible;  that  the  Committee  be 
given  entire  charge  of  this  Department  and  its  work,  as  to  its  methods, 
supervision,  superintendents,  appointments,  selection  of  workers  for 
field  or  office,  payment  of  the  same,  and  method  of  securing  the  funds 
for  the  support  of  the  superintendence  or  field  work;  and  that  the 
Executive  Committee  be  instructed  by  the  Assembly  to  adequately 
finance  the  work  of  Evangelism. 

1919,  p.  41.  The  Executive  Committee,  in  accordance  with  the 
action  of  the  last  General  Assembly,  is  following  the  Evangelistic 
policy  as  ordered  by  that  Assembly.  Arrangements  and  assignments 
have  been  made  as  follows: 

1.  General  Evangelists,  who  are  “responsible  for  their  own  ap¬ 
pointments  and  support”  and  who  are  required  to  report  to  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee:  Rev.  J.  E.  Thacker,  D.  D.,  Rev.  G.  W.  Belk,  Rev. 
Trigg  A.  M.  Thomas,  D.  D.,  and  Rev.  F.  E.  Fincher. 

2.  Regional  Evangelists,  whose  salaries  are  provided  by  the 
Executive  Committee,  and  who  are  “under  the  direction  and  control” 
of  the  Committee:  Rev.  W.  H.  Miley,  D.  D.,  and  Rev.  R.  A.  Brown. 
The  former  has  been  laboring  in  those  “sections  where  there  was 
urgent  need  for  his  services.”  The  latter,  since  the  first  of  April, 
has  been  engaged  in  Arkansas  and  Oklahoma. 

3.  Volunteer  Evangelists:  These  are  pastors  who  volunteer  to 
hold  one  or  more  meetings  during  the  year  under  the  direction  of 
the  Executive  Committee.  More  than  eighty  pastors  have  offered 
their  services  for  this  work. 

649.  Annual  report  of  Committee  as  text-book. 

1921,  p.  41.  The  annual  report  of  the  Executive  Committee 
was  commended  to  ministers,  Sunday  School  classes,  women’s  so^ 
cieties  and  mission  study  classes  as  a  complete  and  inspiring  text¬ 
book  on  our  great  Home  Mission  work. 

650.  Joint  Evangelism. 

1921,  p.  69.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  New  Orleans,  asks 
our  General  Assembly  to  issue  an  overture  to  all  the  Church  of 
Christ  in  America,  asking  them  to  set  apart  the  year  of  1922  as  a 
year  of  prayer  and  preparation,  and  the  year  of  1923  as  a  year  in 
which  all  denominations  will  conduct  a  nation-wide  simultaneous  evan¬ 
gelistic  campaign  for  the  purpose  of  winning  this  country  for  Christ. 
In  rply  to  this  overture,  we  recommend  that  this  Assembly  instruct 
the  Moderator  to  enter  into  correspondence  with  the  President  of  the 
Federal  Council  of  the  Churches  of  Christ  in  America  by  sending 


282 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


him  the  following  message,  together  with  such  explanations  as  may 
seem  wise  to  the  Moderator:  “The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presby¬ 
terian  Church  in  the  United  States  requests  the  Federal  Council  of 
the  Churches  of  Christ  in  America,  through  its  President  and  Com¬ 
mission  on  Evangelism,  to  consider  seriously  the  advisability  of  is¬ 
suing  a  call  to  all  Evangelical  Churches  in  America  to  enter  upon 
a  nation-wide,  simultaneous  evangelistic  campaign  for  the  winning 
for  Christ  the  millions  of  people  in  our  country  who  do  not  know 
or  acknowledge  Him.  Such  a  campaign  should  be  preceded  by  a  long 
period  of  prayer  and  preparation,  and  should  continue  for  such  length 
of  time  as  the  Spirit  may  direct.  The  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  believes  the  time  is  ripe 
for  such  a  campaign.” 


II.  Church  Erection. 

651.  Church  extension. 

1861,  p.  35.  In  view  of  the  service  rendered  by  the  Church 
Extension  Committee,  as  organized  under  the  Old  Assembly,  and 
the  importance  of  continuing  to  extend  aid  to  feeble  churches  in  erect¬ 
ing  church  edifices,  the  duties  of  that  committee  were  put  in  charge 
of  the  Committee  on  Domestic  Missions,  until  otherwise  ordered 
by  the  General  Assembly. 

652.  By-laws  about  church  edifices  amended. 

1879,  p.  50.  The  words,  “and  will  clear  it  of  debt,”  were  added 
to  Sec.  III.,  By-law  5,  so  as  to  read,  “that  the  amount  appropriated 
by  this  committee  will  be  sufficient  to  put  the  house  in  a  condition 
to  be  used  for  public  worship  and  will  clear  it  of  debt.” 

653.  Loans  for  church  edifices. 

1885,  p.  '422.  “At  the  discretion  of  the  Committee  of  Home  Mis¬ 
sions,  appropriations  to  aid  in  repairs  or  erecting  church  edifices  may 
be  made,  not  as  donations,  but  as  loans  without  interest,  which  shall 
be  subject  to  the  same  conditions  as  donations,  and  to  the  following 
in  addition:  That  the  church  regards  this  loan  as  a  debt  of  honor, 
to  be  refunded  by  annual  installments  within  five  years.” 

654.  Collection  for  Church  Erection. 

1888,  p.  410.  The  General  Assembly  directed  a  regular  annual 
collection  for  the  cause  of  Church  Erection  to  be  taken  up  in  the 
churches  on  the  first  Sunday  in  February,  or  as  soon  thereafter  as 
practicable. 

1889,  p.  600.  It  was  ordered  that,  if  needed,  an  additional 
column  be  added  to  the  statistical  reports  for  Church  Erection. 


283 


Secs.  650-659]  Church  Erection 

655.  Mortgage  on  edifices  where  aid  has  been  given  in, building. 

1888,  p.  412.  The  overture  asking  that  a  first  mortgage  be  re¬ 
quired  on  church  property  in  all  cases  where  the  congregation  is 
aided  by  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  in  erecting 
a  church  edifice,  was  answered  in  the  negative. 

656.  Loans  in  building  churches. 

1890,  p.  55.  The  Assembly  directed  the  Executive  Committee, 
in  the  matter  of  Church  Erection,  to  substitute  loans  for  donations 
in  all  practicable  cases. 

657.  Moore  Fund. 

1895,  p.  440.  William  A.  Moore,  for  several  years  a  member 
of  the  Executive  Committee,  left  by  his  will,  to  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  $5,000  as  a  Loan  Fund  to  be  loaned  at  3  per  cent,  to  feeble 
congregations  to  enable  them  to  erect  houses  of  worship. 

1901,  p.  40.  It  is  the  judgment  of  the  Assembly  that  no  restric¬ 
tion  should  be  thrown  around  the  Moore  Loan  Fund  other  than  Mr. 
Moore  and  the  Assembly  ordered. 

658.  Susanna  P.  Lees  legacy  fund. 

1913,  p.  70-g.  We  suggest  that  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery 
of  Louisville,  concerning  the  Susanna  P.  Lees  legacy  fund,  amounting 
to  the  sum  of  ten  thousand  dollars,  be  answered  in  the  affirmative. 

We  further  suggest  that  the  said  sum  of  ten  thousand  dollars  be 
turned  over  to  a  committee,  consisting  of  Judge  John  Stites,  Dr.  J. 
S.  Lyons,  and  Dr.  Henry  H.  Sweets,  of  Louisville,  Ky.,  to  be  used 
in  the  erection  of  a  suitable  building  when  a  similar  sum  is  raised 
by  the  congregation  of  the  James  Lees  Memorial  Church,  of  Louis¬ 
ville,  Ky. ;  one-half  of  said  contribution  must  be  in  cash  and  the 
balance  covered  with  good  and  sufficient  pledges. 

659.  Church  erection — Manual  to  be  changed. 

1903,  p.  493.  The  Assembly’s  Manual  shall  be  so  amended  as  to, 
make  it  conform  to  the  following  plan;  this  plan  shall  go  into 
active  operation  at  once. 

1.  No  appropriation  shall  be  made  to  aid  in  repairing  or  erect¬ 
ing  a  church  edifice  except  where  the  Presbyterial  Committee  of 
Missions  shall  certify:  (1)  That  the  congregation  themselves  have 
not  the  means  to  do  it.  (2)  That  no  application  has  already  been 
made  to  the  churches  which  are  expected  to  contribute  to  the  general 
fund.  (3)  That  the  amount  appropriated  by  this  Committee  will  be 
payable  only  when  the  building  shall  have  reached  a  stage  free  from 
debt  from  which  this  money  will  be  sufficient  to  put  the  house  in 
condition  to  be  used  for  public  worship  and  leave  it  free  from  debt. 

2.  Ordinarily  no  grant  or  loan  for  church  erection  shall  be  made 


284 


Home  Missions 


[  Book  IV 


to  any  congregation,  unless  such  congregation  own  in  fee  simple, 
and  free  from  all  encumbrances,  the  lot  on  which  their  house  of  wor¬ 
ship  is  situated,  or  on  which  they  propose  to  build;  provided,  how¬ 
ever,' that  in  case  a  church  is  building  upon  leasehold  property  the 
Committee,  at  its  discretion  in  extraordinary  cases,  may  make  such 
grant  or  loan,  taking  such  precautions  by  way  of  security  or  other¬ 
wise  as  will  protect  the  church  therein. 

3.  The  sum  granted  to  any  congregation  shall  never  be  more  than 
one-half  of  the  amount  contributed,  i.  e.,  one-third  of  the  entire 


cost. 


4.  In  all  ordinary  cases,  the  grant  to  any  church  shall  not  ex¬ 
ceed  $500;  and  in  making  grants  the  Committee  shall  give  special 
consideration  and  preference  to  the  weaker  churches  and  less  costly 
buildings,  when  other  things  are  equal. 

5.  The  Committee  is  directed,  whenever  practicable  and  in  ac¬ 
cordance  with  the  best  interests  of  the  church  aided,  to  engage  with 
said  church,  that  the  amount  shall  be  regarded  as  a  loan,  without 
interest,  and  to  be  repaid  to  the  Committee  in  specified  annual  pay¬ 
ments. 

6.  The  appropriation,  whether  grant  or  loan,  is  subject  to  the 
following  conditions,  to- wit:  That  in  case  the  church  or  congrega¬ 
tion  shall  cease  to  be  connected  with  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States,  or  their  house  of  worship 
be  alienated,  except  for  the  building  or  purchase  of  a  better  house 
of  worship,  they  shall  refund  to  the  Committee  the  amount  they 
have  so  received. 

7.  When  the  appropriation  is  a  loan  (then  unless  other  satis¬ 
factory  security  be  accepted)  a  mortgage  upon  the  church  prop¬ 
erty,  duly  executed  and  acknowledged  by  the  church,  through  their 
legally  appointed  representatives,  and  recorded  in  the  County  Clerk’s 
or  Recorder’s  office,  shall  be  returned  to  the  Committee  with  a  certifi¬ 
cate  endorsed  thereon  by  an  attorney  at  law,  designated  by  the 
Presbytery  or  its  Home  Mission  Committee,  to  the  effect  that  the 
church  has  a  valid  title  to  the  property  and  full  power  to  mortgage 
the  same,  and  that  said  mortgage  is  a  first  lien  upon  said  property, 
and  has  been  executed,  acknowledged  and  recorded  according  to 
law.  Said  mortgage  shall  be  accompanied  by  a  policy  of  insurance 
pn  said  property  in  some  reliable  insurance  company,  in  the  sum 
of  at  least  the  amount  of  said  loan,  and  for  the  period  of>  said  loan 
(if  obtainable),  the  policy  to  contain  a  provision  that  loss,  if  any, 
shall  be  payable  to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  as 
its  interest  may  appear. 

8.  When  the  appropriation  is  a  donation,  in  all  ordinary  cases, 
the  title  of  said  property  shall  be  vested  in  the  Trustees  of  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States, 
to  be  held  in  trust  for  the  benefit  of  said  congregation. 


660.  Present  value  of  Home  Mission  property. 

1918,  p.  43.  In  Church  Erection,  by  donation,  loans,  and  equip- 


Secs.  659-661  ] 


Church  Erection 


285 


ment,  less  has  been  done,  owing  to  past  indebtedness  and  the  de¬ 
mands  for  living  salaries,  than  could  have  been  wished.  The  perma¬ 
nent  equipment  of  Home  Missions  now  embraces  property  valued  at 
$402,660.00. 

661.  Church  of  the  Pilgrims,  Washington,  D.  C. 

1920,  p.  24.  The  order  of  the  day  to  hear  Rev.  Andrew  R.  Bird, 
of  Washington,  D.  C.,  was  taken  up.  Mr.  Bird  then  addressed  the 
Assembly  on  th  i  religious  conditions  in  Washington,  D.  C. 

The  Assembly  then  adopted  the  following  resolution: 

Resolved,  That  we  have  heard  with  pleasure  the  stirring  address 
of  Rev.  Andrew  R.  Bird,  pastor  of  the  Church  of  the  Pilgrims,  of 
Washington,  D.  C.,  and  the  address  and  matter  be  referred  to  the  Stand¬ 
ing  Committee  on  Home  Missions  of  the  Assembly  with  hearty  approval 
and  willingness  to  co-operate  in  every  way  possible. 

Overtures  relating  to  the  work  of  the  Church  of  the  Pilgrims  in 
Washington,  D.  C.,  were  taken  from  the  Standing  Committee  on 
Bills  and  Overtures  and  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Standing  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Home  Missions. 

1920,  p.  45.  In  response  to  the  overtures  of  Nashville,  East  Mis¬ 
sissippi  and  North  Mississippi  Presbyteries,  asking  the  Assembly  to 
give  sympathetic  interest  to  the  effort  made  by  Rev.  A.  R.  Bird  to 
adequately  construct  a  great  Presbyterian  plant  in  the  City  of  Wash¬ 
ington  in  order  to  meet  the  religious  needs  of  the  Capitol  City,  and,  in 
response  also  to  the  address  made  by  Mr.  Bird  before  the  Assembly, 
touching  this  same  matter,  your  Committee  recommends  the  following 
answer : 

We  are  in  hearty  sympathy  with  the  effort  to  build  up  a  strong 
religious  influence  in  that  city,  and  while  we  are  not  in  a  position 
to  undertake  or  recommend  a  special  campaign  for  this  purpose,  we 
nevertheless  commend  this  enterprise  to  our  churches,  and  especially 
to  our  people  of  large  means,  as  a  great  opportunity  for  the  strengthen¬ 
ing  of  a  church  center  whose  influence  will  extend  through  all  our 
bounds,  and  authorize  the  Executive  Committee  for  Home  Missions 
to  receive  any  special  contributions  for  this  purpose. 

1920,  p.  78.  The  following  resolution  touching  the  Church  of  the 
Pilgrims,  in  Washington,  D.  C.,  was  adopted: 

Resolved ,  That  this  Assembly  take  out  of  the  hands  of  the  Execu- 
tie  committee  of  Home  Missions  all  matters  relating  to  the  Church  of 
the  Pilgrims  in  Washington  City  and  direct  the  Permanent  Committee 
on  Systematic  Beneficence  and  Stewardship  to  raise  as  soon  as  possible 
$125,000  for  this  church. 

1921,  p.  50.  The  Special  Committee  appointed  by  the  Moderator 
during  the  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  Standing  Committee  on 
Systematic  Beneficence  and  Stewardship  made  the  following  report, 
which  was  adopted: 

Whereas,  The  General  Assembly  has  laid  on  the  Stewardship  Com¬ 
mittee  the  very  heavy  task  of  carrying  on  this  special  Equipment  cam- 


286 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


paign  Fund,  in  addition  to  the  regular  work  of  the  Progressive  Pro¬ 
gram,  it  does  hereby  relieve  that  Committee  of  further  responsibility  in 
conection  with  the  Special  Campaign  for  the  Church  of  the  Pilgrims  in 
Washington,  D.  C. 

Section.  2.  The  Assembly  expresses  its  continued  interest  in  this 
proposed  building,  and  appoints  a  special  Committee  consisting  of  Dr. 
Russell  Cecil,  of  Richmond,  Virginia;  Dr.  C.  R.  Stribling,  of  Peters¬ 
burg,  Virginia,  and  Elder  Thomas  B.  Gresham  of  Baltimore,  Maryland, 
to  advise  with  the  Church  of  the  Pilgrims  with  reference  to  their 
plans  for  the  future,  with  the  understanding  that  the  campaign  for 
funds  shall  be  closed  by  December,  1921. 

1922,  p.  22.  The  report  of  the  Ad-Interim  Committee,  of  which 
Rev.  Russell  Cecil,  D.  D.,  is  Chairman,  in  regard  to  the  Church  of 
the  Pilgrims,  Washington,  D.  C.,  was  read  and  adopted.  The  dil¬ 
igence  of  the  Committee  was  commended  and  the  Committee  was 
discharged.  The  report  is  as  follows: 

The  Special  Committee  appointed  by  the  last  General  Assembly 
“to  advise  with  the  Church  of  the  Pilgrims  with  reference  to  their 
plans  for  the  future,  with  the  understanding  that  the  campaign  for 
funds  shall  be  closed  December  1st,  1921,”  would  respectfully  report 
that  they  have  devoted  themselves  diligently  to  the  prosecution  of  this 
great  enterprise  in  the  effort  to  realize  the  expressed  desires  of  the 
General  Assembly  to  erect  a  worthy  edifice  in  the  Capital  of  our 
country  for  the  use  of  the  Church  of  the  Pilgrims.  This  cause  was 
kept  before  the  minds  of  our  people  by  continued  advertisements  in 
various  ways  until  December  1st,  1921.  Up  to  that  date  about  $150,- 
000.00  had  been  received  from  all  parts  of  our  territory;  every  Synod 
and  almost  every  Presbytery  were  represented  in  these  contributions. 
Since  then  many  churches,  together  with  Sunday  Schools  and  Aux¬ 
iliaries,  have  sent  in  offerings;  the  whole  amount  reaching  at  pres¬ 
ent  $183,250.00.  Some  churches  postponed  their  gifts  on  account  of 
local  conditions,  but  expressed  the  desire  and  willingness  to  help 
the  cause  later  on.  Of  course,  all  of  our  people  should  have  the 
privilege  of  assisting  in  this  enterprise,  and  it  is  expected  that  con¬ 
tributions  will  continue  to  come  in,  and  it  is  hoped  that  the  entire 
amount  desired,  namely,  $200,000.00,  will  be  eventually  received. 
The  Committee  has  been  impressed  with  the  valuable  service  ren¬ 
dered  the  cause  of  Christ  by  the  activities  of  the  Ghurch  of  the  Pil¬ 
grims,  and  wish  to  call  the  attention  of  the  General  Assembly  to- 
this  fact.  Through' their  efforts  the  real  spiritual  needs  of  our  Cap¬ 
ital  City  have  become  better  known  throughout  the  country,  and  our 
people  have  come  to  appreciate  the  vital  importance  of  witnessing 
actively  for  our  Saviour  when  they  are  in  Washington. 

III.  Pastoral  Support  (Sustentation). 

662.  A  Sustentation  scheme. 

1865,  p.  370.  The  General  Assembly  adopted  the  suggestions  of 
the  Executive  Committee  in  relation  to  the  raising  of  a  “Sustenta¬ 
tion  fund”  for  the  existing  exigencies  of  our  churches,  but  assigned 


Secs.  661-663] 


SUSTENTATION 


287 


the  conduct  of  this  agency  to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Domestic 
Missions.  A  member  from  each  Synod  was  appointed  to  co-operate 
with  the  general  scheme  set  forth  in  their  report. 

The  General  Assembly  ordered  collections  in  behalf  of  the  Sus- 
tentation  Fund  to  be  made  in  all  our  churches  on  the  second  Sabbath 
of  February,  next,  or  as  soon  thereafter  as  practicable;  the  proceeds 
to  be  forwarded  immediately  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Executive 
Committee,  or  to  the  Synodical  commissioners. 

1886,  p.  44.  From  the  Executive  Committee’s  report: 

The  appointment  of  Synodical  commissioners  to  act  in  concert 
with  the  committee  proved  to  be  a  wise  and  judicious  measure.  In  no 
other  way  would  it  have  been  possible,  either  to  have  ascertained  the 
condition  and  wants  of  brethren,  or  to  have  distributed  the  funds  in  the 
hands  of  the  committee  in  a  just  and  equitable  manner.  By  vigorous 
and  persevering  efforts  on  the  part  of  the  commissioners,  the  whole 
field  was  thoroughly  explored,  the  condition  and  wants  of  every  desti¬ 
tute  brother  accurately  ascertained,  and  the  committee  was  thus  enabled 
in  view  of  the  circumstances  of  the  case,  not  only  to  distribute  the 
fund  under  their  control  in  the  most  equitable  manner,  out,  so  far 
as  is  known,  to  give  universal  satisfaction,  and  at  the  same  time 
relieve  an  immense  amount  of  suffering. 

Aid  was  received  for  this  object  from  the  Kentucky  Board  of  Aid 
for  Southern  Pastors,  from  individuals  in  Kentucky  and  in  Balti¬ 
more,  and  from  the  Southern  Aid  Society  of  New  York.  All  of 
these  funds  were  duly  acknowledged  by  the  Assembly,  and  the  dis¬ 
tribution  of  them  entrusted  to  the  Executive  Committee.  (1865,  p. 
370;  1868,  p.  274;  1874,  p.  488.) 

A  collection  was  appointed  for  this  cause  to  be  taken  the  first 
Sabbath  of  January,  or  as  soon  thereafter  as  might  be  convenient. 

663.  By-Laws  for  the  Executive  Committee  of  Sustentation. 

\ 

1867,  p.  159,  1868,  p.  278.  Certain  rules  and  by-laws  were  made 
for  the  government  of  the  Committee.  (See  Alexander’s  Digest , 
pp.  138  ff.) 

1869,  p.  391.  Certain  changes  were  made,  as  follows: 

In  the  first  condition  of  the  first  resolution,  after  “at  least  once 
a  year,”  omit  the  words,  “in  a  discourse  exclusively  devoted  to 
the  subject,”  and  insert  the  word  “distinctly.” 

In  the  second  condition  of  the  first  resolution,  the  language  be 
so  altered  as  to  read  as  follows: 

“That  the  said  minister  shall,  in  co-operation  with  the  Session 
(if  there  be  one),  see  to  it  that  in  the  congregations  ministered  to  by 
him,  at  least  one  annual  collection  be  taken  up  in  aid  of  the  benevo¬ 
lent  operations  of  the  Church.” 

Omit  the  fifth  resolution. 

P.  402.  From  the  Executive  Committee’s  report: 

If  from  any  unforeseen  cause  the  receipts  from  the  churches 
should  fall  short,  then  the  Committee  could  pay  only  pro  rata.  This 
is  always  understood  when  the  annual  appropriations  are  made. 

1869,  p.  393.  Resolved,  That  the  Assembly  approves  and  here- 


288 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


by  confirms  the  by-laws  presented  by  the  Executive  Committee,  to¬ 
gether  with  the  amendments  proposed,  except  that  three  years  in¬ 
stead  of  two  be  specified  as  the  maximum  of  the  time  for  continuing 
the  full  appropriation  to  feeble  churches. 

The  Assembly  adds,  that  in  no  case  shall  any  salary  be  supple¬ 
mented  by  the  Committee  so  as  to  make  the  whole  greater  than 
$1,000. 

664.  Bureau  of  Information. 

1868,  p.  275.  Concerning  a  series  of  resolutions  proposing  that 
the  Executive  Committee  of  Sustentation  shall  establish  and  sustain 
a  Church  Intelligence  Office,  the  Standing  Committee  reported  that 
it  was  not  expedient  at  present  to  make  further  additions  to  the 
labors  of  that  Committee.  Adopted. 

1883,  p.  38.  Resolved,  That  in  view  of  the  large  number  of  va¬ 
cant  churches  and  partially  employed  ministers  within  our  bounds, 
and  the  felt  need  of  some  agency  by  which  communication  may  be 
opened  between  them,  the  Assembly’s  Executive  Committee,  in  corre¬ 
spondence  with  Presbyterial  committees,  is  authorized  to  open  a  “Bu¬ 
reau  of  Information,”  the  functions  of  which  shall  be  to  obtain  and 
keep  on  hand  and  furnish  statedly  (at  least  quarterly,  and  oftener 
when  deemed  desirable),  on  application  to  Presbyterial  committees, 
a  list  of  vacant  churches  and  the  names  of  unemployed  ministers, 
with  such  specifications  concerning  each  and  such  references  as  may 
be  furnished  by  the  Presbyterial  committees. 

1908,  p.  33.  Inasmuch  as  it'has  been  difficult  to  secure  the  co¬ 
operation  of  unemployed  ministers  and  vacant  churches  in  operat¬ 
ing  the  Bureau  of  Information,  and  as  it  is  of  little  practical  benefit 
in  its  present  form,  the  plan  of  a  formal  Bureau  of  Information  was 
abandoned,  and  the  Secretary  was  encouraged  to  continue  his  present 
process  of  bringing  ministers  and  churches  into  correspondence. 

The  details  of  the  plan  may  be  seen  in  Alexander’s  Digest,  1910,  p. 
171  ff. 

1922,  p.  74.  Overtures  from  the  Synod  of  Virginia  and  from  the 
Presbyteries  of  Winchester  and  Montgomery,  asking  the  General 
Assembly  to  establish  a  Bureau  of  Vacancy  and  Supply. 

Your  Committee  recommend  that  these  overtures,  with  accompany¬ 
ing  papers,  be  referred  to  an  Ad-Interim  Committee,  consisting  of 
Rev.  R.  F.  Campbell,  D.  D.,  Rev.  P.  C.  Clark  and  Ruling  Elder  R. 
A.  Dunn,  with  the  request  that  they  report  to  the  next  General  As¬ 
sembly  on  the  whole  subject  of  Vacancy  and  Supply,  submitting  a 
plan  to  the  next  Assembly. 

665.  Manses. 

1869,  p.  393.  The  Assembly  exhorted  every  Presbytery  to  call  the 
attention  of  each  church  in  its  bounds  to  the  importance  of  having 
a  manse  provided  for  its  pastor  in  some  central  and  convenient  place, 
and  with  a  few  acres  of  arable  and  wooded  land  attached  in  the  case 
of  country  churches.  The  comfort  and  usefulness  of  ministers  will 


Sec5.  663-668] 


SuSTENTATION 


289 


be  greatly  promoted  by  this  measure,  and  the  cords  of  affection  and 
confidence  between  pastor  and  people  be  greatly  strengthened. 

In  1885,  the  Executive  Committee  reported  to  the  Assembly  (p. 
444)  that  in  the  entire  Church  were  about  three  hundred  and  thirty- 
five  manses,  twenty-four  of  which  were  built  last  year. 

666.  Manse  fund. 

1906,  p.  33.  The  increase  in  and  wise  management  of  the  Loan 
and  Donation  work  of  the  Committee  deserve  special  commendation. 
With  real  estate  amounting  to  $50,000  and  interest-bearing  bonds 
and  notes  to  the  amount  of  $51,000,  it  is  a  most  pleasing  feature 
of  this  branch  of  the  work,  and  your  committee  recommend  that  in 
addition  to  this  there  be  created  a  fund  to  be  known  as  the  “Manse 
Fund,”  to  be  created  and  maintained  by  voluntary  gifts  or  otherwise, 
which  may  be  used  in  encouraging  and  helping  congregations  who 
need  assistance  in  building  Manses.  Doubtless  this  work  will  appeal 
to  the  liberality  of  many  of  God’s  people.  Wisely  and  cautiously 
expended,  it  will  aid  many  of  the  weaker  churches  to  secure  par¬ 
sonages,  and  it  needs  no  argument  to  show  that,  with  a  Manse,  a 
church  not  only  is  made  more  stable,  not  only  gives  comfort  and 
independence  to  the  ministry,  but  will  always  be  in  a  position  ta 
pay  a  better  salary. 

667.  Grouping  churches . 

1879,  p.  50.  Presbyteries  were  again  advised  so  to  group  the 
churches  now  dependent  on  the  Executive  Committee  as  to  make 
them  more  nearly  self-sustaining,  and  to  examine  with  particular 
care  those  applications  for  aid  which  come  from  long-established 
congregations,  giving — except  under  extraordinary  circumstances— 
decided  preference  to  fresher  fields,  and  such  as  promise  a  speedier 
return. 

1890,  p.  54.  The  Assembly  recommends  that  the  system  of  group¬ 
ing  feeble  churches,  shown  to  be  so  helpful  in  providing  ministerial 
supplies,  be  continued,  and  that  in  forming  groups  churches  in  dif¬ 
ferent  Presbyteries,  and  even  Synods,  may  properly  be  connected  by 
consent  of  the  respective  Presbyteries. 

668.  Minimum  salary. 

1868,  p.  274.  In  consequence  of  the  impoverishment  of  many 
parts  of  the  country,  numbers  of  our  ministers  are  compelled,  in 
part  at  least,  to  leave  the  work  of  the  ministry,  that  through  secular 
pursuits  they  may  gain  a  support.  The  Assembly,  therefore,  enjoins 
it  upon  Presbyteries  that  they  at  once  ascertain  and  fix  the  minimum 
amount  required  for  the  support  of  a  laboring  minister,  and  that 
they  use  diligent  efforts  to  provide  the  same.  The  Committee  of 
Sustentation  is  directed  to  co-operate  herein  to  the  extent  of  their 
ability,  provided  the  sum  so  designated  shall  not  exceed  the  amount 
of  six  hundred  dollars. 


290 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


1869,  p.  393.  Presbyteries  and  the  central  committee  are  enjoined 
lo  make  the  effort  to  raise  the  salary  of  every  laboring  minister  to 
$750  for  the  year  1870.  Renewed  for  1871.  (See  1870,  p.  518.) 

1870,  p.  549.  With  reference  to  this  injunction,  the  Executive 
Committee  respectfully  report  that  they  have  had  the  matter  under 
earnest  consideration,  but  they  find  it  difficult  to  carry  out  the  recom¬ 
mendation  in  full  until  the  Presbyteries  have  taken  previous  action 
with  reference  to  the  removal  of  certain  difficulties  that  lie  in  the  way 
of  the  undertaking.  One  of  these  is  that  a  number  of  churches  are 
reported  as  being  fully  able  to  give  their  pastors  a  competent  sup¬ 
port,  but  do  not  do  it.  Of  course  it  would  be  unwise  to  help  a  church 
that  is  able  to  help  itself.  Another  difficulty  is  that  a  considerable 
number  of  ministers  are  reported  who,  though  receiving  less  than 
$750,  are  nevertheless  engaged  in  school-teaching,  farming,  or  some 
other  secular  employment  that  renders  them  a  competent  support. 
Still  another  difficulty  is  that  the  Committee  is  restrained  by  the 
rules  given  it  for  its  government  from  appropriating  to  any  church 
or  union  of  churches  under  the  same  pastorate,  except  in  extraordi¬ 
nary  cases,  more  than  one-half  as  much  as  is  raised  by  these  churches 
themselves  for  the  support  of  their  pastor.  A  fourth  difficulty  is 
that  the  revenues  of  the  Committee  are  not  large  enough  by  forty  or 
fifty  per  cent. 

1871,  p.  50.  The  Committee  has  constantly  kept  in  view  the 
injunction  of  the  Assembly  to  make  effort  to  raise  the  salary  of  every 
laboring  minister  in  the  Church  to  $750  as  the  minimum;  and  while 
there  has  been  a  decided  advance  toward  this  result,  it  has  not  yet 
been  fully  realized,  mainly  for  the  reasons  set  forth  in  the  last  an¬ 
nual  report. 

P.  33.  It  appears  from  the  report  of  the  Executive  Committee 
that  during  the  last  three  years,  the  average  amount  of  salary  paid 
directly  by  the  churches  to  that  portion  of  our  ministers  among  whom 
the  Committee  dispenses  its  supplementary  aid  has  increased  from 
$500  to  $650. 

1871,  p.  35.  The  Committee  and  the  Presbyteries  were  told  that 
it  should  be  their  aim  and  effort  to  raise  these  salaries  to  a  minimum 
of  $800,  and  that,  if  possible,  during  the  next  ecclesiastical  year. 

1872,  p.  191.  With  reference  to  this  injunction  the  Committee 
report  progress  in  the  right  direction,  but  not  complete  success.  The 
average  salary  throughout  the  Church,  as  ascertained  and  supple¬ 
mented  by  the  Committee,  is  about  $716,  without  taking  into  account 
the  larger  salaries  given  in  cities.  This  is  an  advance  for  the  year 
of  about  $60,  being  equal  to  the  annual  advance  for  the  three  pre¬ 
vious  years. 

1873,  p.  346.  The  Committee  estimates  that  the  average  salary, 
outside  of  cities  and  as  unsupplemented  by  the  Committee  is  at  or 
below  $572. 

669.  Salaries  and  equipment  to  be  reported. 

1912,  p.  46.  Your  committee  recommends,  according  to  the  sug- 


Secs.  668-670] 


SUSTENTATION 


291 


gestion  of  the  Permanent  Committee  of  Systematic  Beneficence,  that 
the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  be  directed  to  include 
in  its  annual  report  an  itemized  statement  showing  in  condensed 
form  the  amounts  expended  in  each  different  department  under  the 
following  heads:  Class  A,  Salaries  of  Ministers  and  Missionaries; 
Class  B,  Salaries  of  helpers,  traveling  expenses,  rents,  and  other 
current  expenses;  Class  C,  Equipment,  whether  temporary  or  perma¬ 
nent,  including  furnishings,  etc.,  where  the  title  to  the  property  is 
in  the  Committee. 

670.  Better  salaries  for  Home  Missionaries. 

1917,  p.  45.  In  response  to  the  overture  of  Suwanee  Presbytery, 
touching  living  salaries  for  home  missionaries,  your  Committee  recom¬ 
mends  that  the  Assembly  urge  the  Presbyteries,  through  their  Home 
Mission  Committees,  to  press  upon  the  churches  the  duty  of  provid¬ 
ing  a  living  salary  for  all  ministers  serving  the  Home  Mission  cause 
in  their  bounds. 

1918,  p.  43.  That  the  Assembly  accept  the  recommendation  of  the 
Systematic  Beneficence  Committee,  and  that  it  apportion  the  sum  of 
$570,000.00  from  the  hoped-for  receipts  of  this  year;  that  the  As¬ 
sembly  emphasize  the  necessity  of  better  pay  for  our  Home  Mission 
workers,  and  call  upon  our  people  to  furnish  the  funds  needed,  urg¬ 
ing  that  the  claims  of  the  Home  Mission  Work  be  not  overlooked 
nor  confused  with  the  many  appeals  of  the  day  for  relief  and  pa¬ 
triotic  purposes. 

1919,  p.  41.  In  Sustentation,  the  Committee,  in  co-operation 
with  the  Presbyteries,  is  helping  many  weak  churches  in  their  strug¬ 
gle  toward  self-support  and  providing  for  many  communities  which, 
but  for  this  work,  would  be  spiritually  destitute. 

1919,  p.  69-c.  In  view  of  the  very  great  difficulty  now  experi¬ 
enced  in  holding  men  for  life  service  in  the  Home  Mission  work, 
while  our  foreign  missionaries  volunteer  for  life  and,  except  under 
Providential  circumstances,  usually  continue  permanently  in  this 
service;  and, 

In  view  of  the  further  fact  that  the  absence  of  adequate  educational 
advantages  in  the  Home  Mission  fields  and  the  expense  of  sending 
their  children  away  from  home  for  advanced  preparatory  and  colle¬ 
giate  training  is  to  these  missionaries  a  prohibitive  equation,  this 
Assembly  directs  its  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  to 
carefully  investigate  the  practicability  of  making  provision  for  the 
education  of  the  children  of  our  home  missionaries  that  is  in  line 
with  and  equivalent  to  the  provision  made  by  our  Church  for  the 
education  of  the  children  of  our  foreign  missionaries. 

This  Committee  is  directed  to  report  its  findings  and  recommenda¬ 
tions  to  the  next  Assembly. 

1920,  p.  43.  The  Committee  has  advanced  steadily  during  the 
past  year  toward  its  two  great  objectives. 

The  first  of  these  is  an  increase  of  salaries  for  our  workers.  For 
two  years  it  has  gradually  raised  salaries,  and  had  not  the  high  cost 


292 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


of  living  exceeded  our  increase,  the  missionaries  would  have  been  at 
least  comfortable,  and  while  that  increase  has  not  kept  pace  with 
the  increase  in  the  cost  of  living,  the  Committee  has  been  able  to 
advance  the  salaries  of  our  workers  20  per  cent. 

The  second  objective  is  the  adequate  equipment  of  our  work.  Ap¬ 
peals  for  special  funds  for  material  equipment  have  met  with  partial 
response  and  several  legacies  for  buildings  have  recently  become 
available.  These,  added  to  small  funds,  which  have  been  slowly 
accumulating,  and  the  fortunate  sale  of  several  pieces  of  real  estate, 
have  made  it  possible  to  make  appropriations  for  buildings,  aggre¬ 
gating  over  $100,000.00. 

671.  Sustentation  aid  for  candidates  doing  mission  work . 

1884,  p.  411.  The  Assembly  ordered  the  Manual  to  be  so  changed 
that  appropriations  from  the  Sustentation  Fund  may  be  made  to 
candidates  for  the  ministry  who  are  to  labor  during  vacation  in 
mission  fields  when  such  appropriations  are  recommended  by  the 
Presbytery  in  open  session  in  whose  bounds  the  field  lies. 

IV.  Mission  Schools. 

672.  Indian  Schools . 

1890,  p.  55.  The  Executive  Committee  may,  at  their  sole  discre¬ 
tion,  appropriate  money  to  the  support  of  unlicensed  teachers  of 
schools  as  part  of  the  missionary  work  among  the  Indians  and 
negroes,  provided  such  teachers  be  appointed  by  the  Presbyteries 
within  whose  bounds  they  shall  labor. 

For  the  terms  of  the  contract  between  the  Foreign  office  and  the 
Choctaw  council,  relative  to  the  support  of  the  Armstrong  Male 
Orphan  Academy,  made  for  ten  years,  and  now  in  its  seventh  year, 
see  1890,  p.  77. 

This  arrangement  terminated  January,  1894,  when  the  Academy 
passed  from  our  control.  (1894,  p.  253.) 

1894,  p.  37.  In  answer  to  an  overture  from  Indian  Presbytery, 
the  Assembly  empowers  the  Executive  Committee  to  aid  in  estab¬ 
lishing  Christian  schools  in  missionary  districts,  and  to  purchase 
property  for  this  purpose,  on  condition  that  the  Executive  Committee 
shall  incur  no  debt. 

1895,  pp.  440,  441.  School  property  has  been  bought  at  two 
points,  and  two  schools  of  high  grade  and  five  neighborhood  schools 
have  been  conducted  at  or  near  points  at  which  we  have  organized 
churches  in  the  Indian  Territory,  and  aid  has  been  given  for  the  sup¬ 
port  of  one  teacher  for  the  Alabama  Indians  in  Texas. 

The  high-grade  schools  are  Calvin  Institute,  at  Durant,  and  the 
other  at  Cameron,  both  in  Choctaw  nation.  The  former  enrolled 
during  the  year  one  hundred  and  forty  pupils;  the  latter,  seventy. 
The  total  enrollment  of  all  the  schools  is  about  four  hundred  and 
sixty. 


Secs.  670-674] 


Mission  Schools 


293 


P.  407.  The  Assembly  commends  the  Indian  Schools  under  its 
care  to  the  support  of  our  Sabbath  Schools,  and  recommends  to 
all  our  schools  to  take  a  collection  for  this  work  on  each  fifth  Sab¬ 
bath  of  the  month  occurring  during  the  year. 

In  the  event  that  the  Executive  Committee  shall  have  reason  to 
believe  that  it  will  be  better  for  our  church  and  school  property  in 
the  Indian  Territory  to  be  held  in  trust  by  trustees  living  in  the 
Indian  Territory,  the  Assembly’s  Board  of  Trustees  is  instructed  to 
give  a  quit-claim  deed  to  such  trustees,  to  be  nominated  by  the  In¬ 
dian  Presbytery  and  approved  by  the  Executive  Committee;  said 
trustees  to  hold  the  title  to  the  property  for  the  General  Assembly. 

The  Executive  Committee  is  instructed  to  formulate  a  plan  for 
the  management  of  the  schools  in  the  Indian  Territory  that  will  give 
the  Presbytery  a  voice  in  the  appointment  of  principals  and  teachers. 

1896,  p.  624.  A  two-story  stone  building  for  church  and  school 
purposes  was  completed  at  Cameron,  Choctaw  nation,  which,  with 
its  school  equipments,  cost  the  Assembly  $875,  and  is  said  by  com¬ 
petent  judges  to  be  worth  $2,200  or  more,  the  citizens  and  people 
of  that  vicinity  having  furnished  more  funds  for  the  building  than 
were  given  by  your  Committee. 

P.  592.  The  Committee  report  eight  schools  and  five  hundred 
pupils.  This  Committee  formulated  a  plan  for  the  control  of  these 
schools,  and  as  amended  by  the  Assembly,  it  is  in  brief  as  follows: 
The  Presbytery  of  Indian  shall  appoint  two  commissioners  for  each 
school.  The  vote  of  one  of  these  commissioners,  together  with  the 
vote  of  the  Assembly’s  Executive  Committee,  shall  be  required  to 
elect  a  principal.  The  principal  may  select  his  assistants,  subject 
to  the  approval  of  the  Executive  Committee  and  one  of  the  com¬ 
missioners. 

1897,  p.  29.  The  pastors  and  Sabbath  School  superintendents 
are  requested  to  appropriate  the  collections  of  the  Sabbath  Schools 
on  the  fifth  Sabbaths  in  the  several  months  for  the  support  of  schools 
in  the  Indian  Territory. 

673.  Orphan’s  Home  in  the  Choctaw  Nation 

1894,  p.  237.  The  Assembly  empowered  the  Executive  Committee 
to  undertake  an  Orphans’  Home  in  the  Choctaw  nation,  and  to  pur¬ 
chase  property  for  this  purpose,  on  condition  that  the  Executive 
Committee  shall  incur  no  debt. 

674.  Oklahoma  Presbyterian  College  for  Girls  ( Durant  College 

for  Girls). 

1901,  p.  40.  The  Assembly  is  to  be  congratulated  upon  the  op¬ 
portunity  to  secure  a  college,  equipped  for  useful  work,  at  Durant, 
Indian  Territory.  This  Institution  will  doubtless  be  of  great  service 
to  our  Church,  and  to  the  cause  of  Christ  in  that  new  and  growing 

country. 

1902,  p.  279.  The  accomplished  establishment  of  Durant  Col- 


294 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


lege  is  noted.  Of  the  $11,000  spent  upon  the  buildings,  $2,000  was 
given  by  the  Assembly  of  last  year.  A  charter  has  been  taken  out, 
and  titles  of  property  made  to  the  Trustees  of  the  General  As¬ 
sembly.  The  charter  and  the  constitution  and  by-laws  of  the  col¬ 
lege  have  been  examined.  The  report  of  the  Board  of  Trustees 
shows  the  enrollment  of  375  during  the  session.  A  gpod  faculty  has 
been  elected.  While  about  $1,500  is  needed  for  equipment  of 
building,  the  Board  is  able  to  report  that  the  Assembly  now  owns  a 
handsome  college  building,  and  two  acres  of  campus,  with  two  dormi¬ 
tories  valued  at  about  $14,000,  with  an  institution  now  fairly 
launched,  that  promises  great  usefulness  to  the  church,  in  the  rapidly 
developing  centre  of  population  and  influence. 

1903,  p.  494.  The  overture  from  Trustees  of  “Presbyterian  Col¬ 
lege  of  Durant,  I.  T.,”  asking  that,  since  the  division  of  Indian 
Presbytery  into  two  Presbyteries,  the  representation  on  the  Board  of 
Trustees  be  hereafter  two  members  from  Indian  Presbytery  and  three 
from  Durant  Presbytery,  was  granted,  and  the  Assembly’s  Home 
Mission  Committee  was  authorized  to  procure  the  necessary  change 
in  its  charter. 

1905,  p.  28.  In  response  to  the  overtures  from  Durant  and  Indian 
Presbyteries  touching  the  better  equipment  and  endowment  of  Durant 
College,  the  Assembly  authorized  the  Executive.  Committee  of  Home 
Missions  to  secure  better  equipment  and  a  sufficient  endowment. 

1908,  p.  30.  The  charter  of  Durant  College,  as  amended  to  con¬ 
form  to  the  new  Synod  of  Oklahoma,  in  whose  bounds  the  college  is 
located,  and  which  has  been  submitted  by  the  Trustees  of  the  insti¬ 
tution,  was  approved  by  this  Assembly. 

The  Assembly  having  heard,  wdth  pleasure,  the  address  of  Presi¬ 
dent  E.  Hotchkin,  of  Durant  College,  would  most  cordially  endorse 
his  administration  of  its  affairs  and  commend  this  institution  to  the 
liberality  of  God’s  people. 

The  building  of  this  institution  having  cost  about  twelve  thousand 
dollars,  and  the  town  of  Durant  having  submitted  an  offer,  for  the 
building  to  be  used  as  a  public  school,  of  $20,000,  together  with 
forty  acres  of  land  and  one  hundred  scholarships  at  $40  each  for 
ten  years  and  free  water,  this  Assembly,  in  view  of  the  fact  that 
the  present  college  building  is  inadequate  to  its  needs,  would  au¬ 
thorize  the  Board  of  Trustees  to  make  the  sale,  if  the  way  be  clear. 

The  money  received  from  the  sale  of  the  college  building  shall 
be  used  to  erect  a  more  commodious  edifice  upon  the  new  site. 

A  boys’  dormitory  shall  be  provided  by  requesting  the  Sabbath 
Schools  to  make  their  offering  on  Children’s  Day,  for  Home  Mis¬ 
sions,  for  this  specific  purpose,  and  the  said  building  shall  be  named 
Calvin  Hall,  in  honor  of  the  boy  for  whom  the  institution  was  origi¬ 
nally  named. 

A  girls’  dormitory  shall  be  requested  from  the  friends  of  this  insti¬ 
tution  by  specific  gifts  and  offerings  for  this  purpose. 

In  case  the  town  of  Durant  should  fail  to  make  good  its  offer  and 
some  other  city  in  the  State  of  Oklahoma  offer  a  sufficient  induce¬ 
ment  for  a  Presbyterian  institution  of  this  character,  the  money  fur- 


Sec.  674] 


Mission  Schools 


295 


nished  for  the  buildings  as  provided  above,  shall  be  used  in  con¬ 
nection  with  this  new  offer. 

1910,  p.  39.  The  affairs  of  Durant  College  elicit  the  attention 
of  the  entire  Church.  Strenuous  efforts  are  now  being  made  to  erect 
new  buildings  with  new  equipments.  The  efforts  of  the  women  of 
the  Church,  under  the  leadership  of  Mrs.  J.  Calvin  Stewart,  to  se¬ 
cure  funds  have  been  very  successful  and  deserve  the  thanks  of  the 
entire  Church.  With  all  these  efforts  the  College  is  confronted  with 
the  possibility  of  a  debt. 

1910,  p.  43.  To  the  overture  from  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the 
Oklahoma  Presbyterian  College  for  girls  at  Durant,  asking  the  As¬ 
sembly  to  devise  some  plan  by  which  it  can  give  to  them  the  sum  of 
$10,000  for  the  completion  of  the  college  building,  the  Assembly 
answer  that  while  it  has  great  interest  in  the  school  and  the  deepest 
sympathy  with  the  request,  yet  it  has  no  funds  from  which  such  do¬ 
nation  could  be  made. 

But  the  Assembly  hereby  instructs  its  Executive  Committee  of 
Schools  and  Colleges  in  co-operation  with  the  Executive  Committee 
of  Home  Missions  to  look  into  the  matter  and  see  if  it  be  possible 
to  raise  all  or  any  part  of  this  sum  asked  for  from  other  sources, 

1911,  p.  36.  The  new  building  and  re-opening  of  the  Presby¬ 
terian  College  of  Durant,  Okla.,  during  the  year  is  of  special  inter¬ 
est.  The  value  of  this  plant,  its  30  acres  and  with  a  college  and  dor¬ 
mitory  building,  is  about  $125,000,  but  the  college  still  owes  $20,000. 

The  Assembly  commends  this  college  to  our  Church  for  aid  and 
especially  to  individuals  who  can  and  are  willing  to  aid  in  a  most 
worthy  cause. 

The  college  this  year  has  been  self-supporting  for  the  first  time  in 
its  history. 

1913,  p.  59.  By  far  the  most  important  institution  of  a  mission¬ 
ary  character  is  the  Oklahoma  Presbyterian  College,  situated  at 
Durant,  with  a  plant  worth  $125,000.00.  It  is  handicapped  by  a 
debt,  and  is  embarrassed  for  lack  of  a  dormitory  and  equipment. 
We  would  commend  it  to  our  people  of  wealth  as  worthy  of  their 
gifts. 

191.4,  p.  44.  We  wish  to  call  attention  to  the  school  in  Durant, 
Okla.  For  the  past  several  years  this  most  effective  agency  in  the 
mission  work  of  the  Church  in  all  Oklahoma  has  been  staggering 
under  a  burden  of  debt.  Your  Committee  has  paid  $20,000  upon 
that  obligation  during  the  past  year,  reducing  the  burden  now  resting 
upon  the  institution  to  $17,000. 

1917,  p.  47.  That  our  churches  and  people  be  asked  to  give  a 
sympathetic  hearing  to  the  representative  of  Oklahoma  Presbyterian 
College  in  his  campaign  to  raise  the  balance  of  funds  needed  to  com¬ 
plete  the  new  dormitory,  inasmuch  as  this  college  is  owned  by  the 
Assembly. 

1918,  p.  42.  In  Mission  Schools,  31  in  all  have  been  supported 
in  whole  or  in  part.  In  this  connection  your  Committee  calls  special 
attention  to  the  Oklahoma  Presbyterian  College,  at  Durant.  It  notes 
with  pride  and  profound  gratitude  to  God,  the  great  work  that  has 


296 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


been  done,  and  is  being  done  by  this  institution.  It  feels  that  Presi¬ 
dent  Morrison  and  the  Board  of  Trustees  deserve  the  commendation 
and  encouragement  of  this  Assembly  and  of  the  whole  Church,  in  their 
notable  Home  Mission  enterprise.  The  College  is  greatly  ham¬ 
pered  and  embarrassed  by  the  lack  of  adequate  equipment  and  by  a 
debt  of  $18,000.00.  To  liquidate  this  debt  and  to  add  a  new  dormi¬ 
tory  and  auditorium  which  are  sorely  needed,  the  sum  of  $60,000.00 
is  most  urgently  necessary.  The  generous  people  of  Durant  and  of 
the  Synod  of  Oklahoma  are  willing  to  undertake  to  raise  $30,000.00 
of  this  amount,  in  payments  distributed  over  a  period  of  three  years. 
This  Assembly  should  give  them  every  encouragement  in  this  enter¬ 
prise,  and  on  its  part  call  upon  the  friends  of  Christian  Education 
throughout  the  Church  to  contribute  the  sum  of  $30,000.00,  in  pay¬ 
ments  distributed  over  a  similar  period. 

1918,  p.  44.  That  a  vigorous  effort  be  made  to  raise  the  $12,000.00 
needed  for  a  new  dormitory,  and  the  $18,000.00  needed  to  wipe  out 
the  remaining  bonded  indebtedness  of  Oklahoma  Presbyterian  Col¬ 
lege,  making  a  total  of  $30,000.00  to  be  contributed  by  the  entire 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States,  and  that  the  Assembly 
earnestly  appeal  to  church,  Sabbath  Schools,  societies,  and  the  friends 
of  Christian  education  throughout  its  entire  territory,  for  an  adequate 
equipment  and  support  of  this  great  missionary  institution. 

1919,  p.  43.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  Durant  Presbytery, 
asking  for  $100,000  for  Oklahoma  College,  for  the  purpose  of  paying 
off  the  bonded  indebtedness  on  the  college  and  erecting  a  new 
dormitory,  which  amount  should  be  raised  by  special  effort  in  addi¬ 
tion  to  the  regular  budget  of  benevolences,  the  Standing  Committee 
recommends  the  following  plan: 

(a)  That,  first,  $20,000  of  this  amount  be  raised  locally  by 
friends  of  the  college. 

(b)  That  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  then  ap¬ 
propriate  $20,000  to  clear  the  indebtedness,  the  balance,  after  paying 
said  debt,-  to  be  used  for  the  erection  of  a  new  dormitory. 

(c)  That  $60,000,  as  recommended  by  the  last  General  As¬ 
sembly,  be  raised  by  the  Trustees  of  said  institution,  either  by  asking 
the  various  Presbyteries  to  assume  definite  amounts  or  by  appealing 
to  churches  and  individuals. 

675.  Oklahoma  school  for  hoys. 

1910,  p.  39.  In  response  to  the  offer  from  the  city  of  Oklahoma 
for  a  school  for  boys,  the  Assembly  instructed  the  Home  Missions 
Committee,  acting  in  concert  with  the  Committee  on  Schools  and 
Colleges,  to  accept  the  offer  if  the  way  be  clear,  unless  a  more  de¬ 
sirable  offer  is  made  from  some  other  city. 

1910.  p.  43.  The  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Central  Texas 
with  reference  to  an  institution  for  boys  in  Oklahoma  City  was  an¬ 
swered  by  instructing  the  Executive  Committee  of  Schools  and  Col¬ 
leges  to  co-operate  with  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions, 
and  if  the  way  be  clear  to  take  up  the  offer  of  Oklahoma  City  of  a 


Secs.  674-677] 


Mission  Schools 


297 


site  and  $75,000  for  a  boys’  institution  in  that  city,  making  the 
effort  to  raise  whatever  other  funds  may  be  needed,  or,  if  this  offer 
be  closed  or  deemed  inadvisable,  to  consider  and  act  on  any  other 
offer  that  may  be  made. 

1911,  p.  36.  Action  repeated. 

* 

676.  Home  Mission  Schools. 

1904,  p.  38.  The  Assembly  commended  the  wise  employment  of 
mission  schools  as  an  efficient  adjunct  of  Evangelistic  and  Home 
Mission  Work  in  our  destitute  regions,  or  among  the  laboring  masses 
of  towns  and  cities. 

1911,  p.  36.  The  women  of  Texas  have  projected  an  industrial 
school  for  the  Mexicans. 

1914,  p.  43.  The  Committee  reports  a  very  gratifying  progress 
in  the  work  among  the  mountaineers.  Including  Presbyterial  and 
Synodical  schools,  our  Church  has,  in  round  numbers,  forty-five 
mountain  schools  and  missions.  The  total  annual  budget  of  these 
schools,  including  improvements,  has  been  roughly  estimated  at 
$85,000.  In  round  numbers,  there  are  3,250  pupils  in  these  schools, 
so  that  the  cost  per  capita  per  month  for  educating  these  children 
is  about  $3.50  for  both  day  and  boarding  pupils. 

During  the  year  a  new  college  in  the  farthest  Cumberlands  of 
Letcher  County,  at  the  Rockhouse  Fork  of  the  Kentucky  River,  in 
the  new  town  of  Blackie,  has  been  erected. 

With  all  the  work  already  accomplished  for  the  education  and  sal¬ 
vation  of  the  millions  of  highlanders  practically  destitute,  we  are 
still  on  the  border  line  of  this  vast  work. 

1915,  p.  70.  We  note  the  Committee  reports  forty-five  mountain 
schools  and  missions,  with  more  than  130  teachers.  Three  new 
dormitories  have  been  erected  by  Dr.  Guerrant,  at  a  cost  of  about 
$8,000,  without  any  appropriation  from  the  Executive  Committee, 
this  money,  together  with  the  furnishings  for  the  dormitories,  being 
provided  by  voluntary  offerings  from  individuals  and  societies. 

1916,  p.  32.  That  the  present  ownership  and  control  of  the  Good- 
land  Indian  School  in  a  local  board  of  trustees  be  continued,  and 
that  the  school  be  heartily  commended  to  the  benevolent  public  as 
worthy  of  support. 

1919,  p.  41.  Our  Mission  Schools,  which  number  forty,  are  at¬ 
tended  by  2,500  pupils  and  employ  125  teachers.  They  have  an 
equipment  of  2,000  acres  of  land  and  one  hundred  buildings,  valued 
at  $400,000. 

V.  Mountaineers. 

677.  Soul  Winners'  Society. 

1911,  p.  36.  The  Standing  Committee  has  considered  the  plan 
proposed  for  the  undertaking  of  the  work  of  the  “Soul  Winners’  So¬ 
ciety,”  and  recommend  that  it  be  included  within  the  recommenda- 


298 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


tion  of  the  Standing  Committee  to  the  General  Assembly  as  follows: 

(a)  That  our  Executive  Committee  take  over  the  work  of  the 
‘‘Soul  Winners’  Society”  in  the  mountains  as  soon  as  the  matter  can 
be  arranged  mutually  satisfactorily  to  all  parties  without  injuring 
the  work. 

(b)  That  our  Executive  Committee  retain  the  services^  of  Dr. 
Guerrant,  and  that  he  be  given  the  publicity  department  of  this 
matter,  allowing  him  to  make  his  appeals,  send  out  his  circulars, 
issue  his  “Soul  Winner,”  visit  the  fields  and  conduct  evangelistic 
services  occasionally  for  us  according  to  his  strength  and  inclination. 

(c)  That  for  the  present  at  least  the  funds  the  Soul  Winners’ 
Society  collect  go  to  the  present  Treasurer,  Col.  R.  S.  Bullock,  of 
Lexington,  Ky.,  and  we  direct  that  the  money  be  transferred  to  our 
Committee  monthly  with  a  statement  of  the  sources  of  these  contribu¬ 
tions. 

(d)  That  we  put  the  whole  matter  of  this  work  under  the  As¬ 
sembly’s  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions,  and  that  it  shall 
have  the  direction  and  supervision  of  this  mountain  work. 

(e)  That  we  turn  over  to  other  denominations  any  part  of  this 
work,  or  any  special  fields  which  belong  to  these  denominations  and 
are  served  by  their  ministers  or  workers. 

(f)  That  we  consolidate  the  remainder  of  this  work  with  our 
Home  Mission  work,  retaining  the  workers  on  their  present  contracts, 
and  gradually  make  such  changes  in  the  work  and  workers  as  is 
deemed  best  in  the  judgment  of  the  Executive  Committee,  and  if 
possible,  that  this  matter  be  consummated  by  October  1,  1911. 

1913,  p.  58.  In  the  Mountain  Work,  begun  by  Dr.  Guerrant, 
but  now  under  the  control  of  this  Committee,  they  have  maintained 
during  the  year,  in  whole  or  in  part,  the  following:  Forty-two 
mountain  schools,  129  teachers,  reaching  3,250  scholars.  Rev.  W. 
E.  Hudson  is  now  the  Superintendent,  and  an  efficient  one.  The 
work  is  encouraging,  but  the  need  is  great  and  the  opportunities 
unlimited. 

1915,  p.  70.  In  the  Department  of  Mountain  Missions,  the  Com¬ 
mittee  would  congratulate  the  Church  upon  securing  the  services  of 
the  Rev.  J.  W.  Tyler,  D.  D.,  as  Superintendent,  a  man  eminently 
qualified  for  this  position  because  of  his  experience  and  peculiar 
gifts.  We  also  are  grateful  to  God  for  His  blessing  in  enabling 
Dr.  E.  O.  Guerrant  to  continue  his  interest  in  and  support  of  this 
department,  which  was  really  discovered  by  him,  was  prosecuted 
by  him,  and  unaided  by  the  Church  for  a  dozen  years,  required 
for  support  about  $14,000  a  year,  but  which  has  grown  now  to 
an  expenditure  of  nearly  $50,000,  a  large  part  of  which  has  always 
been  raised  by  Dr.  Guerrant  himself. 

1916,  p.  31.  We  record  with  profound  sorrow  the  departure  to 
the  General  Assembly  on  high  of  that  devoted  and  stalwart  friend 

of  the  mountaineer,  Dr.  E.  O.  Guerrant.  The  Assembly  bears  lov¬ 
ing  tribute  to  his  consistent  Christian  life,  his  untiring  labors  of 
love  and  works  of  faith,  and  his  genuine  interest  in  the  salvation 
of  this  neglected  people.  He  being  dead,  yet  speaketh  through  the 


Secs.  677-678] 


Mountaineers 


299 


churches  and  schools  which  he  established  and  for  so  many  years 
fostered.  The  organization  of  the  Synod  of  Appalachia  marks  the 
beginning  of  a  new  era  of  prosperity  in  the  mountain  missionary 
work.  The  Assembly  would  call  special  attention  to  the  mountain 
schools  as  the  most  important  arm  in  the  evangelization  of  the  moun¬ 
tain  people,  and  would  earnestly  commend  them  to  the  prayers  and 
liberality  of  our  people. 

1916,  p.  32.  That  the  work  conveyed  to  the  Assembly’s  Home 
Missions  by  the  lamented  Dr.  E.  O.  Guerrant,  known  as  the  “Ameri¬ 
can  Inland  Mission,”  or  “The  Soul  Winners’  Society,”  be  hereafter 
known  as  the  “Guerrant  Inland  Mission,”  the  same  to  be  held  as 
a  cherished  memorial  of  this  brother  greatly  beloved,  that  the  As¬ 
sembly  be  led  in  prayer  by  Rev.  W.  C.  Clark,  D.  D.,  for  the  family 
of  Dr.  Guerrant,  and  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  convey  the 
sympathies  of  the  Assembly  to  the  family  of  Dr.  Guerrant. 

1919,  p.  41.  The  Mountain  Work  has  been  conducted  with  most 
gratifying  results.  Two  hundred  and  eight  men  and  women,  as 
evangelists,  pastors  and  teachers,  have  given  themselves  to  this  work 
in  the  highlands  of  the  South.  The  day  schools  have  been  well  at¬ 
tended,  and  approximately  75,000  mountain  people  have  had  the 
gospel  preached  to  them. 

1922,  p.  57.  The  following  supplemental  report  of  the  Standing 
Committee  on  Home  Missions  was  adopted: 

“This  Assembly  has  heard  with  interest  and  sympathy  the  plan 
of  Dr.  E.  P.  Guerrant  and  his  associates  for  the  erection  of  an  in¬ 
dustrial  school  for  the  young  people  of  the  mountains.  The  As¬ 
sembly,  however,  in  view  of  the  fact  that  the  proposition  has  not 
come  in  a  way  that  will  call  for  official  action,  declines  to  co-operate 
at  present  with  the  enterprise,  and  advises  that  the  plan  be  pre¬ 
sented  before  the  Presbytery  in  which  the  proposed  institution  is  to 
be  erected,  for  its  approval. 

VI.  Foreign- Speaking  Peoples. 

678.  Foreigners. 

1908,  p.  37.  Overture  asking  that  work  for  the  foreign  popula¬ 
tion  of  Tampa,  Fla.,  be  undertaken  by  the  Executive  Committee 
of  Foreign  Missions.  We  recommend  this  answer-  That  this  work 
is  under  the  jurisdiction  of  Home  Missions  Committee,  but  the 
Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  is  instructed  to  co-operate 
in  any  way  they  may  think  wise  and  expedient  towards  its  ac¬ 
complishment. 

1909,  p.  45.  In  response  to  an  overture,  and  in  accordance  with 
a  suggestion  from  the  Executive  Committee,  that  Committee  was 
encouraged  to  give  the  most  watchful  attention  to  the  problem  of 
reaching  the  foreigners  in  every  part  of  our  field  and  to  put  forth 
every  practicable  effort  in  their  behalf. 

1911,  p.  41.  We  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  suggestion  of 


300  Home  Missions  [Book  IV 

the  Council  with  reference  to  work  among  foreign-speaking  people, 
to- wit: 

(a)  That  the  several  churches  represented  in  the  Council  shall 
make  work  among  foreign-speaking  peoples  a  special  department  in 
Home  Mission  work. 

(b)  That  the  supreme  judicatories  of  the  churches,  in  further¬ 
ance  of  co-operation  in  this  work,  establish  a  permanent  committee, 
in  which  each  church  shall  be  represented,  this  committee  having 
general  supervision  of  all  work  among  foreign-speaking  people,  sub¬ 
ject  to  the  approval  of  the  boards  or  other  agencies  interested,  and 
of  the  supreme  judicatories. 

1912,  p.  55.  That  the  Assembly  grant  to  the  Executive  Committee 
of  Home  Missions  the  entire  control  of  the  work  among  foreigners 
and  charge  them  with  the  sole  responsibility  of  administration  up 
to  the  point  of  complete  organization  of  a  church  of  immigrants  not 
speaking  the  English  language. 

1913,  p.  61.  In  reply  to  the  overture  from  the  North  Alabama  Pres¬ 
bytery,  asking  “that  the  Assembly  grant  to  the  Executive  Committee 
of  Home  Missions  the  entire  control  of  work  among  foreigners,  and 
charge  them  with  the  responsibility  of  administration  up  to  the 
point  of  complete  organization  of  a  church  of  immigrants  not  speak¬ 
ing  the  English  language,”  your  Committee  recommends  that  the 
Assembly  answrer  this  overture  in  the  negative,  since  the  Constitu¬ 
tion  gives  to  the  Presbyteries  alone  power  to  organize  and  control 
churches  within  their  bounds. 

1914,  p.  44.  In  the  Department  of  Missions  Among  Foreign¬ 
speaking  People,  the  Committee  presents  a  very  interesting  array 
of  facts,  which  every  minister  in  this  Assembly  should  be  careful  to  lay 
before  his  people.  It  is  in  this  department  of  its  work  that  our  Assem¬ 
bly  is  to  face  increasing  burden  and  responsibility.  Immigrants  from 
all  countries  are  pouring  into  our  South  in  ever-increasing  numbers. 
The  chaotic  condition  of  Mexico  has  caused  the  swarming  into  Texas 
of  vast  hordes  of  ignorant  people.  The  Texas-Mexican  Presbytery, 
with  its  school  of  Kingsville,  great  as  is  its  work,  cannot  cope  with 
the  present  situation.  The  Rev.  A.  B.  Carrero  has  been  made  Gen¬ 
eral  Superintendent  of  Mexican  Work  in  the  Dallas  Presbytery,  and 
is  succeeding  in  interesting  all  North  Texas  in  this  work. 

The  General  Assembly  needs  to  make  this  great  work  an  especial 
object  of  prayer  and  earnest  effort. 

We  have  but  time  to  mention  the  work  among  Italians  in  Kansas 
City  and  the  great  success  which  has  attended  the  efforts  of  the 
Central  Presbyterian  Church,  whose  work  is  to  be  made  a  matter 
of  investigation  by  this  body.  Louisiana  also  appeals  to  the  whole 
Church,  with  its  vast  numbers  of  French,  Italians  and  Spanish¬ 
speaking  people. 

The  Assembly’s  Committee  is  now  working  among  eleven  different 
nationalities,  and  yet  there  are  others  coming  among  us  in  increasing 
numbers  to  whom  as  yet  we  preach  no  gospel. 

1915,  p.  71.  In  the  Department  of  Foreign-speaking  Peoples,  the 
work  of  the  Executive  Committee  is  constantly  enlarging,  involving 


Secs.  678-680] 


Foreign  Speaking  Peoples 


301 


an  annual  expenditure  of  $28,250,  representing  property  and  equip¬ 
ment  valued  at  $130,500,  with  76  ministers,  84  churches,  11  missions, 
and  3,313  members,  representing  the  following  foreign  people: 
Mexican,  German,  French,  Hungarian,  Italian,  Cuban,  Syrian, 
Chinese,  Spanish,  Bohemian  and  Indian. 

1916,  p.  30.  Through  this  Committee  we  are  reaching  with  the 
Gospel  more  nationalities  at  home  than  we  are  abroad.  Seventy- 
nine  faithful  missionaries  are  preaching  and  teachng  in  twelve  for- 
'  eign  languages,  involving  an  annual  expenditure  of  $26,600.  Among 
these  nationalities  we  have  85  churches  and  missions,  with  a  mem¬ 
bership  of  2,977.  One  of  the  loudest  calls  to  our  missionary  devo¬ 
tion  is  presented  in  the  unprecedented  tides  of  immigration  that  have 
been  coming  into  our  country  from  all  quarters  of  the  earth.  The 
American  Bible  Society  reports  that  it  circulated  the  Word  of  God 
last  year  in  the  United  States  in  91  languages,  while  throughout  the 
world  it  was  circulated  in  only  90  languages.  It  is  confidently  ex¬ 
pected  that  with  the  close  of  the  European  war  this  immigration  will 
pour  into  our  land  like  a  flood.  To  evangelize  and  Christianize 
these  multitudes  is  one  of  the  supreme  tests  of  the  reality  of  our 
faith  in  and  devotion  to  the  Saviour  of  all  mankind.  Nothing  less 
than  the  united  and  active  co-operation  of  the  entire  Assembly  will 
suffice  for  a  task  so  great  and  so  pressing. 

1919,  p.  41.  Among  foreign-speaking  peoples,  ten  nationalities 
have  been  ministered  to  by  our  pastors  and  evangelists,  as  follows: 
Mexicans,  Cubans,  French,  Italians,  Bohemians,  Hungarians,  Poles, 
Syrians,  Chinese  and  Indians. 

1920,  p.  46.  We  recommend  that  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Home  Missions  give  their  most  earnest  attention  to  the  appeal  of  the 
Church  in  Tampa,  Fla.,  made  by  their  representatives,  for  a  larger 
equipment  to  meet  the  great  need  of  their  growing;  work  among  the 
Latin  population. 

VII.  Colored  Evangelization.  ■ 

679.  Work  among  our  colored  people  assigned  to  the  Committee  of 

Domestic  Missions. 

1861,  p.  20.  Resolved,  That  the  great  field  of  missionary  opera¬ 
tions  among  our  colored  population  falls  more  immediately  under 
the  care  of  the  Committee  on  Domestic  Missions;  and  that  com¬ 
mittee  be  urged  to  give  its  serious  and  constant  attention,  and  the 
Presbyteries  to  co-operate  with  the  Commiteee  in  securing  pastors 
and  missionaries  for  this  field. 

680.  Pastoral  letter  on  the  religious  instruction  of  the  colored 

people. 

1861,  p.  15.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  prepare  a  Pastoral 
Letter  on  the  subject  of  the  religious  instruction  of  the  colored  people,, 
to  be  submitted  to  the  next  General  Assembly. 


302 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


1863,  pp.  126,  138.  This  report  was  presented  and  referred  to 
a  committee  of  at  least  one  commissioner  from  each  Synod.  At  the 
suggestion  of  this  committee  the  matter  was  referred  to  another  com¬ 
mittee  for  further  consideration. 

1864,  p.  283.  A  majority  report  and  a  minority  report  were  pre¬ 
sented,  both  of  which  were  referred  to  a  new  committee. 

1865,  p.  351.  This  committee  was  discharged,  and  the  whole 
matter  was  taken  up  on  a  different  basis. 

o81.  A  plan  for  the  religious  instruction  of  colored  people. 

1865,  p.  369.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  prepare  and  submit 
to  the  next  General  Assembly  a  practical  scheme  for  the  religious 
instruction  of  the  colored  people  adapted  to  their  now  altered  civil 
and  social  condition.  In  reply  to  an  overture  asking  what  course 
should  be  pursued  toward  the  colored  people  within  our  bounds,  the 
following  action  was  taken: 

Whereas  the  colored  people  never  stood  in  any  other  relation  to 
the  Church  than  that  of  human  beings  lost  with  us  in  the  fall  of 
Adam,  and  redeemed  with  us  by  the  infinitely  meritorious  death 
and  sacrifice  of  Christ,  and  participants  with  us  in  all  the  benefits 
and  blessings  of  the  gospel;  and  whereas  our  churches,  pastors  and 
people  have  always  recognized  this  claim  to  Christian  equality  and 
brotherhood,  and  have  rejoiced  to  have  them  associated  in  Christian 
union  and  communion  in  the  public  services  and  precious  sacra¬ 
ments  of  the  sanctuary: 

Resolved ,  1st,  That  the  abolition  of  slavery  by  the  civil  and  mili¬ 
tary  powers  has  not  altered  the  relations  as  above  defined  in  which 
our  Church  stands  to  the  colored  people,  nor  in  any  degree  lessened 
the  debt  of  love  and  service  which  we  owe  to  them,  nor  the  interest 
with  which  we  would  still  desire  to  be  associated  with  them  in  all 
the  privileges  of  our  common  Christianity. 

Resolved,  2nd,  That  whereas  experience  has  invariably  proved  the 
advantages  of  the  colored  people  and  the  white  being  united  together 
in  the  worship  of  God,  we  see  no  reason  why  it  should  be  other¬ 
wise,  now  that  they  are  freedmen  and  not  slaves.  Should  our  colored 
friends  think  it  best  to  separate  from  us,  and  organize  themselves 
into  distinct  congregations  under  white  pastors  and  elders  for  the 
present,  or  under  colored  elders  and  pastors  as  soon  as  God,  in  His 
providence  shall  raise  up  men  suitably  qualified  for  those  offices, 
this  Church  will  do  all  in  its  power  to  encourage,  foster  and  assist 
them. 

Resolved,  3d,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  report  on  this 
whole  subject,  and  recommend  action  to  the  next  General  Assembly. 

1866,  pp.  20,  35.  A  paper  was  presented  by  the  chairman  of  the 
committee.  After  discussion  the  matter  was  referred  to  an  enlarged 
committee.  The  report  of  this  committee  was  adopted,  and  is  as 
follows : 

Resolved,  1st.  That  this  Assembly  entertains  for  the  freed  peo¬ 
ple  the  sincerest  sentiments  of  good  will  and  affection;  that  it  ear- 


Secs.  680-681] 


Colored  Evangelization 


303 


nestly  desires  and  prays  for  their  salvation  and  would  encourage  the 
employment  of  every  legitimate  means  for  the  promotion  of  their 
spiritual  good;  that  this  Assembly  believes  the  present  condition  of 
the  colored  race  in  this  country  to  be  one  of  alarming  spiritual 
jeopardy,  and  that  it  is  binding  on  us,  as  Christians,  to  do  all  that 
lies  in  our  power  to  save  them  from  the  calamites  by  which  they 
are  threatened,  and  to  confer  on  them  the  rich  blessings  of  the 
gospel. 

3.  That  in  the  judgment  of  the  Assembly,  it  is  highly  inexpedient 
that  there  should  be  an  ecclesiastical  separation  of  the  white  and 
colored  races;  that  such  a  measure  would  threaten  evil  to  both  races, 
and  especially  to  the  colored,  and  that  therefore  it  is  desirable  that 
every  warrantable  effort  be  made  affectionately  to  dissuade  the  freed 
people  from  severing  their  connection  with  our  churches,  and  to 
retain  them  with  us  as  of  old.  Should  they  decline  this  fellowship 
of  ordinances,  and  desire  a  separate  organization,  then  our  Sessions 
are  authorized  to  organize  them  into  branch  congregations.  In  such 
cases,  the  Assembly  recommends  that  such  congregations  shall  be 
allowed,  under  the  sanction  of  the  Sessions,  to  elect  from  among 
themselves,  every  year,  such  number  of  superintendents  or  watch¬ 
men  as  the  Session  may  advise,  who  shall  be  charged  with  the  over¬ 
sight  of  such  congregations.  These  superintendents  shall  report  to 
the  Sessions,  for  their  action,  all  matters  relating  to  the  welfare 
of  said  congregations. 

4.  Whenever  Presbyteries  may  find  it  necessary  to  organize  sepa¬ 
rate  colored  congregations,  they  shall  appoint  a  commission  of  elders, 
who  shall  discharge  the  functions  committed  to  the  Sessions  in  the 
preceding  resolution. 

5.  That  whilst  nothing  in  our  Standards  or  in  the  Word  of  God 
prohibits  the  introduction  into  the  gospel  ministry  of  duly  qualified 
persons  of  any  race,  yet  difficulties  arise  in  the  general  structure  of 
society,  and  from  providential  causes,  which  may  and  should  re¬ 
strain  the  application  in  the  Church  of  this  abstract  principle.  Hold¬ 
ing  this  in  view,  the  Assembly  recommends  that  wherever  a  Session 
or  Presbytery  shall  find  a  colored  person  who  possesses  suitable 
qualifications,  they  be  authorized  to  license  him  to  labor  as  an  ex- 
horter  among  the  colored  people,  under  the  supervision  of  the  body 
appointing  him. 

6.  That  the  Assembly  recommends  that,  wherever  it  is  practicable, 
Sabbath  Schools  for  the  benefit  of  the  freed  people,  especially  the 
young,  be  established  in  connection  with  our  churches,  and  that  the 
Sessions  of  the  churches  take  these  schools  into  their  charge,  and 
provide  suitable  teachers  for  them. 

7.  That  the  heads  of  families  are  exhorted  to  encourage  the  peo¬ 
ple  in  their  households  to  attend  upon  family  and  public  worship, 
and  that  they  provide  for  them,  as  far  as  possible,  catechetical  in¬ 
struction  in  the  doctrines  and  duties  of  the  gospel. 

8.  That  the  General  Assembly  earnestly  desires  the  intellectual 
and  moral  improvement  of  the  colored  race,  and  hereby  tenders  fi> 


304  Home  Missions  ,  [Book  IV 

all  persons  suitably  qualified,  who  may  labor  in  this  work,  its  hearty 
encouragement  and  support. 

1867,  p.  145.  The  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  reported 
an  overture  from  the  Synod  of  Virginia,  proposing  a  revocation  of 
the  acts  of  the  last  Assembly  on  the  relation  of  our  Church  to  the 
colored  people;  also  an  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Mississippi, 
proposing  such  a  modification  of  said  action  “as  shall  authorize  the 
Presbyteries,  in  the  exercise  of  their  discretion,  to  ordain  to  the  gospel 
ministry,  and  to  organize  into  separate  congregations,  duly  qualified 
persons  of  the  colored  race,  and  so  declare  that  mere  race  or  color 
is  not  regarded  as  a  bar  to  office  or  privilege  in  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States.” 

Resolved,  1,  That,  believing  the  resolutions  of  the  last  Assembly, 
pp.  35  and  36,  were  evidently  designed  to  be  of  temporary  operation, 
and  that  they  contain  many  clauses  which  do  not  adequately  express 
the  sentiments  of  our  Church  on  the  subject  contemplated,  they  be 
and  are  hereby  revoked. 

2.  That  inasmuch  as,  according  to  our  Constitution,  the  duty  of 
admitting  candidates  to  the  office  of  the  gospel  ministry  devolves 
solely  on  the  Presbyteries,  and  that  of  electing  elders  and  deacons 
solely  on  the  congregations,  all  male  persons  of  proper  qualifications 
for  such  offices,  of  whatever  race,  color,  or  civil  condition,  must  be 
admitted  or  elected  by  these  authorities  respectively,  in  accordance 
with  the  principles  of  our  Church  government  and  in  the  exercise  of 
;a  .<M>und  Christian  discretion. 

3..  That  the  Assembly  declines,  on  the  ground  of  constitutional 
iincompetency,  to  make  any  declaration  respecting  the  future  ecclesi¬ 
astical  organizations  of  such  freedmen  as  may  belong  to  our  commu¬ 
nion,  believing  that  the  responsibility,  as  well  as  the  course  to  be  pur¬ 
sued,  devolves  on  those  persons,  who  are  both  politically  and  ecclesi¬ 
astically  free,  as  all  others,  to  serve  God  according  to  the  dictates 
.of  their  mm  consciences. 

4.  The  Assembly  earnestly  enjoins  on  all  our  ministers  and  peo¬ 
ple  to  use  all  diligence  in  affectionate  and  discreet  efforts  for  the 
spiritual  benefit  of  the  colored  race  within  reach  of  their  private  and 
:public  ministrations,  and  to  seek,  by  all  lawful  means,  to  introduce 
them  into  a  permanent  connection  with  our  Church;  and  for  this 
:purpose,  the  Assembly  recognizes  the  lawfulness  of  measures  such  as 
have  long  been  used  in  various  portions  of  our  Church,  contemplat¬ 
ing  the  judicious  selection  and  employment  of  the  more  pious  and 
intelligent  ^persons  among  colored  communicants  in  suitable  official 
*  capacities  for  the  spiritual  benefit  of  their  own  race. 


682.  ‘Co-operation  with  the  Northern  Presbyterian  Committee  on 

Freedmen. 

1869,  pp.  373,  379.  Dr.  Wilson  presented  a  verbal  statement 
^concerning  the  action  of  the  Old  School  General  Assembly  (North), 
:and  a  correspondence  he  had  held  with  the  Secretary  of  its  Committee 


Secs.  681-684] 


Colored  Evanglization 


305 


on  Freedmen,  as  to  a  co-operation  between  our  churches  in  labors  for 
the  benefit  of  this  class  of  people. 

In  connection  with  this,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Girardeau  obtained  leave 
to  present  an  overture  from  sundry  persons  bearing  upon  this  sub¬ 
ject;  and  the  whole  matter  was  referred  to  a  special  committee,  to 
be  appointed  by  the  Moderator,  and  to  consist  of  one  minister  and 
one  elder  from  each  Synod. 

This  committee  recommended,  that,  inasmuch  as  the  correspond¬ 
ence  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Committee  on  Freedmen  of  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America 
with  the  Secretary  of  Sustentation  of  our  Church  has  developed  no 
practicable  mode  of  co-operation  between  the  two  Churches  in  efforts 
to  evangelize  the  freedmen,  this  Assembly  is  not  prepared  to  take 
any  steps  contemplating  the  proposed  concert  of  action.  Adopted. 

1898,  p.  237.  The  Assembly  declined  an  overture  proposing  to 
turn  over  all  this  work  to  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States  of  America. 

683.  “Colored”  rather  than  “Freedmen.” 

1911,  p.  41.  We  recommend  the  discontinuance  of  the  use  of  the 
word,  “Freedmen,”  by  the  boards  of  some  of  the  members  of  this 
Council,  and  the  substitution  of  the  word  “Colored,”  in  each  refer¬ 
ence. 

684.  A  plan  inaugurated. 

1869,  p.  388.  The,  committee  reported  the  following,  which  was 
adopted: 

The  prominent  view  which  has  impressed  itself  on  the  minds  of  the 
committee,  and  which  they  respectfully  propose  for  the  consideration 
of  the  Assembly,  is,  that  the  colored  people  who  adhere  to  us  be  al¬ 
lowed  a  formative  organization,  a  sort  of  gradually  maturing  process, 
to  be  arrested  at  a  certain  point,  until,  under  proper  training,  it  is 
prepared  to  pass  on  toward  completion.  To  be  more  explicit,  what 
they  need  is,  for  the  present,  separate,  particular  churches,  with  their 
own  deacons  and  elders,  and  at  the  same  time  instruction  by  an  edu¬ 
cated  white  ministry,  until  they  can  prove  their  ability  to  produce  a 
competent  ministry  of  their  own.  To  combine  these  requirements 
into  a  practical  scheme  would,  in  the  judgment  of  the  committee,  go 
far  towards  solving  the  vexed  problem  of  our  relations  to  them  and 
our  operations  among  them.  In  this  way,  alone,  moreover,  may  be 
realized,  if  at  all,  the  hope  that  from  their  number  men  may  arise 
who  would  carry  the  gospel  to  their  benighted  kinsmen  in  Africa. 
In  conformity  with  this  leading  idea,  the  committee  would,  with  great 
deference,  submit  to  the  Assembly  the  following  plan  for  its  con¬ 
sideration,  and  if  the  way  be  deemed  clear,  for  its  adoption: 

1.  That  separate  colored  churches  may  be  established,  the  same 
to  be  united  with  adjacent  white  churches  under  a  common  pastorate; 
to  be  allowed  to  elect  deacons  and  ruling  elders;  and  to  be  repre¬ 
sented  in  the  upper  courts  by  the  pastors  in  charge  of  them,  and  by 


306 


Home  Missions 


[ Book  IV 


the  ruling  elders  of  the  white  churches  with  which  they  would  thus 
be  associated,  until  they  are  sufficiently  educated  to  warrant  their 
becoming  independent:  Provided,  That  the  colored  people  them¬ 
selves  do  not  oppose  a  change  in  their  existing  relations,  and  that 
they  consent  to  the  foregoing  arrangement. 

2.  That  where  no  white  churches  are  accessible,  evangelists  may 
establish  colored  missionary  churches,  and  preside  over  their  Sessions 
in  admitting  members  and  exercising  discipline. 

3.  That  churches  in  cities  with  which  colored  churches  would,  on 
this  plan,  be  united,  may  secure,  if  practicable,  two  pastors  each,  in 
order  to  compass  the  work  contemplated. 

4.  That  a  committee  (say  of  two  ministers  and  one  ruling  elder) 
may  be  appointed  by  each  Synod,  to  carry,  in  co-operation  with 
pastors  and  Presbyterial  evangelists,  this  scheme  into  effect,  as  far 
as  practicable,  in  its  bounds;  one  member  of  each  committee  to  act 
as  evangelist  among  the  colored  people,  and  to  receive  his  support* 
in  part,  from  the  Assembly’s  Committee  of  Sustentation. 

5.  That  suitable  colored  men  may  be  employed  to  speak  the  word 
of  exhortation  to  their  people,  under  the  direction  of  pastors  or 
evangelists. 

6.  That  when  colored  candidates  for  the  ministry  are  able  to 
stand  the  usual  examination,  Presbyteries  may  proceed  to  license 
them;  and  in  the  event  of  these  licentiates,  being  qualified  and  de¬ 
sired  to  take  charge  of  colored  churches,  Presbyteries  may  either 
ordain  and  install  them  over  such  churches  still  holding  their  con¬ 
nection  with  us,  or  ordain  and  install  them  over  such  churches,  with 
the  understanding  that  they  shall  thenceforward  be  ecclesiastically 
separated  from  us. 

7.  That  such  of  our  ministers  as  are  willing  to  discharge  that 
office  are  encouraged  to  assist  trustworthy  colored  men  who  seek  the 
gospel  ministry  in  their  preparation  for  the  same. 

8.  That  our  people  be  encouraged  to  give  the  colored  people  in¬ 
struction  in  Sabbath  Schools. 

9.  That  the  Assembly  recommends  the  adoption  of  the  foregoing 
plan  of  operations  among  the  colored  people  to  Synods,  Presbyteries 
and  churches,  so  far  as  it  is  practicable. 

1874,  p.  516.  Four  overtures,  coming  at  the  same  time  from  ven¬ 
erable  courts  in  sections  of  the  country  widely  separated,  clearly  indi¬ 
cate  that  there  is  no  disposition  to  relax  our  activity  in  the  work  of 
securing  the  blessings  of  the  gospel  for  the  colored  race.  On  the  con¬ 
trary,  from  all  parts  of  the  Church,  the  Assembly  is  respectfuBy 
urged  to  provide  means  for  prosecuting  that  work  with  greater  vigor 
and  success.  There  is  also  a  striking  unanimity  of  sentiment  in  refer¬ 
ence  to  the  best  methods  of  accomplishing  these  results. 

We  recommend,  in  answer  to  these  overtures,  that— - 

The  Assembly  acknowledges  with  profound  satisfaction  the  Chris¬ 
tian  zeal  of  our  Synods  and  Presbyteries  in  behalf  of  this  important 
work. 

The  Assembly  approved  the  sentiment  of  those  venerable  courts; 
that,  in  further  prosecuting  this  work,  it  is  desirable  in  every  respect 


Sec.  684] 


Colored  Evangelization 


307 


to  avail  ourselves  of  the  additional  light  which  experience  has-  thrown 
upon  this  important  question.  The  action  of  1869  is  therefore  here¬ 
by  amended  by  the  adoption  of  the  following  plan,  to- wit: 

1.  Presbyteries  and  Sessions  are  recommended  to  encourage  and 
aid  in  the  formation  of  colored  churches,  having  ruling  elders  duly 
chosen  by  the  people,  to  be  regularly  ordained  and  installed  by  said 
Sessions  and  Presbyteries,  with  the  view  to  form  these  churches  in 
due  time  into  Presbyteries,  as  convenience  may  dictate. 

2.  When  two  or  more  of  such  Presbyteries  shall  exist,  they  may 
unite  to  form  a  Synod.  As  was  the  case  in  our  own  history,  this 
may,  for  a  time,  continue  to  be  their  highest  court.  A  time,  however, 
may  arrive  when,  from  the  increase  in  the  number  of  its  churches 
and  Presbyteries,  said  Synod  may  find  it  expedient  to  divide,  and 
■combine  in  a  General  Assembly. 

3.  These  churches,  though  under  the  government  of  their  own 
Presbyteries,  must  at  first,  and  to  a  large  extent,  be  dependent  for 
instruction  upon  our  own  ministers  and  Presbyteries,  until  colored 
preachers  can  be  obtained.  It  is,  therefore  recommended  that,  for 
the  present,  Presbyteries,  through  committees  appointed  for  that  pur¬ 
pose,  take  charge  of  the  preliminary  education  of  candidates.  Mean¬ 
time  the  Committee  on  Sustentation  is  requested  to  take  into  consider¬ 
ation  the  best  method  of  providing  training  for  the  colored  candidates 
for  the  ministry,  and  report  thereupon  to  the  next  Assembly. 

4.  We  recommend  to  our  Presbyteries  a  hearty  co-operation  with 
them  in  seeking  from  amongst  them  men  of  approved  piety,  whether 
old  or  young,  who  are  suited  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  and  the 
institution  of  such  measures  as  may  seem  best  for  their  instruction.  It 
may  be  sufficient  for  the  present  emergency  that  the  candidates  be 
instructed  in  the  doctrines  of  grace  and  in  the  principles  of  Church 
order,  as  set  forth  in  the  Holy  Scriptures  and  in  our  Standards,  in 
order  that,  as  soon  as  practicable,  they  may  be  sent  forth  to  minister 
in  the  Word. 

5.  We  further  recommend  that  our  churches  and  people  assist 
these  infant  organizations  whilst  they  are  struggling  toward  complete 
development,  aiding  in  the  establishment  and  instruction  of  Sunday 
Schools,  and  contributing  to  the  erection  of  plain  and  modest  houses 
in  which  to  assemble  for  the  worship  of  God. 

6.  To  further  these  objects  a  separate  fund  shall  be  established, 
to  be  called  “The  Colored  Evangelistic  Fund.”  This  fund  shall 
be  administered  by  the  Sustentation  Committee,  and  that  Committee 
is  requested  to  invite  contributions  to  their  fund  from  all  persons  who 
are  favorable  to  the  work  of  evangelizing  the  colored  people  of  the 
South,  and  favorable  to  providing  them  with  an  educated  ministry 
of  their  own. 

7.  Presbyteries  engaged  in  this  work  are  authorized  to  enter  into 
correspondence  with  the  Sustentation  Committee,  and  to  request  such 
aid  and  co-operation  as  their  necessities  may  require  and  as  the  con¬ 
dition  of  the  fund  may  enable  the  Committee  to  give. 

1901,  p.  67.  In  concurrence  with  the  urgent  request  of  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee,  the  Assembly  appeals  to  our  people,  pastors  and 


308 


Home  Missions 


[ Book  IV 


Sessions  to  organize  mission  Sunday  School  work  wherever  practi¬ 
cable,  with  a  view  to  subsequent  development  into  church  organiza¬ 
tions. 

See  also  1903,  p.  484. 

685.  Ministers  to  preach  to  colored  people  once  a  month  and 

conduct  Institutes. 

\ 

1907,  p.  29.  Your  committee  recommends  that  the  General  As¬ 
sembly  request  all  the  ministers  of  our  church  to  preach  the  gospel 
to  the  colored  people,  and  that  unless  prevented  by  the  providence 
of  God,  they  preach  at  least  one  sermon  a  month  to  the  colored  peo¬ 
ple  within  their  bounds. 

Your  committee  further  recommends  that  our  ministers  conveniently 
residing  near  each  other,  organize  and  conduct  at  convenient  places 
within  their  bounds,  unless  prevented  by  the  providence  of  God,  insti¬ 
tutes  of  theology  or  schools  of  Bible  training  and  invite  thereto  the 
colored  ministers  within  their  bounds  and  teach  to  them  the  great 
truths  of  the  Gospel.  Adopted. 

686.  Conferences  between  the  spiritual  leaders  of  both  races. 

1908,  p.  17.  The  Assembly  recommends  to  our  ministry  the  hold¬ 
ing  of  joint  conferences  with  the  colored  ministers,  and  requests  the 
ministers  of  our  Church  to  take  the  initiative  in  establishing  such 
joint  conferences. 

687.  Co-operation  with  the  Council  of  Reformed  Churches  in 

colored  work. 

1908,  p.  17.  Inasmuch  as  the  Council  of  Reformed  Churches  in 
America  at  its  late  meeting  designated  the  evangelization  of  the 
negroes  as  a  field  in  which  the  various  churches  constituting  the 
council  are  willing  to  unite,  the  Assembly  expressed  its  approval  of 
such  co-operation  and  welcomed  the  help  of  our  sister  churches  in 
giving  a  pure  gospel  to  our  large  colored  population,  with  the  hope 
that  such  united  effort  may  result  in  the  building  up  of  a  strong  col¬ 
ored  Presbyterian  Church.  Our  Secretary,  Dr.  James  G.  Snedecor 
was  directed  to  place  himself  in 'touch,  by  correspondence  or  other¬ 
wise,  with  the  proper  authorities  of  said  churches,  with  a  view  to 
facilitating,  as  far  as  he  can,  said  co-operation.  See  also  1909,  p.  57. 

1911,  p.  41.  As  to  work  among  the  colored  people,  we  recom¬ 
mend  the  adoption  of  the  suggestions  of  the  Council  (of  the  Re¬ 
formed  Churches  in  America  holding  the  Presbyterian  System)  to- 
wit: 

(a)  That  the  constituent  Churches  of  this  Council  should  unify 
through  existing  agencies,  or  agencies  to  be  established  by  the  su¬ 
preme  judicatories,  their  work  for  the  colored  people  of  the  United 
States  of  America. 

(b)  That,  to  this  end,  a  permanent  committee  shall  be  formed,. 


Sec.  607] 


Colored  Evangelization 


309 


to  be  composed  of  the  Secretary  and  two  members  of  each  board,  or 
agency,  already  at  work  among  the  colored  people,  together  with 
three  representatives  to  be  elected  from  the  Reformed  Church  in  the 
United  States,  and  three  from  the  Reformed  Church  in  America; 
the  representatives  to  be  chosen  by  the  boards  or  other  agencies  desig¬ 
nated  by  the  supreme  judicatories  of  the  constituent  Churches. 

(c)  That  this  permanent  committee  shall  have  power  to  plan 
the  co-operative  work,  and  to  put  plans  into  operation,  when  ap¬ 
proved  by  the  boards  and  other  agencies  appointing  the  committees, 
subject  to  the  supervisory  power,  or  the  supreme  judicatories. 

1912,  p.  70-e.  Resolved,  1st — That  the  Assembly  desires  to  com¬ 
mend  the  successful  administration  of  the  colored  evangelistic  work 
by  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions,  and  we  earnestly 
urge  them  to  continue  a  liberal  and  sympathetic  policy  towards  this 
work. 

2nd — That  it  is  the  desire  of  this  Assembly  to  have  Rev.  James 
G.  Snedecor  continued  as  superintendent  of  this  department  of  Home 
Missions. 

In  accordance  with  this  resolution  Rev.  J.  G.  Snedecor  was  elected 
a  member  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  for  a  term 
of  three  years. 

1912,  p.  70-c.  The  Permanent  Committee  on  Work  Among  the 
Colored  People,  suggested  by  the  Council  of  Reformed  Churches 
Holding  the  Presbyterian  System  in  the  United  States,  and  created 
by  the  action  of  the  judicatories  of  the  constituent  churches  at  their 
respective  meetings  in  1911,  in  response  to  the  suggestion,  after 
fraternal  and  extended  conference,  adopts  the  following  resolutions: 

1.  Resolved,  That  our  comparison  in  this  conference,  of  our  re¬ 
spective  fields,  shows  that  there  is  no  conflict  or  “overlapping”  in 
these  fields,  and  that  there  is  much  room  unoccupied. 

2.  Resolved,  That  this  committee  will  gladly  welcome  for  con¬ 
sideration  nay  suggestions  looking  to  the  extension  and  increased 
efficiency  of  this  work  which  any  of  the  administrative  agencies  may 
desire  to  make. 

3.  Resolved,  That  the  Permanent  Committee  recommends  to  the 
Administrative  Agencies  consideration  of  the  desirability  of  seeking 
from  the  judicatories  which  they  respectively  serve  such  action  as 
both  these  agencies  and  the  local  ecclesiastical  judicatories  of  the 
Presbyterian  and  Reformed  Churches  may  desire  to  undertake  in 
order  to  initiate  and  develop  plans  for  co-operation  in  evangelical 
work  in  cities  with  a  large  colored  population  similar  to  those  which 
have  been  put  in  operation  in  Louisville,  Ky. 

4.  Resolved,  That  we  recommend  to  the  Administrative  Agencies 
consideration  of  the  possible  and  desirable  co-operation  of  the  Sunday 
School  agencies  of  the  respective  churches  in  counsel  and  in  service 
in  work  among  the  colored  people. 

5.  The  educational,  missionary,  evangelistic  and  other  gen¬ 
eral  interests  of  the  Colored-  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church 
and  the  independent  Afro-American  Presbyterian  Synod  shall 
constitute  part  of  the  “co-operative  work”  of  the  Permanent  Com- 


310 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


mittee,  provided  the  General  Assembly  in  the  one  case  and  the  Synod 
in  the  other  shall  so  request  and  the  supreme  judicatories  of  the 
constituent  churches  of  the  Council  shall  approve.  In  that  event, 
it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Executive  Committee,  appointed  by 
this  Permanent  Committee,  if  the  above  bodies  approve,  to  give 
special  attention  to  the  general  interests  of  those  brethren,  by 
visiting  their  schools  and  church  judicatories,  when  possible, 
or  by  correspondence,  counseling  with  and  assisting  them  in  the 
upbuilding  and  extension  of  their  independent  denominational  work, 
as  far  as  this  may  be  done. 

6.  Resolved,  That  the  Administrative  Agencies  be  requested  to 
consider  the  possible  desirability  of  seeking  from  the  judicatories 
such  authority  for  the  educational  boards  and  committees  under  their 
respective  control  as  shall  enable  the  latter  to  aid  in  finding  worthy 
candidates  for  the  ministry  of  the  colored  churches  and  to  extend 
aid  to  such  candidates  in  churches  where  this  authority  has  not 
already  been  conferred. 

7.  Resolved,  That  the  Permanent  Committee  suggests  to  the  dele¬ 
gates  from  the  constituent  churches  that  they  report  to  the  bodies 
from  which  they  respectively  come  the  conviction  of  the  committee, 
that  the  publishing  agencies  of  these  churches  can  greatly  aid  in 
work  among  the  colored  people  by  developing,  singly  or  in  co¬ 
operation,  literature  of  a  twofold  character. 

(a)  Literature  bringing  the  members  of  our  churches  informa¬ 
tion  concerning  the  field  and  the  work  being  done  by 
each  of  our  churches. 

(b)  Literature,  educational  and  devotional,  for  the  colored 
people  themselves. 

8.  Resolved,  That  joint  institutes,  in  the  judgment  of  the  Perma¬ 
nent  Committee,  may  afford  opportunity  for  a  form  of  co-operation 
making  for  economy  and  for  the  larger  interest  and  effectiveness  of 
such  gatherings. 

The  above  resoluticns  were  presented  to  the  Executive  Committee 
of  Home  Missions,  in  session  May  7,  1912,  and  were  unanimously 
adopted,  to  be  transmitted  to  the  General  Assembly  for  consideration. 

Adopted  by  the  General  Assembly. 


688.  Appropriations  by  the  Executive  Committee  of  Sustentation 
to  aid  the  work  among  the  colored  people. 

1873,  p.  327.  In  regard  to  the  colored  population,  we  recommend 
that  the  General  Assembly  encourage,  by  their  cordial  and  expressed 
approbation,  any  and  all  contributions  heretofore  made  by  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee,  on  the  recommendation  of  Presbyteries,  to  sustain 
any  labor  of  love  among  this  class  of  our  population,  and  advise 
them  to  continue  in  this  line  of  action  until,  in  the  providence  of 
God,  a  way  of  more  definite  and  active  operation  shall  be  opened  up 
before  us.  Adopted. 


Secs  687-690] 


Colored  Evangelization 


311 


689.  Five  per  cent,  of  the  Sustentation  funds  appropriated  to 

colored  evangelization. 

1875,  p.  24.  Having,  after  much  anxious  deliberation,  settled 
upon  a  scheme  of  evangelization  acceptable  to  the  colored  people 
themselves,  and  generally  approved  by  our  ministers  and  churches, 
we  should  now  vigorously  support  that  scheme  by  the  liberality  of 
our  churches,  and  prosecute  it  by  the  Presbyteries,  acting  through 
the  Sustentation  Committee.  And  with  a  view  to  prevent  failure  in 
this  work  of  evangelization  in  its  incipiency,  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Sustentation  is  hereby  authorzied,  if  necessary,  to  appro¬ 
priate,  for  the  present,  five  per  cent,  of  the  Sustentation  funds  in  sup¬ 
port  of  the  work  of  evangelization  among  the  colored  people.  This 
Assembly  recognizes  the  special  obligation  resting  upon  Southern 
Christians,  of  every  name,  to  give  the  gospel  to  this  class  of  our  popu¬ 
lation,  so  far  as  their  limited  means  permit. 

1879,  p.  51.  Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  removes  the  present 
restriction  which  binds  the  Executive  Committee  not  to  appropriate 
for  this  cause  more  than  five  per  cent,  of  the  whole  contributions 
for  Home  Missions.  The  Assembly  thinks  it  right  and  wise  to  leave 
the  proportion  of  appropriation  to  the  wisdom  of  the  Committee. 

690  Presbyteries  to  report  to  the  Executive  Committee  on  all  work 

done  for  colored  people. 

1879,  p.  50.  Resolved,  That  the  Presbyteries  be  requested  to  send 
up  from  year  to  year  to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions 
statements  of  the  work  undertaken,  independently  of  the  Executive 
Committee,  by  the  churches  under  their  care,  on  behalf  of  the  colored 
people,  and  of  the  contributions  made  in  support  of  such  work. 

1880,  p.  221.  Resolved,  1.  That  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Home  Missions  be  directed  to  report  to  the  General  Assembly,  year  by 
year,  a  compendious  statement  of  the  amounts  of  money  contributed 
for  the  evangelization  of  the  colored  people,  and  of  the  amounts  dis¬ 
bursed  by  the  Committee  for  the  same. 

Also,  that  the  Committee  include  in  such  reports  the  amounts  con¬ 
tributed  and  expended  on  behalf  of  the  same  object  by  individuals 
and  churches,  other  than  the  sums  passing  through  the  hands  of  the 
Committee,  as  far  as  those  amounts  can  be  ascertained;  provided, 
however,  that  the  Committee  shall  not  by  anything  in  this  resolution 
be  restricted  in  their  appropriations  in  behalf  of  the  colored  people 
to  the  funds  received  for  their  special  and  exclusive  benefit. 

Resolved,  2.  That  our  Presbyteries  be  requested  to  furnish  an¬ 
nually  to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions,  in  time  for  use 
in  the  preparation  of  the  aforesaid  reports,  statements,  as  full  and 
particular  as  may  be  practicable,  of  the  funds  received  from  all 
sources,  and  of  those  expended  for  the  spiritual  welfare  of  the  col¬ 
ored  people  within  the  bounds  of  the  Presbyteries  respectively. 

1885,  p.  422.  The  Assembly  empowers  the  Executive  Committee 
of  Home  Missions  to  deal  in  this  work  directly  with  men  and  fields, 


312 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


and  when  a  Presbytery  shall  endorse  one  of  its  white  ministers  as  a 
suitable  person  to  engage  in  missionary  labor  among  the  colored  race, 
and  gives  him  permission  so  to  do,  the  Executive  Committee,  if  it 
can  command  the  means,  may  employ  him;  and  that  it  may  also  em¬ 
ploy  any  colored  Presbyterian  minister,  properly  endorsed,  to  go  and 
labor  as  a  missionary  among  these  people;  these  missionaries  may 
preach  to  them,  organize  Sabbath  Schools,  and  enlist  as  they  may 
be  able  local  white  Christians  in  the  work,  and  advise  and  aid  the 
colored  people  in  the  effort  to  organize  themselves  into  a  Presbyterian 
church;  and  the  ministers  who  may  be  thus  employed  by  the  Com¬ 
mittee  shall  report  their  work  to  and  receive  their  pay  from  the  Com¬ 
mittee;  but  any  ministers  so  employed  shall,  in  all  other  respects  and 
concerning1  all  their  ministerial  acts  and  character,  be  under  the  au¬ 
thority  of,  and  responsible  only  to,  their  respective  Presbyteries; 
and  they  shall  be  subject  to  the  further  restriction  that  they  shall 
not  labor  in  the  territorial  bounds  of  any  Presbytery  objecting. 

691.  Progress  of  the  work. 

1876,  p.  249.  Something  is  being  done  for  this  branch  of  labor 
by  thirteen  Presbyteries.  Five  Presbyteries  have  been  aided  in  carry¬ 
ing  on  this  work. 

1877,  p.  460.  Eighteen  Presbyteries  report  that  something  is  being 
done  in  their  bounds  for  the  work  among  the  colored  people.  From 
the  reports  it  also  appears  that  there  are  twenty-one  churches  for 
the  colored  people,  five  colored  ministers,  three  colored  licentiates, 
and  six  colored  candidates  for  the  ministry,  under  the  care  of  the 
fifty-four  reporting  Presbyteries.  This  shows  an  increase  of  seven 
churches,  of  two  ministers,  and  of  five  candidates  over  last  year.  The 
number  of  licentiates  is  the  same.  It  is  probable  that  the  increase  in 
candidates  is  due,  at  least  in  some  degree,  to  the  stimulating  effect 
of  the  action  of  the  last  General  Assembly  in  establishing  the  train¬ 
ing  school  for  colored  ministers  at  Tuscaloosa,  Alabama. 

1878,  p.  674.  Payments  to  the  Presbyteries  have  been  made  to 
the  amount  of  $1,050,  which  is  $175  more  than  last  year. 

1'879,  p.  69.  Ten  Presbyteries  have  been  aided  during  the  past 
year,  to  the  amount  of  $1,067.50,  in  the  support  of  thirteen  laborers, 
in  whole  or  in  part  engaged  in  this  service.  Of  those  aided,  six  are 
ministers  of  our  Church,  and  seven  colored  men  approved  by  the 
Presbyteries. 

1880,  p.  232.  The  same  number  of  Presbyteries  received  aid  as 
last  year,  but  for  three  less  laborers.  None  of  the  Presbyteries  seem 
much  encouraged  in  the  prosecution  of  this  branch  of  work,  nor  have 
they  generally  taken  action  on  the  subject.  In  a  few  Presbyteries 
all  our  ministers  occasionally  preach  to  the  colored  people,  and  some 
statedly.  Thirty-six  Sabbath  Schools  are  reported  as  known  to  the 
Presbyterial  committees.  Doubtless  there  are  others  of  which  they 
have  no  knowledge.  As  far  as  reported,  there  are  fourteen  colored, 
ministers  and  licentiates,  eighteen  churches,  and  four  candidates  un¬ 
der  the  care  of  the  Presbyteries.  Some  of  the  churches  which  were 


Secs.  690-692] 


Colored  Evangelization 


reported  two  or  three  years  ago  have  gone  into  the  Northern  Church, 
but  they  still  receive  the  sympathy  and  assistance  of  our  ministers 
and  people.  In  some  portions  of  the  Church  there  seems  to  be  little 
demand  for  special  effort  on  the  part  of  our  Church  in  this  field, 
other  denominations  fully  occupying  the  ground  and  having  the  ear 
of  the  people. 

1881,  p.  407.  The  total  appropriation  to  this  work  this  year  has 
been  $1,386.  The  Presbyteries  have  twenty-five  churches  under  their 
care,  seven  more  than  last  year,  with  sixteen  ministers  and  licentiates. 
There  were  aided  eleven  ministers,  of  whom  nine  are  colored,  within 
the  bounds  of  ten  different  Presbyteries.  The  sum  of  $1,320  is  re¬ 
ported  as  raised  and  expended  within  the  Presbyteries  themselves. 
The  Assembly  expressed  its  judgment  (page  377)  that  at  least 
$10,000  should  be  raised  this  year  for  evangelistic  work  among  the 
freedmen  within  our  bounds. 

The  number  aided  in  1882  was  twelve. 

1883,  p.  72.  Seven  Presbyteries  report  over  $2,000  as  contrib¬ 
uted  by  them  for  this  branch  of  work  within  their  bounds  during  the 
past  year.  Amount  paid  out  by  the  Committee,  $1,448.  Statistics 
show  twelve  ministers  and  licentiates,  twenty-eight  churches,  twelve 
candidates,  and  twenty-three  Sabbath  Schools. 

1884,  pp.  266,  268.  Contributions  received  from  two  churches 
only.  Amount  charged  to  Sustentation,  $1,737.  In  1885  it  was 
$1,308,  while  $1,837  was  known  to  have  been  contributed  that  did 
not  pass  through  the  committee’s  hands. 

1886,  p.  70.  Number  aided,  sixteen.  Amount  charged  to  Susten¬ 
tation,  $850. 

692.  Enlargement  of  the  work. 

1889,  p.  581.  The  Synod  of  Virginia  overtures  the  Assembly  to 
appoint  a  special  committee  to  study  the  subject,  and,  unless  it  ap¬ 
pear  unadvisable,  to  report  to  the  next  succeeding  Assembly  proposi¬ 
tions  for  a  marked  enlargement  of  effort  in  the  evangelization  of  the 
colored  people  of  our  church.  Answered  in  the  affirmative. 

1890,  p.  12.  The  chairman  reported  that  the  committee  had  been 
unable  to  hold  a  meeting,  and  had  conferred  only  by  correspondence; 
that  they  had  been  unable  to  agree  on  a  report.  He  submitted  the 
draft  of  a  report  which  had  been  sent  to  each  member  of  the  com¬ 
mittee,  together  with  the  responses  received,  arid  respectfully  recom¬ 
mended  that  these  papers,  without  reading,  and  the  whole  subject 
be  referred  to  a  new  committee,  to  report  during  the  present  session 
of  this  body. 

This  recommendation  was  adopted. 

P.  53.  This  committee  reported  as  follows: 

Our  Church  has  always  acknowledged  the  obligation  to  preach 
the  gospel  to  the  colored  people.  There  are  not  wanting  evidences 
of  an  increasing  interest  in  this  work.  We  believe  that  the  time 
has  gome  for  marked  enlargement  of  effort  to  give  these  people  a  sure 
gospel,  and  all  the  advantages  of  our  system  of  government.  Seven 


314  Home  Missions  [Book  IV 

millions  of  people  appeal  to  us  as  no  other  people  can  for  the  bread 
of  life. 

In  the  providence  of  God  we  are  called  to  place  this  work  promi¬ 
nently  before  our  people.  .  To  this  end  we  recommend: 

1.  That  the  Presbyteries  be  urged  to  encourage  the  officers  and 
members  of  their  churches  to  organize  and  conduct  Sunday  Schools 
for  the  negroes  wherever  practicable. 

2.  That  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  and  the 
Executive  Committee  of  Tuscaloosa  Institute,  acting  in  conjunction, 
be  authorized  to  select  a  Field  Secretary,  whose  function  it  shall  be 
to  travel  in  behalf  of  the  colored  work,  endeavoring  to  increase  the 
interest  of  our  churches  in  colored  evangelization  and  the  training 
of  colored  ministers,  to  encourage  the  formation  of  colored  Sabbath 
Schools  and  churches,  and  to  preach  to  the  colored  people  as  oppor¬ 
tunity  may  offer;  his  salary  to  be  fixed  by  said  Committee,  and  to 
be  paid  out  of  the  receipts  for  the  Colored  Evangelistic  work;  the 
report  of  his  labors  to  be  made  to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home 
Missions,  and  through  that  Committee  to  the  Assembly.  Adopted. 

1890,  p.  271.  The  two  Executive  Committees,  of  Home  Missions 
and  of  the  Institute,  acting  under  instructions  from  the  last  Assembly, 
selected  as  Field  Secretary  for  this  work  the  Rev.  A.  L.  Phillips, 
who  was  at  that  time  pastor  of  the  South  Highlands  Church  in  Bir¬ 
mingham,  Ala.  Mr.  Phillips  began  his  work  on  the  first  of  October, 
and  has  been  very  diligent  ever  since  in  presenting  this  work  with 
tongue  and  pen  to  our  churches  and  church  courts. 

P.  35.  We  call  attention  to  the  fact  that  the  cause  of  Colored 
Evangelism  is  in  urgent  need  of  increased  funds,  and  the  churches 
are  urged  to  enlarge  the  offerings  to  this  cause  to  aid  this  growing 
and  expanding  work. 

693.  An  Executive  Committee  on  Colored  Evangelization  appointed. 

1891,  p.  234.  In  order  to  unify,  strengthen  and  enlarge  our 
efforts  for  the  colored  people,  this  Assembly  hereby  appoints  an 
Executive  Committee  on  Colored  Evangelization,  to  consist  of  a 
Secretary  and  ten  members,  of  which  number  the  Superintendent  of 
Tuscaloosa  Institute  shall  be  one,  to  be  appointed  annually  by  the 
General  Assembly,  and  to  be  located  at  Birmingham,  Ala. 

To  this  Committee  shall  be  entrusted  the  oversight  of  the  entire 
educational,  evangelistic  and  sustentation  work  of  our  Church  in 
behalf  of  the  colored  people,  the  general  management  of  the  finances, 
fixing  of  salaries  and  disbursement  of  all  funds  contributed  to  this 
cause.  The  records  of  this  Committee  shall  be  submitted  annually 
to  the  General  Assembly,  and  the  Committee  shall  prepare  and  sub¬ 
mit  to  the  next  Assembly  a  Manual  of  Rules. 

Until  otherwise  ordered,  all  money  for  this  cause  shall  be  sent  as 
heretofore  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Committee  of  Home  Missions,  and 
none  of  it  shall  be  disbursed  except  on  the  order  of  the  Committee 
on  Colored  Evangelization  through  the  warrant  of  its  Secretary. 

The  Rev.  A.  L.  Phillips  is  hereby  nominated  as  Secretary  of' Col- 


Secs.  692-694] 


Colored  Evangelization 


315 


ored  Evangelization,  and  the  following  are  nominated  as  members 
of  the  Executive  Committee:  Ministers — C.  A.  Stillman,  Hugh  K. 
Walker,  T.  C.  Whaling,  L.  S.  Handley,  J.  A.  Bryan.  Ruling  Elders — 
J.  H.  Miller,  E.  H.  Sholl,  J.  W.  Lapsley,  T.  H.  Herndon,  M.  A. 
Mason.  These  nominees  were  elected. 

P.  241.  This  Executive  Committee  reported  that  it  had  organized 
on  May  26,  1891.  It  asked  the  x\ssembly  to  instruct  all  the  Presby¬ 
teries  to  appoint  Standing  Committees  on  Colored  Evangelization, 
and  to  instruct  its  Executive  Committee  on  Colored  Evangelization 
to  have  the  Board  of  Directors  of  Tuscaloosa  Institute  incorporated. 
Approved. 

1892,  p.  425.  We  recommend  that  the  plan  of  organization  sug¬ 
gested  by  the  Executive  Committee  be  adopted,  and  that  all  the 
Synods  and  Presbyteries  be  urged  to  co-operate  in  the  work  by  the 
appointment  of  Permanent  or  Executive  Committees  in  accordance 
therewith. 

We  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  Manual  of  Rules  of  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee,  set  forth  in  the  report  of  the  Committee  on  pp.  20, 
21,  22,  together  with  the  By-laws  of  Tuscaloosa  Institute  set  forth 
on  p.  23  of  said  report,  except  that  Article  VIII.  of  the  Manual  of 
Rules  be  amended  by  adding  thereto  the  words,  “Subject  to  the 
approval  of  the  General  Assembly  at  its  next  succeeding  meetings.” 
We  recommend  the  approval  of  the  report  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee,  except  as  to  so  much  of  it  as  has  been  altered  by  the  above 
recommendations.  Adopted. 

This  plan  of  organization  as  adopted  above  (p.  24,  Report  of 
Executive  Committee)  outlines  the  duties  of  the  Executive  Committee 
under  the  three  heads  of  Educational,  Sustentation  and  Evangelistic, 
and  urges  the  appointment  of  Synodical,  Presbyterial  and  Sessional 
committees,  with  suggestions  as  to  how  they  should  be  constituted, 
and  how  they  may  secure  adequate  consideration  of  the  cause  and 
contribute  to  its  advancement,  urging  the  presentation  of  these  in¬ 
terests  before  Sabbath  Schools,  missionary  societies  and  monthly  con¬ 
certs,  and  providing  for  the  dissemination  of  literature  on  the  sub¬ 
ject. 

1898,  p.  237.  It  was  directed  that  a  Treasurer  be  appointed,  to 
be  located  at  Tuscaloosa,  to  whom  all  funds  collected  for  this  cause 
shall  be  sent. 

1899,  p.  436.  The  revised  Manual  was  approved. 

694.  Aid  to  colored  students  for  vacation  work. 

1888,  p.  434.  The  Committee  of  Home  Missions  was  authorized 
to  grant  aid  for  the  support  of  students  of  the  Institute,  who  are  not 
licentiates,  who  may,  by  authority  of  the  Presbyteries  interested,  be 
engaged  during  vacation  in  supplying  vacant  churches. 

P.  411.  The  Manual  for  Home  Missions  was  changed  to  conform 
to  the  policy  of  summer  aid  to  candidates.  But  the  restriction  that 
such  appropriations  must  be  recommended  by  the  Presbytery  in  open 
session  in  whose  bounds  the  field  lies,  was  removed  as  to  candidates 


316 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


in  Tuscaloosa  Institute,  in  whose  case  it  is  sufficient  that  aid  be 
asked  by  the  Executive  Committee  and  Faculty  of  that  Institution; 
provided,  however,  that  such  candidate  shall  not  be  sent  to  labor 
within  the  bounds  of  any  Presbytery  without  the  consent  of  that 
Presbytery. 

695.  Colored  candidates  to  be  received  on  trial. 

1896,  p.  606.  This  Assembly  would  urge  that  Presbyteries  keep 
applicants  under  a  trial  for  at  least  six  months  before  receiving  them, 
except  in  cases  of  evident  fitness,  or  where  the  applicant  is  well 
known  to  the  Presbytery  recommending  him,  to  protect  the  Institute 
from  unworthy  men. 

696.  Statistics  of  colored  churches. 

1897,  p.  38.  The  Assembly  directed  that,  as  far  as  possible,  our 
colored  churches  furnish  their  statistics,  such  as  are  required  of  the 
white  churches,  and  that  such  statistics  be  published  in  the  Appendix 
to  the  Minutes  of  the  General  Assembly. 

1905,  p.  50.  The  Stated  Clerk  was  authorized  to  publish  in  our 
Minutes  the  statistics  of  the  Afro-American  Church. 

1911,  p.  35.  There  are  69  colored  Presbyterian  Churches  hav¬ 
ing  regular  services.  Last  year  129  members  were  added  on  con¬ 
fession  of  faith.  These  churches  last  year  contributed  to  their  own 
support,  $2,760,  and  were  aided  by  the  Home  Missions  Committee 
to  the  amount  of  $3,960. 

697.  Proposed  organization  of  an  independent  church  among  the 

colored  people. 

1891,  p.  234.  It  was  stated  on  the  floor  of  this  Assembly  that 
the  colored  Presbyterians  in  our  bounds  desire  for  themselves  separate 
organizations,  to  be  erected,  counseled,  and  aided  by  us,  and  whereas 
it  is  desirable  that  accurate  information  be  obtained  as  to  their 
wishes  and  purposes  in  these  regards,  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  Rev.  A.  L.  Phillips  be  appointed  a  commissioner 
to  visit  or  correspond  with  the  various  colored  Presbyteries  and  gather 
authentic  information  of  their  wishes  in  the  premises,  and  to  visit 
the  Synods  concerned  and  endeavor  to  secure  from  them  such  action 
as  shall  permit  the  colored  Presbyteries,  if  they  so  desire,  to  form  an 
independent  Synod;  and  he  is  hereby  instructed  to  bear  to  these 
Presbyteries  the  most  cordial  assurances  of  our  sympathy  and  aid, 
and  of  our  readiness  to  enter  into  correspondence  with  their  Synod 
when  it  is  formed. 

P.  235.  The  Presbytery  of  Orange  overtures  the  Assembly  “to 
interpret  the  policy  of  the  Southern  Presbyterian  Church  with  refer¬ 
ence  to  the  establishment  of  a  separate  African  church.”  This  As¬ 
sembly  answers  said  overture  as  follows:  It  is  the  deliberate  and 
settled  policy  of  our  Church  to  aid  in  the  establishment  and  develop- 


Sec.  697] 


Colored  Evangelization 


317 


ment  of  a  separate  and  ultimately  self-sustaining  Colored  Presby¬ 
terian  Church.  Unless  our  Presbyteries  organize  churches  and  license 
and  ordain  ministers,  it  is  evident  that  no  progress  whatever  can  be 
made  in  this  work.  This  Assembly  therefore  invites  the  Presbyteries 
to  co-operate  by  ordaining,  in  the  regular  constitutional  method,  both 
teaching  and  ruling  elders,  in  order  to  their  ultimate  connection  with 
the  independent  colored  church. 

1892,  p.  482.  Rev.  A.  L.  Phillips  made  the  following  report: 

Agreeable  to  the  appointment  and  instructions  of  the  General  As¬ 
sembly  of  1891,.  I  have  diligently  visited  and  corresponded  with 
the  various  colored  Presbyteries,  have  tried  to  gather  authentic  infor¬ 
mation  as  to  their  wishes  in  regard  to  their  union  into  a  separate 
and  independent  Synod,  have  conferred  with  our  own  Synods  con¬ 
cerned  and  have  borne  to  the  colored  brethren  cordial  assurances  of 
our  sympathy  and  aid.  I  herewith  submit  my  report,  setting  forth 
the  facts  learned  and  making  such  suggestions  as  seem  proper  and 
useful. 

There  are  now  in  the  territory  embraced  by  our  church  five  Presby¬ 
teries  composed  wholly  of  colored  ministers  and  churches,  viz: 

(1)  The  Presbytery  of  North  and  South  Carolina,  composed  of 
churches  in  lower  North  and  upper  South  Carolina,  organized  No¬ 
vember  3,  1876,  as  an  independent  body.  It  is  now  independent.  I 
had  a  conference  at  Bishopville,  S.  C.,  October  22,  1891,  with  a 
committee  of  that  Presbytery,  consisting  of  Revs.  J.  H.  Ghee,  R.  C. 
James  and  P.  T.  Willis,  and  Ruling  Elders  Jacob  G.  George  and 
Mitchell  Chapman.  All  were  present  except  Rev.  P..  T.  Willis. 
These  men  are  leading  members  of  that  Presbytery.  They  said  that 
their  churches  had  never  grown  much  until  they  became  an  inde¬ 
pendent  body,  that  they  would  not  surrender  their  independence  for 
any  cause,  but  that  they  would  be  glad  to  unite  with  other  Presby¬ 
teries  to  form  an  independent  Synod. 

There  has  always  been  a  most  fraternal  relation  between  this 
Presbytery  and  our  own  church.  For  several  years  we  have  helped  to 
sustain  their  pastors  and  have  educated  their  candidates  free  of  cost 
to  them. 

(2)  The  Presbytery  of  Central  Alabama,  organized  at  Tusca¬ 
loosa,  Ala.,  December  12,  1890.  I  met  this  Presbytery  in  the  fall  of 
1891,  and  having  discussed  the  separate  Synod  with  them,  it  was 
unanimously  decided  to  enter  into  the  formation  of  such  a  Synod 
when  it  was  called.  At  the  recent  spring  meeting  of  this  Presby¬ 
tery,  its  action  of  the  fall  previous  was  reconsidered,  and  it  was 
unanimously  decided  not  to  enter  such  a  Synod  at  present.  The 
Synod  of  Alabama,  at  its  meeting  in  1891,  declared  “that  this  Synod 
recognizes  the  independence  of  Central  Alabama  Presbytery,  as  as¬ 
sumed  by  themselves  in  response  to  the  recommendation  of  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  of  1891,  and  we  recommend  that  as  soon  as  practicable 
they  unite  themselves  with  other  colored  Presbyteries  with  a  view 
to  the  formation  of  a  colored  Synod.” 

The  chief  reason  which  led  this  Presbytery  to  decline  to  enter  the 
.Synod  seems  to  be  a  doubt  of  their  own  ecclesiastical  and  financial 


318  Home  Missions  [Book  IV 

ability  to  exist  alone,  although  I  had  assured  them  that  our  Church 
was  pledged  to  aid  them  pecuniarily  and  educationally. 

(3)  The  Presbytery  of  Ethel,  organized  at  Ethel,  Miss.,  on  Janu¬ 
ary  10,  1891.  This  Presbytery  is  one  of  the  constituent  Presbyteries 
of  the  Synod  of  Mississippi.  I  met  this  body  at  Fairview  Church, 
near  Heidelburg,  Miss.,  August  13,  1891,  and  discussed  the  separate 
Synod.  They  decided,  though  not  unanimously,  that  they  did  not 
think  that  the  time  had  arrived  in  the  providence  of  God  for  such  a 
step,  and  declined  to  enter  the  Synod.  At  their  recent  meeting  they 
again  decided  adversely  to  the  separate  Synod.  Their  chief  reasons 
for  such  action  seemed  to  be:  (1),  Lack  of  money  to  carry  on  the 
Synod;  (2),  Lack  of  numerical  and  Presbyterial  strength;  and  (3), 
Lack  of  benefits  of  review  and  control  of  such  Assembly  as  ours. 

(4)  The  Presbytery  of  Texas,  an  independent  body.  Its  churches 
and  ministers  are  poor  and  weak,  but  they  are  willing  to  enter  the 
separate  Synod,  so  far  as  I  am  informed. 

(5)  The  Presbytery  of  Zion,  embracing  churches  and  ministers,, 
near  Memphis,  Tenn.,  organized  in  December,  1891,  an  independent 
body,  ready  to  enter  the  independent  Synod  when  formed. 

Of  the  ministers  not  connected  with  the  above  Presbyteries,  I 
know  that  at  least  five  are  heartily  in  favor  of  an  independent 
Synod. 

There  seem  to  be  three  opinions  amongst  them :  ( 1 ) ,  Some  favor 

separate  Presbyteries,  with  representation  in  our  Synods  and  As¬ 
sembly;  (2),  Others  favor  a  separate  Synod,  with  representation  in 
our  General  Assembly;  (3),  Others  still  favor  a  separate  and  inde¬ 
pendent  Synod. 

It  is  perfectly  evident,  therefore,  that  there  is  now  no  plan  that 
meets  the  approval  of  all  the  colored  ministers.  In  their  poverty 
and  lack  of  ecclesiastical  experience  it  will  be  well-nigh  impossible 
for  them  to  maintain  a  vigorous,  independent  life  without  cordial 
unanimity. 

In  order  to  test  the  matter  I  issued  a  letter  stating  the  attitude  of 
the  Assembly  toward  the  proposed  colored  church,  reasons  why  the 
erection  of  such  has  hitherto  been  impossible,  and  reasons  why  such 
organization  might  seem  now  both  desirable  and  practicable. 

Upon  the  consideration  of  this  letter,  Ethel  Presbytery  declined 
to  enter  the  Synod.  Without  Ethel  Presbytery  it  was  impracticable 
to  get  a  constitutional  quorum  of  three  Presbyteries.  I  therefore  re¬ 
called  the  appointment.  Before  the  proposed  date  of  meeting,  Cen¬ 
tral  Alabama  Presbytery  also  declined  to  co-operate.  Here  the  matter 
rests. 

Any  intelligent  person  will  readily  see  that  the  successful  prosecu¬ 
tion  of  our  colored  work  depends  upon  the  hearty  agreement  of  all 
concerned  in  the  plan  of  operations.  Can  such  an  agreement  be 
secured  ? 

May  I  suggest  the  following  plans,  either  of  which  will  be  calcu¬ 
lated  to  produce  the  harmony  needed?  (1),  Let  the  colored  Presby¬ 
teries  be  organized  into  a  separate  Synod,  said  Presbyteries  to  have 
representation  in  our  General  Assembly  for  a  period  of  five  years* 


Sec.  697] 


Colored  Evangelization 


319 


at  the  expiration  of  which  time  their  connection  with  our  Assembly 
shall  cease;  (2),  Let  the  colored  Presbyteries  be  exhorted,  for  their 
own  unity  and  development,  to  unite  at  once  in  the  formation  of  a 
separate  Synod. 

P.  426.  This  report  was  referred  to  a  committee  of  twenty- six, 
Rev.  J.  B.  Mack,  D.  D.,  chairman. 

P.  433.  This  committee  made  a  report,  which  was  adopted,  and 
is  as  follows: 

Whereas  it  has  been  the  settled  policy  of  our  Church,  expressed 
by  the  General  Assembly  of  1874,  namely:  “Presbyteries  and  Ses¬ 
sions  are  recommended  to  encourage  and  aid  in  the  formation  of 
colored  churches,  *  *  *  with  a  view  to  form  these  churches  in  due 
time  into  Presbyteries,  as  convenience  may  dictate.”  “When  two 
or  more  of  such  Presbyteries  shall  exist,  they  may  unite  to  form  a 
Synod,  as  was  the  case  in  our  own  history.  This  may  for  a  time 
be  their  highest  court.  A  time,  however,  may  arrive,  from  the  in¬ 
crease  in  the  number  of  its  churches  and  Presbyteries,  when  said 
Synod  may  find  it  expedient  to  divide,  and  to  combine  in  a  General 
Assembly;”  and 

Whereas,  we  find  that  in  the  development  of  this  plan  there  are 
now  five  Presbyteries,  about  forty  ministers,  fifty- five  churches,  and 
about  thirteen  hundred  communicants;  therefore  we  recommend — 

1.  That  the  report  of  the  Rev.  A.  L.  Phillips,  commissioner,  be 
approved,  and  printed  in  the  Appendix  to  the  Minutes  for  informa¬ 
tion. 

2.  That  in  order  to  give  our  colored  brethren  and  churches  more 
time  to  consider  the  plan  of  our  Church  as  outlined  above,  Rev.  A. 
L.  Phillips  be  appointed  commissioner  of  this  Assembly  to  bear  to 
these  brethren  its  fraternal  greetings,  to  express  to  them  its  confident 
hope  that  in  the  providence  of  God  the  time  will  soon  arrive  when 
they  can  unanimously  and  cordially  unite  to  form  an  independent 
church,  and  to  assure  them  that  this  Assembly  renews  its  pledge 
of  financial  and  educational  support,  and  its  willingness  to  enter  into 
•correspondence  with  said  Church. 

3.  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  call  a  convention  of  all 
the  colored  Presbyterian  ministers  in  our  bounds,  to  meet  at  Birming¬ 
ham,  Ala.,  on  a  day  to  be  selected  by  Rev.  A.  L.  Phillips,  commis¬ 
sioner,  to  confer  with  them  about  organizing  an  independent  Presby¬ 
terian  Church,  and  any  other  matter  pertaining  to  the  best  interests 
of  Presbyterianism  amongst  the  colored  people.  Said  commissioner 
is  authorized  to  collect  funds  to  pay  the  necessary  expenses  of  all 
colored  ministers  under  our  jurisdiction,  or  that  are  aided  by  our 
Executive  Committee  of  Colored  Evangelization,  in  attending  this 
convention. 

1893,  p.  54.  The  chairman  submitted  the  following  report, 
which  was  approved : 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Assembly  of  1892  a  committee  was  appointed, 
in  connection  with  Rev.  A.  L.  Phillips  as  commissioner,  to  call  a 
convention  of  the  colored  Presbyterian  ministers  and  churches  in  our 
bounds,  with  a  view  to  organizing  an  independent  colored  Synod,  at 


320 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


the  city  of  Birmingham,  Ala.,  whenever  the  commissioner  shall  ap¬ 
point  the  day.  He  has  visited  and  corresponded  with  these  brethren1 
very  fully,  and  has  ascertained  that  they  are  not  yet  prepared  for  this- 
step;  hence  the  convention  has  not  been  called,  and  there  has  been 
no  meeting  of  the  committee. 

This  report  is  made  by  the  chairman,  with  the  concurrence  of  the- 
commissioner,  and  we  respectfully  ask  that  it  be  approved  and  the 
committee  discharged. 

1894,  p.  233.  In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  plan  of  co-operation 
with  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  pro¬ 
posed  by  the  Birmingham  Conference,  has  been  rejected  by  this  As¬ 
sembly  as  not  acceptable  to  our  people,  the  Assembly  reaffirms  with 
emphasis  that  in  the  ultimate  establishment  and  maintenance  of  a 
separate  and  independent  African  Presbyterian  Church  lies  the  surest 
and  quickest  way  to  the  evangelization  of  the  colored  people.  This 
opinion  is  confirmed  by  our  own  experience  and  by  the  history  of 
the  colored  Baptist  and  Methodist  Churches  and  of  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  Church.  By  this  plan  the  Assembly  does  not  intend  to 
sever  all  connection  with  the  colored  churches,  but  desires  to  give 
them  the  largest  and  freest  opportunity  for  self-support  and  self-de¬ 
velopment;  and  the  Assembly  pledges  itself  to  continue  to  aid  them 
in  the  education  of  their  ministers  and  in  evangelistic  and  sustenta- 
tion  work. 

1895,  p.  397.  In  response  to  the  overture  from  Charleston  Presby¬ 
tery,  asking  for  the  immediate  organization  of  an  independent  colored 
Presbyterian  Church,  this  Assembly  answers:  That  the  ultimate  or¬ 
ganization  of  an  independent  colored  church  has  always  been  the 
policy  of  our  Church,  and  that  during  the  past  five  years  steady 
progress  has  been  made  toward  this  goal. 

(1)  In  order  to  ascertain  whether,  in  the  judgment  of  the  Church,, 
the  time  has  come  for  such  an  organization,  this  Assembly  orders 
that  a  collection  be  taken  in  our  churches  during  the  month  of 
August,  1895,  for  the  purpose  of  raising  the  funds  necessary  to  de¬ 
fray  the  expenses  connected  with  the  organization  of  said  independent 
colored  Synod,  said  collection  to  be  forwarded  to  W.  A.  Powell,  Treas¬ 
urer,  and  to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Colored  Evangelization. 

(2)  That  the  question  of  this  organization  be  referred  to  the 
Presbyteries  and  Synods  concerned  for  such  action  as  they  see  proper. 
If  their  concurrence  be  obtained,  and  if  the  funds  raised  justify 
such  organization,  in  the  judgment  of  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Colored  Evangelization,  this  Assembly  appoints  Rev.  J.  L.  Girardeau, 
D.  D.,  Rev.  A.  B.  Curry,  Rev.  A.  L.  Phillips,  E.  H.  Sholl  and 
J.  W.  Lapsley  as  its  commissioners  to  decide  upon  the  time  and  place 
for  affecting  the  proposed  organization,  and  to  represent  the  As¬ 
sembly  upon  said  occasion. 

1896,  p.  631.  The  Executive  Committee  say: 

The  colored  Presbyteries  of  Central  Alabama  and  Ethel  decided, 
after  considering  the  matter  carefully,  that  they  did  not  think  that 
the  time  had  come  for  such  a  movement.  The  Assembly  enacted  that 


Sec.  697] 


Colored  Evangelization 


321 


“if  their  concurrence  be  obtained,  and  if  the  funds  raised  justify 
such  organization,  in  the  judgment  of  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Colored  Evangelization,”  then  certain  commissioners  should  decide 
on  the  place  and  time  for  such  a  meeting.  In  the  judgment  of  your 
Committee  the  conditions  above  recited  were  not  fulfilled,  and  so  no 
meeting  was  called.  After  a  careful  study  of  this  matter  for  five 
years,  we  are  convinced  that  it  is  the  mind  of  the  Church  at  large 
that  this  organization  of  an  independent  Synod  shall  be  the  result  of 
healthful  and  substantial  growth.  We  see  no  reason  for  modifying 
our  purpose  in  this  matter.  Our  plan  was  not  the  result  of  hasty 
and  prejudiced  action,  but  was  formed  after  ten  years  of  careful 
thought  and  observation. 

P.  605.  The  Independent  Synod. — This  Assembly  renews  its  ex¬ 
pression  of  deep  conviction  that  the  highest  spiritual  good  of  the 
colored  people  can  be  effected  onlv  through  their  independent  efforts. 
During  the  last  five  years  the  progress  made  towards  the  organiza¬ 
tion  of  an  independent  African  Presbyterian  Church  has  been  most 
gratifying,  and  the  day  seems  near  when  it  may  be  effected  as  lire 
result  of  healthy  growth  and  unanimous  approval.  In  the  opinion  of 
this  Assembly  the  time  for  such  separate  organization  has  not  yet 
arrived,  for  the  following  reasons: 

1.  There  are  only  two  colored  Presbyteries  under  the  jurisdiction 
of  our  Church,  though  there  are  five  Presbyteries  within  our  bounds. 

2.  Both  these  Presbyteries  have  expressed  themselves  as  opposed 
to  such  action  for  the  present. 

We  recommend  that  the  money  raised  last  August  for  establishing 
an  independent  Synod  be  invested,  to  be  used  for  this  purpose  when, 
in  God’s  providence,  the  way  shall  be  opened. 

1897,  p.  21.  Your  Committee  has  sought  all  available  light  on 
this  question.  A  voluminous  correspondence  with  many  of  the  most 
thoughtful  in  our  Church  has  been  submitted  to  us;  also  a  full 
correspondence  with  the  colored  ministers  of  our  Church  showing 
that  out  of  fifty-five,  thirty-three  are  desirous  of  organization,  six 
are  opposed,  three  are  doubtful  and  eleven  are  not  heard  from. 

We  have  also  learned  that  it  is  the  intention  of  the  independent 
Presbyteries  to  call  a  meeting  at  an  early  day  for  the  purpose  of 
organizing  a  colored  Presbyterian  Church. 

In  view  of  these  facts,  and  remembering  the  settled  policy  of  our 
Church,  your  Committee  would  recommend: 

1.  Should  the  independent  Presbyteries  call  a  meeting  for  the 
organization  of  a  colored  Presbyterian  Church,  that  our  Executive 
Committee  be  directed  to  confer  with  them  in  fixing  the  time  and 
place  for  such  meeting,  and  the  Assembly  does  hereby  authorize  any 
of  its  Presbyteries,  or  ministers  and  churches,  on  the  consent  of  their 
Presbyteries,  to  withdraw,  on  their  own  motion,  from  its  jurisdiction 
to  join  said  Church. 

2.  A  committee  of  five,  to  be  appointed  to  represent  this  As¬ 
sembly  in  the  event  of  such  convocation  being  held,  and  convey  to 
these  brethren  our  fraternal  salutations,  and  the  assurance  that  it 


322  Home  Missions  [Book  IV 

is  our  determination  to  continue  our  financial  help,  and  give  them 
a  hearty  co-operation  in  every  good  work. 

G.  T.  Gcetchius,  J.  W.  Bachman,  A.  B.  Curry,  A.  L.  Phillips, 
E.  H.  Sholl,  and  J.  W.  Lapsley  were  appointed  the  committee  to 
attend  this  convention  of  colored  ministers  and  elders.  (Pp.  24,  27.) 

698.  Missionary  among  the  colored,  people. 

1897,  p.  21.  By  the  direction  of  the  last  Assembly,  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  put  Rev.  O.  B.  Wilson,  one  of  the  teachers  in  the 
Institute,  in  the  field  as  a  missionary  or  evangelist  among  the  colored 
people.  A  report  of  his  labors  shows  good  work  done  and  a  hopeful 
strengthening  of  the  things  that  remain,  and  your  committee  recom¬ 
mend  that  his  labors  be  continued.  Adopted. 

699.  Evangelist  for  colored  people. 

1901,  p.  67.  We  recommend  to  the  Executive  Committee  the  ad¬ 
visability  of  placing  in  the  field,  as  soon  as  the  way  be  opened,  an 
evangelist  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  visit  the  colored  churches,  and 
hold  meetings  with  a  view  to  their  edification,  and  also  for  the  estab¬ 
lishment  of  new  organizations.  See  also  1907,  p.  29. 

% 

700.  Separate  Presbyteries  and  Synods  to  be  formed. 

1881,  p.  372.  As  the  colored  people  have  always  manifested  a 
preference  for  an  organization  of  their  own,  which  has  been  recog¬ 
nized  by  us  at  all  times  as  both  natural  and  proper,  the  attention  of 
Synods  was  specially  called  to  this  matter,  with  a  view  to  forming 
such  churches  as  may  be  within  their  bounds  into  Presbyteries,  if 
the  way  should  seem  clear;  adjacent  Synods  to  correspond  with 
each  other  in  the  incipiency  of  this  movement,  in  order  to  secure  the 
necessary  co-operation. 

1883,  p.  49.  The  Synods  were  advised  and  instructed  to  organize 
the  colored  ministers  and  churches  under  their  care  into  separate 
Presbyteries  as  speedily  as  possible,  consistently  with  a  wise  regard 
to  stability  and  growth,  and  that  these  Presbyteries  should  be  formed 
into  an  independent  Synod  by  the  General  Assembly  as  soon  as  the 
way  may  be  clear. 

701.  Colored  Presbyterian  Synod. 

1898,  pp.  205,  236.  The  following  report  of  the  convention  of 
colored  ministers  to  organize  an  Independent  Colored  Presbyterian 
Church  was  read  by  the  Rev.  A.  L.  Phillips,  D.  D.,  and  was  referred 
to  the  Standing  Committee  on  Colored  Evangelization. 

Whereas,  pursuant  to  the  adjournment  of  the  convention  called 
by  the  Independent  Presbyteries  within  the  bounds  of  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  Southern  Presbyterian  Church  through  the  agency 
of  its  Executive  Committee  on  Colored  Evangelization;  and 


Secs.  697-701] 


Colored  Evangelization 


323 


Whereas  the  convention  met  in  the  Berean  Presbyterian  Church, 
in  the  city  of  New  Orleans,  May  19th,  at  7  :30  o’clock  P.  M. ;  and 

Whereas  the  convention  was  duly  convened  and  opened  with  prayer 
and  divine  services;  and 

Whereas  the  convention  has  on  this  19th  day  of  May,  1898,  en¬ 
tered  into  permanent  organization  by  the  unanimous  election  of  the 
Rev.  E.  W.  Williams  as  Moderator,  and  the  Rev.  A.  E.  Reed  as 
Permanent  Clerk;  and 

Whereas  it  has  been,  and  still  is,  the  purpose  of  the  Presbyteries 
creating  this  convention  to  organize  a  separate,  self-governing  Col¬ 
ored  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  and  the  Dominion 
of  Canada;  and 

Whereas  it  is  the  further  purpose  of  the  Presbyteries  creating  this 
convention  to  establish,  when,  in  the  providence  of  God,  the  way  shall 
be  clear,  a  separate  and  self-governing  Colored  Presbyterian  General 
Assembly  in  the  United  States  and  the  Dominion  of  Canada;  there¬ 
fore,  be  it — 

Resolved,  That  until  the  way  is  clear  to  establish  a  General  As¬ 
sembly  this  body  shall  be  known  as  the  separate,  self-governing 
“Colored  Presbyterian  Synod  of  the  United  States  and  the  Dominion 
of  Canada.” 

Be  it  further  resolved ,  That  this  convention  adopt  the  Standards 
of  doctrine  and  polity  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States. 

Be  it  further  resolved,  That  this  convention  does  hereby  and  now 
declare  itself  profoundly  grateful  to  the  Southern  Presbyterian  Church 
for  its  sympathy,  co-operation  and  substantial  financial  support. 

Be  it  further  resolved,  That  this  convention,  in  the  prosecution  of 
its  work  throughout  the  several  Presbyteries  here  represented,  re¬ 
quest  and  urge  upon  the  Presbyteries  as  far  as  practicable  to  seek 
the  advice,  counsel  and  co-operation  of  the  white  brethren  in  the 
execution  of  the  work. 

Be  it  further  resolved,  That  for  the  present  this  convention  shall 
create  four  standing  Executive  Committees,  namely,  a  Committee  on 
Foreign  Missions,  a  Committee  on  Home  Missions,  a  Committee  on 
Education,  and  a  Committee  on  Sabbath  Schools. 

Be  it  further  resolved,  That  the  Moderator  be  and  is  hereby  re¬ 
quested  to  name  the  chairmen  of  these  several  Committees  as  soon 
as  practicable  after  the  adjournment  of  this  convention. 

Be  it  further  resolved,  That  this  convention  returns  its  most  hearty 
thanks  to  Rev.  A.  L.  Phillips,  D.  D.,  for  the  timely  and  faithful  as¬ 
sistance  he  has  rendered  in  perfecting  this  organization. 

Be  it  further  resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  convention  be  fur¬ 
ther  extended  to  the  Assembly’s  Executive  Committee  on  Colored 
Evangelization,  and  that  it  is  hereby  requested  to  continue  its  work 
in  the  interest  of  the  colored  people. 

1915,  p.  71.  Our  Colored  Evangelistic  work  continues  about  as 
usual,  though  your  Standing  Committee  believes  that  a  great  step 
forward  would  be  taken  should  a  colored  Synod  be  established,  as 
referred  to  in  another  part  of  this  report.  Your  attention  is  called 


324 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


to  the  splendid  section  devoted  to  Colored  Evangelism  in  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee’s  report,  which  gives  detailed  information  concern¬ 
ing  this  work.  We  call  attention  to  the  fact  that  Sabbath  Schools 
have  been  conducted  for  the  colored  people  at  Richmond,  Ya.,  At¬ 
lanta,  Ga.,  Jacksonville,  Fla.,  Tuscaloosa,  Ala.,  Oxford,  Miss.,  Rus- 
tin,  La.,  Memphis,  Tenn.,  Decatur,  Ga.,  Louisville,  Ky. ;  while  day 
schools  have  been  maintained  at  Abbeville,  S.  C.,  Texarkana,  Tex., 
Selma,  Ala.,  Florence,  S.  C.,  and  Louisville,  Ky.  Why  could  not 
this  be  done  in  every  city  and  town  throughout  our  territory? 

1915,  p.  20.  That  the  overture  bearing  upon  the  establishment  of 
Afro-American  Presbyteries  and  a  Synod  be  approved  with  the  ex¬ 
ception  that  the  clause  requesting  the  appointment  of  committees  in 
six  States  be  stricken  out,  and  also  the  clause  specifying  the  number 
of  meetings  of  Presbytery  each  year;  and  that,  in  accordance  with 
the  terms  of  said  overture,  Revs.  J.  G.  Snedecor,  A.  A.  Little,  and 
S.  L.  Morris  be  appointed  a  committee  to  take  this  whole  matter  in 
hand,  reporting  a  plan  of  action  to  the  next  Assembly,  if  the  way  be 
clear. 

1916,  p.  32.  That  the  Assembly  concur  in  the  report  of  the  Ad- 
Interim  Committee  appointed  by  the  last  Assembly,  recommending 
a  plan  for  organizing  the  colored  ministers  and  churches  into  a  Synod 
not  independent  of  the  Assembly,  but  co-ordinate  with  the  other 
Synods  of  the  Assembly. 

See  under  Synod,  p. 

1919,  p.  41.  The  Executive  Committee  reports  encouragingly 
concerning  the  work  of  Colored  Evangelization.  That  department 
is  represented  by  35  ordained  ministers,  62  churches  and  mission 
stations,  with  2,700  members  and  a  constituency  of  about  5,000. 
Stillman  Institute  reports  a  year  of  gratifying  success.  Rev.  R.  IC 
Timmons,  President  of  the  Institution,  succeeding  Rev.  W.  E. 
Hutchison,  whose  ill-health  compelled  his  resignation,  has  shown 
himself  worthy  of  the  confidence  reposed  in  him. 

Our  efforts  and  accomplishments,  however,  in  the  Department  of 
Colored  Evangelization  still  seem  to  be  pitifully  inadequate,  when 
we  consider  what  we  have  done  in  the  light  of  the  fact  that  we  are 
surrounded  by  a  population  of  9,000,000  negroes,  a  large  propor¬ 
tion  of  whom  are  practically  untouched  by  Christian  influence. 


702.  Tuscaloosa  Institute 

1875,  p.  28.  Overture  from  Rev.  C.  A.  Stillman,  D.  D.,  and 
others,  asking  the  Assembly,  at  its  present  meeting,  to  take  action 
looking  to  the  establishment  of  an  institute  for  the  education  of  colored 
preachers,  in  pursuance  of  the  policy  recommended  by  the  last  As¬ 
sembly;  or  in  case  the  way  be  not  clear  to  do  that  at  this  meeting, 
to  appoint  a  committee  to  take  the  subject  into  consideration,  and,  if 
they  deem  it  expedient  and  practicable,  to  digest  a  plan  for  the  or¬ 
ganization,  management,  and  support  of  such  a  school,  and  report 
to  the  next  Assembly. 


Secs.  7G1-703]  Colored  Evangelization  32? 

The  Assembly  acceded  to  the  later  alternative  of  this  request,  and 
appointed  a  committee  for  the  purpose  specified  in  the  overture,  to 
report  to  the  next  Assembly. 

Committee:  C.  A.  Stillman,  D.  D.,  J.  O.  Stedman,  D.  D.,  and 
Ruling  Elder  B.  M.  Estes. 

1876,  p.  208.  This  committee  made  a  report  which  was  referred 
to  the  Standing  Committee  on  Education.  This  latter  Committee  rec¬ 
ommended  the  establishment  of  such  an  institute  to  be  located  at 
Tuscaloosa,  Ala.,  under  the  care  of  Rev.  Dr.  Stillman. 

703.  Executive  Committee  for  the  Education  of  a  Colored  Ministry 

1877,  p.  438.  Resolved,  1,  That  an  Executive  Committee,  to  con¬ 
sist  of  a  Secretary  and  four  members,  one  of  whom  shall  be  by  said 
Committee  elected  Treasurer,  be  now  appointed,  clothed  with  pow¬ 
ers,  and  subject  to  restrictions  in  every  respect  similar  to  the  other 
Executive  Committees  of  the  Assembly,  to  be  called  the  Executive 
Committee  for  the  Education  of  a  Colored  Ministry. 

2.  That  this  Committee  shall  be  charged  with  the  duty  of  devis¬ 
ing  and  executing  in  accordance  with  existing  restrictions  on  other 
Executive  Committees,  all  that  shall  be  useful  to  establish  on  a 
permanent  basis  a  suitable  institution  for  the  education  of  a  colored 
ministry,  and  to  do  such  other  work  as  the  General  Assembly  shall 
from  time  to  time  direct,  for  the  evangelization  of  this  element  of  our 
population. 

3.  That  this  Committee  be  located  at  Tuscaloosa,  Alabama,  and 
the  names  of  the  following  persons  are  proposed!  to  constitute  said 
Committee,  viz.:  Rev.  C.  A.  Stillman,  D.  D.,  Secretary;  W.  P.  Webb, 
Jonathan  Bliss,  J.  T.  Searcy  and  R.  D.  Webb. 

4.  That  this  Executive  Committee  prepare  and  report  to  the  next 
General  Assembly  for  its  action,  a  complete  Constitution  and  By- 
Laws  for  itself,  and  for  the  institution  over  which  it  is  to  be  placed. 

5.  That  the  Presbyteries  be  again  earnestly  urged  to  consider  this 
whole  subject,  in  view  of  this  action  of  the  Assembly,  and  to  co¬ 
operate  with  the  Executive  Committee  in  carrying  out  the  work  as¬ 
signed  it. 

6.  That  for  the  present  the  support  of  candidates  for  the  min¬ 
istry  at  this  institute  be  provided  for  through  the  Presbyteries 
having  such  candidates  under  care,  as  such  bodies  shall  devise,  and 
that  Presbyteries  having  no  colored  candidates  of  their  own,  or  hav¬ 
ing  a  surplus  of  funds  for  this  purpose,  shall  send  their  contribu¬ 
tions  or  surplus  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Committee,  to  be  invested 
or  disbursed  by  it  under  the  rules  to  be  adopted  for  its  action. 

7.  That  in  addition  to  the  annual  reports  of  this  Committee  to  the 
General  Assembly,  it  be  required  to  send  to  all  the  Presbyteries  hav¬ 
ing  candidates  or  contributing  funds  a  semi-annual  report,  on  the 
first  of  March  and  first  of  September  of  each  year,  setting  forth  the 
deportment  and  progress  of  their  candidates,  and  the  disbursement 
of  the  funds. 

8.  That  the  whole  Church  be  most  earnestly  and  affectionately 


326 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


urged  to  look  with  favor  on  this  work,  and  to  liberally  aid  it  with 
their  prayers,  their  influence,  and  their  means.  And  inasmuch  as 
this  work  is  in  its  infancy,  it  is  not  inappropriate  to  add  that  con¬ 
tributions  are  greatly  needed  for  its  general  support,  as  well  as  for 
the  support  of  the  students. 

9.  That  the  first  Sabbath  of  December,  or  as  soon  thereafter  as 
practicable,  be  appointed  for  the  annual  collection  for  this  object,  to 
be  taken  up  in  whatever  way  shall  seem  best  to  each  particular 
church. 

704.  Agency  for  the  Institute 

1878,  p.  630,  1879,  p.  82.  Rev.  B.  T.  Lacey,  D.  D.,  was  ap¬ 
pointed  financial  agent  for  the  Institute  and  served  for  about  a 
year.  He  raised  some  money  and  collected  600  volumes  for  the 
library. 

705.  The  Institute  commended 

1883,  p.  35.  Resolved,  1,  That  in  addition  to  other  ways  of  sus¬ 
taining  Tuscaloosa  Institute,  this  Assembly  would  urge  upon  the 
Presbyteries,  churches  and  Sessions  under  its  care  the  duty  of  mak¬ 
ing  it  a  special  object  to  seek  out  colored  men  who  give  evidence 
of  piety  and  of  a  capacity  for  intellectual  and  spiritual  culture,  and 
encourage  them  to  enter  the  ministry,  and  to  avail  themselves  of 
advantages  afforded  by  this  theological  school. 

2.  That  the  Institute  be  commended  to  the  people  of  God,  not  only 
as  an  important  means  of  usefulness,  but  as  the  most  direct  method 
yet  devised  of  relieving  the  Church  of  the  immense  responsibility 
in  regard  to  the  African  race  which  has  been  laid  upon  it. 

See  also  1882,  p.  573. 

706.  A  column  for  the  Institute  in  the  statistical  tables 

1882,  p.  547.  Resolved,  That  the  Assembly  order  the  Publica¬ 
tion  Committee,  if  practicable,  to  insert  into  the  statistical  tables  of 
the  Minutes  a  column  for  contributions  to  the  “Tuscaloosa  Insti¬ 
tute  (colored),”  and  that  the  blank  reports  which  are  furnished  to 
the  Presbyteries  be  remodeled  in  accordance  with  this  change. 

707.  Discretion  given  the  faculty  as  to  retaining  incompetent  stu¬ 
dents 

1885,  p.  430.  The  committee  having  been  obliged  in  several  in¬ 
stances  to  recommend  the  withdrawal  of  students  of  good  Christian 
character,  but  incapable  of  pursuing  the  course  of  study  with  any 
encouraging  degree  of  'success,  asks  the  Assembly  to  instruct  them 
whether  any,  and!  if  any  what,  discretion  is  left  to  the  faculty  in  re¬ 
taining  students  sent  to  them  by  the  Presbyteries,  when  in  the  judg¬ 
ment  of  the  committee  and  faculty  they  are  incompetent  to  take  the 
full  course  of  study.  In  reply,  the  Assembly  would  first  urge  the 
Presbyteries  to  exercise  great  care  in  the  selection  of  candidates,  both 


Secs.  703-709]  Colored  Evangelization 


337 


as  to  character  and  mental  capacity,  and  to  endeavor  to  give  them  as 
much  preparatory  scholastic  training  as  possible.  But  when,  in  the 
judgment  of  the  faculty,  any  student,  after  sufficient  trial,  proves 
incompetent  to  profit  by  the  instructions  offered,  it  is  their  right  and 
duty,  after  duly  notifying  his  Presbytery,  to  return  him  to  his  home. 

708.  Change  in  the  method  of  collecting  and  disbursing  the  funds  of 

tho  Institute 

1886,  p.  52.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Nashville,  touch¬ 
ing  evangelistic  work  among  the  colored  people  asking — 

“1st,  That  a  collection  be  ordered  in  all  our  churches,  on  the  first 
Sabbath  in  December,  for  the  evangelization  of  the  colored  race,  in¬ 
stead  of  for  Tuscaloosa  Institute,  as  at  present. 

“2nd,  That  the  funds  so  collected  shall  be  used,  first,  for  support¬ 
ing  Tuscaloosa  Institute,  conducted  upon  its  present  plan  and  that 
any  surplus  that  may  remain  shall  be  used  by  the  Committee  of 
Home  Missions  for  employing  evangelists  to  the  colored  people.’' 

Your  committee  recommend: 

1.  That  these  requests  be  granted,  in  the  confident  hope  that  in 
this  way  the  funds  contributed  to  this  whole  cause  shall  be  largely 
increased. 

2.  That,  if  the  Assembly  approve  the  above,  all  funds  now  in  the 
hands  of  the  Treasurer  of  Tuscaloosa  Institute,  or  that  may  here¬ 
after  come  into  his  hands,  contributed  especially  for  the  Institute, 
shall  be  held  by  him  subject  to  the  order  of  the  Executive  Committee 
of  the  Institute.  The  annual  collections  hereafter  are  to  be  sent 
to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions. 

3.  On  the  first  of  each  month  the  Treasurer  of  the  Assembly’s 
Committee  of  Home  Missions  shall  honor  the  draft  of  the  Treasurer 
of  the  Institute  for  such  amount  as  shall  be  ordered  by  the  Secre¬ 
tary  of  the  Institute,  and  certified  to  be  necessary  for  the  current  ex¬ 
penses  of  that  month. 

4.  If,  at  any  time,  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions 
shall  have  cause  to  fear  a  lack  of  funds  for  the  current  expenses  of 
the  Institute,  they  shall  at  once  notify  the  Executive  Committee  of 
the  Institute,  that  they  may  be  prepared  for  such  emergency.  Adopted. 

709.  Progress  of  the  Institute 

1877,  p.  451.  The  Institute  was  located  at  Tuscaloosa,  Ala.  Rev. 
A.  F.  Dickson,  of  Chester,  S.  C.  was  appointed  professor.  Six  stu¬ 
dents  have  been  in  attendance,  two  of  whom  were  Presbyterians,  one 
under  care  of  Memphis  and  the  other  of  Savannah  Presbytery. 

1878,  p.  697.  The  Executive  Committee  appointed  in  May,  or¬ 
ganized  in  July,  1877,  and  adopted  a  constitution  and  by-laws  for 
its  own  government  and  that  of  the  Institute.  Dr.  James  T.  Searcy 
was  elected  Treasurer.  The  salary  of  Rev.  A.  F.  Dickson  was 
fixed  at  $1,500. 

P.  630.  The  Institute  has  no  buildings.  The  constitution  and 


328 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


by-laws  were  adopted.  This  required  that  two  others  be  added  to 
the  Executive  Committee.  Mr.  H.  M.  Summerville,  of  Tuscaloosa, 
and  Rev.  D.  D.  Sanderson,  of  Eutaw,  were  appointed. 

1879,  p.  81.  Rev.  A.  F.  Dickson  died  in  January.  His  classes 
were  taught  the  rest  of  the  term  by  Rev.  J.  W.  Kerr,  M.  D. 

1880,  p.  248.  Rev.  D.  C.  Rankin  was  elected  permanent  profes¬ 
sor,  at  a  salary  of  $1,000.00  a  year.  A  colored  Presbyterian  church 
has  been  organized  in  Tuscaloosa,  and  a  large  and  flourishing  col¬ 
ored  Sabbath  School  was  maintained,  in  which  the  students  took 
part.  We  have  no  contributions  to  a  separate  students’  fund,  and 
we  have  used  a  part  of  the  general  fund  in  meeting  the  necessary  ex¬ 
penses  of  students  connected  with  our  Church. 

1881,  p.  418.  We  have  continued  the  plan  of  last  year  in  meet¬ 
ing  the  expenses  of  students  of  our  own  Church.  We  pay  their 
board,  fuel,  lights,  etc.,  costing  in  all  $8  per  month,  or  $80  per 
year,  they  providing  their  own  clothing,  etc.,  and  supporting  them¬ 
selves  during  vacation.  We  still  endeavor  to  procure  this  amount 
from  the  Presbyteries  sending  them,  but  are  obliged,  in  some  in¬ 
stances,  to  supplement  a  deficiency. 

We  have  not  yet  provided  a  building  for  the  Institute,  but  are 
taking  steps  to  do  so,  following  the  instructions  of  the  Assembly  to 
incur  no  debt. 

We  have  not  deemed  it  advisable  to  send  an  agent  into  the  field  to 
solicit  funds.  We  have  received  some  aid,  however,  from  persons 
outside  of  our  Church,  both  in  the  form  of  money  and  of  books. 

1882,  p.  591.  In  accordance  with  the  action  of  the  last  General 
Assembly,  we  elected  an  additional  professor,  Rev.  W.  H.  Richard¬ 
son,  of  the  Presbytery  of  South  Alabama,  who  entered  upon  his  du¬ 
ties  at  the  opening  of  the  present  session.  We  have  thus  had  the 
services  of  two  professors  during  the  session. 

P.  592.  Following  the  directions  of  the  last  Assembly,  we  have 
erected  a  neat  and  commodious  building:  for  the  use  of  the  Institute, 
which  we  entered  on  the  first  of  January,  and  find  admirably 
adapted  for  our  purposes.  It  contains  two  large  rooms  and  one 
small  one.  The  entire  cost,  including  lot,  enclosure,  furniture  and 
fixtures,  was  $1,888.35,  and  is  all  paid  for,  and  insured. 

1883,  p.  81.  The  committee,  at  their  recent  meeting,  appropriated 
$150  for  the  purpose  of  completing  a  church  building  in  process  of 
erection  upon  a  lot  given  by  Dr.  J.  T.  Searcy  to  the  Institute,  and 
to  be  deeded  to  the  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  in  trust  for 
the  use  of  the  Institute  as  a  chapel,  and  to  be  used  by  the  colored 
church  recently  organized  under  the  care  of  the  Tuscaloosa  Presby¬ 
terian  Church.  We  regard  this  as  a  necessary  appendage  to  the 
Institute.  We  have  no  room  suitable  for  public  exercises.  The 
exercises  by  the  students,  when  conducted  only  in  the  presence  of  the 
school,  are  not  sufficient  to  cultivate  and  develop  their  gifts. 

1884,  p.  276.  Rev.  D.  C.  Rankin  resigned  his  professorship  at  the 
close  of  last  session.  Rev.  D.  D.  Sanderson,  D.  D.,  was  chosen  as 
his  successor.  Rev.  J.  J.  Anderson  is  the  other  professor. 

The  curriculum  of  study  adopted  a  year  ago,  has  been  extended 


Secs.  709-710] 


Colored  Evangelization 


329 


to  embrace  four  years,  and  has  been  kept  up,  and  found  to>  suit  the 
capacities  of  the  students.  Yet  we  are  deeply  impressed  with  the 
conviction  that  our  terms  of  admission  as  to  scholarship  are  too  low, 
and  that  it  is  necessary  to  require  that  all  students,  upon  their  en¬ 
trance,  should  show  ability  to  read  correctly  and  intelligently,  and 
to  write  a  legible  hand;  also,  a  fair  acquaintance  with  the  four  ele¬ 
mentary  rules  of  arithmetic. 

We  would  respectfully,  but  earnestly,  recommend  that  the  Pres¬ 
byteries  use  the  utmost  caution  in  the  selection  of  candidates,  and 
also,  that  they  endeavor  to  afford  them  a  fair  degree  of  academic 
preparation  before  their  entrance,  so  that  the  professors  may  be 
able  to  give  more  time  to  the  Biblical  and  theological  course. 

We  find  that  the  appropriation  of  $150'  last  year,  to  aid  in  the 
completion  of  a  church  building  for  the  colored  Presbyterian  church 
in  Tuscaloosa,  has  been  fully  justified  by  the  results.  That  or¬ 
ganization  has  been  strengthened,  the  congregation  increased,  and 
the  Sabbath  School  so  developed  as  to  justify  the  discontinuance  of 
the  colored  Sabbath  School,  which  had  been  taught  by  whites  in 
our  church  for  twenty-five  years. 

Our  library  has  been  kept  in  excellent  condition,  and  has  been 
enlarged  by  a  generous  contribution  of  books  from  the  Board  of 
Publication  at  Philadelphia. 

1885,  p.  456.  A  suitable  boarding-house  has  been  established, 
conducted  by  a  respectable  colored  man,  a  member  of  our  church, 
and  under  the  supervision  of  the  faculty,  and  where  a  more  careful 
supervision  is  exercised  than  heretofore  over  the  students. 

1886,  p.  86.  Rev.  J.  J.  Anderson  resigned  his  professorship  in 
September,  1885.  In  January  following  Rev.  J.  G.  Praigg,  of  Tus¬ 
caloosa  Presbytery,  was  chosen  to  succeed  him. 

1887,  p.  213.  Resolved,  That  the  office  of  Treasurer  be  abol¬ 
ished,  and  that  all  funds  for  this  work  be  sent  directly  to  the  Treas¬ 
urer  of  Home  Missions  at  Atlanta. 

The  following  request  was  granted,  and  the  authority  asked  for 
was  conferred:  Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  be  requested 
to  authorize  Dr.  James  T.  Searcy  (with  the  assent  of  the  sub-com¬ 
mittee  designated  in  our  Constitution  and  By-laws)  to  negotiate  for 
the  sale  of  property  of  the  Institute  in  or  near  Tuscaloosa,  and  when 
the  same  is  sold,  the  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  be  instructed 
to  convey  the  same  to  the  purchaser;  the  proceeds  of  the  sale  to  be 
3*e-invested  in  constructing  a  new  church  and  buildings.  This  prop¬ 
erty  includes  a  church  lot  and  building,  and  the  house  and  lot  oc¬ 
cupied  as  a  seminary  or  school. 

710.  Academic  department  for  Tuscaloosa  Institute 

1891,  p.  234.  A  sufficient  answer  to  the  overture  from  the  Synod 
of  Arkansas,  asking  the  establishment  of  an  academic  department  in 
connection  with  Tuscaloosa  Institute,  is  found  in  the  report  of  the 
Executive  Committee  for  said  Institute,  made  to  this  Assembly,  that 
“we  have  concluded  to  employ  a  teacher  for  this  purpose,  assured 


330 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


that  the  liberality  of  the  church,  will  sustain  us  in  this  movement,” 
and  this  action  of  the  Committee  meets  the  cordial  approval  of  this 
Assembly.  Page  279. 

1892,  p.  424.  A  Board  of  Directors  was  organized  by  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee,  consisting  of  live  members,  and  met  for  the  first 
time  June  4,  1891. 

It  has  not  been  found  expedient  to  attempt  to  organize  a  separate 
department  for  preparatary  instruction,  as  authorized  by  the  Assembly. 
On  this  subject  the  faculty  in  their  report  make  the  following  sug¬ 
gestion:  “Nothing  remains  but  that  the  Presbyteries  be  required, 
before  they  send  their  candidates  to  us,  to  assure  themselves  by  per¬ 
sonal  examination,  that  they  read  intelligently,  write  legibly,  and 
understand,  at  least,  the  four  primary  rules  of  arithmetic.”  In  this 
conclusion  the  Assembly  expresses  its  concurrence,  and  hereby  calls 
the  attention  of  the  Presbyteries  to  the  matter. 

In  July,  1893,  the  Secretary  of  Colored  Evangelization,  Rev.  A. 
L.  Phillips,  assumed  the  duties  of  instructor  in  the  academic  de¬ 
partment,  for  one  year,  the  Executive  Committee  having  determined 
to  open  such  a  department,  strictly  preparatory  to  the  theological 
department.  In  1894,  he  was  succeeded  by  S.  P.  Verner. 

1897,  p.  21.  Under  the  stress  of  financial  stringency,  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  has  thought  it  wise  to  close  for  a  time  the  academic 
department,  and  confine  its  work  to  instruction  in  theology  only,  and 
this  to  but  ten  of  the  most  promising  candidates. 

Your  committee  would  recommend  that  this  action  of  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  be  approved;  but  suggest  that  the  Assembly  direct 
the  opening  of  the  academic  department  as  soon  as  the  way  is  clear, 
and  that  the  development  along  the  line  indicated  by  the  superin¬ 
tendent,  be  pursued  by  the  Executive  Committee  at  the  earliest 
period  practicable.  Adopted. 

711.  Tuscaloosa  Institute  placed  under  the  supervision  of  the  Ex¬ 
ecutive  Committee  of  Colored  Evangelization 

1893,  p.  30.  Resolved,  That  the  present  conduct  of  the  Insti¬ 
tute  be  suspended  at  the  close  of  the  current  session;  the  future 
management  and  supervision  of  it  be  placed  entirely  in  the  hands 
of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Colored  Evangelization;  the  Manual 
of  Rules  of  this  committee  be  amended  so  as  to  conform  with  the 
new  management,  and  that  the  Executive  Committee  appoint  a 
Board  of  Trustees,  consisting  of  three  members,  which  shall  hold 
and  protect  all  property  interests. 

P.  29.  Authority  was  given  the  Executive  Committee  to  remove 
the  Institute  to  Birmingham,  Ala.,  whenever  it  seems  advisible  and 
practicable  to  do  so  without  detriment  to  the  cause  for  which  the 
Institute  was  founded.  In  1894,  page  257,  the  Committee  reported 
that  the  way  has  not  as  yet  seemed  clear  to  effect  this  removal,  and 
that  it  had  taken  steps  toward  the  revision  of  the  Manual  as  above 
directed.  In  1894,  page  233,  the  Manual  as  revised  was  approved 
by  the  Assembly. 


Secs.  710-716] 


Colored  Evangelization 


331 


712.  Change  in  the  Superintendent  of  the  Institute 

1894,  p.  257.  In  July,  1893,  Rev.  A.  L.  Phillips,  Secretary  of 
the  Executive  Committee  on  Colored  Evangelization,  succeeded  Dr. 
Stillman  as  Superintendent  of  Tuscaloosa  Institute. 

The  Executive  Committee,  in  view  of  his  resignation,  hereby  re¬ 
cords  its  full  appreciation  of  the  patient,  self-denying,  and  wise 
management  of  the  Institute  by  the  Rev.  C.  A.  Stillman,  D.  D.,  for 
sixteen  years  its  Superintendent,  and  of  the  inestimable  service  he 
has  thereby  done  the  cause  of  Christ  and  the  poor;  as  also  its  sense 
of  the  great  value  of  the  services  of  Revs.  J.  G.  Praigg,  D.  D.,  and 
R.  B.  McAlpine,  as  the  faithful  and  painstaking  professors  in  the 
seminary.  Adopted. 

The  name  of  the  Institute,  in  1894,  was  changed  to  Stillman  In¬ 
stitute  in  honor  of  its  late  Superintendent. 

Dr.  Stillman  served  as  Superintendent  of  the  Institute  from  1876- 
1893,  and'  Dr.  Phillips  served  from  1893-1898.  The  faculty  changes 
since  1887  are  as  follows:  Rev.  D.  D.  Sanderson,  D.  D.,  resigned  in 
1893,  having  served  four  years.  Rev.  J.  G.  Praigg,  1886-1893;  Rev. 
J.  R.  Howerton,  1887-1889;  Dr.  Sanderson,  1889;  Rev.  R.  B.  McAlpine, 
1889-1898;  Rev.  A.  L.  Phillips,  1893-1898;  Rev.  S.  P.  Verner,  1894- 
1895;  Rev  O.  B.  Wilson,  1895-1900.— A. 

713.  Dr.  Snedecor 

The  Committee  has  sustained  another  sore  loss  in  the  resignation 
of  the  Rev.  J.  G.  Snedecor,  first  as  Superintendent  of  Colored 
Evangelization,  and  later  as  Principal  of  Stillman  Institute.  The 
Assembly  would  record  its  high  appreciation  of  the  splendid  service 
rendered  our  Church  and  the  colored  people  by  Dr.  Snedecor  during 
the  years  he  was  connected  with  this  work. 

\ 

714.  Permanent  quarters  for  Stillman  Institute 

1898,  p.  236.  We  recommend  the  approval  of  the  purchase  of 
the  Cochrane  homestead  as  the  permanent  quarters  of  the  Stillman 
Institute,  and  express  the  hope  that  arrangements  may  be  made  at 
once  for  thorough  academic:  as  well  as  theological  training. 

715.  Changes  in  the  Institute 

1899,  p.  436.  The  Assembly  gives  its  approval  to  the  changes 
made  by  this  Committee  in  Stillman  Institute,  namely,  the  opening 
of  the  Academic  Department  to  such  male  pupils  as  desire  to  enter, 
and  to  girls  under  fourteen  years  of  age;  also  the  requirement  that 
each  student  shall  earn  his  board  by  laboring  on  the  farm,  and 
shall  bear  all  his  other  expenses  himself  instead  of  relying  upon  the 
Committee  for  support. 

716.  Work  of  the  Institute 

1900,  p.  636.  In  addition  to  the  instruction  of  a  spiritual  and 


332 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


intellectual  kind  imparted  at  the  Stillman  Institute,  we  are  pleased 
to  note  the  industrial  feature,  which  conduces  not  only  to  the  cur¬ 
tailment  of  the  expense  of  the  institution,  but  also  to  the  cultivation 
of  a  spirit  of  independence  and  self  help;  we  would  also  commend 
the  Preacher's  Institute  and  Summer  School  as  valuable  agencies  in 
the  furtherance  of  the  work.  In  this  connection,  the  following  state¬ 
ment  of  the  Executive  Committee  is  worthy  of  special  attention : 
“We  might  note  here  that  as  far  as  we  have  any  knowledge,  no 
Southern  man  has  ever  given  or  bequeathed  any  considerable  sum 
for  the  benefit  of  the  negro  religiously  or  educationally.” 

1911,  p.  35.  Stillman  Institute  since  its  beginning  has  had  600 
students  and  139  graduates:  of  these,  65  are  Presbyterians,  41 
Methodists,  and  333  Baptists.  During  the  past  year  the  attendance 
has  numbered  60.  About  30  of  these  expect  to  enter  the  ministry. 
Of  the  graduates,  53  are  actually  engaged  in  evangelistic  work  in  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  or  with  affiliated  Churches,  and  we  request 
the  Assembly’s  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  to  devise 
measures  for  the  encouragement  and  better  equipment  of  this  school. 

1913,  p.  59.  The  second  year  of  Colored  Evangelistic  Work  under 
this  Committee  shows  that  the  plan  is  working  well.  Rev.  J.  G. 
Snedecor,  LL.  D.,  Superintendent  of  the  Colored  Work,  has  charge 
of  Stillman  Institute.  This  institution  has  now  two  professors  and 
thirty  candidates  for  the  ministry.  Its  equipment  is  “almost  a  men¬ 
ace  to  health  as  well  as  unsuitable  for  the  best  work.”  “The  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  has  purchased  a  tract  of  250  acres  of  land  near 
Tuscaloosa  at  a  cost  of  $8,000.00,  paying  $2,500.00  cash  and  giving 
notes  for  the  balance.”  It  is  their  purpose  to  sell  the  old  plant  as 
soon  as  practicable. 

1920,  p.  43.  The  Assembly  will  be  pleased  to  note  progress  in 
the  work  of  Stillman  Institute.  A  new  residence  has  been  erected; 
homes  are  now  provided  for  three  teachers;  improvements  to  the 
extent  of  $2,000  in  the  homes  already  existing  have  been  made. 
Sixty  acres  of  good  land  adjoining  the  present  property  have  been 
purchased,  giving  us  a  holding  now  of  110  acres. 


717.  Training  School  for  Negro  Girls 

1920,  p.  43.  For  several  years  the  Home  Mission  Committee  has 
had  under  consideration  the  establishment  and  conducting  of  a  train¬ 
ing  school  for  Negro  girls  in  connection  with  Stillman.  Now  at  last 
it  would  seem  that  the  purpose  of  the  Committee  to  erect  this  school 
for  Negro  girls  is  about  to  be  realized.  The  Committee  has  been 
promised  $20,000  by  the  General  Educational  Board  of  New  York 
on  condition  that  the  sum  of  $40,000  be  raised  by  our  Church. 
Practically  one-half  of  this  money  is  now  subscribed,  and  we  trust 
by  another  year  the  Committee  will  be  able  to  report  this  training 
school  in  operation. 

1922,  p.  40.  New  dormitory  completed. 


Secs.  716-722]  Colored  Evangelization  333 

718.  Local  Advisory  Board  of  Trustees  for  Stillman  Institute 

1920,  p.  46.  In  response  to  an  overture  from  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Home  Missions,  requesting  that  the  Assembly  permit  the 
Executive  Committee  to  appoint  a  local  Advisory  Board  of  Trustees 
for  the  supervision  of  Stillman  Institute  in  matters  of  detail  dele¬ 
gated  to  them,  your  Committee  recommends  an  affirmative  answer. 

719.  Self-support 

1902,  p.  293.  It  is  proposed,  beginning  with  the  session  to  open 
next  December,  to  put  the  students  entirely  upon  their  own  resources 
as  to  their  support  while  attending  school. 

The  Assembly  approved  of  the  policy  of  the  Executive  Committee 
in  fastening  the  industrial  feature  so  firmly  upon  all  of  its  educa¬ 
tional  work,  and  asked  from  all  our  people  their  sympathetic  interest 
in,  and  support  of,  this  kind  of  negro  education. 

720.  Importance  of  the  Institute 

1903,  p.  485.  We  would  emphasize  the  supreme  importance  of 
Stillman  Institute  as  the  key  to  our  whole  success.  The  training 
of  a  godly  and  intelligent  ministry  out  of  their  own  race  is  our 
hope  for  the  negro’s  evangelization. 

721.  Title  to  Stillman  property 

1909,  p.  57.  That  the  existing  confusion  in  the  titles  of  property 
concerned  in  this  work,  be  cured  by  making  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  the  Trustee  and  Depository  of  the  title  of  all  property,  and 
that  they  be  authorized  to  take  transfers  of  all  titles  to  themselves. 
That  the  Trustees  of  the  Assembly  be  authorized  to  transfer  by  deed 
to  the  Executive  Committee  such  titles  as  they  may  now  hold:  that 
the  Trustees  of  Stillman  Institute  be  authorized  to  transfer  the 
property  now  held  by  them  to  the  Executive  Committee. 

722.  New  Site  for  Stillman  Institute 

1913,  p.  61.  We  recommend  that  the  title  of  Stillman  Institute  be 
continued  in  the  Trustees  at  Tuscaloosa,  and  that  the  part  of  this 
property  that  has  hitherto  been  held  by  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Colored  Evangelization  be  now  conveyed  to  the  Trustees  mentioned 
above,  to  hold  for  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions. 

And  also  that  the  action  of  the  Home  Mission  Committee  directing 
the  sale  of  the  property  now  occupied  by  the  Institute  for  the  sum 
of  forty  thousand  ($40,000.00)  dollars  be  approved,  and  that  the- 
purchase  of  a  larger  and  more  suitable  site  lately  made  by  the  Home 
Missions  Committee  be  approved,  and  that  the  Executive  Committee 
of  Home  Missions  direct  the  expenditure  of  the  sum  received  for 
the  old  site  in  the  erection  of  new  and  suitable  equipment  for  Still¬ 
man  Institute. 


334 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


1914,  p.  44.  The  Executive  Committee  has  negotiated  a  tentative 
sale  of  the  present  property  of  Stillman  Institute  and  has  purchased 
250  acres  of  land  at  a  cost  of  little  more  than  $8,000,  upon  which 
$5,000  has  already  been  paid  .  It  is  the  purpose  of  the  Executive 
Committee  to  erect  within  the  next  twelve  months  a  new  and  greater 
“Stillman,”  with  a  modern  and  up-to-date  plant,  which  will  be  a 
credit  to  the  work  and  to  our  Church. 

1917,  p.  45.  That  the  following  resolution,  touching  the  farm 
owned  by  Stillman  Institute  and  timber  thereon,  be  adopted : 

Be  it  Resolved ,  By  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  United  States,  in  annual  meeting  assembled  in  the  City  of 
Birmingham,  in  the  State  of  Alabama:  That  the  action  of  the  Trus¬ 
tees  of  the  Stillman  Institute,  and  of  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Home  Missions,  in  selling  certain  timber  from  the  farm  owned  by 
said  Institute,  near  the  City  of  Tuscaloosa,  in-  Tuscaloosa  County, 
State  of  Alabama,  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby,  fully  ratified'  and  in  all 
things  confirmed;  and  that  the  Trustees  of  Stillman  Institute  be 
directed  to  transfer  the  title  to  said  farm  to  the  Executive  Committee 
£>f  Home  Missions  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S. 

Be  it  further  Resolved ,  That  this  resolution  be  copied  into  the  Min- 
lutes  of  this  meeting  and  that  a  certified’  copy  of  the  same  be  sent  to 
E.  B.  Nuzum,  one  of  the  Trustees  of  the  Stillman  Institute,  at  Tusca- 
Joosa,  Alabama,  to  be  by  him  delivered  to  the  purchaser  of  said 
timber. 


i  72  3.  Dr.  Stillman. 

1895,  p.  397.  This  Assembly  desires  to  place  on  record  its  ap¬ 
preciation  of  the  invaluable  services  rendered  by  the  Rev.  C.  A. 
Stillman,  D.  D.,  to  the  cause  of  Colored  Evangelization,  and  its 
sense  of  the  great  loss  which  the  cause  has  sustained  in  the  death  of 
this  venerable  saint. 

On  p.  443  is  to  be  found  an  elaborate  summary  of  Dr.  Stillman’s 
life  and  of  his  services  to  Colored  Evangelization,  and  his  honorable 
career  as  virtual  founder,  first  instructor  and  long  the  faithful  Super¬ 
intendent  of  the  Institute  which  now  bears  his  name. 

724.  Changes  in  the  organization  of  Stillman  Institute 

1895,  p.  397.  This  Assembly  approves  of  the  changes  adopted 
in  the  organization  of  the  Stillman  Institute,  viz.,  the  employment 
of  Mr.  S.  P.  Verner  as  teacher  of  the  Academic  Department,  the 
adoption  of  the  feature  of  self-support,  and  gives  its  consent  to  the 
establishment  of  a  Normal  Department  in  the  Institute  for  the  train¬ 
ing  of  missionary  teachers  upon  the  proposed  basis. 

The  Assembly  hereby  authorizes  the  Executive  Committee  to  sell 
the  old  building  and  lot  belonging  to  the  Institute,  and  the  Trustees 
of  the  Assembly  are  instructed  to  sell  said  property  upon  the  demand 
of  the  Executive  Committee. 

725.  The  Ferguson-Williams  College 

1895,  p.  398.  The  Assembly  refers  the  whole  matter  of  the  pur¬ 
chase  of  the  school  of  Rev.  E.  W.  Williams,  of  Abbeville,  S.  C.,  to 


Secs.  722-725] 


Colored  Evangelization 


335 


the  Executive  Committee  of  Colored  Evangelization,  with  instruc¬ 
tions  to  act  a;s  they  see  proper. 

1896,  p.  631.  The  Executive  Committee  say:  After  careful  per¬ 
sonal  investigation  by  the  Secretary,  and  careful  consideration  by 
us,  it  was  Resolved,  1,  This  committee  approves  of  the  purchase  of 
Williams  school  property  upon  favorable  terms,  provided  the  church 
in  South  Carolina  or  elsewhere  will  undertake  the  payment  of  the 
debt  and  the  expense  of  carrying  on  the  school  without  infringing 
on  the  income  of  this  Committee  for  its  regular  work; 

Resolved,  2,  That  the  Secretary,  Dr.  J.  Lowrie  Wilson  and  Dr. 
J.  S.  Watkins  be  appointed  to  select  a  committee  to  canvass  the  church 
on  this  subject  and  ascertain  its  mind. 

This  committee  appointed  the  Rev.  S.  L.  Wilson,  of  Abbeville*  S<, 
C.,  to  undertake  this  canvass.  Having  secured  the  consent  of  his- 
churches,  he  entered  on  the  work  and  visited  the  Presbyteries  and  some' 
churches  of  that  Synod  to  raise  funds.  This  whole  matter  came  up 
before  the  Synod  of  South  Carolina,  which  approved  of  the  purchase 
and  accepted  the  sum  of  $2,000  as  its  share  of  the  whole  amount 
needed. 

P.  605.  The  Assembly  adopted  the  following: 

It  is  represented  that  this  valuable  property  can  be  purchased 
for  the  sum  of  seven  thousand  dollars  ($7,000) ;  of  this  amount  we 
are  gratified  to  learn  that  the  sum  of  two  thousand  dollars  ($2,000) 
has  been  pledged  by  the  Synod  of  South  Carolina,  part  of  which 
has  been  raised.  In  view  of  the  importance  of  such  a  college  to 
our  church  in  the  furtherance  of  the  education  of  our  colored  people, 
thereby  binding  them  still  closer  to  us,  we  recommend  that  the 
Executive  Committee  be  authorized  to  raise  the  remaining  five  thou¬ 
sand  dollars  ($5,000). 

1897,  p.  21.  Your  committee  would  recommend  that,  as  soon 
as  the  way  is  clear,  the  amount  of  $5,000,  determined  by  the  last 
Assembly,  be  raised  for  the  purchase  of  this  institution. 

1898,  p.  238.  The  question  of  the  purchase  of  the  institution  was 
referred  to  the  Executive  Committee,  with  power  to  act. 

1899,  p.  459.  The  committee  reported  that  it  had  been  found 
impossible  to  undertake  the  purchase  of  the  school.  The  Assembly 
approved  this  course  (p.  436). 

1902,  p.  292.  The  Executive  Committee  arranged  for  the  pur¬ 
chase  of  this  school,  in  conjunction  with  the  Synod  of  South  Caro¬ 
lina.  See  also  1903,  p.  485. 

1910,  p.  52.  The  Assembly  consented  to  the  sale  of  the  Fergu- 
son-Williams  College  at  Abbeville,  S.  C.,  and  in  the  event  of  such 
sale  the  appropriation  of  the  proceveds  shall  be  left  to  the  direction 
of  the  Committee  on  Colored  Evangelization,  it  being  understood, 
however,  that  in  the  event  of  the  college  being  moved  to  a  new  site, 
it  is  the  sense  of  the  Assembly  that  the  controlling  interest  in  the 
college  shall  be  retained  by  the  Assembly. 

1911,  p.  37.  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly’s  Home  Mission 

Committee  continue  their  fostering  care  of  the  Ferguson- Williams 


336  Home  Missions  [Book  IV 

Polytechnic  School,  Abbeville,  S.  C.,  and  recommend  this  school  to 
the  generous  interests  of  our  Church. 

(a)  We  note  with  appreciation  the  gift  of  $3,000  through  Rev. 
E.  W.  Williams  from  an  unknown  donor  for  the  equipment  of  the 
Ferguson-Williams  Polytechnic  College  at  Abbeville,  S.  C.  With 
the  encouragement  thus  given,  a  reorganization  of  the  school  has 
been  effected  and  the  administration  of  its  affairs  has  been  placed  in 
the  hands  of  a  Board  of  Trustees  of  which  Rev.  W.  H.  Frazer,  D. 
D.,  is  President,  and  Amos  B.  Morse,  Secretary  and  Treasurer. 

(b)  We  recommend  that  the  request  of  the  Trustees  of  this 
school,  that  the  property  at  Abbeville,  S.  C.,  be  transferred  to  them, 
for  the  Afro-American  Church,  be  granted,  with  the  understanding 
that  the  property  be  not  alienated  or  encumbered.  The  property 
consists  of  a  lot  in  the  City  of  Abbeville,  S.  C.,  on  which  there  is  a 
three-story  brick  building,  worth  about  $3,000. 

1912,  p.  45.  Of  the  overtures  which  came  into  the  hands  of  your 
Standing  Committee,  one  was  from  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the 
Ferguson-Williams  Polytechnic  College,  at  Abbeville,  S.  C.  This 
overture  recites  the  fact  that  the  General  Assembly  of  1911  gave 
to  that  board  permission  to  sell  a  certain  house  and  lot  in  Abbe¬ 
ville  for  the  benefit  of  the  Afro-American  Church,  but  so  worded 
the  permission  as  to  make  it  impossible  for  the  board  to  give  good 
title  to  the  property  in  case  of  sale.  Wherefore,  the  board  now  re¬ 
quests  that  this  General  Assembly  transfer  to  the  said  Board  of 
Trustees,  of  which  Rev.  W.  H.  Frazier,  D.  D.,  is  President,  and 
Elder  Amos  B.  Morse  is  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  the  above  men¬ 
tioned  property  with  the  right  to  sell  the  same  and  use  the  proceeds 
in  improving  the  property  purchased  with  a  gift  of  $3,000.00 
recently  made  to  Rev.  E.  W.  Williams  for  the  enlargement  and 
better  equipment  of  this  school. 

Your  committee  recommends  that  the  request  be  granted  and 
that  the  General  Assembly  by  this  action  transfer  said  property  to 
the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Ferguson-Williams  Polytechnic  College, 
to  be  disposed  of  by  them  for  the  purpose  specified. 

1919,  p.  42.  That  the  Assembly  approve  and  authorize  the  sale 
of  the  Ferguson-Williams  Normal  and  Polytechnic  College,  Abbe¬ 
ville,  S.  C.,  on  terms  specified  as  follows: 

“Whereas,  The  Home  Mission  Committee  has  for  sale  a  certain  lot 
and  parcel  of  land,  situated  in  the  City  of  Abbeville,  State  of  South 
Carolina,  fronting  on  street  running  from  J.  F.  Miller’s  property  and 
in  rear  of  lots  occupied  by  C.  A.  Yisansky  and  others,  and  which  was 
conveyed  to  the  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  U.  S.  by  Allen  J.  Smith  and  the  National  Bank  of 
Abbeville,  by  deed  duly  recorded  in  Book  No.  22,  pages  701  and  702, 
in  the  office  of  the  Clerk  of  the  Court  of  Abbeville  County,  and  to  which 
said  deed  reference  is  made  for  a  more  particular  description  thereof, 
to  G.  A.  Nauffer  and  R.  D.  Link  or  their  assigns,  at  the  price  of 
$2,500.00,  be  it  resolved: 

“That  the  trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  U.  S.  be,  and  are  hereby,  authorized  and  empowered  to 
execute  a  deed  in  due  form  conveying  the  said  lot  to  the  said  G.  A. 
Nauffer  and  R.  D.  Link,  or  to  such  person  or  persons  as  they  may 


Sec.  725] 


Colored  Evangelization 


337 


direct,  and  that  the  purchase  money  for  the  said  lot  be  paid  to  the 
Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions. 

“That  the  said  deed  be  executed  by  the  President  and  the  Secretary 
of  the  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  of  The  Presbyterian  Cjhurch 
in  the  U.  S.  in  due  form  of  law.” 

1920,  p.  44.  In  order  to  adjust  the  matter  of  the  sale  of  the  land 
belonging  to  the  school  for  colored  people  heretofore  located  at 
Abbeville,  S.  C.,  and  for  the  purpose  of  transferring  that  school  to 
its  new  location,  the  following  action  is  hereby  adopted  by  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly,  authorizing  the  sale  of  the  property  and  the  execu¬ 
tion  of  deed  by  the  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  and  by  the 
Trustees  of  the  former  Afro-American  Presbyterian  Church  to  the 
purchaser  of  said  property. 

Resolution  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 

the  United  States 

Whereas,  the  Afro-American  Presbyterian  church,  organized  by  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United'  States, 
formerly  owned  a  tract  of  forty  acres  of  land,  near  the  city  of  Abbe¬ 
ville,  S.  C.,  which  property  belonged  to  said  Afro-American  Church,  its 
successors  and  assigns,  and 

Whereas,  the  said  Afro-American  Presbyterian  Church  has  been 
converted  into  the  Snedecor  Memorial  Synod  and  has  become  a  con- 
stitutent  part  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States,  and 
all  its  property  and  other  belongings  are  subject  to  the  control  of 
the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States,  and 

Whereas,  a  sale  of  the  forty  acres  of  land  above  referred  to  has 
been  arranged  at  a  satisfactory  and  reasonable  price  by  the  repre¬ 
sentatives  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States, 

Now,  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States,  That  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  be,  and  they  are 
hereby,  authorized  and  directed  to  sell  and  convey  the  premises  here¬ 
inafter  mentioned, 

Resolved,  further,  That  George  E.  Wilson,  President  of  the  Board 
of  Trustees,  and  John  R.  Pharr,  Secretary  of  the  Board,  be,  and  they 
are  hereby,  authorized  and  directed  to  execute  a  deed  to  the  purchaser 
of  said  premises  upon  the  purchase  price  being  paid  over  to  the 
Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States. 

Resolved,  further,  That  the  said  Trustees  be  authorized  and  directed 
to  pay  any  necessary  expenses  in  connection  with  the  sale  of  said 
property. 

The  property  to  be  conveyed  is  described  as  follows: 

All  that  tract  or  plantation  of  land,  situated,  lying  and  being  in 
the  County  of  Abbeville,  in  the  State  of  South  Carolina,  containing 
forty  acres,  more  or  less,  and  being  bounded  by  lands  of  Mrs.  Fannie 
J.  Marshall,  estate  lands  of  Jas.  Edward  Calhoun,  Dr.  L.  T.  Hill  and 
Wilson  street,  being  the  same  land  conveyed  by  Mrs.  (Belle  Chapman 
to  the  Afro-American  Presbyterian  Church. 

The  following  additional  action  is  taken  by  the  General  Assembly: 

Whereas,  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  School  for  Colored  People  at 
Abbeville,  S.  C.,  formerly  connected  with  the  Afro-American  Presby¬ 
terian  Church  (since  changed  to  the  Snedecor  Memorial  Synod  as  a 
constitutent  part  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States) 
consisting  of  Jas.  I.  Vance,  W.  H.  Frazer,  A.  (B.  Morse,  and  btheis, 
has  vacancies  in  its  number  and  cannot  assemble  for  the  transaction 
of  business  pertaining  to  its  duties  and  responsibilities. 


338 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


1.  Therefore ,  he  it  Resolved ,  That  the  said  Board  of  Trustees  of 
the  Abbeville  School  is  hereby  reorganized  by  the  appointment  of  the 
following  members  to  constitute  its  Board  of  Trustees,  namely:  Jas. 

I.  Vance,  W.  H.  Frazer,  A.  B.  Morse,  S.  Li  Morris,  John  R.  Blake  and 

J.  Allen  Smith. 

2.  That  S.  L.  Morris  be  named  as  President  of  this  Board  and 
A.  B.  Morse,  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  and  that  three  constitute  a 
quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business. 

3.  That  the  said  Board  of  Trustees  be  authorized  to  meet  upon 
the  call  of  the  President  and  take  such  legal  steps  as  may  be  neces¬ 
sary  to  transact  any  business,  such  as  the  signing  of  papers,  the 
transferring  of  property,  and  any  other  matters  pertaining  to  the 
affairs  of  the  Abbeville  School  for  Colored'  People,  and  (that  all  acts 
of  said  Board  hereinafter  taken  pertaining  to  the  school  shall  be 
recognized  as  authoritative  and  legal  by  the  General  Assembly  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States. 

726.  Auxiliary  Schools 

1908,  p.  17.  The  Assembly  approved  of  the  Committee’s  plan 
to  establish  auxiliary  schools  whenever  the  means  to  do  so  are 
in  hand,  provided  that  said  plan  does  not  include  the  abolishing 
of  the  academic  department  of  Stillman  Institute. 

727.  To  be  studied  in  Women’s  Societies 

1908,  p.  17.  The  Assembly  calls  the  attention  of  Ladies’  Home 
and  Foreign  Missionary  Societies  to  this  work  as  peculiarly  need¬ 
ing  their  interest,  aid  and  prayers,  and  urges  that  it  be  placed  in 
the  list  of  topics  to  be  studied,  and  recommends  that  the  Assembly’s 
Secretary  of  Colored  Evangelization  attend  and  address  these 
Societies  as  the  way  may  be  opened.  See  also  1909,  p.  57. 

728.  Work  in  Cities 

1910,  p.  52.  Your  committee  would  respectfully  submit  to  the 
Assembly  the  opinion  that  the  hour  has  struck  when  we  must  either 
cease  to  assert  that  we  know  more  about  the  negro  problem  and  its 
right  solution  than  any  other  peopie,  or  we  must  begin  to  show  to 
the  world  by  our  works  that  we  are  at  least  familiar  with  some  of 
the  rudimentary  facts  and  principles  involved  in  the  solution  of  this 
problem  of  the  evangelization  of  the  negro  in  the  South. 

Your  committee  would  recommend  that  our  Presbyterial  Corm 
mittees  on  Colored  Evangelization  be  urged  to  follow  the  example 
of  Louisville  Presbyterial  Committee  on  Colored  Evangelization,  and 
by  agitation  and  education  endeavor  to  lead  churches  and  pastors  to 
begin  aggressive  work  for  colored  evangelization  within  their  bounds. 
That  the  success  of  such  missions  under  the  superintendence  of  Rev. 
John  Little  encourages  us  to  believe  that  similar  work  might  be 
accomplished  in  other  of  our  larger  cities. 

729.  Louisville  Mission 

1911,  p.  35.  There  has  been  a  very  commendable  effort  to  es¬ 
tablish  Sunday  Schools  among  the  colored  people,  taught  by  white 


Secs.  725-732] 


Colored  Evangelization 


339 


people.  These  schools  now  number  30,  the  largest  mission  of  this 
kind  being  in  Louisville,  Ky.,  to  which  Rev.  John  Little  gives  hi« 
entire  time.  He  has  an  average  attendance  weekly  of  750,  and  a 
force  of  55  white  teachers.  This  movement  seems  very  wise  and 
full  of  encouragement,  and  is  to  be  greatly  commended.  We  are 
sure  that  the  visit  of  the  members  of  this  Assembly  to  the  Sunday 
School  exercises  of  this  work  in  Louisville  on  Sunday,  May  21st,  has 
greatly  increased  the  interest  of  the  Church  in  this  very  noble  work. 

1912,  p.  59.  The  Rev.  John  Little  has  continued  his  magnificent 
work  at  Louisville,  Ky.,  assisted  by  the  Rev.  W.  H.  Sheppard,  D. 
D.,  formerly  missionary  to  the  Congo.  This  Louisville  work  is  a 
model  as  to  what  can  be  done  and  should  be  done  for  the  colored 
people  all  over  the  South.  Similar  work  has  been  undertaken  on  a 
smaller  scale  in  Atlanta,  Ga.,  and  Richmond,  Va. 

1920,  p.  44.  The  splendid  work  that  has  been  done  in  Louis¬ 
ville,  Kentucky,  among  the  Negroes  has  inspired  other  cities  to  en¬ 
gage  in  a  like  effort. 

730.  Southern  Inter-Racial  Committee 

1920,  p.  45.  In  response  to  the  address  of  Rev.  Plato  T.  Dur¬ 
ham,  D.  D.,  on  the  work  of  the  Southern  Inter-Racial  Committee, 
we  desire  heartily  to  commend  to  our  pastors  and  people  this  effort 
to  bring  to  our  inter-racial  relations  the  spirit  and  principles  of 
Jesus  Christ,  and  request  the  co-operation  of  our  people  in  the  work 
of  their  local  committees  as  far  as  possible. 

1921,  p.  80.  1.  The  General  Assembly  re-affirmed  with  the  great¬ 

est  possible  earnestness  the  resolution  adopted  by  the  Charlotte 
Assembly  concerning  the  work  and  aims  of  the  Southern  Inter-Racial 
Commission  in  commending  to  our  pastors  and  people  the  effort  to 
bring  to  our  inter-racial  relations  the  spirit  and  principles  of  Jesus 
Christ,  and 

2.  called  the  attention  of  our  people  to  the  necessity  of  maintaining 
justice  and  righteousness  between  the  races  in  America;  we  believe 
that  the  Inter-Racial  Commission,  led  by  Southern  men,  is  wise  in 
the  promotion  of  Conference  and  Co-operation  between  white  and 
colored  leaders  in  local  communities,  and  we  urge  our  people  to 
encourage  the  work  in  their  local  communities,  and  particularly  do 
we  urge  the  co-operation  between  white  and  colored  ministers. 

731.  Combined  with  Home  Missions 

1910,  p.  21.  In  accordance  with  the  recommendation  of  the  Ad 
Interim  Committee  on  the  Co-ordination  of  the  Executive  Commit¬ 
tees,  it  was  decided  to  combine  Colored  Evangelization  with  Home 
Missions. 

VIII.  THE  FRONTIER 

732.  Texas 

1878,  p.  628.  The  special  attention  of  the  Committee^ was  called 
to  Texas,  as  a  wide  and  growing  field,  demanding  and  deserving  all 


340 


Home  Missions 


[Book  IV 


the  aid  that  could  be  afforded,  consistently  with  the  claims  of  other 
parts  of  the  Church.  The  Assembly  expressed  entire  satisfaction 
with  the  importance  heretofore  given  by  the  Executive  Committee  to 
this  field,  and  hoped  it  would  be  still  more  pronounced,  because  of 
the  pressing  wants,  and  because  the  rapidly  increasing  population 
would  soonest  return  the  money  spent  upon  it  with  interest,  to  be 
distributed  in  other  parts  of  the  Church. 

733.  Evangelistic  work  in  Texas 

1881,  p.  371.  The  Standing  Committee  on  Home  Missions,  to 
whom  was  referred  the  memorial  and  petition  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Western  Texas,  recommended  the  reference  of  this  memorial  to  the 
Executive  Committee  on  Home  Missions,  at  Baltimore,  with  the 
earnest  hope  that  the  Committee  might  be  able  to  throw  four  or  five 
evangelists  into  the  broad  and  destitute  territory  indicated  in  said 
memorial,  and  in  order  to  their  maintenance,  the  churches  were 
urged  to  make  early  and  liberal  contributions  to  this  special  object 
Adopted. 

1882,  p.  585.  The  Treasurer  of  the  Executive  Committee  reported 
$2,193.28  contributed  as  a  special  fund  for  Tex'as  evangelists.  The 
receipts  for  the  next  year  were  $656,  of  which  $513,  remaining  over 
after  all  obligations  were  discharged,  was  transferred  to  the  regular 
fund. 

734.  Florida  and  the  Red  River  country 

1884,  p.  233.  The  Presbytery  of  St.  Johns  memorialized  the 
Assembly  to  make  special  provision  for  Florida. 

Though  your  committee  is  in  thorough  sympathy  with  the  general 
purpose  of  the  memorial,  it  is  of  the  opinion  that  it  is  inexpedient 
to  make  one  field  an  especial  object  of  contribution,  and  to  bind  the 
Executive  Committee  to  specific  appropriations.  Adopted. 

1885,  p.  422.  Overture  from  St.  Johns  Presbytery:  While  your 
committee  has  no  doubt  that  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home 
Missions  has  granted  all  reasonable  applications  to  the  extent  of 
its  ability,  yet  it  commends  to  the  Executive  Committee  the  impor¬ 
tance  of  Florida  as  a  home  missionary  field.  And  in  view  of  the 
touching  appeal  made  by  the  commissioner  from  Red  River  Presby¬ 
tery,  the  attention  of  the  Executive  Commitee  is  also  specially  ca’»ed 
to  the  destitutions  existing  in  that  field. 

735.  Transfer  of  the  Indian  work  from  Foreign  to  Home  Mis¬ 
sionary  control 

1889,  p.  611.  The  transfer  of  the  Indian  Mission  from  the  con¬ 
trol  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  to  the  control 
of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions,  having  been  author¬ 
ized  by  a  former  General  Assembly,  and  terms  agreed  upon  prudent 
and  just  and  satisfactory  to  both  Committees,  this  General  Assembly 


Secs.  732-737] 


The  Frontier 


341 


hereby  instructs  the  Committees  to  consummate  the  change  as  speedily 
as  practicable. 

1890,  p.  77.  The  last  Assembly  accepted  the  proposition  made  by 
the  Foreign  office,  and  transferred  this  work  to  the  Home  office,  the 
Foreign  office  agreeing  to  pay  over  to  the  Home  office  $6,500  for  the 
first  year,  and  to  reduce  that  amount  to  $1,000  each  year,  until  the 
entire  responsibility  for  the  financial  support  of  that  work  shall  be 
transferred  from  the  Foreign  office  to  the  Home  office. 

Our  work  lies  in  that  portion  of  the  territory  known  as  Choctaw 
and  Chickasaw. 

pP.  55,  78.  The  Indian  work  was  put  under  evangelistic  de¬ 
partment  in  the  central  office. 

1913,  p.  59.  The  Southern  Church  has  been  working  among  the 
Indians  for  fifty  years,  confining  its  labors,  however,  to  the  Choctaw 
and  Chickasaw  nations. 

736.  Mission  Work  beyond  the  bounds  of  organized  Presbyteries 

Evangelistic  work  having  been  begun  in  New  Mexico  in  1894 
(see  1895,  p.  441),  by  Dallas  Presbytery,  the  Assembly  adopted 
the  following: 

1895,  p.  406.  The  providence  of  God  having  opened  the  way 
for  the  extension  of  our  church  beyond  the  bounds  of  its  organized 
Presbyteries,  the  following  paragraph  is  hereby  added  to  Section  IV. 
of  the  Manual:  “The  support  of  Home  Missions  fields  lying  beyond 
the  bounds  of  organized  Presbyteries  shall  be  directly  under  the 
care  of  the  Central  Committee.” 


737.  Home  Missions  among  the  Mexicans  and  elsewhere 


1895,  p.  406.  In  view  of  the  unique  character  of  the  work 
among  the  Mexicans  in  the  Presbytery  of  Western  Texas,  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  is  instructed  to  make  special  appropriations  for  that 
work,  irrespective  of  the  amount  appropriated  for  ordinary  Home 
Mission  work  within  its  bounds,  and  to  make  this  appropriation  as 
liberal  as  the  necessities  of  the  work  require,  and  as  the  funds  in 
the  treasury  will  justify. 

1913,  p.  59.  The  Texas-Mexican  work  “now  has  22  Mexican 
churches,  1,200  communicants,  served  by  four  American  mission¬ 
aries  and  six  native  Mexican  pastors.”  Italian  work  has  been 
begun  in  Kansas  City,  and  in  Louisiana  the  Presbytery  of  New 
Orleans  is  a  polyglot  Presbytery.  The  gospel  in  that  Presbytery  is 
preached  Sabbath  by  Sabbath  in  English,  German,  French,  Italian 
and  Hungarian.  Also  there  is  preaching1  in  Spanish,  and  there  is 
mission  work  among  the  Syrians  and  the  Chinese.  This  last,  how¬ 
ever,  is  done  by  the  local  churches.  There  is  also  a  successful  work 
for  the  Italians  in  Birmingham,  Ala. ;  but  all  of  these  fields  need 
more  money  than  the  Committee  has  been  able  to  expend.  The  Com¬ 
mittee  has  also  a  mission  among  the  Cubans  at  Tampa;  among  the 


Home  Missions 


342 


[Book  IV 


Hungarians  in  Virginia;  among  the  Russians  in  Texas,  and  among 
the  Germans  in  Georgia. 

1920,  p.  45.  The  Committee  also  recommends,  in  response  to  a 
request  coming  to  us  through  C.  R.  Womeldorf,  of  our  Mexican 
work,  asking  the  General  Assembly  to  establish  at  its  earliest  con¬ 
venience  a  Christian  and  Biblical  Training  School  for  Mexicans, 
to  prepare  them  for  the  work  of  teaching  and  preaching,  that  the 
Assembly  commend  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Austin  Theological  Semi¬ 
nary  the  establishment  of  such  an  institution  as  soon  as  they  may 
find  it  practicable. 

738.  Oklahoma 

1901,  p.  42.  Oklahoma  was  included  in  our  Home-Mission  field, 
and  the  Executive  Committee  was  directed  to  make  such  investiga¬ 
tions  as  would  enable  it  to  undertake  the  work  intelligently  in  that 
territory. 

1902,  p.  280.  A  general  evangelist  shall  be  supplied  by  the  Exec¬ 
utive  Committee,  and,  under  its  special  direction,  to  labor  in  Okla¬ 
homa,  and  also,  as  superintendent  of  missions,  looking  to  the  organ¬ 
ization  of  churches,  and  the  general  immediate  advance  of  our  work. 

1918,  p.  42.  Oklahoma  Synod  led  all  the  Synods  in  the  Church’s 
great  drive  for  benevolence. 

1913,  p.  58.  Arkansas,  Texas  and  Oklahoma  contain  about  one- 
fourth  of  the  population  of  the  South,  and  our  Church  has  only 
about  forty  thousand  cordmunicantsl  in  this  large  territory.  Still, 
the  churches  are  growing.  However,  the  opportunities  are  so  many 
and  so  great  that  we  are  grieved  that  lack  of  men  and  money  pre¬ 
vents  our  taking  charge  of  this  great  territory. 

739.  Dutch  Reformed  work  in  Oklahoma  transferred  to  our 

Committee 

1911,  p.  36.  The  Dutch  Reformed  Church  has  been  trying  to 
establish  itself  in  Oklahoma  for  a  few  years,  but  having  a  small 
constituency,  that  Church  has  retired  from  the  field,  transferring 
their  membership  and  property  to  our  Church  at  only  a  nominal 
cost.  We  commend  and  approve  the  Executive  Committee’s  action 
in  furthering  this  transfer,  their  aid  to  this  end,  and  we  pray  for 
God’s  continued  and  abundant  blessing  upon  the  great  Home  Mis¬ 
sions  work  of  our  Church. 


740.  West  Virginia 

1918,  p.  31.  The  economic  developments  of  our  day  are  creat¬ 
ing  frontier  conditions  in  the  East  as  urgent  as  those  in  the  West. 
Seventy-two  per  cent,  of  the  population  of  West  Virginia  is  out  of 
the  Church.  “There  are  over  three  times  as  many  unsaved  people 
per  square  mile  in  West  Virginia  as  there  are  in  Africa,  and  over 
five  times  as  many  as  there  are  per  square  mile  in  South  America.” 
Similar  appalling  conditions  of  spiritual  destitution  obtain  in  other 
Synods. 


CHAPTER  III 


CHRISTIAN  EDUCATION  AND  MINISTERIAL  RELIEF 

741.  The  Executive  Committee  of  Education  constituted 

1861,  p.  23.  Resolved ,  1,  That  this  General  Assembly  solemnly 
reaffirms  the  deliverances  made  in  its  former  connection  concerning 
the  responsibility  that  rests  on  the  Church  to  secure  and  maintain 
for  itself  a  pious,  gifted,  and  learned  ministry. 

Resolved ,  2,  That  this  Assembly  do  appoint  an  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  to  aid  candidates  for  the  gospel  ministry  who  may  need  as¬ 
sistance. 

An  organization  was  adopted,  which  may  be  found  in  the  Minutes 
at  this  point,  or  in  Alexander’s  Digest,  1897,  p.  180. 

742.  The  work  turned  over  to  a  provisional  committee 

1863,  p.  134.  1.  The  Assembly  approved  of  the  prudence  and 

judgment  of  Dr.  Gray,  the  Secretary  of  Education,  in  appointing 
so  suitable  a  provisional  committee,  and  in  transferring  the  funds 
to  Columbia,  S.  C.,  for  greater  safety;  as,  from  the  presence  of 
the  enemy  in  Memphis,  it  was  impossible  for  him  either  to  dis¬ 
charge  his  duties  as  Secretary  or  to  preserve  the  funds  in  safety. 

2.  The  investment  of  the  funds  by  the  provisional  committee  was 
approved. 

3.  The  Assembly  concurred  with  the  Committee  in  urging  upon 
our  churches  the  continued  collection  of  funds  for  Education,  as 
the  demand  will  probably,  at  no  distant  day,  be  very  great  for  them, 
and  it  is  wise  thus  to  lay  by  in  store,  that  there  be  nothing  wanting. 

743.  The  Executive  Committees  of  Education  and  Publication  united 

1863,  p.  134.  It  was  decided  that,  for  the  present,  the  Committee 
of  Education  and  that  of  Publication  be  united  under  one  manage¬ 
ment,  as  the  labors  of  each  are  very  light,  and  one  Secretary  and 
Committee  can  discharge  them  both. 

1867.  It  comes  clearly  within  the  province  of  the  organized 
Church  of  God  to  look  after  the  mental  as  well  as  the  moral  cul¬ 
ture  of  the  people  of  God,  with  a  view  to  their  highest  attainment 
in  active,  vital  piety. 

The  Church  should  elevate  its  standards  of  learning  and  widen 
its  domain  in  prosecuting  the  educational  interest  of  the  people  ever 
whom  it  exerts  a  controlling  influence. 

744.  Location  of  the  Executive  Committee  changed 

1867,  p.  135.  An  overture  asking  to  have  the  Committee  of 
Education  again  located  at  the  city  of  Memphis. 


344 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


Answer:  The  Assembly  cannot  approve  of  the  change  desired. 

P.  147.  The  Assembly  provided  that,  in  case  the  Committee  of 
Publication  should  be  removed  to  Baltimore,  the  Committee  of  Ed¬ 
ucation  should  be  likewise  removed,  and  appointed  a  provisional 
Executive  Committee  in  Baltimore  to  serve  in  that  contingency. 

1870,  p.  534.  Overture  relative  to  the  separation  of  the  Exec¬ 
utive  Committees  of  Publication  and  Education,  and  the  removal  of 
the  Education  Committee  to  another  point  than  Richmond,  which 
overture  was  referred  to  the  Standing  Committees  on  Publication 
and  Education.  The  Standing  Committee  on  Publication  believes 
it  would  be  inexpedient  to  make  any  change  in  these  Committees. 
Adopted. 

1870,  p.  535.  Overtures  touching  the  propriety  of  the  division 
of  the  Committees  of  Education  and  Publication,  and  whether  it 
would  not  be  for  the  interest  of  the  Church  to  establish  the  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Education  at  Memphis,  or  some  other  convenient  point 
in  the  Southwest. 

Answer :  The  present  condition  and  promising  prospects  of  this 
great  and  vital  interest  attest  the  blessing  of  God,  and  the  industry, 
capacity  and  fidelity  of  our  Executive  Committee;  the  circumstances 
and  exigencies  of  our  Church  demand  and  require  the  utmost  econ¬ 
omy  in  the  collection  and  disbursement  of  her  alms  and  offerings; 
there  seems  to  be  no  imperative  or  general  call  for  such  change,  and 
therefore  it  is  at  present  inexpedient  to  make  the  change  proposed 
in  the  above  overtures. 

1874,  p.  515.  Resolved,  That  the  Executive  Committee  of  Edu¬ 
cation  shall  be  located  at  some  central  point  in  the  great  western 
field,  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Secretary,  in  addition  to  vis¬ 
iting  the  Presbyteries  and  Synods  for  the  purpose  of  raising  funds, 
to  act  as  a  medium  of  communication  between  our  candidates  and 
the  Presbyteries,  for  the  purpose  of  securing  prompt  and  remuner¬ 
ative  employment  for  our  candidates  during  their  vacations.  Mem¬ 
phis  was  chosen  as  such  point. 

1879,  p.  37.  Overture  asking  the  removal  of  the  office  from 
Memphis  to  some  city  where  its  business  will  not  be  liable  to  inter¬ 
ruption  from  frequent  epidemics.  The  Assembly  declined  to  make 
any  change. 

1880,  p.  211.  The  Assembly  declined  to  remove  the  Committee 
from  Memphis  to  Nashville. 

1891,  p.  231.  The  Assembly  declined  to  change  the  location  of 
the  Executive  Committee  from  Memphis  to  Richmond. 

1912,  p.  31.  We  recommend  that  overture  asking  that  the  Exec¬ 
utive  Committee  be  moved  to  South  Carolina  or  Georgia,  with  a 
view  to  securing  8  per  cent,  interest  on  investments  of  the  Endow¬ 
ment  Funds,  be  answered  in  the  negative. 

745.  Name  of  the  Executive  Committee  changed 

1893,  p.  23.  The  Assembly  directed  that  the  name  of  the  Exec- 


Secs.  741-745] 


Education  and  Relief 


345 


utive  Committee  be  changed  to  “Committee  of  Education  for  the 
Ministry.” 

746.  Consolidation  of  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief 

1903,  p.  507.  A  request  for  this  consolidation  was  declined  for 
the  present. 

1904,  pp.  44,  46.  It  was  decided  to  combine  these  causes,  the 
joint  Committee  to  be  located  at  Louisville  and  to  take  charge  Sep¬ 
tember  1,  1904. 

1905,  p.  16.  The  Assembly  declined  to  separate  these  causes. 

747.  Change  of  Name 

1910,  p.  24.  The  Executive  Committee  of  Ministerial  Educa¬ 
tion  and  Relief  was  directed  to  take  the  necessary  legal  steps  fo 
have  its  name  changed  to  that  of  Christian  Education  and  Minis¬ 
terial  Relief. 

1922,  p.  53.  The  request  of  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Enoree,  asking  that  the  name  of  the  Executive  Committee  be  changed 
to  read:  “Committee  of  Ministerial  Education  and  Ministerial 
Service  Fund”  was  declined. 

748.  Travelling  agent  not  the  best  plan 

1869,  p.  410;  1870,  p.  558.  A  travelling  agent  was  employed 
for  a  while,  but  was  not  able  to  accomplish  what  was  desired.  The 
Committee  was  convinced  that  “patient  perseverance  in  carrying  out 
the  plans  devised  by  the  Church  for  systematic  benevolence  will 
ultimately  produce  the  desired  results,  and  that  every  effort  by  all 
the  courts  ought  to  be  directed  toward  the  wise  and  efficient  admin¬ 
istration  of  those  plans.” 

1911,  p.  53.  The  Overtures  asking  for  the  sending  out  of  two 
young  men  to  visit  our  schools  and  colleges  with  the  view  of  secur¬ 
ing  recruits  for  the  gospel  ministry,  were  answered  in  the  negative, 
with  the  statement  that  this  important  work  is  already  being  done 
by  the  Executive  Committee. 

1912,  p.  31.  The  overture  asking  that  a  man  or  men  be  ap¬ 
pointed  to  present  the  claims  of  the  ministry  to  the  schools  and  col¬ 
leges  of  the  land,  was  answered  in  the  negative,  for  the  reason  that 
the  funds  in  the  treasury  are  not  sufficient  to  permit  the  employ¬ 
ment  of  a  man  or  men  suitable  to  this  work. 

We  cordially  commend  the  Executive  Committee  for  the  wise  ef¬ 
forts  they  have  made  in  this  direction  without  incurring  the  expense 
of  the  salary  of  a  man  suited  to  this  task,  and  we  acknowledge  with 
gratitude  to  God  the  success  which  has  attended  this  part  of  the 
work  of  the  Committee;  but  to  better  meet  the  need  set  forth  in 
the  overture  your  committee  would  recommend  that  the  Executive 
Committee  continue  its  work  of  sending  the  Secretary  and  others  to 
the  Schools  and  Colleges  of  our  Church  and  to  the  State  Lniversi- 


346 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


ties  to  address  the  students  and  confer  with  individuals  on  the 
claims  of  the  Gospel  Ministry;  and  diligently  use  the  best  litera¬ 
ture  which  will  be  helpful  in  guiding  into  the  ministry  the  young 
men  whom  God  hath  chosen  for  this  great  work. 

We  would  recommend,  further,  that  pastors,  especially  those  in 
country  churches  and  smaller  cities  (the  chief  source  of  candidates 
for  the  ministry)  remember  the  great  need  in  their  prayers  in  the 
pulpit  and  make  faithful  effort  to  seek  out  in  the  homes  and  gram¬ 
mar  and  high  schools  such  young  men  as  God  may  call  into  the 
ministry  of  the  Word. 

1914,  p.  73.  The  Assembly  authorized  the  Committee  to  em¬ 
ploy  such  men  as  they  might  find  useful  in  carrying  on  any  part  of 
their  work.  See  also  1919,  p.  36. 

749.  The  Secretary  to  visit  Synods  and  Presbyteries 

1882,  p.  557.  Resolved,  That  while  the  salary  and  duty  of  the 
Secretary  and  Treasurer  shall  still  be  determined  by  the  Executive 
Committee,  yet  this  Assembly  expresses  its  desire  for  the  Secretary 
to  visit  as  many  Synods  as  possible,  and  to  see  that  the  cause  of 
Education  is  represented  in  all  of  them;  and  furthermore,  that  he 
pursue  the  same  course  as  far  as  practicable  in  respect  to  the  Pres¬ 
byteries. 


750.  The  whole  time  of  the  Secretary  to  be  required 

1891,  p.  231.  There  seems  to  be  a  demand  for  a  fuller  and  more 
active  conduct  of  the  work,  and  for  a  Secretary  whose  whole  time 
shall  be  given  to  it.  This  seems  to  be  necessary  in  order  that  this 
officer  may  have  opportunity,  not  only  to  perform  office  work,  but, 
as  occasion  demands,  be  able  to  visit  the  Presbyteries,  Theological 
Seminaries,  Colleges  and  such  churches  as  may  be  open  to  him.  We 
recommend,  therefore,  that  the  General  Assembly  elect  a  Secretary 
for  his  whole  time,  who  shall  receive  such  salary  as  the  Executive 
Committee  may  decide  on.  Adopted. 

1892,  p.  435.  The  wisdom  of  the  last  Assembly  in  calling  for 
the  whole  time  of  the  Secretary  has  been  justified  by  the  facts  of 
the  Committee’s  report. 

I.  Education  for  the  Ministry  and  Mission  Service 

751.  Beneficiary  Education 

The  subject  of  Beneficiary  Education  has  been  discussed  at  length 
three  times  in  the  history  of  our  church,  in  1863-4,  in  1865-6  and 
in  1875-6.  (For  details,  see  Alexander’s  Digest,  1910,  pp.  181,  187, 
198.)  While  recognizing  the  difficulties  and  defects  of  the  system, 
yet  the  Assembly  decided  each  time  to  continue  this  plan.  The  con¬ 
clusion  in  the  first  discussion  is  given  in  these  resolutions: 

Resolved,  1,  That,  in  the  judgment  of  this  General  Assembly,  it 


Secs.  748-753] 


Education 


347 


is  the  duty  of  the  Church  to  pray  unceasingly  to  her  Head  for  a 
large  increase  of  candidates  for  the  gospel  ministry;  and  when  they 
are  received  at  his  hands,  it  is  her  further  duty  to  provide  them  with 
a  suitable  education  in  the  way  of  preparing  them  for  their  work, 
and  to  provide  it,  not  as  a  matter  of  charity ,  but  of  justice  to  all 
the  parties  concerned. 

Resolved ,  2,  That  this  Assembly  can  discover  no  sufficient  rea¬ 
son  for  superseding  at  this  time  the  organization  of  the  Executive 
Committee  of  Education. 

The  second  discussion  produced  an  historical  argument,  show¬ 
ing  that,  in  the  early  history  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  this 
country,  various  plans  had  been  tried,  and  it  was  found  that  a 
central  Board  or  Committee  gave  the  best  results.  “To  the  Pres¬ 
bytery  must  belong  the  duty  of  recommending  candidates  for  support 
from  the  common  treasury  of  the  Church.  The  chief  responsibility 
of  the  Committee  must  attach  to  its  office  of  judiciously  expending 
the  educational  funds  of  the  Church,  and  of  keeping  the  Presby¬ 
teries  advised  of  the  condition  of  the  work  it  is  prosecuting  for  them.” 
This  Assembly  (1866)  continued  the  Executive  Committee,  and 
appointed  for  it  a  Constitution. 

In  1875  the  question  was  raised  again.  The  conclusion  is  as 
follows:  In  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly,  the  unabated  confi¬ 
dence  of  the  Church  is  due  to  its  educational  scheme  as  at  present 
organized  and  administered;  it  is  only  necessary  for  the  congre¬ 
gations  under  our  care  to  extend  to  it  their  good-will,  their  prayers, 
and  their  regular  contributions,  to  secure  a  success  which  shall 
satisfy  our  people  and  bestow  a  blessing  upon  the  world. 

752.  Beneficiary  Education  and  the  Manual 

1894,  pp.  197,  220.  The  Assembly  appointed  a  committee  to 
take  into  consideration  the  whole  matter  of  beneficiary  education, 
and  to  report  to  the  next  Assembly. 

P.  239.  The  Manual  submitted  by  the  Standing  Committee,  and 
recommended  for  adoption  by  it,  was  referred  to  this  committee. 

1895,  p.  424.  The  report  of  this  committee  having  been  care¬ 
fully  considered  by  the  Standing  Committee,  on  the  recommenda¬ 
tion  of  the  latter,  the  Manual  was  adopted,  giving  rules  for  the  use 
of  Presbyteries  in  the  reception  and  oversight  of  candidates,  and 
for  the  use  of  the  Executive  Committee. 

As  these  regulations  have  been  followed  by  later  enactments,  they 
are  not  given  here,  but  may  be  found  in  Alxandeb’s  Digest  1897  (Sup¬ 
plement),  pp.  87-90. 


753.  Scope  of  Committees  work 

1904,  p.  46.  It  is  the  opinion  of  your  Committee  that  every 
phase  of  this  great  work  of  preparation  for  the  Gospel  ministry  is 
in  a  proper  sense  germain  to  the  work  of  the  Committee  of  Educa- 


Education  and  Relief 


348 


[Book  IV 


,  tion  for  the  Ministry  as  ancillary  to  pastors  and  teachers  without 
invading  their  specific  functions  and  duties. 

1922,  p.  51.  We  note  that  the  Committee  is  doing  a  work  for¬ 
merly  done  by  four  Committees,  with  four  secretaries  or  superin¬ 
tendents,  with  offices  in  four  different  cities.  Every  year  the  scope 
of  the  work  has  broadened  and  the  volume  of  the  activities  increased. 


754.  Permanent  Advisory  Committee 

1915,  p.  34.  That  the  General  Assembly  be  requested  to  ap¬ 
point  a  Permanent  Advisory  Committee  (with  alternates)  to  the 
Executive  Committee  on  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Re¬ 
lief,  with  the  Executive  Secretary  as  Chairman,  to  consider  and  re¬ 
port  to  the  Executive  Commfttee  all  matters  pertaining  to  the  edu¬ 
cational  work  of  our  Church;  that  said  Committee  be  appointed  in 
the  first  instance  for  a  term  of  one  year  by  the  Assembly,  and  con¬ 
sist  of  sixteen  members,  one  from  each  Synod;  that  thereafter  each 
Synod  be  requested  to  nominate  to  the  Assembly  two  men  from  whom 
their  representatives  may  be  selected;  that  the  members  from  the 
first  five  Synods  in  alphabetical  order  be  appointed  for  a  term  of 
one  year,  from  the  next  five  Synods  for  a  term  of  two  years,  and 
from  the  last  six  Synods  for  a  term  of  three  years,  and  on  the  ex¬ 
piration  of  these  terms  all  members  shall  be  appointed  for  a  full 
term  of  three  years.  The  names  of  the  Committee  are  published 
each  year  in  the  Minutes  of  the  Assembly. 

That  this  Advisory  Committee  shall  meet  at  least  once  a  year, 
and  further  at  the  call  of  the  Executive  Committee. 

That  the  expenses  of  the  Advisory  Committee  be  met  by  the  Ex¬ 
ecutive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief. 

That  the  Assembly  be  requested  to  urge  each  Synod  to  co-ordi¬ 
nate  and  articulate  the  educational  work  within  its  bounds  as  soon 
as  possible. 

That  the  General  Assembly  heartily  approve  the  action  of  the  Ad- 
Interim  Committee,  working  together  with  the  Educational  Confer¬ 
ence,  in  organizing  the  Presbyterian  Educational  Association  of  the 
South. 


755.  Secretaries  not  to  be  on  Systematic  Beneficence  and  Steward¬ 
ship  Committee 

1920,  p.  27.  We  call  to  the  attention  of  the  General  Assembly 
the  following  statement  taken  from  the  minutes  of  the  Executive 
Committee:  “The  secretary  stated  that  he  did  not  feel  that  it  was 
proper  that  the  Secretaries,  who  were  to  execute  the  plans  of  the 
General  Assembly,  should  be  on  the  Systematic  Beneficence  and 
Stewardship  Committee,  which  made  the  plans  for  the  Church.” 
The  Executive  Committee,  therefore,  nominated  Rev.  W.  Y.  Davis 
as  principal,  and  Mr.  W.  J.  Rubel  as  alternate,  to  represent  the 
Executive  Committee  on  the  Systematic  Beneficence  and  Steward¬ 
ship  Committee. 


Secs.  753-761] 


Education 


349 


Your  Standing  Committee  concurs  in  the  opinion  expressed  in  this 
minute. 

756.  Moneys,  how  to  be  remitted  and  how  reported 

1872,  p.  170.  For  the  purpose  of  simplifying  the  business  of 
the  Committee,  and  presenting  in  a  single  tabular  form  all  the 
Church  does  from  year  to  year,  it  is  recommended  that  all  the ‘funds 
contributed  to  this  object  be  forwarded  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Ex¬ 
ecutive  Committee,  and  reported  to  the  Presbyterial  Committee. 

1885,  p.  416.  Your  Committee  (Auditing)  recommend  that  here¬ 
after,  should  moneys  be  reported  to  the  Treasurer  as  sent  direct  to 
students,  he  will  make  a  separate  note  of  the  amounts,  so  as  to  pre¬ 
vent  confusion. 

757.  Undesignated  funds  to  be  used  as  needed 

1912,  p.  55.  As  it  appears  that  the  work  of  this  Committee  has 
keen  embarrassed  by  a  scale  of  apportionments  for  undesignated 
funds  published  in  advance,  we  recommend  that  in  future  all  such 
undesignated  funds  shall  be  distributed  by  the  Committee  when  and 
as  the  needs  of  its  several  departments  are  ascertained. 

758.  No  debt  to  be  incurred 

1914,  p.  73.  The  Assembly  expressed  its  approval  of  the  fixed 
policy  of  the  Committee  not  to  incur  debts. 

759.  Regular  apportionment  declined 

1916,  p.  58.  The  Overture  asking  for  a  semi-annual  apportion¬ 
ment  of  ten  cents  per  member  for  Christian  Education,  was  answered 
in  the  negative. 

760.  The  Assembly  declines  to  enlarge  the  powers  of  the  Executive 

Committee 

1875,  p.  61.  The  Committee,  which  is  now  simply  a  disbursing 
agency,  and  therefore  powerless  to  guard  against  the  appropriation 
of  funds  to  unworthy  recipients,  invites  the  Assembly  to  inquire  as 
to  the  possibility  of  enlarging  the  powers  of  the  Executive  Commit¬ 
tee,  so  as  to  make  them  joint  supervisors  with  the  Presbyteries  of 
the  young  men  who  are  assisted  by  the  funds  of  the  Church.  The 
Committee  suggests  that  they  be  authorized  to  require  quarterly  re¬ 
ports  of  the  standing,  diligence  and  piety  of  each  beneficiary.  (This 
request  was  not  acted  on  by  the  Assembly.) 

761.  Care  to  be  used  in  receiving  candidates 

1876,  p.  230.  In  order  to  secure  a  class  of  candidates  for  the 


Education  and  Relief 


350 


[Book  IV 


ministry  which  shall  more  fully  meet  the  requirements  of  the  sacred 
office  which  they  profess  to  seek — 

Resolved,  1,  That  this  General  Assembly  enjoins  it  upon  the 
Presbyteries  more  carefully  to  investigate  the  antecedents,  and  in¬ 
quire  into  the  character  of  the  candidates  for  the  gospel  ministry, 
(See  also  1902,  p.  287,  and  elsewhere.) 

2.  That  the  Presbyteries  be  advised,  as  a  general  rule,  to  re¬ 
ceive  under  their  care  no  candidate  for  the  ministry  at  the  same 
meeting  when  the  application  is  made. 


762.  Applicants  before  Presbyteries  should  have  testimonials  from 

their  Sessions 

1880,  p.  211.  With  the  recommendation  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee,  that  all  candidates  coming  before  Presbyteries  shall  bear 
the  certificates  of  their  Sessions,  testifying  to  their  qualifications, 
physical,  mental  and  spiritual,  your  Committee  heartily  agree.  Ap¬ 
proved  by  the  Assembly. 

1909,  p.  65.  We  adopt  the  blank  for  “Application  to  be  re¬ 
ceived  under  the  care  of  Presbytery,”  as  suggested  by  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee,  and  direct  that  it  be  used  by  our  Presbyteries. 


763.  Report  to  Presbytery  from  candidates 

1873,  p.  331.  Presbyteries  are  urged  to  require  of  each  candidate 
a  semi-annual  report  to  Presbytery  of  all  funds  received  by  him  from 
the  Assembly’s  Committee,  or  from  church  collections,  and  to  be 
fully  informed  as  to  the  character,  diligence  and  proficiency  of  all 
candidates  for  the  gospel  ministry  under  their  care. 

1874,  p.  514.  This  action  was  enlarged  by  adding  a  request  that 
the  professors  of  the  institutions  in  which  the  candidates  are  pur¬ 
suing  their  studies,  should  send  the  Presbyteries  sessional  reports 
of  their  character,  diligence  and  proficiency  in  their  studies. 

1881,  p.  384.  The  Assembly  recommends:  That  the  Presby¬ 
teries  be  very  thorough  in  their  examination  of  candidates  as  to  per¬ 
sonal  piety  and  views  in  seeking  the  ministry,  and  request  the  fac¬ 
ulty  of  the  institution  which  their  candidates  are  attending  to  send 
to  the  Presbyterial  chairman  of  Education  monthly  statements  of 
their  deportment,  and  of  their  standing  in  their  studies. 

1888,  p.  390.  The  committee  would  say  that  all  the  Presbyteries, 
through  their  Chairmen  of  Education,  should  seek  to  obtain  from  the 
faculties  of  the'  institutions  in  which  their  candidates  are  pursuing 
their  studies  quarterly  reports  as  to  their  conduct  and  proficiency  in 
their  studies. 

Similar  action  in  1891,  p.  232. 

764.  The  authority  of  the  Presbytery  over  its  candidates 

1893,  p.  45.  Candidates  are  under  the  control  and  direction  of 
Presbytery,  both  in  regard  to  their  conduct,  and  the  schools,  colleges 


Secs.  761-766] 


Education 


351 


and  seminaries  they  shall  attend,  but  the  authority  in  regard  to 
schools  attended  should  be  exercised  with  prudence. 

1918,  p.  54.  We  would  suggest  that  this  answer  be  given  to  the 
overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Muhlenburg,  touching  the  ecclesi¬ 
astical  relation  of  a  candidate  for  the  ministry: 

(1)  The  “care  of  the  Presbytery”  does  not  include  an  original 
jurisdiction  further  than  the  mere  oversight  and  direction  of  a  can¬ 
didate’s  education  and  preparation  for  the  ministry. 

(2)  The  Presbytery,  when  it  takes  a  candidate  under  its  care, 
assumes  oversight  over  his  education  and  preparation,  but  no  juris¬ 
diction  over  his  Christian  life  and  character.  Jurisdiction  over  this 
does  not  pass  to  the  Presbytery,  until  he  receives  ordination. 

(3)  It  is  not  possible  for  the  courts,  Session  and  Presbytery,  to 
hold  original  jurisdiction  over  a  candidate  for  the  ministry. 

We  would  refer  the  Presbytery  to  a  most  illuminating  report 
adopted  by  the  General  Assembly  of  1829  on  this  very  subject.  The 
report  is  found  in  Moore’s  Digest,  p.  560. 

765.  Transfer  of  candidate  from  one  Presbytery  to  another 

1888,  p.  390.  It  is  not  competent  for  a  Presbytery  to  receive  a 
candidate  from  another  Presbytery  upon  a  certificate  of  good  char¬ 
acter  from  two  ministers  of  that  Presbytery. 

766.  Candidates  attending  institutions  beyond  our  bounds 

1890,  p.  42.  The  attention  of  the  Presbyteries  is  urgently  called 
to  the  fact  that  twelve  of  our  candidates  receiving  aid  through  our 
Committee  have  been  pursuing  their  studies  in  seminaries  outside 
of  our  bounds.  Eleven  hundred  dollars  were  thus  expended  last 
year.  The  tendency  indicated  by  this  fact  deserves  the  serious  and 
careful  consideration  of  the  Presbyteries,  and  we  counsel  that  they 
take  more  watchful,  and,  if  need  be,  authoritative  oversight  of  their 
candidates  in  their  course  of  preparation  for  the  ministry. 

1890,  p.  35.  The  Assembly  renews  the  expression  of  its  clear 
judgment  and  strong  desires  that  our  candidates  for  the  ministry 
pursue  their  studies  in  our  own  schools.  And  our  Presbyteries 
are  hereby  earnestly  requested  to  do  all  that  in  Christian  wisdom 
can  be  done  to  secure  this  result.  Every  consideration  of  prudence 
and  the  interests  of  our  church  would  seem  to  give  emphasis  to  this 
suggestion.  This  action  was  repeated,  1891,  p.  244,  and  reiterated 
in  1 892,  p.  423. 

1891,  p.  232.  In  ordinary  cases  candidates  shall  be  required  to 
attend  theological  institutions  within  the  bounds  and  under  the 
supervision  of  our  own  church. 

1893,  p.  44.  It  is  recommended  that  no  aia  be  allowed  to  candi¬ 
dates  pursuing  their  studies  out  of  the  bounds  of  this  Assembly. 

1898,  p.  213.  In  view  of  the  fact  that  our  own  colleges  and 
theological  seminaries  afford  ample  facilities  for  the  education  of 
candidates  for  the  ministry,  the  Assembly  urges  the  Presbyteries  to 


352 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


discourage  attendance  upon  colleges  and  theological  seminaries  other 
than  our  own  by  candidates  receiving  aid;  but  in  extraordinary  cases 
the  matter  of  extending  aid  from  the  Assembly’s  funds  to  candi¬ 
dates  for  the  ministry  pursuing  their  studies  in  other  than  our  own 
colleges  and  theological  seminaries  shall  be  left  to  the  decision  of 
the  Presbyterial  Committees,  after  consultation  with  the  Assem¬ 
bly’s  Executive  Committee. 

767.  Rules  for  reception  of  candidates,  etc. 

1907,  p.  20.  The  General  Assembly  reaffirmed  as  a  whole  the 
following  rules  governing  candidates  and  instructed  its  Executivle 
Committee  to  publish  and  distribute  the  same: 

‘Inasmuch  as  the  Presbyterian  Church  has  always  rightfully  de¬ 
manded  a  high  grade  of  education  for  her  ministry,  the  Assembly 
would  express  the  decided  conviction  that  the  cause  of  Ministerial 
Education  is  fundamental  to  her  welfare. 

“The  attention  of  the  Committees  of  Ministerial  Education  of 
the  Presbyteries,  and  of  all  of  our  pastors  and  Sessions,  is  called  to 
the  following  action  by  the  General  Assembly  of  our  church,  which 
reveals  the  care  that  is  being  taken  to  shield  this  work  from  abuse : 

THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY  AND  THE  CANDIDATES 

“Each  Presbytery  should  adopt,  for  the  guidance  of  the  Commit¬ 
tee  of  Ministerial  Education,  a  set  of  standing  rules  embodying  the 
following  regulations,  which  the  experience  and  wisdom  of  the  church 
have  shown  to  be  important  and  necessary  in  the  premises: 

AS  TO  THE  RECEPTION  OF  CANDIDATES 

“The  Presbytery.  In  order  to  secure  a  class  of  candidates  for 
the  ministry  which  shall  more  fully  meet  the  requirements  of  the 
sacred  office  which  they  profess  to  seek,  Resolved, 

“(1)  That  the  General  Assembly  enjoins  it  upon  the  Presbyteries 
more  carefully  to  investigate  the  antecedents  and  inquire  into  the 
character  of  the  candidates  for  the  gospel  ministry. 

“(2)  That  the  Presbyteries  be  advised,  as  a  general  rule,  to  re¬ 
ceive  under  their  care  no  candidate  for  the  ministry  at  the  same 
meeting  when  the  application  is  made. 

“The  Session.  All  candidates  coming  before  Presbyteries  shall 
bear  the  certificates  of  their  Sessions,  testifying  to  their  qualifica¬ 
tions,  physical,  mental  and  spiritual. 

“The  Presbyterial  Committee.  All  applications  to  be  re¬ 
ceived  as  candidates  for  the  ministry  should  be  made  through  the 
Presbyterial  Committee,  and  a  sufficient  time  before  the  meeting  of 
the  Presbytery  for  the  Committee  to  make  a  thorough  investigation. 

“(1)  As  to  the  reputation  of  the  applicant  for  piety,  good  prac¬ 
tical  sense,  prudence  and  humility;  and 

“(2)  Whether  there  be  any  physical  or  mental  infirmities,  or  ec- 


Secs.  766-767] 


Education 


353 


centricities  of  character,  or  other  defects,  which  are  likely  to  inter¬ 
fere  with  his  usefulness  as  a  minister  of  the  Gospel. 

“These  facts  should  be  fully  and  clearly  reported  to  the  Presby¬ 
tery  at  a  regular  meeting,  and  no  applicant  be  received  until  such  re¬ 
port  be  made. 

AS  TO  THE  SUPERVISION  OF  CANDIDATES 

“Candidates  under  the  care  of  Presbytery  are  subject  to  its  over¬ 
sight,  direction  and  control  in  all  matters  pertaining  to  their  educa¬ 
tion  and  training  for  the  ministry.  To  this  end  the  Presbytery  should, 
through  its  committee,  keep  in  close  and  intimate  touch  with  each 
of  its  candidates,  and  if  candidates  pursue  their  studies  outside  the 
bounds  of  our  church  or  deviate  from  the  ordinary,  regular  course 
of  study,  it  should  be  only  with  the  consent  of  the  Presbytery,  or, 
ad  interim ,  of  its  Committee  of  Ministerial  Education. 

“The  Chairman  of  the  Presbyterial  Committee  of  Ministerial  Ed¬ 
ucation  should  be  instructed  to  obtain  from  the  professors  of  theo¬ 
logical  seminaries,  colleges  and  schools,  where  our  candidates  may 
be  pursuing  their  studies,  reports  of  the  diligence,  progress  and 
standing  of  each  beneficiary,  so  that  in  case  of  any  deficiency,  the 
proper  correctives  may  be  applied  without  delay;  and  also,  these 
reports  should  be  forwarded  to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Minis¬ 
terial  Education. 

AS  TO  FOREIGN  CANDIDATES 

“The  Assembly  gives  as  its  judgment  that  no  candidate  for  the 
Gospel  ministry  should  be  aided  by  the  Assembly’s  Executive  Com- 
mitteje  unless  the  applicant  be  regularly  and  fully  endorsed  by  the 
Session  of  his  church  and  by  his  Presbytery;  and  further,  the 
Sessions  and  Presbyteries  are  admonished  to  exercise  great  cau¬ 
tion  and  intelligent  investigation  concerning  the  needs,  motives  and 
character  of  the  applicant,  and  the  Presbyteries  are  requested  not 
to  receive  candidates  under  their  care  who  have  been  rejected  or 
dropped  by  other  Presbyteries  or  ecclesiastical  bodies  without  cor¬ 
respondence  with  such  Presbyteries  or  bodies.  (1900,  p.  611.) 

AS  TO  FINANCIAL  AID  OF  CANDIDATES 

“Presbyteries  should  urge  the  Chairmen  of  Presbyterial  Commit¬ 
tees  to  inquire  more  particularly  into  the  financial  resources  of  such 
candidates  as  apply  for  aid  and  urge  them  to  draw  on  all  private 
resources  to  complete,  or  at  least  supplement,  the  funds  necessary 
for  their  education. 

“When  any  candidate  applies  for  aid  from  the  funds  of  the  church, 
the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Education  of  his  Presbytery  must 
sign  the  following  express  statement: 

“  ‘We  have  made  careful  inquiry  as  to  his  other  resources  of 
help,  and  find  that  he  will  need  the  above  sum  to  meet  necessary  ex¬ 
penses. 

“  ‘Should  he  receive  aid  from  other  sources,  rendering  the  full 


t 


354  Education  and  Relief  [Book  IV 

appropriation  unnecessary,  the  Executive  Committee  will  be  noti¬ 
fied  and  the  appropriation  may  be  reduced.’ 

AS  TO  REFUNDING  MONEY  BY  CANDIDATES 

“The  Presbyteries  should  give  all  their  candidates  to  understand 
that  they  are  under  a  moral  obligation  to*  pay  back  the  m,oney  they 
receive  from  the  church  if  they  do  not  enter  her  service. 

“The  Presbyteries  should  exercise  due  diligence  in  assisting  to 
collect  back  funds  appropriated  on  their  recommendation  to  candi¬ 
dates  who  have  abandoned  preparation  for  the  ministry,  except  it 
be  on  account  of  unavoidable  providences. 

AS  TO  THE  EXECUTIVE  COMMITTEE 

“In  order  to  bring  the  Executive  Committee  into  close  relations 
with  the  work  as  it  is  cared  for  in  any  of  its  phases  by  the  Pres¬ 
byteries,  the  Presbyteries  are  directed  to  send  to  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee,  through  their  Chairmen  of  Education,  abstracts  or  copies 
of  all  matters  pertaining  to  the  work  of  Ministerial  Education,  such 
as  the  reception  of  candidates,  their  progress,  scholastic  standing, 
and  all  other  such  information  as  shall  help  the  Committee  in  its 
effort  to  make  a  judicious  use  of  the  funds  of  the  church,  and  especially 
should  the  Presbyteries  direct  full  and  explicit  answers  to  be  given 
to  all  inquiries  which  the  Executive  Committee  may  reasonably 
make  in  the  prosecution  of  its  work.” 

763.  Candidates  in  Home  Mission  work  and  as  colporteurs 

1900,  p.  611.  An  overture  to  direct  the  Executive  Committee 
•  of  Education  to  inform  each  applicant  for  aid  with  the  view  of 

engaging  in  the  ministry,  that  a  pledge  will  be  required  to  give  as 
much  as  two  years  immediately  after  leaving  the  Theological  Sem¬ 
inary  to  Home  Mission  work  in  the  bounds  of  the  Presbytery  to 
which  the  applicants  belongs,  if  required  to  do  so  by  the  Presby¬ 
tery,  and  provided  that  a  salary  of  at  least  $480  each  year  be  as¬ 
sured.  Answered  in  the  negative,  upon  the  ground  that  the  Pres¬ 
byteries  have  the  power  to  require  such  service  in  any  case  where, 
in  their  judgment,  it  is  needed. 

1901,  p.  57.  In  answer  to  an  overture  asking  the  Assembly  “to 
arrange  such  plans  of  co-operation  between  its  Committees  of  Edu¬ 
cation,  Publication  and  Home  Missions,  that  they  may  give  our 
beneficiaries  employment  as  colporteurs  in  their  college  vacations, 
and  supplies  during  their  seminary  vacations,”  the  Assembly  de¬ 
clined  to  grant  the  request. 

769.  Pledges  to  candidates  must  be  absolute 

1878,  p.  644.  The  attention  of  the  Assembly  was  called  to  one 
great  practical  difficulty  in  the  operations  of  the  Executive  Commit- 


Secs.  768-770] 


Education 


355 


tee  of  Education.  The  difficulty  lay  in  the  want  of  some  satisfactory 
plan  for  closing  up  its  financial  operations  each  year,  without  leav¬ 
ing  on  hand  a  debt  of  greater  or  less  magnitude  that  would  eat  into 
the  contributions  of  the  succeeding  year.  Only  two  practical  meth¬ 
ods  of  solving  the  difficulty  were  suggested.  One  of  these  was  to 
make  all  pledges  to  candidates  conditional,  thus  leaving  them  in 
a  state  of  uncertainty  as  to  the  amounts  they  would  receive,  till  the 
close  of  the  year.  Such  a  course,  it  was  believed,  would  embarrass 
our  candidates,  and,  perhaps,  tempt  them  to  incur  debts  which,  at 
the  last  moment,  they  might  find  themselves  unable  to  discharge, 
and  so  prove  unfaithful  to  their  financial  obligations. 

The  other  alternative  was  to  make  all  these  pledges  to  candi¬ 
dates  at  the  beginning  of  the  year  absolute  and  unconditional,  but 
of  such  amounts  as  to  leave  no  reasonable  doubt  of  the  Committee’s 
ability  to  pay  them.  This  course  would  doubtless  be  somewhat 
embarrassing  to  the  young  men  in  the  beginning  of  the  year,  but  they 
would  have  the  advantage  of  knowing  at  once  the  extent  of  their 
resources,  and  could  regulate  their  outlay  accordingly.  This  plan 
seemed  upon  the  whole  the  preferable  one,  and  was  recommended 
by  the  committee. 

If,  in  addition  to  this,  the  Executive  Committee  can  manage  to 
accumulate  a  small  c&sh  working  balance,  from  which  they  can 
draw  to  meet  exigencies  arising  from  unforeseen  increase  of  candi¬ 
dates,  or  falling  off  in  contributions,  the  system  would  be  complete, 
and  the  Executive  Committee  would  be  free  from  those  painful  em¬ 
barrassments  that  sometimes  arise. 

Resolved,  1,  That  it  is  a  fundamental  principle  that  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  should  never  incur  a  debt. 

2.  That  inasmuch  as  the  churches  and  people  of  God  are  the 
sole  sources  whence  funds  for  Education  can  be  drawn,  the  Exec¬ 
utive  Committee  is  not  under  obligation  to  pay  more,  or  pledge 
more,  than  is  furnished  by  the  churches. 

3.  That  each  ecclesiastical  year  should  close  up  its  own  finan¬ 
cial  matters,  and  that  it  is  inexpedient  to  levy  contributions  on  a 
succeeding  year  to  meet  the  deficiencies  of  a  previous  year. 

4.  That  it  appears  best,  on  the  whole,  that  the  appropriations 
made  by  the  Assembly’s  Committee  to  each  student,  whether  more 
or  less  ample,  be  positive;  and  therefore  the  Assembly  recommended 
to  the  Committee  so  to  regulate,  its  pledges  and  expenditures  for 
the  ensuing  year  as  to  secure  by  the  end  thereof  a  cash  working  bal¬ 
ance,  such  as  will  enable  it,  along  with  the  annual  collections,  to 
make  positive  pledges  to  the  candidates  in  the  future. 

1914,  p.  73.  The  Overture  asking  the  Assembly  to  instruct  the 
Executive  Committee  to  pay  in  full  amounts  promised  candidates 
without  scaling,  was  answered  in  the  negative. 

770.  Maximum  appropriation  for  each  student 

1871,  p.  25.  Resolved,  That  the  Executive  Committee  be  in¬ 
structed  to  adhere  to  the  principle  of  aid  in  the  contributions  they 


356 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


make  for  the  support  of  students;  and  that  the  maximum  of  said 
contributions,  exqept  in  special  cases,  be  $200  to  students  in  theo¬ 
logical  seminaries,  and  $175  to  students  in  colleges. 

Hitherto  the  maximum  had  been  $250.  (See  1870,  p.  559,  and  1871, 
p.  59,  for  reasons  for  reduction.)  The  Presbytery  of  Montgomery 
asked,  in  1872,  p.  159,  that  college  students  might  receive  $200  per  year, 
instead  of  $175.  The  Assembly  did  not  think  it  prudent  to  change  the 
rule.  In  1877  the  Executive  Committee  reported  that  it  had  been  com¬ 
pelled  to  reduce  the  ordinary  appropriations  from  $200  and  $175  to 
$175  and  $150  respectively  (p.  473). 

The  Executive  Committee  reported,  in  1879,  p.  74,  that  in  carrying 
out  the  instructions!  of  the  Assembly  of  1878,  to  so  regulate  its  pledges 
and  expenditures  for  the  ensuing  year  as  to  secure  by  the  end  thereof 
a  cash  working  balance,  such  as  to  enable  it,  along  with  the  annual 
collections,  to  make  positive  pledges  to  the  candidates  in  the  future, 
it  had  proceeded’  at  once  to  regulate  thei  appropriations  by  diminishing 
each  of  them  as  much  as  $50.  Appropriations  to  seminary  students 
were  reduced  from  $175  to  $125,  and  those  to  college  students  from 
$150  to  $100  each;  and  these  pledges  were  made  absolutely  and  un¬ 
conditionally. 

The  Committee,  however,  further  resolved  that  whatever  amount 
should  be  found  in  the  treasury  after  paying  its  positive  pledges  should 
be  distributed  pro  rata  among  all  the  candidates  under  the  care  of  the 
Committee.  In  1881-’82  the  Committee  were  able  to  pay  $1,332  to  the 
students  in  excess  of  the  amounts  promised. 

1882,  p.  556.  Resolved,  That  in  view  of  the  importance  of  an 
increase  of  candidates,  this  Assembly  authorizes  its  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Education  to  pledge  to  its  candidates,  in  both  the  college 
and  seminary  courses,  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars,  and  to  those 
in  a  preparatory  course  fifty-  dollars;  but  in  view  of  these  enlarged 
appropriations  Presbyteries  are  urged  to  use  great  caution  in  re¬ 
ceiving  candidates  under  their  care. 

For  the  year  1886-’87  only  $100  was  paid  to  college  and  semi¬ 
nary  students,  and  $25  to  sub-collegians. 

To  college  and  seminary  students  the  amounts  pledged  were  $100 
a  year,  till  the  opening  of  the  term  of  1893-’4  when  the  amount  of 
aid  was  fixed  at  $75  a  year.  Students  yet  preparatory  have  been 
given  $25. 

1899,  p.  409.  The  Executive  Committee  was  directed  to  continue 
the  same  appropriations  to  candidates  as  last  year,  namely,  $75  per 
scholastic  year,  the  appropriation  being  in  the  nature  of  a  promise 
dependent  upon  the  contributions  of  the  churches,  and  not  in  the 
nature  of  a  debt;  no  appropriations  to  be  made  to  candidates  who 
are  in  preparatory  schools,  nor  to  any  who  are  not  in  institutions 
approved  by  their  respective  Presbyteries;  the  beneficiaries  to  be 
required  to  report  to  the  Committee  any  financial  aid  received  or 
provided  for  from  other  sources  at  the  time  so  received  or  provided 
for. 

1901,  p.  57.  In  answer  to  an  overture  asking  the  Assembly  to 
give  to  our  theological  students  in  the  seminary  a  maximum  of  $100, 
and  to  those  in  the  literary  department  $50  as  a  maximum  per 
year,  the  Assembly  declined  to  fix  a  maximum,  but  instructed  the  Ex¬ 
ecutive  Committee  to  make  an  equitable  distribution  of  the  funds 
placed  in  its  hands. 


Secs.  770-772] 


Education 


357 


1902,  p.  287.  The  Assembly  approved  the  action  of  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  in  increasing  the  maximum  appropriation  of  $75 
to  $85,  without  referring  it  to  the  Presbyteries,  when  late  in  the 
year  they  learned  that  the  receipts  would  justify  the  increase. 

1903,  p.  482.  The  Executive  Committee  was  instructed  to  us« 
its  discretion  as  to  the  amounts  to  be  appropriated.  The  determi¬ 
nation  which  candidates  shall  receive  assistance  rests  entirely  with 
the  Presbyteries.  The  ordinary  maximum  appropriation  shall  be 
$90  a  year.  In  cases  in  which  the  candidate  has  other  resources  of 
considerable  extent  the  Executive  Committee  may  make  a  more 
limited  appropriation;  in  cases  of  extraordinary  need  the  Executive 
Committee,  acting  on  its  own  discretion,  may  exceed  this  maximum. 
All  applications  should  be  made  upon  the  printed  form  “Form  of 
Application”  ordered  by  previous  General  Assemblies. 

1904,  p.  45.  There  was  a  working  cash  balance  on  hand,  which 
enabled  the  Committee  to  extend  some  help  to  the  candidates  be¬ 
fore  the  November  collections  could  be  received  and  disbursed  by 
the  Committee.  The  Committee  was  able  to  give  ninety  dollars  as 
the  maximum  appropriation  to  all  that  needed  it.  It  was  recom¬ 
mended  that  the  Committee  make  the  maximum  appropriation  one 
hundred  dollars  next  year,  if  they  could  see  their  way  to  do  so. 


771.  Aiding  post-graduates  and  sub-collegians 

1898,  p.  213.  The  Executive  Committee  was  instructed  to  dis¬ 
continue  aid  to  academic  students  not  in  college  classes. 

Same  action  in  1902  (p.  287)  and  1908  (p.  56). 

1907,  p.  20.  The  Committee  was  instructed  to  give  no  finan¬ 
cial  aid  to  students  who  are  pursuing  exclusively  post-graduate 
studies. 

1922,  p.  55.  We  recommend  that  the  Executive  Committee  be 
authorized  to  grant  a  maximum  loan  of  $300  a  year  for  two  years 
to  candidates  the  Master’s  or  the  Doctor’s  degree  in  prepara¬ 
tion  for  the  work  of  teaching. 


772.  Loans  to  candidates 

1907,  p.  20.  The  Assembly  instructed  the  Executive  Committee 
to  receive  notes  from  candidates  who  express  the  desire  to  borrow 
instead  of  accepting  money  as  a  gift  from  the  church  for  their  ed¬ 
ucation,  these  notes  to  be  without  interest,  and  the  amount  of  the 
loan  for  any  one  year  not  to  exceed  the  maximum  amount  appropriated 
to  candidates. 

1908,  p.  56.  The  Assembly,  in  response  to  the  request  of  the 
Executive  Committee,  authorized  the  Committee  to  make  credits  on 
notes  given  by  candidates,  who  prefer  to  receive  money  as  a  loan, 
for  mission  work  done  under  the  direction  of  the  Presbytery  and 
certified  to  by  the  Stated  Clerk. 


358 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


773.  Loans  to  prospective!  medical  missionaries 

1909,  p.  65.  On  the  recommendation  of  our  Presbyteries,  aid 
may  be  given  to  young  men  studying  medicine  with  a  view  to  ser¬ 
vice  in  our  Foreign  Mission  Field,  such  aid  to  be  given  only  while 
in  the  medical  schools,  and  to  be  in  the  form  of  loans  which  shall 
be  cancelled  by  this  service  in  the  foreign  fields. 

1912,  p.  31.  We  would  further  recommend  that  the  Assembly 
endorse  the  recommendations  of  the  Executive  Committee,  that  in 
cases  of  loans  to  young  men  studying  in  schools  of  medicine,  with 
the  purpose  of  going  to  the  foreign  field  as  medical  missionaries, 
the  endorsement  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions 
be  secured,  in  addition  to  that  of  the  Presbytery,  in  order  that  only 
those  who  are  likely  to  be,  acceptable  for  the  work  be  aided  from 
the  funds  of  the  Committee. 

1913,  p.  63.  We  recommend  that  the  Executive  Committee  be 
authorized  to  include  among  its  beneficiaries  accepted  candidates 
for  our  Foreign  Mission  work,  looking  forward  to  any  branch  of 
that  work,  as  well  as  those  looking  forward  to  medical  missionary 
work,  as  at  present,  provided  such  candidates  are  recommended  and 
endorsed  by  the  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions. 

1915,  p.  35.  That  the  Executive  Committee  be  directed  to  in¬ 
clude  among  its  beneficiaries  not  only  accepted  candidates  for  our 
Foreign  Mission  work,  but  also  candidates  for  special  service  in 
our  Home  Mission  fields  who  have  already  received  the  equivalent 
of  a  high  school  training  and  have  been  endorsed  by  the  Sessions 
of  their  churches  and  recommended  by  the  Presbyterian  Committees 
of  Education. 

1920,  p.  25.  We  recommend  that  in  extraordinary  cases,  such  as 
those  intending  to  be  medical  missionaries,  the  Executive  Commit¬ 
tee  be  permitted  to  increase  its  loans  to  an  amount  deemed  justifi¬ 
able  in  each  individual  case. 

1920,  p.  26.  We  recommend  that  the  General  Assembly  re-en- 
dorse  the  Three-Year  Program  of  the  Committee  of  Christian  Edu¬ 
cation  and  Ministerial  Relief,  and  urge  that  it  be  fully  carried  out. 

Owing  to  the  increased  cost  of  living,  and  therefore  of  obtaining 
an  education,  we  recommend  that  if  the  funds  in  the  hands  of  the 
Executive  Committee  are  sufficient,  the  Committee  be  allowed  to 
increase  its  annual  loans  from  $100  a  year  to  $150. 


774.  Loans  to  young  women 

1921,  p.  57.  The  Executive  Committee  was  instructed  to  grant 
loans  to  young  women  candidates  for  Mission  Service  who  are  rec- 
Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  of  the  Presbytery,  to 
ommended  by  the  Session  of  their  church  and  the  Committee  of 
the  same  extent,  and  to  grant  them  the  same  credit  as  given  candi¬ 
dates  for  the  Ministry. 


Secs.  773-777]  Education  359 

775.  Only  the  candidates  of  co-operating  Presbyteries  to  be  aided 

1869,  p.  388.  Those  Presbyteries  which  have  acted  independ¬ 
ently  are  requested  to  co-operate  with  the  Executive  Committee; 
and  it  is  recommended  to  that  Committee  to  withhold  their  aid  from 
Presbyteries  which  neglect  to  do  so,  until  those  Presbyteries  which 
act  in  union  with  them  have  their  wants  supplied. 

Under  the  discretion  given  the  Committee  by  the  Assembly  of 
1867,  aid  had  been  up  to  this  time  extended  to  those  Presbyteries  which 
did  not  co-operate  in  raising  funds.  But  the  claims  upon  the  Commit¬ 
tee  having  so  increased,  and  the  necessity  of  system  become  so  press¬ 
ing,  they  asked  that  the  above  restriction  be  made. — A. 

776.  The  advancement  required  in  order  to  receive  aid 

1870,  p.  520.  The  Assembly  approved  the  rule  adopted  by  the 
Executive  Committee  as  to  making  the  appropriations  prospective, 
and  that  they  be  not  bestowed  until  the  applicant  has  made  some 
trial  of  his  talents  and  gifts,  etc.,  by  having  prosecuted  his  studies 
to  about  what  is  usually  called  the  Freshman  Class. 

1873,  p.  31 0-.  Overture  that  the  Committee  limit  its  appropria¬ 
tions  to  such  candidates  as  are  sufficiently  advanced  in  their  studies 
to  enter  the  Junior  Class  of  our  Colleges.  Not  granted. 

1879,  p.  37.  Overture  to  instruct  the  Executive  Committee  here¬ 
after  to  furnish  assistance  from  its  funds,  except  in  very  extraor¬ 
dinary  cases,  only  to  such  candidates  for  the  ministry  as  are  actually 
in  prosecution  of  their  theological  course. 

This  the  Assembly  deemed  unwise,  inasmuch  as  it  would  virtually 
shut  off  that  class  of  young  men  which  we  aim  to  assist.  With  a 
college  education  young  men  are  in  a  condition  to  help  themselves, 
while  without  it  they  are  helpless. 

777.  Special  aid  for  candidates  should  be  sent  through  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee 

1894,  p.  239.  The  Assembly  earnestly  urges  the  Sessions  of  its 
churches  to  send  to  the  Treasurer  of  its  Executive  Committee  of 
Education  for  the  Ministry  all  money  contributed  by  their  respective 
churches,  or  by  societies  in  their  churches,  both  for  the  general 
cause  of  ministerial  education  and  for  special  candidates;  and  all 
money  contributed  for  a  special  candidate  shall  be  forwarded  to  such 
candidate  through  the  Assembly’s  Executive  Committee  by  the 
church  or  society  making  the  contribution. 

The  Assembly  takes  this  action  for  the  following  reasons: 

1,  That  it  may  know  how  much  the  church  is  contributing  to  the 
cause  of  ministerial  education. 

2,  That  each  church  may  receive  the  credit  to  which  it  is  entitled 
for  its  contributions. 

3,  That  the  whole  church  may  be  brought  into  closer  touch  and 
sympathy  with  the  Assembly’s  scheme  of  Education  for  the  Ministry. 


360 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


778.  Aid  from  other  sources  to  a  candidate  must  be  reported 

1894,  p.  239.  All  candidates  for  whom  aid  shall  be  asked  from 
the  Assembly’s  Executive  Committee  of  Education  shall  be  required 
to  state  to  their  respective  Presbyteries  the  amount  of  aid,  if  any, 
which  they  have  received,  or  which  has  been  promised  them  from  any 
source  other  than  the  Assembly’s  Committee  of  Education. 

779.  Committee  may  withhold  aid  from  a  candidate  aided  from 

other  sources 

1894,  p.  239.  When  it  comes  to  the  knowledge  of  the  Executive 
Committee  of  Education  that  aid  from  any  other  source  has  been 
received  by  or  promised  to  a  candidate,  the  Committee  shall  refuse 
to  grant  further  aid,  if  in  its  judgment,  such  action  is  best. 

1897,  p.  23.  While  the  Assetnbly  does  not  claim  to  restrain  the 
discretion  or  generosity  of  churches,  individuals  or  societies  in  ren¬ 
dering  help  to  candidates,  it  would  instruct  the  Executive  Com- 
mitte  not  to  render  aid  to  any  candidate  until  it  be  advised  of  such 
aid  as  the  candidate  is  receiving  or  expects  to  receive  outside  of  the 
Committee’s  aid,  and  not  to  grant  aid  to  them  unless  it  be  im¬ 
peratively  demanded  by  the  Presbytery  under  whose  care  the  can¬ 
didate  may  be  for  whom  the  aid  is  asked. 

780.  Only  partial  support  contemplated 

1897,  p.  23.  The  Assembly  would  reiterate  and  impress  upon 
all  our  Presbyteries  that  it  is  a  settled  principle  of  the  Assembly 
not  to  assume  the  whole  support  of  any  candidate  preparing  for  the 
ministry,  but  only  to  give  such  aid  as  will  assist  him  in  the 
prosecution  of  his  studies  and  prevent  his  discontinuance  of  the 
same. 

781.  Support  of  special  candidates 

1894,  p.  240.  Churches  and  Societies  in  the  church  were  urged 
to  undertake  the  support  of  special  candidates  for  the  ministry. 

•  782.  Aid  for  women  in  the  Training  Schools  discontinued 

1895,  p.  424.  The  Presbytery  of  West  Hanover  asks  that  the 
Education  Committee  be  authorized  to  grant  aid  to  unmarried  women 
who  are  under  the  care  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Mis¬ 
sions,  while  prosecuting  their  studies  in  our  training  schools.  Or¬ 
dered  that  the  Executive  Committee  of  Education  be  authorized  to 
grant  this  aid. 

P.  427.  The  support  of  ladies  in  our  training  schools,  preparing 
themselves  for  Christian  work,  is  especially  commended  to  the 
sympathy  and  liberality  of  Ladies’  Societies. 

Repeated  1896,  page  611. 

1896,  p.  626.  In  accordance  with  the  action  of  the  last  Assembly, 
the  Committee  resolved  to  give  aid  to  a  limited  number  of  unmar- 


Secs.  778-784] 


Education 


361 


ried  women  preparing  for  foreign  mission  work  in  the  training  school, 
and  that  it  shall  be  the  policy  of  the  Committee  that  aid  will  not  be 
given  such  persons  preparing  for  foreign  mission  work  unless  they 
are  recommended  by  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions. 

Three  unmarried  women  were  recommended  for  aid  by  the  For¬ 
eign  Mission  Committee,  and  $75  appropriated  to  each;  but  only 
one  attended  the  school  of  preparation,  and  to  her  was  paid  $75. 

1897,  p.  70.  Three  ladies  received  $75  each. 

P.  23.  The  Assembly  directs  the  Executive  Committee  to  make 
no  further  appropriation  in  aid  of  young  ladies  in  the  school  at 
Fredericksburg,  or  for  any  other  object  than  education  for  the 
ministry. 

783.  Candidates  who  drop  should  refund  aid  received 

1879,  p.  37.  Resolved ,  That  the  Presbyteries  exercise  due  dili¬ 
gence  in  assistance  to  collect  back  funds  appropriated  oji  their 
recommendation  to  candidates  who  have  abandoned  preparation  for 
the  ministry,  except  it  be  on  account  of  unavoidable  providences. 

1888,  p.  390.  Your  committee  doubts  the  propriety,  and  would 
not,  therefore,  recommend  the  requiring  a  written  obligation  of  can¬ 
didates  to  refund  the  money  they  receive  from  the  church  in  case 
they  turn  aside  from  the  work  of  the  ministry.  Most  of  the  candi¬ 
dates  are  under  age  when  they  are  received,  and  such  an  obligation 
would  not  be  binding  in  law,  and  it  would  seem  to  cast  a  suspicion 
upon  their  integrity.  At  the  same  time  the  Presbytery  should  give 
all  its  candidates  to  understand  that  they  are  under  a  moral  obli¬ 
gation  to  pay  back  the  money  they  receive  from  the  church  if  they 
do  not  enter  her  service.  Adopted. 

1893,  p.  45.  Resolved ,  That  in  case  a  candidate  should  turn 
aside  from  his  purpose  to  preach  the  gospel,  Presbyteries  urge  such 
an  one  to  refund  any  moneys  received  from  the  Central  Committee. 

784.  Aid  given  to  candidates  to  be  considered  a  loan 

1914,  p.  74.  That  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Dallas,  ask¬ 
ing  the  Assembly  to  change  the  system  of  Beneficiary  Education 
so  that  aid  given  candidates  for  the  ministry  be  by  loan,  be  referred 
to  the  Ad-Interim  Committee. 

1916,  p.  58.  The  Overture  requesting  a  return  to  the  former  plan 
of  aiding  needy  students  for  the  ministry,  was  answered  in  the 
negative. 

The  Overture  regarding  the  amount  of  credit  to  be  allowed  min¬ 
isters  who,  while  students,  were  aided  by  the  Executive  Committee, 
was  answered  in  the  negative. 

1917,  p.  58  The  Overture  from  Brazos  Presbytery,  asking  for 
a  return  to  the  old  method  of  giving  aid  to  candidates  for  the  minis¬ 
try,  was  answered  in  the  negative,  but  the  present  limit  of  salary  of 
$1,000  as  the  basis  for  credit  on  loans  to  candidates  from  the 
Executive  Committee  be  changed  to  $1,000  and  a  manse,  or  $1,200 
without  a  manse. 


362 


[Book  IV 


Education  and  Relief 

1918,  p.  34.  “The  Presbytery  of  Concord  respectfully  overtures 
the  General  Assembly  in  session  at  Durant,  Okla.,  May  16,  1918: 
That  the  Assembly  return  to  the  old  method  of  assisting  candidates 
for  the  ministry.”  We  recommend  that  this'  be  answered  in  the  nega¬ 
tive,  and  for  the  following  reasons:  First,  the  old  plan,  or  plan  of  direct 
gift,  having  been  given  a  long  trial,  was  found  unsatisfactory;  second, 
the  new  plan,  or  plan  of  making  loans,  having  been  adopted  and  tried 
for  a  number  of  years,  has  been  found  superior  in  every  way  because, 
first,  it  places  a  premium  upon  the  self-reliant  and  independent  spirit 
of  candidates  and  young  ministers;  second,  it  enables  the  Church 
to  use  money  given  for  this  purpose  at  least  twice,  and  frequently 
oftener;  third,  it  enhances,  or  at  least  makes  more  attractive,  our 
Home  Mission  fields  in  the  service  of  which  such  obligations  are 
easily  met  by  the  Committee’s  plans;  fourth,  because  this  plan  is 
meeting  with  the  well-nigh  universal  approbation  of  those  most 
intimately  affected  thereby. 

1919,  p.  37.  In  regard  to  the  credit  allowed  to  our  candidates 
for  the  ministry  on  their  notes  due  the  Committee  of  Education, 
instead  of  the  difference  between  their  salaries  and  the  salary  of 
$1,000  and  manse,  or  $1,200  without  manse,  hereafter  it  is  to  be 
the  difference  between  their  salaries  and  $1,200  and  manse,  or 
$1,400  without  manse;  that  is,  $200  per  annum  more. 

1920,  p.  25.  The  Executive  Committee  now  allows  our  candidates 
for  the  ministry,  on  their  notes  due  the  Committee,  the  difference 
between  their  salaries  and  the  salary  of  $1,200  and  a  manse,  or 
$1,400  without  a  manse.  We  recommend  that  the  allowance  be  the 
difference  between  their  salaries  and  $1,400  and  a  manse,  or  $1,000 
without  a  manse;  that  is,  $200  more  per  annum. 

1922,  p.  52.  In  answer  to  the  overtures  from  the  Synod  of  Texas 
and  the  Presbyteries  of  Piedmont,  Harmony  and  Meridian,  asking 
the  Assembly  to  return  to  its  former  policy  of  making  appropriations 
for  aid  to  the  candidates  for  the  ministry  as  a  gift  instead  of  a  loan,  the 
Assembly  adheres  to  the  present  policy,  but  that  the  rule  governing 
such  loans  (see  printed  report,  p.  133)  be  changed  so  as  to  read: 
“The  amount  of  credit  will  be  the  amount  the  salary  falls  short  of 
$1,600  per  year  and  a  manse,  or  $1,800  a  year  without  a  manse, 
e.  g.,  if  the  salary  is  $1,200  without  a  manse,  a  credit  of  $600  will  be 
given  for  each  year  of  such  service  at  said  salary  or  until  the  indebt¬ 
edness  is  cancelled.  On  the  recommendation  of  the  committee  of 
the  Presbytery  in  which  the  minister  labors,  this  obligation  shall  be 
remitted,  in  whole  or  in  part,  as  requested  by  said  committee  of  Pres¬ 
bytery.” 

In  answer  to  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Western  Texas, 
asking  for  changes  in  the  form  of  application  for  loans,  the  Assembly 
sees  no  need  for  such  changes. 

785.  The  Lusk  legacy 

Several  years  ago,  and  before  the  organization  of  our  Assembly, 
Robert  Lusk,  Esq.,  of  Walter  Valley,  Miss.,  made  his  will,  by  which 

v 

V 


Secs.  784-785] 


Education 


363 


he  gave  the  undisposed  of  balance  of  his  estate  to  be  equally  divided 
between  the  Board  of  Education  and  the  Board  of  Domestic  Mis¬ 
sions  of  the  Old  School  Presbyterian  Church  of  the  United  States 
of  America,  amounting,  as  was  supposed  to  ten  or  twelve  thousand 
dollars,  subject  to  certain  trusts  expressed  in  the  will.  A  large 
part  of  this  legacy  has  been  paid  over  to  the  Northern  Church,  and 
now  they  propose,  through  their  Boards,  to  turn  over  the  residue  of 
the  estate  in  the  hands  of  the  executor  of  the  will  to  the  Executive 
Committees  of  our  General  Assembly,  on  condition  that  our  Church 
provide  for  the  payment  of  an  annuity  of  one  hundred  dollars  to 
the  Water  Valley  church,  as  provided  for  in  the  will,  and  save  them 
from  all  further  costs  and  expenses,  and  leaving  them  in  possession 
of  all  they  have  received,  freed  from  all  the  trusts  in  the  will.  The 
Trustees  respectfully  ask  the  instructions  of  the  General  Assembly 
upon  this  subject.  (From  the  report  of  the  Board  of  Trustees, 
1873,  p.  383.) 

P.  328.  Resolved  That  the  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly 
be  authorized  to  accept  from  the  Board  of  Education  of  the  Presby¬ 
terian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America  in  Philadelphia  the 
transfer  and  relinquishment  of  one-half  of  the  residue  of  the  bequest 
under  the  will  of  Robert  Lusk,  deceased,  of  the  State  of  Mississippi, 
upon  the  terms  by  said  Board  proposed,  and  the  same  be  held  by  the 
said  Trustees  for  the  use  of  the  Committee  of  Education  of  this 
General  Assembly,  and  the  interest  on  said  sum  be  paid  the  Com¬ 
mittee  as  it  accrues,  in  accordance  with  the  directions  in  the  will 
of  said  Robert  Lusk,  deceased,  and  that  said  Trustees  of  this 
Assembly  be  authorized  to  receipt  the  administration,  with  the  will 
annexed,  of  said  deceased,  and  the  Board  of  Education  respectively 
for  said  one-half  of  said  residue  of  said  bequest. 

2.  That  the  assent  of  the  General  Assembly  is  hereby  given  to 
the  transfer  to  Water  Valley  church,  in  the  Presbytery  of  North 
Mississippi,  by  the  Board  of  Domestic  Missions  of  New  York,  of  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States 
of  America,  of  the  one-half  of  the  residue  of  the  bequest  made  by 
Robert  Lusk,  deceased,  of  the  State  of  Mississippi,  to  the  said  Board 
of  Domestic  Missions,  and  upon  the  receipt  by  said  church  of  said 
bequest  from  the  administration,  with  the  will  annexed,  of  said 
Robert  Lusk,  deceased,  to  be  used  and  appropriated  by  said  church 
as  provided  in  the  will  of  said  Robert  Lusk,  deceased.  All  of  which 
is  submitted. 

In  1876,  p.  267,  the  Trustees  reported  that  this  matter  had  been 
brought  to  a  close,  and  that  the  Northern  Church  had  executed 
papers  of  relinquishment  and  transfer.  Thereupon  it  was — 

1876,  p.  230.  Resolved,  That  unless  some  other  more  feasible 
plan  be  suggested,  and  if  there  be  no  legal  obstacle  in  the  way, 
the  Trustees  of  the  Assembly  be  instructed  to  turn  over  the  legacy  of 
the  Lusk  estate  (the  transfer  of  which  by  the  Northern  Assembly 
to  our  Church  has  just  been  consummated,  and  which  amounts  to 
about  $3,000)  to  the  Treasurer  of  Education,  to  collect  and  use  the 
same  for  liquidating  the  existing  debt,  or  otherwise,  as  the  exigencies 
of  the  cause  may  require. 


364 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


786.  Presbyterial  reports 

1879,  p.  37.  It  was  earnestly  recommended  that  all  the  Presby¬ 
teries  furnish  the  Secretary,  in  time  to  incorporate  them  within  his 
annual  report,  full  statements  of  all  amounts  contributed  to  aid  can¬ 
didates  preparing  for  the  ministry,  so  that  the  reports  of  the  General 
Assembly  may  show  precisely  what  is  being  done  by  the  Church  for 
this  cause. 

1899,  p.  409.  In  order  to  bring  the  Executive  Committee  into 
closer  relations  with  the  work  as  it  is  cared  for  in  any  of  its  phases 
by  the  Presbyteries,  the  Presbyteries  were  directed  to  send  to  the 
Executive  Committee,  through  their  Chairman  of  Education,  ab¬ 
stracts  or  copies  of  all  matters  pertaining  to  the  work  of  Ministerial 
Education,  such  as  reception  of  candidates,  their  progress,  scholastic 
standing,  and  all  other  such  information  as  shall  help  the  Committee 
in  its  effort  to  make  a  judicious  use  of  the  funds  of  the  church;  and 
especially  that  the  Presbyteries  direct  full  and  explicit  answers  to  be 
given  to  all  inquiries  which  the  Executive  Committee  may  reason¬ 
ably  make  in  the  prosecution  of  its  work;  and  that  the  Presbyteries 
be  again  urged  to  adopt  and  follow  the  plan  elaborated  by  the 
General  Assembly  of  1895,  and  made  the  Assembly’s  Manual  of 
Education  in  the  reception  and  aiding  of  candidates. 

787.  The  study  of  Greek 

1902,  p.  268.  Attention  was  called  to  the  defective  preparation 
of  many  candidates  in  the  study  of  Greek. 

788.  Address  to  the  churches  on  ministerial  education 

1880,  p.  211.  Resolved,  That  a  committee,  consisting  of  the 
Moderator  [Rev.  T.  A.  Hoyt,  D.  D.],  the  Rev.  J.  L.  Girardeau,  D. 
D.,  and  Rev.  William  Brown,  D.  D.,  be  appointed  to  prepare  an 
address  to  all  our  churches,  setting  forth  the  claims  of  the  cause  of 
Education  for  the  Ministry  in  their  prayers  and  the  pecuniary  bene¬ 
factions,  and  that  the  said  address,  when  prepared,  be  published 
and  put  in  circulation  by  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication. 

Resolved,  That  ministers  having  charge  of  churches  be  requested 
to  read  the  said  address  from  their  pulpits. 

789.  Alarming  need  of  more  ministers 

1882,  p.  540.  In  view  of  the  alarming  fact,  that  while,  within 
the  history  of  our  Church  never  have  there  been  so  many  fields  of 
labor  earnestly,  but  vainly,  seeking  ministers,  there  appears  to  be  a 
marked  diminution  of  the  increase,  if  there  be  not  a  positive  decrease, 
of  the  number  of  our  candidates  for  the  ministry;  be  It 

Resolved,  1,  That  this  sad  and  alarming  truth  be  herebv  solemnly 
brought  to  the  serious  attention  of  our  churches,  that  they  may  be 
led  to  call  more  earnestly  and  continually  upon  God  (who,  as  Lord 
of  the  harvest,  can  alone  with  authority  and  power  lend  efficient 


Secs.  786-791] 


Education 


365 


aid  in  this  our  hour  of  need),  that  he  raise  up  and  qualify  among 
us  many  laborers  whom  he  will  own  and  bless. 

2.  That  the  Church  be  urged  to  contribute  liberally  of  her  means 
for  the  education  of  our  candidates  for  the  ministry. 

3.  That  the  attention  of  Christian  parents  be  directed  to  the 
^especial  propriety  of  bringing  at  this  juncture  their  pious  sons  before 
the  throne  of  Divine  grace,  and  there  tendering  them  unto  the  Lord 
for  his  peculiar  service. 

4.  That  our  ministers  be  recommended  to  present  earnestly  and 
faithfully  this  general  subject  before  their  several  charges,  thus 
laying  before  both  the  younger  men  and  middle-aged  in  our  Church 
the  urgent  necessity  for  an  increase  of  laborers  among  us. 


790.  Prayer  for  more  laborers 

1889,  p.  622.  Resolved,  That  the  second  Sabbath  in  October 
next  be  set  aside  as  a  day  for  special  prayer  for  more  laborers,  and 
that  our  ministers,  so  far  as  practicable,  present  the  cause  of  mis¬ 
sions  to  their  respective  congregations,  with  respect  to  the  special 
need  of  more  ministers,  and  call  upon  young  men  to  consecrate  their 
lives  to  Christ’s  blessed  ministry. 

1891,  p.  232.  Resolved,  That  all  our  ministers  be  exhorted  to 
preach  on  the  first  Sabbath  of  July,  or  as  soon  thereafter  as  prac¬ 
ticable,  on  the  need  of  laborers  in  the  great  harvest-field  of  the 
world;  that  the  claims  of  the  gospel  ministry  be  distinctly  set  forth 
on  parents  and  their  children,  and  that  parents  be  exhorted  to  con¬ 
secrate  their  sons  to  this  work,  if  the  Lord  shall  call  them  thereto; 
that  those  having  charge  of  schools  and  colleges,  and  who  may  have 
access  to  the  youth  in  attendance  thereon,  shall,  as  occasion  may  offer, 
lay  this  matter  before  them  as  one  of  imperative  importance;  that 
parents  who  may  be  able  to  give  their  sons  a  liberal  education,  be 
urged  to  do  so,  that  they  may  be  in  line  of  preparation  if  God,  by 
his  providence  and  grace,  shall  call  them  to  serve  him  as  ministers 
of  the  word;  that  the  Christian  women  of  our  churches  be  invoked 
to  interest  themselves  in  this  work,  and,  through  their  societies,  to 
aid  poor  youth  of  piety  and  promise,  and  that  all  our  people  be 
urged  to  awake  to  the  great  demands  now  made  on  us  for  an  increase 
in  the  ministry. 

A  similar,  but  briefer  resolution  was  adopted  1894,  page  240. 


791.  Claims  of  the  ministry  urged  upon  Christian  workers 

1891,  p.  23 2.  A  special  and  solemn  appeal  is  hereby  made  to 
our  ruling  elders  and  deacons,  and  other  Christian  workers  in  the 
church,  who  may  have  the  scriptural  qualifications  for  the  work  of 
the  ministry,  to  consider  prayerfully  whether  they  may  not  be  called 
of  God  to  preach  the  word,  and  to  enter  some  of  the  many  open 
doors  which  he  has  set  before  his  church. 


366  Education  and  Relief  [Book  IV 

792.  Day  of  prayer  for  youth  in  Schools  and  Colleges — Collection 

1861,  p.  23.  Resolved,  That  this  General  Assembly  designates 
the  first  Wednesday  in  December  to  be  obs'erved  annually  as  a  day 
of  special  prayer  for  the  youth  of  our  country;  that  the  almighty 
grace  of  our  God  may  sanctify  them  in  their  homes,  their  schools, 
their  colleges,  and  their  seminaries,  to  the  great  work  of  preaching 
the  gospel  to  every  creature;  and  that  the  churches  take  up  a  col¬ 
lection  on  that  day  for  this  purpose. 

1862,  p.  15.  Resolved,  That  this  General  Assembly,  instead  of 
the  first  Wednesday  in  December,  as  designated  by  the  last  Assem¬ 
bly,  appoint  the  last  day  of  February  next,  to  be  observed  as  a  day 
of  special  prayer  for  the  youth  assembled  in  our  various  schools, 
colleges  and  seminaries,  and  for  all  the  baptized  children  of  the 
Church — that  God  would  be  pleased  to  pour  out  his  Spirit  upon 
them  and  sanctify  them  to  the  blessed  work  of  making  his  way 
known  upon  the  earth,  his  saving  health  amongst  all  nations. 

This  recommendation  was  renewed  from  year  to  year  in  word's  sub¬ 
stantially  the  same.  We  note  the  following: 

1865,  p.  368.  The  Sabbath  preceding  the  day  of  prayer  was  ap¬ 
pointed  as  a  day  of  special  instruction  from  the  pulpit  on  the  subject 
of  increase  in  the  ministry. 

1867,  p.  151.  Resolved,  1,  That  the  General  Assembly  recom¬ 
mend  the  observance  of  the  third  and  fourth  Sabbaths  of  February 
as  days  of  prayer  for  the  youth  gathered  in  the  seminaries  and  col¬ 
leges  and  schools  of  our  land. 

2.  That  all  our  ministers  be  requested  to  preach  on  the  Sabbaths 
above  mentioned  upon  the  subject  of  Christian  education,  and  to 
call  upon  all  the  members  of  our  churches,  by  prayer  and  supplica¬ 
tion,  and  by  a  diligent  use  of  all  the  means  of  grace,  to  dedicate 
their  sons  to  God  for  the  work  of  the  ministry. 

1883,  p.  43.  In  response  to  the  overtures  from  Presbyteries  pro¬ 
posing  a  change  in  the  day  of  prayer  for  schools  and  colleges  the 
General  Assembly  deems  it  inexpedient  to  make  any  change,  and 
urges  upon  all  our  people  the  devout  observance  of  the  last  Thurs¬ 
day  in  February,  the  day  that  for  more  than  fifty  years  has  been 
observed  in  the  Church,  and  that  has  been  so  often  and  so  signally 
blessed  in  the  outpouring  of  the  Holy  Spirit  upon  our  institutions 
of  learning. 

The  General  Assembly  recommends  that,  in  addition  to  this  day, 
the  first  Sabbath  in  November,  the  day  upon  which  the  annual  collec¬ 
tion  for  Education  is  taken  up  in  most  of  our  churches,  be  observed  as 
a  day  of  special  prayer  for  an  increase  in  the  number  of  candidates  for 
the  ministry;  that  on  this  day  our  ministers  are  exhorted,  either  to 
preach  a  sermon  on  this  subject,  or  in. some  way  to  direct  the  atten¬ 
tion  of  their  people  most  earnestly  to  the  need  for  additional  laborers, 
and  to  the  call  of  God  upon  young  men  in  every  walk  of  life  to 
consider  their  personal  relations  and  responsibilities  in  this  regard, 
and  that  our  people  be  reminded  of  their  obligations  to  contribute 
freely  and  liberally  to  the  Education  cause. 


Sec.  792] 


Education 


367 


In  1878,  p.  626,  the  Assembly  declined  to  grant  an  overture  ask¬ 
ing  that  the  day  of  prayer  be  changed  to  the  last  Thursday  of 
January. 

1889,  p.  617.  The  day  of  prayer  was  changed  from  last  Thurs¬ 
day  of  January  to  last  Thursday  of  February. 

In  urging  the  observance  of  this  day,  the  Assembly  of  1890,  page 
42,  sets  apart  further  the  first  Sabbath  of  November  for  the  purpose 
of  instructing  the  people  on  this  whole  subject. 

1895,  p,  427.  The  first  Sabbath  in  November  was  appointed  to 
be  observed  as  a  special  day  of  prayer  for  the  youth  in  our  schools 
and  colleges. 

1897,  p.  23.  The  day  was  again  changed  to  the  last  Thursday 
in  February. 

1901,  p.  57.  In  answer  to  the  overtures  concerning  the  decreas¬ 
ing  number  of  candidates  for  the  ministry,  the  Assembly  hereby 
appoints  the  last  Thursday  in  February,  1902,  as  a  day  of  prayer 
for  youth  in  schools,  colleges  and  seminaries  of  learning;  the  Ses¬ 
sions  of  our  churches  are  urged  to  invite  the  people  to  assemble  in 
their  respective  places  of  worship  on  that  day  to  pray  the  Lord  of 
the  harvest  to  send  forth  laborers  into  his  harvest;  the  presidents  of 
all  schools  and  colleges  are  requested  to  assemble  the  student  body 
on  that  day,  have  a  sermon  preached  on  the  call  to  the  gospel  minis¬ 
try,  and  prayer  made  for  the  calling  and  consecration  of  our  youth 
to  the  service  of  God;  the  Secretary  of  Education,  as  far  as  possible, 
shall  visit  schools  not  under  the  care  of  the  church  for  the  purpose 
of  presenting  the  claims  of  God  for  the  services  of  the  young  men 
of  our  land;  and  the  Assembly  appoints  a  committee  to  prepare  a 
pastoral  letter  to  be  sent  to  pastors  and  churches,  presenting  and 
pressing  the  claims  of  the  gospel  ministry,  and  the  call  thereto, 
instructing  pastors  to  preach  distinctly  upon  the  subject,  and  to 
urge  parents  to  consecrate  their  sons  to  the  Lord  for  his  service  in 
preaching  the  glorious  gospel  of  the  blessed  God. 

The  Assembly  set  apart  Wednesday  morning,  9  to  10  o’clock,  to  be 
devoted  to  prayer  to  God  for  his  special  blessing  on  his  church,  and 
for  the  increase  of  the  number  of  men  who  will  minister  in  his 
name. 

1908,  p.  56.  In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  Student  Federation  of 
the  World  observes  the  second  Sunday  of  February  for  this  purpose, 
the  Assembly  hereby  substitutes  the  second  Sunday  of  February  for 
the  last  Thursday  of  that  month,  as  the  day  of  prayer  for  schools 
and  colleges. 

1911,  p.  53.  We  call  attention  to  the  day  of  prayer  for  the  young 
men  of  our  Church,  and  urge  that  it  be  made  the  occasion  for  pre¬ 
senting  the  claims  of  the  gospel  ministry.  We  suggest  for  this  pur¬ 
pose  the  first  Sunday  of  December. 

1912,  p.  31.  We  recommend  that  the  General  Assembly  designate 
the  last  Sabbath  in  February  and  the  preceding  Thursday  to  be 
observed  by  our  schools  and  colleges,  seminaries  and  churches,  as 
days  of  special  prayer  for  the  outpouring  of  the  Spirit  of  God  upon 


368  Education  and  Relief  [Book  IV 

those  institutions  and  the  youth  pursuing  their  studies  in  them,  as 
set  forth  in  the  annual  report  of  the  Executive  Committee. 

The  same  appointment  was  made  nearly  every  year  thereafter, 
except  that  in  1914  Wednesday  was  designated  instead  of  Thursday, 
and  in  1917,  1918,  1919  a  week  was  recommended. 

793.  Disseminaton  of  information 

1898,  p.  212.  While  it  is  the  purpose  of  the  Assembly  to  authorize 
collections  in  the  churches  for  the  cause  of  Ministerial  Education 
in  the  months  of  November  and  April  only,  the  Executive  Committee 
is  not  to  be  restricted  to  these  months  in  disseminating  information 
as  to  this  cause,  by  visits  of  the  Secretary  to  the  churches,  when 
arrangements  can  be  made  with  them,  and  by  other  proper  means. 

794.  A  day  to  be  observed  in  Sunday  Schools 

1917,  p.  58.  Overture  from  North  Alabama  Presbytery,  asking 
the  Assembly  to  set  apart  a  day  to  be  observed  by  our  Sunday  Schools 
in  the  interest  of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief,  was 
answered  in  the  affirmative,  and  the  Sabbath  nearest  to  Christmas 
of  each  year  was  set  apart  to  be  observed. 

795.  Christmas  program  for  Sunday  Schools 

1918,  p.  35.  The  Committee’s  arrangement  of  the  Christmas  pro¬ 
gram  was  recommended  for  use  in  Sunday  Schools.. 

796.  Duties  of  Presbyterial  Chairmen 

1875,  p.  29.  Resolved ,  That  the  Chairman  of  the  Presbyterial 
Committees  of  Education  be  instructed  to  obtain  from  the  pro¬ 
fessors  of  theological  seminaries,  colleges  and  schools  where  our 
candidates  may  be  pursuing  their  studies,  reports  of  the  diligence, 
progress  and  standing  of  each  beneficiary,  so  that,  in  case  of  any 
deficiency,  the  proper  correctives  may  be  applied  without  delay;  and 
also  that  these  reports  be  forwarded  to  the  Executive1  Committee  of 
Education. 

1883,  p.  44.  That  the  Chairmen  of  Presbyterial  Committees  be 
directed  by  the  Presbyteries  to  keep  themselves  fully  informed  as  to 
the  circumstances  and  needs  of  the  candidates  under  their  care,  and 
to  make  their  applications  to  the  Executive  Committee  for  pecuniary 
aid  as  early  as  practicable  in  the  fiscal  year,  also  to  notify  the  Sec¬ 
retary,  in  case  any  candidate  should  fail  for  any  cause  to  enter  upon 
his  course  of  studies  at  the  opening  of  the  session  in  the  seminary, 
and  to  ascertain,  through  printed  forms  to  be  furnished  by  the  Sec¬ 
retary,  or  otherwise,  what  churches  have  not  contributed,  and  remind 
them  of  their  duty  in  this  respect. 

1886,  p.  29.  Resolved,  That  Presbyteries  urge  the  Chairmen 
of  Presbyterial  Committees  to  inform  pastors  and  Sessions  during 
the  month  of  October  of  the  pressing  needs  of  this  cause. 


Secs.  792-800] 


Education 


369 


1886,  p.  28.  Resolved,  That  Presbyteries  urge  the,  Chairmen  of 
Presbyterial  Committees  to  inquire  more  particularly  into  the  finan¬ 
cial  resources  of  such  candidates  as  apply  for;  aid,  and  urge  them 
to  draw  on  all  private  resources  to  complete,  or  at  least  supplement, 
the  funds  necessary  for  their  education. 

797.  An  apportionment 

1883,  p.  43.  In  view  of  the  necessity  for  enlarged  contributions 
to  the  cause  of  Education,  the  Assembly  recommended  that  an  effort 
be  made  to  secure  not  less  than  $21,000  for  the  current  year;  and  in 
order  to  give  more  definiteness  and  system  to  this  effort,  without 
proposing  to  make  any  assessment,  or  lay  any  burden,  or  place  any 
limitation  upon  any  of  the  Presbyteries,  it  requested  that  each  Pres¬ 
bytery  raise,  as  a  minimum,  an  amount  not  less  than  that  named  in 
a  schedule  reported  by  the  chairman  and  found  on  page  43  of  Minutes. 
(Of  this,  a  little  more  than  two-thirds  was  realized,  1884,  p.  275.) 

In  1885  it  was  resolved  to  apportion  $20,000  among  the  Presby¬ 
teries,  and  in  1887  $25,000,  to  be  raised  if  possible;  the  apportion¬ 
ment  to  be  made  by  the  Executive  Committee. 

798.  Collections  for  Schools  and  Colleges 

The  Assembly’s  collection  was  appointed  for  the  last  Sabbath  of 
December,  then  changed  to  the  third  Sabbath  of  September. 

The  Synodical  collection  was  fixed  for  the  third  Sabbath  of  March, 
but  changed  to  the  first  Sabbath  in  June. 

•  ‘  *  •  >  t . 

1909,  p.  27.  It  was  directed  that  a  separate  column  in  the  Min¬ 
utes  of  the  Assembly  be  added  for  “Schools  and  Colleges.” 

799.’  State  aid 

1901,  p.  22.  In  answer  to  an  overture  touching  the  soliciting, 
for  religious  schools,  of  aid  from  the  nation  or  state,  the  Assembly 
took  no  action,  inasmuch  as  the  matter  was  clearly  covered  by  our 
Constitution,  and  by  deliverances  of  former  Assemblies. 

800.  The  Education  year 

1884,  p.  240.  Resolved,  That  the  Executive  Committeee  be  al¬ 
lowed  to  close  the  year  with  the  first  of  May,  so  that  the  Education 
year  may  more  nearly  correspond  with  the  scholastic  year. 

18.99,  p.  409.  The  Executive  Committee  was  directed  hereafter 
to  close  its  books  promptly  not  later  than  May  5th,  and  that  con¬ 
tributions  received  after  that  time  be  not  used  in  payments  to  bene¬ 
ficiaries  of  amounts  promised  for  the  year  then  closing. 

1902,  p.  287.  The  Assembly  approved  of  the  action  of  the 
Executive  Committee  in  closing  its  books  on  March  31st,  for  this 
year,  and  directed  that  in  the  future  this  Committee  shall  close  its 
books  on  March  31st,  thus  conforming  to  the  ecclesiastical  year  of 
the  Assembly. 


370 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


801.  Applications  for  aid — when  to  be  sent  in  ■ 

1884,  p.  240.  Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  urge  the  Presbyteries 
to  enact  a  standing  rule  requiring  their  Committees  of  Education  to 
send  to  the  Secretary  all  applications  for  help  as  early  as  possible, 
and  not  later  than  January  1st,  except  in  extraordinary  cases. 

802.  Color  of  candidates  to  be  reported 

1885,  p.  407.  It  is  recommended  that  in  the  statistical  reports 
hereafter  it  be  shown  how  many  of  the  candidates  are  white  and 
how  many  are  colored. 

803.  Forms  of  application  for  aid 

Form  of  Application  for  Aid  to  be  Used  by  Candidates. 

. , . . 18 . 

1899,  p.  410.  Being  a  candidate  for  the  ministry  under  the  care 

of  the  Presbytery  of . and  being  unable  to  defray 

the  expenses  of  my  education,  I  hereby  request  the  Presbytery  to  aid 

me  this  year  to  the  amount  of  $ . 4 . , . while  pursuing  my 

. studies  at . in  the . . .  year  of  mv 

course. 

In  making  this  application,  I  hereby  certify — 

1.  That  I  expect  to  receive  from  other  sources  this  year  $— - , 

and  that  I  will  absolutely  need  the  above  aid  to  meet  the  necessary 
expenses. 

2.  That  I  will  use  said  aid,  if  granted,  with  due  economy,  and 
for  the  sole  purpose  of  the  necessary  expenses  of  my  education. 

3.  That  should  this  aid,  for  any  reason,  become  unnecessary,  I 
will  promptly  notify  the  Presbytery,  and  the  appropriation  may  be 
reduced  or  withdrawn. 

Signed . . . 

Under  care  of . . . . . . . Presbytery. 

Form  of  Application  for  Aid  in  Behalf  of  Candidates 

. * . 18 . 

The  Presbytery  of  . hereby  applies  to  the  Executive 

Committee  of  Education  for  the  Ministry  for  aid  to  the  amount  of 

$ . in  behalf  of . . . .pursuing  his . ,4 . * . studies 

at . in  the . * . +. .  year  of  his . course. 

In  so  doing  we  hereby  certify — 

1.  That  this  application  is  made  in  accordance  with  the  Assem¬ 
bly’s  recommendation,  as  found  on  page  424  of  the  Minutes  of  1895, 
as  to  the  reception  of  candidates. 

2.  That  in  addition  to  his  written  application  we  have  made  care¬ 
ful  inquiry  as  to  his  other  sources  of  help,  and  find  he  will  need  the 
above  sum  to  meet  his  necessary  expenses. 

3.  That  should  he  receive  aid  from  other  sources,  rendering  the 


Secs.  801 -804 J 


Education 


371 


full  appropriation,  or  any  part  of  it,  unnecessary,  we  will  notify  the 
Committee,  and  the  appropriation  may  be  reduced  or  withdrawn. 

4.  That  this  Presbytery  is  in  full  cooperation  with  the  Committee, 
and  sends  all  of  the  regular  collections  for  this  cause  to  its  treasury. 
Or — 

4.  That  this  Presbytery  is  in  partial  cooperation  with  the  Com¬ 
mittee,  and  send . _ . per  cent,  of  its  collections  to  its  treasury. 

5.  That  this  Presbytery  will  make  diligent  efforts  to  secure  col¬ 
lections  as  appointed  by  the  Assembly  from  all  its  churches  for  this 
cause. 

Signed, . . . Chairman. 

Other  forms,  slightly  varying  from  the  above,  were  adopted  earlieT, 
and  may  be  found  in  the  Minutes  for  1885  (p.  407)  and  1895  (p.  427); 
see  Alexander’s  Digest,  1897,  p.  208,  and  Supplement,  p.  86. 

1921,  p.  57.  In  the  application  for  candidates  for  the  Ministry, 
Items  4  and  5  shall  be  stricken  out,  as  all  of  the  Presbyteries  of 
the  entire  Assembly  are  now  in  full  co-operation  with  the  Executive 
Committee. 

Item  2  of  the  application  shall  be  also  stricken  out,  as  the  candi¬ 
date  is  required  to  sign  a  statement  of  the  amount  of  aid  he  expects 
to  receive  from  other  sources  and  pledges  to  use  the  money  “with 
due  economy  and  for  the  sole  purpose  of  the  necessary  expenses  of 
his  education/’  and  also  promises  to  notify  the  Presbytery  if  for  any 
reason  the  loan  becomes  unnecessary. 

804.  Special  prayer  for  increase  in  the  number  of  candidates 

1884,  p.  241.  Overture  from  Athens  Presbytery  on  this  subject. 
Reply:  We  recognize  the  fact  that  the  first  available  Sabbath  of 
November  is  formally  set  apart  for  the  furtherance  of  the  cause  of 
Education  in  all  its  aspects,  and  trust  that  pastors  will  so  use  it  at 
their  best  discretion. 

1907,  p.  20.  As  most  of  the  churches  present  the  cause  of  Min¬ 
isterial  Education  the  first  Sabbath  in  November,  the  General  As¬ 
sembly  changed  the  day  of  prayer  for  candidates  and  for  their  cause, 
from  the  second  to  the  first  Sabbath  in  November. 

1908,  p.  56.  In  view  of  the  greatness  of  the  harvest  and  the 
fewness  of  the  laborers,  the  Assembly  calls  the  earnest  attention 
of  the  churches  to  the  first  Sabbath  in  November  as  the  day  set 
apart  for  presenting  the  claims  of  the  ministry  and  for  pleading 
with  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  to  thrust  forth  more  laborers  into  his 
harvest. 

1918,  p.  32.  Two  overtures  relating  to  recruits  for  the  ministry 
are  much  alike  in  sentiment  and  suggestions.  They  suggest  prayer 
to  the  “Lord  of  the  Harvest  to  send  forth  laborers  into  his  harvest.” 
But  as  God  works  by  means  oftentimes,  they  urge  that  young  men 
now  in  the  army,  if  they  return,  be  persuaded  to  enter  the  ministry; 
that  youths  now  under  age  for  draft  have  their  attention  directed  to  the 
preaching  of  the  gospel;  that  older  men  now  in  other  callings  who 


372 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


may  have  thought  of  becoming  ministers  of  the  gospel  be  incited  to 
reconsider  the  subject,  and  that  this  matter  of  increasing  the  number 
of  ministers  of  the  gospel  be  constantly  kept  before  the  minds  of 
our  people  in  our  own  and  sister  Churches. 

In  addition,  we  would  mention  as  one  of  the  most  approved  and 
efficient  means  of  securing  ministers,  “Let  Christian  parents  dedicate 
their  sons  to  the  Lord’s  ministry,  as  Hannah  did  Samuel,”  and  lead 
them  in  the  way  to  that  goal. 

1918,  p.  35.  Women’s  societies  of  the  Church  are  especially  asked 
to  lend  the  full  measure  of  their  co-operation  in  setting  forth  the 
claims  of  the  gospel  ministry  and  mission  service  before  our  boys 
and  girls. 

1919,  p.  36.  The  efforts  of  the  Committee  to  reach  our  youth 
in  State  colleges  and  universities,  to  interest  them  in  church  work  and 
the  gospel  ministry  and  mission  service,  are  to  be  highly  commended. 

We  would  recommend  the  permanent  employment  of  a  qualified 
man  in  this  most  urgent  task. 

1919,  p.  38.  Attention  was  called  to  the  fact  that  the  Com¬ 
mittee  keeps  a  card  index  of  fifteen  thousand  names  of  young  men 
to  whom  the  claims  of  the  ministry  may  be  presented. 

1920,  p.  25.  The  extensive  and  aggressive  method  of  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  of  helping  the  youth  of  the  Church  to  discover  the 
plan  of  God  for  their  lives  is  approved  by  the  General  Assembly,  and 
the  Assembly  urges  that  all  the  assistance  possible  in  this  vital  ,  mat¬ 
ter  be  given  by  the  pastors  and  church  officers;  and  that  earnest 
prayers  be  made  to  God  by  pastors  and  congregations  in  their,  re¬ 
spective  churches,  and  by  Christian  people  in  their  homes,  that  many 
of  our  Christian  youth  be  led  by  the  Holy  Spirit  seriously  to  con¬ 
sider,  and  to  heed,  the  call  of  God  to  the  high  privilege  of  preaching 
the  Gospel. 

1921,  p.  56.  It  is  recommended  [by  the  permanent  Committee 
of  Systematic  Beneficence]  that  parents,  Sunday  School  superinten¬ 
dents  and  Sunday  School  teachers  be  urged  to  use  earnest  but  tactful 
efforts  to  secure  recruits  for  the  Gospel  Ministry  and  other  forms  of 
Life  Service.  Also  that  the  Assembly’s  Committee  of  Ministerial  Edu¬ 
cation  use  additional  life-work  secretaries,  and  that  we  call  upon 
our  whole  Church  to  pray  unceasingly  that  God  may  honor  us  by 
calling  our  sons  and  daughters  into  these  fruitful  works. 

1922,  p.  52.  The  policy  of  employing  Life  Work  Secretaries  has 
been  abundantly  justified  by  the  response  that  has  come  in  the  num¬ 
ber  and  type  of  young  men  and  young  women  who  have,  largely  as 
a  result  of  their  efforts,  been  led  to  dedicate  their  lives  to  definite 
Christian  service. 

We  recommend — 

That  the  Assembly  renew  the  action  of  the  Assembly  of  1921  au¬ 
thorizing  the  Executive  Committee  to  employ  additional  Life  Work 
Secretaries,  and  to  increase  the  number  as  rapidly  as  the  treasury  will 
permit. 


Secs.  804-806] 


Relief 


373 


805.  Change  of  Name 

1921,  p.  57.  The  name  of  this  department  was  changed  to  Educa¬ 
tion  for  the  Ministry  and  Mission  Service. 

II.  Ministerial  Relief 
806.  Disabled  Ministers'  Fund 

1863,  pp.  123,  129.  The  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  re¬ 
port  that  they  have  had  before  them  two  overtures.  One  of  the 
overtures  is  from  a  member  of  this  Assembly,  and  embraces  the  outline 
of  a  plan  of  operation  which  shows  that  its  author  has  bestowed  no 
little  thought  upon  the  subject.  There  are,  however,  certain  ques¬ 
tions  preliminary  to  the  adoption  of  any  scheme  in  regard  to  which 
the  committee  was  not  apprised  that  the  mind  of  the  Assembly  has 
been  expressed,  or  even  formed.  ..One  of  these  is,  whether  the  sup¬ 
port  for  the  classes  named  shall  be  derived  from  the  proceeds  of  a 
fund  raised  and  invested  for  that  purpose,  or  from  annual  contri¬ 
butions  made  by  our  churches,  and  expended  as  they  are  received. 
Another  question  is  whether  it  is  advisable  that  the  Assembly  should 
assume  the  responsibility  of  making  the  much-needed  provision,  or 
should  remit  the  matter  to  our  Synods,  severally,  to  attend  to  the 
duty  within  their  own  bounds.  As  your  committee  have  no  instruc¬ 
tions  to  guide  them  in  relation  to  these  and  similar  questions,  they 
are  not  prepared  to  recommend  any  definite  plan  of  operation  to  be 
adopted  by  the  present  Assembly. 

The  subject,  however,  is  one  of  great  importance.  The  reception 
of  two  overtures,  from  different  sources,  shows  also  that  the  minds 
of  our  people  are  turned  to  it  with  special  interest.  The  committee, 
therefore,  recommend  that  a  committee  be  now  appointed  to  consider 
the  whole  subject,  in  all  its  bearings,  including  the  questions  already 
mentioned,  with  such  as  may  be  suggested  in  their  inquiries  and 
conferences,  and  to  report  to  the  next  Assembly  a  scheme  for  carry¬ 
ing  into  effect  the  plan  which  shall  commend  itself  most  strongly  io 
their  judgments. 

1864,  p.  279.  This  committee  reported  the  following  resolutions 
and  recommended  their  adoption: 

Resolved,  1,  That  the  form  of  a  call  to  a  pastor  prescribed  in  the 
Form  of  Government  be  enlarged  and  amended  so  as  to  read:  “And 
that  you  may  be  free  from  worldly  cares  and  avocations,  we  hereby 

promise  and  oblige  ourselves  to  pay  to  you  the  sum  of - in 

regular  quarterly  (half-yearly  or  yearly)  payments,  during  the  time 
of  your  being  and  continuing  the  regular  pastor  of  this  church;  and 
should  you  become  disabled,  or  depart  this  life,  whilst  you  are  the 
regular  pastor  of  this  church,  we  hereby  promise  and  oblige  ourselves 
to  furnish  you,  or,  when  you  are  dead,  your  family,  with  all  proper 
support,  including  the  education  of  your  children.”  And  that  the 
last  question  proposed  to  the  people  at  the  installation  of  the  pastor 
be  enlarged  and  amended  so  as  to  read:  “And  do  you  engage  to  con- 


374 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


tinue  to  him,  while  he  is  your  pastor,  that  competent  worldly  main¬ 
tenance  which  you  have  promised,  and  whatever  else  you  may  see 
needful  for  the  honor  of  religion  and  his  comfort  among  you;  and 
should  he  become  disabled,  or  depart  this  life,  while  he  is  your  pas¬ 
tor,  do  you  engage  to  furnish  him,  or,  when  he  is  dead,  his  family, 
with  all  proper  support,  including  the  education  of  his  childreln?” 

Resolved,  2,  That  the  General  Assembly  raise  a  permanent  fund, 
by  inviting  the  contributions  of  individuals  and  churches,  by  dona¬ 
tion,  bequest,  and  devise,  and  place  the  same  in  the  hands  of  its 
Trustees  or  other  committee  for  investment,  the  income  of  which 
shall  be  applied  to  the  support  of  disabled  evangelists  and  mission¬ 
aries,  their  widows  and  children,  in  such  amount  and  in  such  man¬ 
ner  as  may  be  considered  practicable  and  expedient;  and  when  it 
shall  be  made  to  appear  upon  the  representation  of  the  Session  of  a 
church  that  the  support  which  they  had  promised  to  furnish  to  their 
disabled  pastor,  or,  when  he  is  dead,  to  his  family,  as  contemplated 
in  the  foregoing  resolution,  cannot  be  furnished  by  reason  of  the 
inability  of  said  church,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  said  Trustees  or 
other  committee  to  inquire  into  the  matter,  and  apply  to  the  relief 
of  such  pastor,  or  of  his  family  when  he  is  dead,  such  amount  of  the 
income  of  said  permanent  fund,  and  in  such  way,  as  may  be  deemed 
practicable  and  expedient. 

Resolved,  3,  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Trustees,  or  other 
committee  of  the  Assembly  to  invest  any  surplus  income  from  year 
to  year,  to  make  annual  reports  to  the  Assembly,  and  to  prepare  and 
keep  before  the  public  proper  forms  of  gifts,  bequests  and  devises. 

Resolved,  4,  That  these  resolutions  be  transmitted  to  the  several 
Presbyteries  for  approval,  and  to  take  effect  when  declared  by  the 
General  Assembly  to  be  approved  by  a  majority  of  the  Presbyteries. 

P.  288.  This  report  was  recommitted  to  the  same  committee, 
with  instructions  to  report  to  the  next  Assembly. 

It  does  not  appear  that  the  committee  ever  made  any  further  re¬ 
port. — A. 

807.  A  temporary  fund  for  the  disabled 

1867,  p.  148.  An  overture  asking  aid  from  the  Assembly  for 
the  family  of  a  minister  of  this  Church  recently  deceased. 

Reply :  Inasmuch  as  this  Assembly  has  control  of  no  funds  for 
the  purpose  proposed,  and  this  request  cannot  at  once  be  granted, 
yet  the  Assembly  appreciates  the  importance,  not  only  of  this  special 
case,  but  of  all  such  as  it  represents: 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  of  Sustentation  be  authorized  to 
appropriate  five  per  cent,  of  all  contributions  to  its  object  to  the  re¬ 
lief  of  destitute  widows  and  children  of  ministers,  and  to  indigent 
ministers  in  infirm  health;  provided  no  such  per  cent,  be  appropriated 
from  the  contributions  of  any  church  or  person  prohibiting  such  ap¬ 
propriation,  and  provided  further,  that  this  plan  of  operation  shall 
not  continue  longer  than  the  meeting  of  the  Assemblv  for  the  year 
1869. 


Secs.  806-809  J 


Relief 


375 


808.  Collection  ordered 

1868,  p.  274.  5.  In  lieu  of  the  appropriation  of  five  per  cent, 

of  the  Sustentation  fund,  it  is  enjoined  upon  the  Presbyteries  to 
have  a  collection  taken  up  in  all  the  churches  under  their  care  for  a  re¬ 
lief  fund,  which  shall  be  devoted  to  the  relief  of  disabled  ministers, 
and  of  widows  and  orphans  of  ministers  deceased.  These  collec¬ 
tions  are  to  be  forwarded  to  the  Treasurer  of  Sustentation,  and  dis¬ 
bursed  according  to  the  discretion  of  the  Committee,  upon  applica¬ 
tion  made  through  the  Presbyterial  Standing  Committees  on  Domes¬ 
tic  Missions. 

P.  280.  It  was  recommended  that  this  collection  be  taken  up  on 
the  first  Sabbath  in  July,  or  as  near  thereto  as  may  be  convenient. 
(1869,  p.  396.) 


809.  The  Relief  scheme 

1869,  p.  373.  Rev.  J.  Leighton  Wilson,  D.  D.,  obtained  leave 
to  present,  on  his  own  behalf,  a  memorial  in  regard  to  a  plan  of 
relief  for  families  of  deceased  ministers,  which  memorial  was  re¬ 
ferred  to  a  committee,  to  consist  of  one  minister  and  one  ruling  elder 
from  each  Synod. 

P.  396.  After  a  discussion  on  the  report  of  this  committee,  the 
following  resolution  was  adopted: 

Resolved,  That  the  whole  subject  be  referred  to  the  Committee 
of  Sustentation  for  further  investigation,  and  with  a  view  to  the 
perfection  of  the  plan.  This  committee  shall  report  to  the  next  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  the  result  of  their  labors. 

1870,  p.  500.  This  committee  submitted  a  report,  which  was  re¬ 
ferred  to  a  special  committee  of  one  commissioner  from  each  Synod. 

P.  523.  This  committee  made  a  report  which  was  adopted,  and 
is  in  part  as  follows: 

The  committee  recommend  that  the  General  Assembly  declare, 
that  it  is  not  the  purpose  of  this  Assembly  to  inaugurate  any  system 
of  life  insurance;  and  that  the  scheme  of  co-operative  relief  suggested 
is  impracticable,  on  account  of  the  difficulty  of  collecting  the  sum  of 
one  dollar  from  each  minister  and  elder;  and  unequal  because  the 
burden  would  fall  as  heavily  upon  the  smaller  and  weaker  churches 
as  those  of  larger  numbers  and  greater  resources. 

P.  524.  The  report  of  the  Committee  on  the  Relief  Fund,  after 
some  amendments,  was  adopted  by  a  vote  of  ayes,  67;  noes,  27. 
This  report  is  as  follows: 

1st,  That  it  is  eminently  desirable  that  a  fund  should  be  provided 
for  the  families  of  ministers  at  their  decease;  and  that  the  best  and 
most  effectual  mode  of  raising  that  fund  is  by  annual  contributions 
from  the  churches. 

2nd,  The  proposed  scheme  is  not  to  interfere  in  any  way  with  the 
annual  collection  that  has  already  been  ordered  for  the  relief  of 
disabled  ministers  and  the  families  of  ministers  deceased,  it  being 
evident  that  this  fund  will  always  be  needed,  not  only  for  infirm 
ministers,  but  for  the  families  of  such  ministers  as  may  not  be  in- 


376 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


eluded  in  the  provisions  of  the  scheme  under  consideration;  and  it 
being  equally  evident  to  the  committee  that  it  would  be  disastrous  to 
both  to  merge  them  into  one  fund. 

3rd,  It  is  not  proposed,  nor  is  it  thought  desirable,  to  accumulate 
a  large  fund  under  the  care  of  the  Assembly  for  the  purpose  under 
consideration;  but  the  demands  of  liabilities  are  to  be  met  mainly 
by  the  annual  contributions  from  the  churches.  The  accruing  or 
surplus  fund  should  be  held  to  meet  any  emergency  that  might  arise 
from  irregularity  in  the  mortality  of  ministers,  or  any  general  dis¬ 
asters  that  might  visit  the  country  and  prevent  the  churches  for  a 
time  from  making  their  regular  annual  payments.  This  fund  should 
not  be  allowed  to  exceed  $100,000  as  an  investment.  Any  increase 
beyond  this  sum  might,  under  the  direction-  of  the  Assembly,  be  used 
to  augment  the  amounts  paid  to  the  families  of  ministers. 

4th,  The  security  for  the  payment  of  the  proposed  amounts  is 
to  be  based  entirely  upon  the  mutual  faith  and  confidence  of  the 
churches  in  each  other.  Neither  the  Assembly,  nor  the  committee 
that  they  may  appoint  to  carry  the  plan  into  effect,  can  be  con¬ 
sidered  as  legally  bound  to  pay  the  stipulated  sums,  except  so  far 
as  the  churches,  in  fulfilment  of  their  pledges,  shall  furnish  the 
means  for  paying  them.  This  mutual  faith  between  the  churches, 
however,  is  undoubtedly  the  best  of  all  securities.  The  foreign 
missionary  goes  to  the  remotest  ends  of  the  earth  relying  upon  it 
for  the  means  of  his  support;  and  as  it  has  seldom  or  never  failed 
him,  why  should  we  distrust  the  steadiness  and  the  fidelity  of  the 
churches  in  relation  to  a  matter  that  must  lie  quite  as  near  to  their 
hearts  ? 

5th,  The  annual  contributions  which  the  churches  are  expected  to 
make  to  the  fund  are  to  be  regarded  as  an  addition  to  the  salaries 
of  their  pastors.  The  only  difference  in  the  case  is,  that  this  por¬ 
tion  of  the  salary  is  given  under  the  condition  that  it  be  reserved  for 
the  benefit  of  his  family.  The  Free  Church  of  Scotland  carries  out 
the  same  principle  by  deducting  so  much  from  the  minister’s  salary 
when  it  is  paid.  The  plan  under  consideration  proposes  to  lay  an 
additional  tax  upon  the  churches  for  the  same  purpose. 

6th,  The  scheme  under  consideration,  unlike  life  assurance,  makes 
no  discrimination  on  account  of  the  age,  the  health,  or  the  number 
of  years  that  a  minister  may  have  been  engaged  in  preaching  the 
gospel.  All  ministers  are  regarded  as  officers  of  the  Church  and  ser¬ 
vants  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ;  and  their  families,  in  consequence, 
as  equally  entitled  to  the  beneficent  provisions  of  the  general  ar¬ 
rangement.  The  only  limitation  or  discrimination,  as  will  appear 
in  the  further  development  of  the.  plan,  will  be  in  relation  to  the 
number  of  annual  payments  that  must  be  made  by  a  church  be¬ 
fore  its  minister’s  family  can  be  entitled  to  the  full  amount. 

Having  premised  these  general  principles,  the  committee  would 
now  propose — 

1st,  That  every  congregation,  or  union  of  congregations  under  the 
same  pastorate,  that  will  pay  $30  annually  to  the  general  fund,  will 
establish  a  claim  for  the  family  of  its  pastor,  or  any  other  minister 


Sec.  809] 


Relief 


3  77 


engaged  in  the  work  of  the  Church  whom  the  congregation  may  se¬ 
lect,  at  his  death,  to  an  annuity  of  $200  for  six  consecutive  years. 
And  where  a  congregation,  or  union  of  congregations,  pays  $60  per 
annum  to  the  fund,  the  claim  for  his  family  will  be  an  annuity  of 
$200  for  twelve  consecutive  years,  or  of  $400  for  six  consecutive 
years.  The  only  limitation  to  the  above  conditions  is,  that  no  con¬ 
gregation  will  establish  a  claim  for  the  family  of  its  pastor  to  the 
full  amounts  above  mentioned  until  it  has  made  its  fourth  annual 
payment.  Previous  to  that  period,  the  family  will  be  entitled  to 
four  times  as  much  as  the  congregation  has  paid  to  the  public  fund. 
For  example:  If  the  congregation  has  made  one  payment  of  $30, 
the  family  will  receive  $120;  if  $60  has  been  paid,  the  amount 
awarded  will  be  $240.  As  soon  as  the  fourth  annual  payment  has 
been  made,  the  family  will  be  entitled  to  the  full  amount,  to  be  paid 
as  an  annuity. 

2nd,  If  a  minister  is  transferred  from  one  church  to  another,  he 
forfeits  the  claim  established  by  the  church  he  leaves,  but  he  may 
be  placed  upon  the  one  to  which  he  goes.  If  a  minister  is  entirely 
cut  off  from  the  work  of  the  ministry  by  a  failure  of  health,  his  fam¬ 
ily  after  his  death  will  be  entitled  to  the  claim  established  by  the 
church  where  he  was  laboring  when  his  health  failed,  and  that  church 
will  be  regarded  as  commencing  another  claim,  but  without  the  con¬ 
ditions  fixed  above.  In  cities,  where  the  expense  of  living  is  nec¬ 
essarily  great,  a  church  may  be  allowed  to  establish  a  claim  for  the 
pastor’s  family  to  an  annuity  of  $600  for  six  consecutive  years  by 
paying  annually  $100,  subject,  however,  to  the  same  limitations  as 
to  the  first  four  years  as  in  other  cases.  A  pastor,  however  or  any 
minister  of  the  gospel  otherwise  engaged  in  the  work  of  the  Church, 
may,  by  paying  the  above  mentioned  sums  for  himself,  establish  a 
claim  for  his  family  to  the  same  amounts  as  other  ministers. 

3rd,  The  execution  of  this  scheme  shall  be  committed  to  the  care 
of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Sustentation.  The  Executive  Conv 
mittee  shall  be  directly  responsible  to  the  General  Assembly  for  its 
proper  administration.  The  Assembly  shall  have  the  right  to  frame 
any  by-law,  or  make  any  changes  or  alterations  in  the  plan  that 
may  be  deemed  necessary;  provided  no  pecuniary  obligations  to  the 
donors  of  this  fund  are  thereby  violated. 

4th,  The  plan  may  be  carried  into  execution  as  soon  as  one  hun¬ 
dred  churches,  or  unions  of  churches,  shall  have  adopted  it;  and  the 
Executive  Committee  of  Sustentation  is  hereby  directed  to  call  the 
attention  of  the  churches  to  the  subject,  and  invite  them  to  enter  into 
the  proposed  arrangement. 

1871,  p.  19.  The  Assembly  having  appointed  a  special  commit¬ 
tee  (page  8)  to  consider  so  much  of  the  Executive  Committee’s  re¬ 
port  as  bears  on  the  Relief  Fund,  that  Committee  reported  as  fol¬ 
lows,  and  their  report  was  adopted: 

The  Committee  on  the  Relief  Fund  respectfully  report,  that  they 
have  carefully  examined  the  subject  committed  to  their  hands,  and 
find  that  it  was  the  object  of  patient  and  thorough  investigation  by 
an  able  committee  of  one  member  from  each  Synod,  in  the  Assembly 


378 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


of  1870,  and  that  their  action,  which  heartily  commended  the  plan 
of  this  fund,  received  the  cordial  approbation  of  that  body. 

We  are  clearly  of  the  opinion  that  the  plan  is  the  best  that  can  at 
present  be  devised,  and  in  this  we  are  sustained  by  the  judgment  of 
some  of  the  ablest  actuaries  of  this  country. 

We  therefore  recommend  that  the  Secretary  of  the  Committee  of 
Sustentation  be  hereby  authorized  to  place  in  the  hands  of  every 
Session  a  copy  of  the  report  adopted  by  the  Assembly  of  1870,  to¬ 
gether  with  this  report,  and  any  other  matter  which  in  his  judgment 
may  commend  this  object  to  our  people;  and  that  it  be  made  the 
duty  of  the  Sessions  to  lay  it  before  their  respective  congregations. 

We  further  recommend  that  this  Assembly  do  hereby  heartily  en¬ 
dorse  the  plan  as  meeting  an  existing  want  in  the  Church.  We  rec¬ 
ommend,  finally,  that  the  Assembly  take  steps  to  have  the  charter 
amended  so  as  to  authorize  the  investment  of  the  funds  of  this  Re¬ 
lief  Fund  and  the  funds  of  any  other  eleemosynary  object  of  the 
Church,  to  be  vested  in  the  Trustees  of  the  Assembly. 

810.  The  relief  scheme  in  operation 

1872,  p.  192.  The  Committee  are  gratified  to  be  able  to  report 
that  the  number  of  churches  and  individual  ministers  necessary,  ac¬ 
cording  to  the  direction  of  the  last  Assembly,  to  put  the  Relief  scheme 
into  full  operation  has  been  secured,  and  information  of  the  fact 
has  been  published,  so  that  all  such  churches  and  individuals  might 
send  on  their  first  annual  installment.  The  plan  will  be  considered 
as  commencing  with  January,  1872.  There  has  been  some  hesita¬ 
tion  on  the  part  of  the  churches  to  enter  into  the  plan;  but  this  has 
been  owing,  it  is  confidently  believed,  to  the  fact  that  the  scheme 
has  not  generally  been  understood  by  the  churches.  When  it  has 
once  been  put  into  operation,  and  its  practical  benefits  have  been 
seen,  it  will  no  doubt  become  a  popular  and  favorite  scheme  both 
with  ministers  and  churches. 

811.  None  to  be  enrolled  over  fifty  years  of  age 

1873,  p.  327.  Touching  the  Relief  Fund,  we  recommend  that 
the  Assembly  commit  the  whole  administration  of  this  matter  to 
the  wisdom  and  discretion  of  the  Executive  Committee;  and  that, 
in  accordance  with  their  request,  a  provision  be  added  to  the  scheme 
of  the  Relief  Fund,  which  shall  prescribe  that,  after  January  1, 
1874,  the  name  of  no  one  of  over  fifty  years  of  age  shall  be  entered 
upon  this  fund. 

(The  reasons  that  induced  the  committee  to  recommend  this  course 
are  found  on  p.  353,  1873. — A.) 

812.  Retired  Ministers 

1913,  p.  63.  In  reply  to  overture  from  Presbytery  of  Piedmont, 
asking  that  “the  General  Assembly  fix  a  definite  age  limit  at  which 


Secs.  809-816] 


Relief 


379 


time  ministers  in  good  standing  shall  be  entitled  to  a  specified  sum 
without  the  embarrassment  of  filling  out  the  forms  as  to  means  of 
support,  relatives  capable  of  extending  aid,  etc.,”  we  recommend 
that  the  overture  be  answered  in  the  negative,  and  we  refer  the  Pres¬ 
bytery  to  the  rules  of  the  General  Assembly  governing  Honorably 
Retired  Ministers.  (See  page  101,  Annual  Report  of  Executive 
Committee.) 

813.  Ministers’  Roll  of  Honor 

1921,  p.  57.  The  title  “Honorably  Retired  Ministers’  Roll”  was 
changed  to  the  “Minister’s  Roll  of  Honor,”  the  same  conditions  of 
enrolling  being  maintained  as  follows:  “On  this  roll  shall  appear 
the  names  of  the  Ministers  of  the  Church  who  have  reached  the  age 
of  70  years  and  have  rendered  as  much  as  thirty  years’  service  to 
the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  and  who  are  in  need 
and  have  asked  to  be  relieved  of  their  pastorates  or  other  work.” 

2.  The  Assembly  approved  of  the  plan  to  place  on  the  Ministers’ 
Roll  of  Honor,  as  soon  as  the  resources  of  the  Committee  will  per¬ 
mit,  all  of  our  Ministers  whose  physical  strength  is  not  sufficient 
for  the  heavy  tasks  of  the  pastorate,  so  that  these  men  may  be  used 
as  “pastors  at  large”  in  the  Presbyteries. 

3.  The  Executive  Committee  was  directed  to  continue  its  careful 
study  as  to  the  best  methods  of  providing  for  the  aged  and  infirm 
ministers  and  their  families  and  report  to  the  next  Assembly. 

814.  Invalid  Teachers  on  Invalid  Fund 

1921,  p.  57.  In  response  to  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  South 
Carolina,  touching  the  authorization  of  the  Assembly’s  Executive 
Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  to  investi¬ 
gate  and  report  to  the  Assembly  in  1922  upon  the  wisdom  and  expe¬ 
diency  of  putting  invalid  and  retired  teachers  of  our  educational  in¬ 
stitutions  on  the  roll  of  Beneficiaries  of  the  Ministerial  Relief  Fund: 

Your  Committee  would  answer  in  the  affirmative. 

815.  Pension  after  65  years  of  age  not  expedient 

1911,  p.  53.  This  action  was  taken  in  answer  to  an  overture. 

816.  Pension  System 

1918,  p.  35.  That  our  Executive  Committee  be  directed  to  secure 
actuarial  information  of  ministers  and  their  families  in  order  that  the 
cost  of  a  Pension  System  may  be  ascertained. 

1920,  p.  31.  In  reply  to  overture  asking  that  the  cause  of  Minis¬ 
terial  Relief  be  placed  on  a  pension  basis, 

Your  Committee  learns  that  the  Executive  Committee  of  Chris¬ 
tian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  is  now  making  an  exhaustive 
study  of  this  whole  matter  of  the  pension  and  insurance  system, 
and  in  view  of  this  fact  deems  action  at  this  time  unnecessary. 


380 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


1922,  p.  54.  In  answer  to  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Fay¬ 
etteville,  asking  the  Assembly  to  instruct  the  Executive  Committee 
to  investigate  and  report  a  pension  plan  similar  to  that  of  the  Meth¬ 
odist  Episcopal  Church,  the  Assembly  directed  the  Presbytery  of 
Fayetteville  to  the  printed  annual  report  of  the  Committee  of  this 
year  covering  this  matter  and  expressing  the  serious  doubt'  whether 
the  “pension  idea”  as  applied  to  the  minister  has  been  fully  justi¬ 
fied  from  social,  economic  or  Christian  grounds. 

In  answer  to  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Albemarle,  ask¬ 
ing  the  Assembly  to  approve  of  the  plan  of  enlarging  the  Endow¬ 
ment  Fund  of  Ministerial  Relief  by  means  of  insurance  carried  on  the 
lives  of  pastors,  the  Assembly  requested  the  Executive  Committee 
to  confer  with  Mr.  A.  B.  Banks!  and  others  relative  to  the  matter 
and  report  to  the  next  Assembly. 


817.  Applicants  must  be  in  good  health 

1874,  p.  488.  The  Executive  Committee  of  Sustentation  is 
hereby  authorized  and  directed  to  prescribe  an  additional  condition 
on  which  ministers  may  become  subscribers  to  the  Relief  Fund, 
viz. :  “Whenever  any  minister,  for  himself,  or  any  church  or  other 
party  for  him,  proposes  to  subscribe  to  this  fund,  there  must  be  fur¬ 
nished  to  the  Committee  satisfactory  evidence  that  such  a  minister 
enjoys  ordinary  good  health.” 


818.  Deferred  payments  to  the  Relief  Fund 

1875,  p.  54.  Several  contributors  to  this  fund  have  failed  to  pay 
their  quota  for  two  years.  With  reference  to  such  cases  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  have  adopted  the  rule  that  “deferred  payments  must 
be  accompanied  by  interest  at  the  rate  of  10  per  cent,  per  annum; 
and  if  payment  is  deferred  longer  than  one  year,  the  name  of  the 
party  shall  be  considered  removed  from  the  Relief  lists,  and  shall 
not  be  restored  thereto  until  such  party  has  paid  up  arrearages  in 
full,  with  interest  thereon.”  This  rule  is  deemed  necessary  to  the 
security  of  the  scheme. 

♦ 

819.  When  annuities  are  to  be  paid 

1875,  p.  54.  The  rule  adopted  in  reference  to  payment  from  the 
fund  is  as  follows:  “The  annuities  due  to  families  of  ministers 
deceased  are  to  be  paid  beginning  with  the  first  of  January  next 
succeeding  the  death  of  said  minister.”  This  rule  was  adopted  as 
a  precautionary  measure,  because  the  income  of  the  Relief  fund  is 
received  mostly  on  or  about  January  first  of  each  year.  The  Exec¬ 
utive  Committee  have,  however,  always  thus  far  directed  the  pay¬ 
ment  of  benefits  immediately  on  the  receipt  of  authentic  information 
of  the  decease  of  the  contributor. 


Secs,,  816-820] 


Relief 


381 


v  820.  The  Relief  plan  modified 

1876,  p.  228.  That  the  General  Assembly  approve  the  new  plan 
of  relief  as  the  same  is  set  forth  in  the  Report  of  the  Executive 
Coihmittee  of  Sustentation  of  the  present  year,  giving,  however,  to 
the  said  Committee  full  authority  to  change  the  details  of  said 
plan  whenever  they  shall  deem  it  proper  to  do  so. 

The  following  is  the  plan: 

I.  The  rights  and  privileges  in  the  Relief  Fund,  as  heretofore 
administered,  shall  be,  and  are  hereby,  guaranteed  to  all  who  are 
on  its  lists,  and  these  shall  be  preserved  to  them  intact. 

II.  The  Relief  scheme,  as  heretofore  administered,  shall  be,  and 
is  hereby,  repealed  (except  for  those  who  are  already  beneficiaries 
under  it)  and  the  following  scheme  substituted  therefor,  to-wit: 

(1) ,  Any  congregation,  or  union  of  congregations,  whose  pastor 
at  the  time  may  be  in  sound  health,  which  shall  pay  $30  annually 
to  the  Relief  fund,  will  establish  a  claim  at  his  death  to  an  annuity 
of  $200  for  six  consecutive  years.  If  $60  per  annum  is  paid  to  the 
fund,  the  claim  for  annuity  will  be  for  $400  for  a  like  term  of 
years.  If  $100  per  annum  is  paid,  the  annuity  will  be  $600  for  a 
similar  term.  It  is  understood  that  the  benefit  thus  secured  shall 
accrue  only  to  the  family  or  other  heirs  of  the  regularly  installed 
pastor  of  the  contributing  church. 

(2) ,  Any  minister,  in  sound  health,  at  the  age  of  forty- five  years 
may  be  entered  on  the  fund  by  the  payment  of  $30,  $60  or  $100,  as 
the  case  may  be,  by  himself,  his  congregations,  or  other  person. 
Any  minister  who  is  less  than  forty-five  years  of  age  may  enter  the 
fund  by  the  payment  of  an  annual  amount  less  than  $30,  $60,  $100 
by  2  per  cent,  of  said  sums  for  each  year  that  he  is  younger  than 
forty-five  years;  and  any  minister  older  than  forty-five  years,  up 
to  seventy  years  may  have  the  same  privilege  by  the  annual  pay¬ 
ment  of  an  amount  larger  than  $30,  $60  or  $100  by  the  addition 
to  said  amount  of  eight  per  cent,  per  annum  for  every  year  of  said 
excess  of  age. 

The  only  limitation  in<  the  case,  either  of  churches  or  individ¬ 
uals,  beyond  the  above  conditions,  is  that  no  claim  on  the  fund  will 
be  established  to  the  full  amounts  above  mentioned  until  the  fourth 
annual  payment  has  been  made.  Previous  to  that  period  the  family 
or  heirs  will  be  entitled  to  four  times  as  much  as  has  been  paid 
into  the  public  fund.  And  further,  failure  to  make  regular  and 
annual  payments  shall  work  the  forfeiture  of  interest  in  the  fund, 
except  that  at  the  death  of  any  pastor  or  other  minister,  whose 
claim  is  thus  forfeited,  an  amount  equal  to  all  that  has  been  con¬ 
tributed  to  the  fund  on  his  account  shall  be  paid. 

III.  It  is  further  provided  that,  as  heretofore,  the  Relief  scheme 
shall  continue  to  work  for  the  sole  benefit  of  those  who  are  sub¬ 
scribers  to  it,  and  if  hereafter  it  shall  be  found  able  to  pay  a  larger 
amount  to  the  families  of  its  deceased  subscribers  than  is  herein 
pledged,  such  an  amount  shall  be  sacredly  conveyed  to  them  under 
regulations  approved  by  the  General  Assembly. 


382 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


IV.  The  following  particulars  shall  be  observed: 

(1) ,  All  entrants  to  this  scheme  shall  be  dated  as  of  January  1st 
of  the  current  year. 

(2) ,  Annual  payments  must  be  made  promptly  on  or  before  Jan¬ 
uary  1st  of  each  year,  so  that  the  liabilities  of  the  fund  may  be  met 
at  that  time  and  investments  may  be  made.  Failure  to  make  pay¬ 
ment  beyond  the  month  of  January  shall  forfeit  the  rights  in  the 
fund  of  the  party  thus  failing,  unless  for  good  reasons  and  without 
injury  to  the  fund,  the  Executive  Committee  shall  restore  its  priv¬ 
ileges  on  the  payment  in  full  of  arrearages,  with  interest  thereon  at 
the  rate  of  six  per  cent,  per  annum. 

(3) ,  The  annuities  due  the  families  of  deceased  ministers  are 
to  be  paid  beginning  with  the  first  of  January  next  succeeding  the 
death  of  said  minister. 

(4) ,  All  further  detail  in  the  management  of  this  fund  is  en¬ 
trusted  to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Sustentation. 

V.  The  investment  and  re-investment  of  funds  in  peimanent 
stocks  shall  be  under  the  care  of  the  Executive  Committee,  who 
shall  report  annually  to  the  General  Assembly  their  accounts  with 
a  statement  of  the  funds  in  hand,  whether  invested  or  not,  and  all 
other  matters  pertaining  to  the  fund.  The  permanent  investments 
of  the  fund  shall  be  held  as  heretofore  by  the  Trustees  of  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly,  who  shall  be  responsible  to  the  General  Assembly 
for  their  safe  custody. 

This  change  of  plan  was  designed  to  make  the  scheme  more  use¬ 
ful — first,  by  presenting  greater  inducements  to  our  young  ministers 
to  enter  it;  and  second,  by  opening  the  way  for  those  who  are  now 
advanced  in  years.  (1876,  p.  249.) 

821.  Investing  committees  for  the  Relief  fund 

1872,  p.  163.  Resolved,  That  the  Executive  Committee  be  author¬ 
ized  to  appoint  two  investing  committees,  consisting  each  of  two 
laymen,  with  the  Secretary  of  the  Executive  Committee  as  ex-officio 
member  of  both,  to  be  located,  the  one  in  Baltimore,  and  the  other 
in  Augusta,  Georgia. 

822.  Executive  Committee  shall  make  and ,  control  investments 

1879,  p.  56.  In  answer  to  the  question  of  the  Board  of  Trustees, 
as  to  duties  and  responsibilities  of  the  Board  in  relation  to  the  in¬ 
vestment  of  the  Relief  Fund,  the  Assembly  instructs  the  Board  that 
no  duty  or  responsibility  rests  on  the  Board  of  Trustees  as  to  making 
or  changing  these  investments,  but  that  the  duty  and  responsibility 
rests  on  the  Executive  Committee  of  Sustentation. 

1880,  p.  213.  The  Assembly  orders  that  all  securities  belonging 
to  the  Relief  Fund  be  placed  in  custody  of  the  Executive  Commit¬ 
tee  of  Homo  Missions,  with  instructions  to  deposit  them  iiy  some  Safe 
Deposit  Company,  for  safe  keeping. 

P.  249.  The  Assembly  had  provided  that  the  permanent  invest- 


-Secs.  820-823] 


.  Relief 


383 


ments  of  this  fund  should  be  held  by  the  Trustees  of  the  General 
Assembly,  who  shall  be  responsible  to  the  General  Assembly  for 
their  safe  custody.  The  language  imparts  an  absolute  liability 
without  limitation  or  condition.  The  Trustees  protested  against  any 
such  liability,  and  asked  the  Assembly  to  modify  or  change  the 
words  of  this  clause,  so  that  they  should  not  be  responsible,  except 
with  the  usual  qualifications  of  Trustees.  It  was  because  of  this 
protest  that  the  above  action  was  taken. — A. 

•823.  The  Relief  fund  to  be  taken  from  under  ecclesiastical  control 

1880,  p.  208.  The  Assembly  expresses  its  gratification  r.t  the 
satisfactory  condition  of  the  Relief  Fund,  but  being  convinced  that 
this  important  and  valued  interest  can  be  as  successfully  operated 
without  ecclesiastical  supervision,  instructs  the  Executive  Commit¬ 
tee  to  confer  with  the  beneficiaries  of  the  fund,  and,  if  practicable, 
report  to  the  next  General  Assembly  a  scheme  of  management  by 
which  it  may  be  placed  hereafter  on  an  independent  basis,  and  the 
Assembly  discharged  from  all  responsibility. 

1881,  p.  382.  An  earnest  effort  has  been  made  by  the  Executive 
Committee  to  carry  out  the  wish  of  the  last  Assembly  to  transfer  this 
business  to  a  corporation  outside  of  the  Church,  in  which  all  the 
interests  of  the  beneficiaries  shall  be  fully  secured.  The  fulfilment 
of  this  desire  of  the  Assembly  has  been  barred  by  the  refusal  of 
some  of  the  contributors  to  consent  to  any  arrangement  by  which  the 
Assembly  shall  be  discharged  from  the  obligations  of  its  own  con¬ 
tract. 

In  view  of  these  facts,  the  Executive  Committee  is  hereby  in¬ 
structed  to  retain  the  oversight  of  this  business  as  heretofore,  but 
to  permit  no  new  names  to  be  added  to  the  list  of  beneficiaries, 
with  a  view  to  the  gradual  extinction  of  the  Church’s  responsibil¬ 
ity;  and  further,  that  the  Executive  Commitee  reopen  negotiations 
with  the  contributors  of  this  fund,  and  urge  upon  their  considera¬ 
tion  the  strong  desire  that  is  felt  by  this  Assembly  to  have  this  busi¬ 
ness  brought  to  an  early  close  in  any  form  satisfactory  to  the  parties 
interested. 

In  explanation  of  the  plan  above  alluded  to,  the  following  ex¬ 
tract  from  the  Executive  Committee’s  report  may  be  read  (p.  40S) : 
A  number  of  gentlemen  in  Baltimore,  most  of  whom  are  members  of 
the  Executive  Committee,  consented  to  form  a  corporation,  to  hold, 
manage,  and  disburse  the  fund,  as  trustees  for  the  subscribers,  under 
the  relief  scheme  as  adopted  and  modified  by  the  Assembly;  and  this 
was  the  plan  proposed,  and  to  which  some)  of  the  contributors  ob¬ 
jected. — A. 

1884,  p.  234.  A  proposition  to  transfer  the  management  of  this 
fund  to  a  corporation  in  Baltimore  was  brought  before  your  com¬ 
mittee  in  two  forms:  (1),  By  a  paper  adopted  by  the  Executive 
Committee  and  recorded  in  its  Minutes.  (2),  By  a  petition  from 
C.  F.  McCay,  LL.  D.,  to  whose  wisdom  and  generous  labor  is 
largely  due  the  success  of  the  Relief  Fund  in  meeting  the  aims  of 


384 


EbUCATION  AND  RELIEF 


[Book  IV 


its  founders.  It  is  recommended  that  this  matter  be  referred  to  the 
Executive  Committee  for  further  consideration,  with  directions  to 
report  to  the  next  General  Assembly. 

1885,  p.  423.  As  to  the  offer  of  the  corporation  in  Baltimore  re¬ 
ferred  to  in  the  report  of  the  Committee  of  Home  Missions,  it  is 
recommended  that  in  the  form  presented  it  be  declined.  If,  however, 
the  Committee  of  Home  Missions  can  make  a  contract  with  that 
corporation,  or  any  other  of  equal  integrity,  under  satisfactory  se¬ 
curity,  to  manage  the  Relief  Fund,  it  be  empowered  to  do  so;  pro¬ 
vided,  (1)  That  the  corporation  shall  manage  the  fund  at  an  ex¬ 
pense  no  greater  than  under  the  present  management.  (2),  That 
it  pay  to  the  families  of  the  beneficiaries  not  only  the  sums  prom¬ 
ised,  but  the  profits  which  shall  accrue,  for  their  benefit.  (3),  That 
it  deposit  with  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  all  the  ; 
bonds  and  stocks  accumulated  to  meet  the  obligations  to  the  pres¬ 
ent  beneficiaries  of  the  Relief  Fund,  and  all  it  shall  hereafter  ob¬ 
tain  from  these  contributions,  as  security  for  the  faithful  perform¬ 
ance  of  its  obligations.  (4),  That  it  deposit  as  collateral  security 
with  the  Executive  Committee  such  additional  bonds  and  stocks  as 
will  satisfy  the  Committee  that  it  will  perform  its  obligations  be¬ 
yond  doubt  or  question.  Adopted. 

1886,  p.  32.  The  Executive  Committee  has,  in  compliance  with 
the  Assembly’s  instructions,  entered  into  a  contract  with  “The  Cler¬ 
gy’s  Friendly  Society,”  of  Baltimore,  composed  of  gentlemen  of  the 
highest  standing  in  every  respect.  The  terms  upon  which  this  con¬ 
tract  has  been  made  are  recorded  in  full  in  the  Secretary’s  report 
as  presented  during  the  present  sessions,  and  it  will  appear  that 
this  corporation  is  connected  with  our  Executive  Committee  only  by 
special  contract  to  manage  our  Relief  Fund. 

!  ! '  *»  j 

824.  Supervision  of  this  contract  transferred  to  the  Executive  Com¬ 

mittee  of  Foreign  Missions 

1886,  p.  40.  In  consequence  of  the  removal  of  the  Home  Mis¬ 
sions  department  from  Baltimore,  the  following  resolution  was 
adopted : 

That  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  and  Trustees 
of  the  General  Assembly  be  directed  and  empowered  to  do  what¬ 
ever  may  be  necessary  to  substitute  the  Executive  Committee  of  For¬ 
eign  Missions  for  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions,  so 
that  the  Executive  Comjmittee  of  Foreign  Missions  shall  be  author¬ 
ized  to  take  the  place  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Mis¬ 
sions  in  carrying  out  the  contract  with  “The  Clergy’s  Friendly 
Society”  concerning  the  Relief  Fund. 

825.  Management  of  Relief  Fund  transferred  to  the  Presbyterian 

Ministers’  Fund 

1890,  p.  30.  It  appearing  to  the  General  Assembly,  from  the 
jreport  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions,  that  the 


Secs.  823-826] 


Relief 


385 


assets  of  the  Relief  Fund,  now  amounting  to  $48,243.72,  are  safely 
invested  in  stocks  and  bonds,  which  have  been  held  in  trust  for 
the  use  of  the  beneficiaries  of  said  fund,  by  the  Clergy’s  Friendly 
Society  of  Baltimore,  and  that  said  Society  has  given  notice  of  its 
desire  and  purpose  to  terminate  said  trust  and  surrender  the  said 
assets ; 

And  it  also  appearing  that  the  Presbyterian  Ministers’  Fund,  a 
corporation  of  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  is  willing  and  proposes  to 
take  charge  of  all  the  assets  belongng  to  the  Relief  Fund,  to  ad¬ 
minister  the  same,  and  to  assume  all  the  obligations  and  responsi- 
biliites  growing  out  of  the  fund:  therefore,1 

Resolved,  That  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  be, 
and  is  hereby,  authorized  and  directed  to  receive  said  fund  from 
the  Clergy’s  Friendly  Society  under  proper  legal  forms,  and  to 
turn  over  the  same  to  the  said  Presbyterian  Ministers’  Fund,  upon 
trust,  that  said  corporation  shall  safely  preserve  and  faithfully  ad¬ 
minister  said  fund  in  accordance  with  the  purposes  for  which  it 
was  created;  but  before  doing  so,  the  Executive  Committee  must  be 
satisfied  that  said  corporation  will  be  a  safe  custodian  of  said  fund, 
and  provided,  also,  that  said  corporation,  before  receiving  said  fund, 
shall  execute  its  contract  and  obligation  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly,  binding  itself  to  perform  and  discharge  fully  and 
faithfully  all  the  duties  and  responsibilities  growing  out  of  the  ad¬ 
ministration  of  said  fund. 

1897,  p.  78.  The  last  annual  statement  of  the  Presbyterian 
Ministers’  Fund  shows  that  the  assets  of  the  “Relief  Fund’'  have 
increased  from  $50,573.88,  July  29,  1890  (when  the  fund  was 
transferred),  to  $53,  949.69,  December  31,  1896.  The  statement  also 
shows  that  the  liabilities  (“reserve  to  fulfill  contracts”)  are  $35,923, 
leaving  a  surplus  of  $18,026.69. 

826.  Executive  Committee  of  Ministerial  Relief  appointed 

1901,  p.  55.  The  committee,  td  whom  was  referred  the  report 
of  the  ad  interim  Committee  on  the  Invalid  Fund,  made  the  fol¬ 
lowing  report,  which  was  adopted: 

1.  That  the  thanks  of  the  General  Assembly  be  returned  to  the 
ad  interim  Committee  on  the  Invalid  Fund  for  the  careful  and  ex¬ 
haustive  study  they  have  given  to  this  important  subject,  the  infor¬ 
mation  they  have  gathered  in  reference  to  the  schemes  in  use  in 
other  churches,  and  the  valuable  suggestions  they  offer  for  our  con¬ 
sideration. 

2.  That  a  separate  Executive  Committee  be  created  to  take  the 
oversight  of  this  whole  work,  to  be  known  as  the  General  Assem¬ 
bly’s  Executive  Committee  of  Ministerial  Relief  (to  be  located  at 
Richmond,  Va.). 

3.  That  this  Committee  shall  consist  of  eleven  members  a  majority 
of  whom  shall  be  active  business  men,  who  will  give  time  and 
thought  to  its  important  duties. 

4.  That  this  Executive  Committee  be  empowered  to  elect  its 


386 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


own  officers  other  than  the  Secretary,  and  to  make  rules  and  regula¬ 
tions  for  the  administration  of  its  affairs.  Should  this  Assembly 
fail  to  elect  a  Secretary,  that  the  Executive  Commitee  be  authorized 
to  engage  a  Secretary,  who  shall  act  also  as  Treasurer,  and  to  pay 
him  such  salary  as  may  be  consistent  with  due  economy  in  the  ad¬ 
ministration  of  this  Relief  Fund. 

5.  That  the  benefits  of  this  fund  be  provided  mainly  for  the  re¬ 
lief  (1)  of  pressing  need  of  disabled  ministers,  and  (2)  of  the  fam¬ 
ilies  of  deceased  ministers;  and  that  length  of  service  be  taken  into 
account  in  case  of  aid  given  to  ministers. 

6.  That  careful  regulations  be  drawn  up  by  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  in  regard  to  (1)  the  mode  by  which  the  length  of  service  to 
the  church  shall  be  taken  into  account,  (2),  the  scale  according  to 
which  the  benefits  of  the  fund  shall  be  made  on  the  basis  of  length 
of  service,  and  (3),  the  conditions  upon  which  the  benefits  of  both 
branches  of  the  fund  are  to  be  received,  and  that  those  regulations 
be  reported  to  the  next  Assembly.  In  the  case  of  ministers  there 
should  be  a  medical  certificate  of  disability,  the  recommendation  of 
the  Presbytery  and  the  approval  of  the  Executive  Committee  in 
order  to  secure  the  benefits  of  the  fund.  In  the  case  of  the  fami¬ 
lies  of  deceased  ministers  the  recommendation  of  the  Presbytery  and 
the  approval  of  the  Executive  Committee  shall  be  required  for  par¬ 
ticipation  in  the  benefits  of  the  fund. 

7.  That  collections  be  solicited  from  all  our  churches  during  the 
month  of  July,  and  that  the  earnest  effort  be  made  to  raise  not  less 
than  twenty  thousand  dollars  for  this  work,  and  that  the  Committee 
be  authorized  to  apportion  this  fund  to  the  two  branches  of  this  work. 

8.  That  the  Executive  Committee  formulate  and  submit  to  the 
next  Assembly  for  approval  a  scale  of  “ministers’  rates,”  which 
each  minister  may  pay  annually  into  this  fund  in  order!  to  a  full 
participation  of  its  benefits,  and  which  will  justify  a  larger  scale  of 
aid  than  would  otherwise  be  practicable. 

9.  That  the  Executive  Committee  also  solicit  gifts  and  bequests 
for  the  benefit  of  both  of  its  branches,  and  that  (unless  the  giver 
otherwise  direct)  the  capital  of  these  gifts  and  bequests  be  perma¬ 
nently  invested  and  only  the  income  thereof  be  used  annually  for 
the  beneficiaries  of  this  fund. 

10.  That  all  ministers  whose  names  are  on  the  rolls  of  our  Pres¬ 
byteries,  whether  laboring  at  home  or  in  the  foreign  field,  shall  be 
eligible,  according  to  the  regulations  of  this  Committee,  to  the  bene¬ 
fits  of  this  fund  for  themselves  and  their  families. 

In  response  to  an  overture  asking  that  one  name  only  be  used  to 
designate  this  fund,  your  committee  recommends  that  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  of  Publication  indicate  this  cause  by  the  name  “Min¬ 
isterial  Relief”  in  all  blanks  for  financial  and  statistical  reports. 

1902,  pp.  266 f.  The  Assembly  approved  ^nd  commended  the 
plan,  suggested  by  the  Executive  Committee,  of  monthly  payments 
for  five  years,  as  the  wise  and  workable  method  for  a  majority  of  our 
churches  in  accumulating  the  proposed  endowment. 

The  Assembly  requested  all  the  Presbyteries  and  all  the  churches 


Sec.  826] 


Relief 


387 


to  appoint  a  Permanent  Committee  on  Ministerial  Relief  in  their 
respective  bounds,  who  shall  take  this  business  under  their  special 
care,  and,  either  on  the  plan  suggested  above,  or  in  some  other  way 
that,  to  their  judgment,  may  seem  more  effective  and  expeditious, 
secure  an  annual  proportionate  contribution  to  this  Endowment  Fund 
from  every  church,  however  weak  numerically  or  financially. 

The  Assembly  laid  it  upon  the  heart  and  conscience  of  all  our 
ministers  and  elders  to  see  that  every  church  under  their  oversight 
is  given  an  opportunity,  during  the  month  of  July,  to  contribute 
to  this  cause,  and  that  all  diligence  be  used  to  raise  for  the  next 
year  not  less  than  $20,000,  which  shall  be  apportioned  by  the 
Executive  Committee  to  the  two  branches  of  the  work. 

The  Assembly,  recognizing  the  fact  that  the  work  of  the  Home  and 
School  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  is  virtually  a  branch  of  ministerial 
relief,  directed  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  said  Home  and  School 
and  the  Executive  Committee  on  the  Ministerial  Relief  to  take  into 
consideration  the  wisdom  and  feasibility  of  consolidating  these  two 
branches  of  our  benevolent  work  under  one  management,  and  to  report 
on  the  question  to  the  next  Assembly. 

Mr.  S.  H.  Hawes  served  as  Secretary  for  a  while.  The  Assembly 
elected  to  the  office,  Rev.  I.  S.  McElroy,  D.  D. 

1903,  p.  473.  In  the  matter  of  endowment  fund,  we  recommend 
that  the  Assembly  again  urge  the  propriety,  advantage  and  necessity, 
in  accordance  with  its  plan,  of  the  appointment  of  Sessional  as  well 
as  Presbyterial  and  Synodical  Committees  on  Ministerial  Relief,  and 
that  by  means  of  pledge  cards  or  otherwise  an  effort  be  made  to 
secure  a  contribution  to  this  fund  from  as  nearly  as  possible  every 
member  of  our  church,  no  matter  how  small  many  of  these  con¬ 
tributions  may  be.  If  this  could  be  done,  the  power  of  littles  would 
be  wonderfully  demonstrated. 

In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  beneficiaries  of  this  cause  are  largely 
widows  and  orphan  children,  we  call  upon  our  Sabbath  Schools  and 
our  Ladies’  and  Young  People’s  Societies  to  give  this  cause  a  liberal 
support. 

The  evident  care  that  is  being  exercised  by  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  in  dispensing  the  contributions  to  this  cause,  and  the  fact 
that  the  basis  of  its  appropriations  is  “not  simply  need,  but  also 
past  service  to  the  church,”  should  commend  itself  to  our  people  and 
cause  them  to  be  liberal  in  gifts  which  they  know  will  be  faithfully 
distributed  to  those  who  are  not  only  needy,  but  deserving  by  reason 
of  services  rendered  to  Christ  and  his  church. 

There  has  been  referred  to  this  committee  an  overture  asking 
this  Assembly  “to  inaugurate  a  scheme  for  raising  an  endowment 
of  $1,000,000  for  the  Relief  Fund  by  requesting  every  minister  on 
the  rolls  of  the  Assembly  who  is  receiving  a  salary  to  obligate  him¬ 
self  to  contribute  one  per  cent,  of  his  salary  annually  for  five  years, 
with  the  right  to  withdraw  the  subscription  at  any  time  upon  giving 
notice  to  the  Secretary.” 

The  Assembly  declined  to  adopt  this  plan. 

P.  471.  The  sum  of  $3,955.16  left  by  the  will  of  Miss  Mary 


388  EpUCATION  AND  RELIEF  [BOOK  IV 

Stuart,  of  Alexandria,  Va.,  to  the  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly, 
was  by  order  of  the  Assembly  added  to  the  Endowment  Fund  of 
Ministerial  Relief. 

827.  Consolidation  of  Ministerial  Relief  and  Education  for  the 

Ministry 

1903,  p.  507.  The  Assembly  declined  to  unite  these  two  causes.  | 

1904,  p.  44.  The  Assembly  united  these  causes,  the  consoli¬ 
dation  to  go  into  effect  September  1,  1904,  the  Executive  Committee 
to  be  located  in  Louisville,  Ky. 

828.  Elders  to  present  this  cause 

1909,  p.  65.  The  Assembly  directed  that  our  ruling  elders  be 
requested  to  present  this  cause  to  each  church  in  our  bounds  during 
this  year;  and  the  Presbyterial  Chairman  be  requested  to  arrange  for 
such  a  presentation  of  the  cause. 

Similar  action  in  1908  (p.  30). 

829.  Sustentation  fund 

1909,  p.  65.  There  has  been  placed  in  the  hands  of  your  Com¬ 
mittee  an  overture  touching  the  organization  of  a  “Sustentation  Fund,” 
similar  to  that  recently  put  into  operation  by  the  Northern  Church. 

Your  Committee  would  respectfully  report  that  our  Secretary  of 
Ministerial  Relief  has  placed  in  our  hands  papers  giving  a  full 
description  of  the  said  “Sustentation  Fund,”  together  with  letters 
from  promient  persons  telling  of  the  practical  workings  of  same. 

After  a  careful  examination  of  these,  together  with  a  study  of  the 
history  of  the  old  “Relief  Fund  for  Widows  and  Disabled  Ministers,” 
of  our  own  Church,  begun  in  1870,  and  discontinued  in  1890,  your 
Committee  would  respectfully  recommend  that  the  overture  be 
answered  in  the  negative.  Adopted. 

1913,  p.  62.  There  has  been  placed  in  our  hands  a  proposed 
resolution  touching  the  future  conduct  of  the  “Relief  Fund”  created 
in  18-70  and  turned  over  to  the  Presbyterian  Ministers’  Fund  in 
Philadelphia  in  1890.  The  proposed  resolution  has  the  endorse¬ 
ment  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  Minis¬ 
terial  Relief,  and  the  Presbyterian  Ministers’  Fund,  as  well  as  the 
legal  endorsement  of  the  attorney  consulted  by  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee. 

1913,  p.  63.  We  recommend  that  the  proposed  resolution  touch¬ 
ing  the  future  conduct  of  the  “Relief  Fund”  be  ratified.  The  reso¬ 
lution  is  as  follows: 

1913,  p.  64.  Whereas,  The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States  in  1870  established  a  fund  for  the 
benefit  of  the  ministers  of  the  gospel  engaged  in  the  work  of  the 
Church,  which  fund  was  known  as  the  “Relief  Fund”: 

And  whereas,  The  said  General  Assembly  subsequently,  on  or 
about  the  29th  day  of  July,  A.  D.  1890,  entered  into  a  contract  with 


Secs.  826-829] 


Relief 


389 


the  Presbyterian  Ministers’  Fund  of  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania,  a 
corporation  under  the  laws  of  Pennsylvania,  whereby  the  trust  fund 
belonging  to  the  said  Relief  Fund  and  its  entire  management  was 
transferred  and  committed  to  the  said  Presbyterian  Ministers’  Fund 
as  Trustee,  upon  the  terms  and  conditions  in  said  agreement  more 
fully  set  forth: 

And  whereas,  Sundry  of  the  policy-holders  of  the  said  Relief  Fund 
for  whom  the  said  Presbyterian  Ministers’  Fund  is  now  Trustee  are, 
by  reason  of  advanced  age  and  their  necessitous  circumstances,  de¬ 
sirous  of  obtaining  the  benefit  of  the  payments  made  by  them  to 
said  fund  in  the  form  of  a  cash  surrender  value  or  other  commuta¬ 
tion  of  their  respective  policies  or  certificates: 

And  whereas,  In  and  by  the  plan  of  said  Relief  Fund,  and  by  the 
contract  so  subsequently  entered  into  with  the  said  Presbyterian  Min¬ 
ister’s  Fund,  no  right  was  reserved  to  the  policy-holders  of  said 
plan  and  fund  to  obtain  a  cash  surrender  value  upon  the  certificates 
issued  to  said  policy-holders,  but  said  plan  and  agreement  contem¬ 
plated  the  payment  to  the  families  of  the  said  policy-holders,  of 
certain  sums  therein  set  forth,  as  a  consequence  of  which  said  policy¬ 
holders  are  not  entitled  to  presently  surrender  their  said  policies  and 
to  have  the  cash  value  or  commutation  thereof: 

And  Whereas,  The  said  Presbyterian  Ministers’  Fund,  although 
desirous  of  accommodating  the  policy-holders  of  the  said  Relief 
Fund  in  any  and  all  ways  possible,  is  advised  by  counsel  that  it 
cannot  lawfully,  in  accordance  with  its  contract  with  the  said 
General  Assembly,  pay  to  said  policy-holders  or  to  any  of  them  the 
cash  surrender  value  of  their  certificates,  without  the  consent  of  the 
said  General  Assembly  being  first  had  and  secured: 

And  whereas,  It  appears  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presby¬ 
terian  Church  in  the  United  States,  now  in  session  at  Atlanta, 
Georgia,  that  it  will  be  to  the  advantage  of  sundry  of  the  policy¬ 
holders  of  said  fund  that  they  should  have  the  right  to  presently 
surrender  their  said  certificates  so  issued  by  or  for  the  account  of 
the  said  Relief  Fund,  and  to  receive  the  commutation  or  cash  sur¬ 
render  value  thereof,  as  the  same  shall  be  determined: 

Now,  he  it  resolved,  That  the  President  and  Secretary  of  the 
Board  of  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States  be,  and  they  are  hereby,  authorized 
in  the  name  and  on  behalf  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  to  enter 
into  a  contract  with  the  Presbyterian  Ministers’  Fund  of  Philadel¬ 
phia,  Pennsylvania,  in  the  form  hereto  attached,  which  form  is 
hereby  approved,  modifying  said  agreement  of  July  29th,  1890,  in 
such  a  way  that  the  policy-holders  thereof  shall  be  entitled  to  have 
and  to  receive  the  cash  surrender  value  of  their  certificates  or  policies 
as  the  same  shall  be  hereafter  determined. 

1914,  p.  77.  We  find  from  the  report  of  Perry  S.  Allen,  Presi¬ 
dent  of  the  Presbyterian  Ministers’  Fund,  that  the  old  Relief  Fund 
is  in  good  shape.  This  account  has  been  audited  by  a  commit¬ 
tee,  and  we  recommend  its  approval. 


390 


[Book  IV 


Education  and  Relief 

/ 

830.  Ministerial  Support 

1920,  p.  31.  In  reply  to  Overture  from  Greenbrier  Presbytery, 
asking  for  the  appointment  of  an  Ad-Interim  Committee  to  investi¬ 
gate  and  act  upon  the  question  of  ministerial  support,  the  support 
of  home,  foreign  and  Sunday  School  missionaries,  the  support  of 
teachers  in  our  Church  schools,  and  adequate  provision  for  aged 
ministers,  their  widows  and  dependent  children, 

Your  Committee  recommends  that  it  be  answered  as  follows: 

That  the  Assembly,  while  in  full  sympathy  with  the  purport  of 
the  overture,  believes  that  the  appointment  of  such  Ad-Interim 
Committee  is  unnecessary,  as  a  vigorous  campaign  covering  these  vital 
matters  is  now  being  conducted  by  our  Executive  Committee. 

2.  In  reply  to  Overture  from  Montgomery  Presbytery,  recom¬ 
mending  that  its  churches  assume  financial  responsibility  in  whole 
or  in  part  for  the  support  of  foreign  and  home  missionaries,  and 
requesting  that  the  General  Assembly  take  cognizance  of  this  action, 
and  in  its  turn  recommend  to  the  Committee  on  Ministerial  Edu¬ 
cation  and  Relief  to  pursue  the  same  policy, 

Your  Committee  recommends  that  the  Assembly  expresses  its 
pleasure  at  the  increased  liberality  of  Montgomery  Presbytery  in 
the  support  of  aged  ministers,  but  must  decline  to  recommend  the 
general  adoption  of  its  plan  of  support,  because  it  disturbs  un¬ 
necessarily  the  existing  method  heretofore  approved  by  the  General 
Assembly,  and  now  being  vigorously  pressed  by  the  Committee  on 
Ministerial  Relief. 

1918,  p.  34.  The  overture  from  Mr.  Rutherford  Lapsley, 
“Whereas  the  salaries  of  our  ministers  are,  as  a  rule,  inadequate 
for  their  support,  on  account  of  the  great  increase  in  the  costs  of 
the  necessaries  of  life,  bringing  on  a  condition  which  threatens  the 
increased  efficiency  and  future  supply  of  ministers,  we  recommend 
that  all  of  the  Presbyteries  be  directed  to  consider  at  once  practical 
means  of  increasing  the  salaries  of  the  ministers;  that  the  Presby- 
terial  Committee  of  Ministerial  Education  and  Relief  arrange  be¬ 
fore  the  next  meeting  of  Presbytery,  if  possible,  for  deputations  of 
laymen  to  visit  the  churches  in  the  Presbytery,  and  confer  with, 
advise  and  assist  the  church  officers  in  the  matter  of  increase  of 
salaries.  That  the  Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education 
and  Ministerial  Relief,  which  has  already  done  so  much  in  this 
direction,  be  directed  to  supervise  and  further  the  adoption  and  put¬ 
ting  into  operation  plans  in  all  the  Presbyteries,  to  remedy  the  acute 
situation  facing  the  whole  Church  relative  to  the  adequate  support 
of  the  ministry.”  This  overture  we  answer  in  the  affirmative. 

1919,  p.  37.  The  efforts  of  our  Committee  have  met  with  most 
gratifying  results  in  respect  to  the  increase  of  the  salaries  of  pastors, 
and  we  desire  that  they  be  continued  along  the  same  lines. 

831.  Details  of  Administration. 

We  reeommend — 

1922,  p.  52.  That  the  Assembly  approve  the  recommendation  of 


Secs,  830-831] 


Relief 


391 


the  Executive  Committee  that  a  cottage  be  built  on  the  reservation 
of  the  Southwestern  Presbyterian  Sanatorium  at  Albuquerque,  New 
Mexico,  and  the  Executive  Committee  be  authorized  to  erect  such 
a  cottage  as  soon  as  the  funds  may  warrant; 

That  the  Assembly  approve  the  plan  of  Comity  submitted  by 
the  Executive  Committee  on  page  14  of  its  printed  report; 

That  in  answer  to  overture  from  the  Synod  of  Texas,  asking  the 
reasons  for  contributing  $600.00  a  year  as  the  maximum  toward 
supporting  the  aged  and  helpless  minister,  while  only  $300.00  a 
year  is  the  maximum  of  aid  to  the  minister’s  widow  when  found  in 
the  same  state,  the  Assembly  advise  the  Synod  of  Texas  that  this 
is  not  a  rule  of  the  General  Assembly  nor  the  practice  of  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee.  Appropriations  are  made  the  homes  of  ministers’ 
widows  on  the  recommendation  of  the  Presbyteries  on  the  basis  of 
need,  number  and  age  of  dependents,  and  other  sources  of  income; 

That  in  answer  to  overtures  from  the  Presbytery  of  Harmony, 
from  Presbytery  of  Asheville,  from  the  Presbytery  of  Piedmont, 
and  from  the  Presbytery  of  Wilmington,  asking  for  modifications 
in  the  questionnaire  submitted  to  beneficiaries  of  Ministerial  Re¬ 
lief,  the  Assembly  advise  these  Presbyteries  that  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  does  not  require  the  formality  of  a  signed  application  for 
aid  by  the  beneficiary,  but  solely  by  the  Committee  on  Christian 
Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  of  the  Presbytery  within  whose 
bounds  the  person  then  resides; 

That  in  answer  to  overtures  from  the  Presbytery  of  Harmony, 
from  the  Presbytery  of  Fayettesville,  from  the  Presbytery  of  Brazos, 
from  the  Presbytery  of  Enoree,  from  the  Presbytery  of  Western  Texas, 
asking  the  Assembly  to  so  change  the  rules  of  the  Executive 
Committee  as  to  grant  financial  aid  from  the  funds  of  Ministerial 
Relief  not  upon  need  but  prescribed  service  rendered;  and  overtures 
from  the  Presbytery  of  East  Alabama,  and  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Greenbrier,  asking  the  Assembly  to  make  no  changes  in  the  present 
policy  relative  to  this  matter,  and  commending  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  to  adhere  to  its  present  policy,  since  funds  for  Ministerial  Re¬ 
lief  are  given  solely  to  relieve  need; 

That  the  policy  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  financing  the  over¬ 
head  expenses  of  the  Committee  for  its  regular  work  be  approved, 
and  in  all  future  special  campaigns  for  funds,  each  campaign  shall 
be  required  to  bear  its  own  expenses; 

That  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Wilmington,  asking  (1) 
that  the  amount  given  to  the  beneficiaries  of  Ministerial  Relief  be 
doubled,  and  (2)  that  the  Executive  Committee  be  directed  to  exer¬ 
cise  the  most  rigid  economy  in  the  management  of  its  affairs,  the 
Assembly  answer  (1)  by  referring  the  Presbytery  of  Wilmington  to 
the  action  taken  above  and  in  answer  to  (2),  the  Assembly,  while 
commending  the  Executive  Committee  for  its  financial  management 
in  the  past,  direct  it  to  practice  in  the  future  the  strictest  economy 
consistent  with  efficiency. 


392 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


III.  Endowment  Fund 


832.  Endowment  for  the  Invalid  Fund 

1894,  p.  237.  An  ad  interim  committee  was  appointed,  whose 
duty  shall  be  to  report  to  the  next  Assembly  touching  the  advisability 
of  creating  an  endowment,  the  interest  of  which  shall  be  sufficient 
to  provide  some  adequate  support,  or  of  inaugurating  some  other 
feasible  plan  to  provide  a  support  for  our  aged  and  infirm  ministers, 
and  the  families  of  deceased  ministers. 

1895,  p.  396.  This  committee  recommended  that  the  Assembly 
sanction  the  effort  to  create  ah  endowment  of  $100,000,  the  method 
of  raising  it,  and  the  details  thereof,  to  be  left  to  the  discretion  of 
the  committee  having  the  Invalid  Fund  in  charge,  subject  to  the 
approval  of  future  Assemblies.  Adopted. 

1897,  p.  66.  The  Executive  Committee  say:  There  is  no  prac¬ 
ticable  way  of  raising  a  permanent  endowment  except  that  of  placing 
agents  in  the  field,  and  the  Assembly  has  repeatedly  declined  to  raise 
its  benevolent  funds  in  that  way.  Some  brethren  have  believed  that 
ministers  themselves  would,  by  their  own  annual  contributions,  create 
an  endowment  if  opportunity  were  offered.  Your  committee  re¬ 
cently  presented  to  all  of  our  ministers  a  plan  for  a  temporary  en¬ 
dowment  as  follows: 

Subscriptions  are  solicited,  payable  in  cash,  or  as  the  subscriber 
may  prefer,  in  from  one  to  five  annual  installments.  The  funds  to 
be  safely  invested  as  soon  as  possible. 

These  subscriptions  are  not  to  interfere  with  the  regular  collection 
for  this  cause,  which  occurs  in  July.  They  are  to  supplement  that 
collection.  Only  the  interest  on  the  fund  is  to  be  used  until  March, 
1900. 

Beginning  with  March,  1900,  the  Assembly,  through  its  Executive 
Committee,  may  draw  annually  upon  the  principal  for  so  much  as 
may  be  necessary  (when  added  to  the  receipts  from  the  regular  col¬ 
lection)  to  enable  the  committee  to  pay  in  full  the  amounts  asked 
by  the  Presbyteries  for  the  year,  which  ends  March  31st,  provided 
that  not  more  than  one-fifth  of  the  principal  shall  be  drawn  in  any 
one  year  unless  the  principal  shall  be  reduced  to  $1,000;  then  it 
may  all  be  drawn. 

P.  29.  Ordered  by  the  Assembly:  That  any  plan  looking  to  an 
endowment  for  the  Invalid  Fund  be  abandoned  for  the  present. 

1898,  p.  223.  A  proposition  was  made  that  our  ministers  agree 
to  raise  a  fund  by  contributing  annually  two  per  cent,  of  their 
salaries,  but  was  not  accepted. 

833.  “ Invalid )  Fund  not  (i  Relief  Fund” 

1898,  p.  211.  To  prevent  confusion,  the  Committee  of  Publica¬ 
tion  is  directed  hereafter  to  place  the  name  “Invalid  Fund”  at  the 
head  of  the  column  for  that  cause,  and  not  “Relief  Fund,”  as  now. 


Secs.  832-834] 


Endowment 


393 


834.  Further  progress 

1899,  p.  418.  We  note,  with  special  pleasure,  the  marked  in¬ 
crease  in  the  gifts  to  this  cause  during  the  past  year;  and  we  recom¬ 
mend  that  an  earnest  effort  be  made  to  secure  the  sum  of  $18,000 
during  the  present  year. 

While  believing  that  the  outlook  of  our  present  scheme  is  good, 
and  that  it  will  accomplish  the  end  if  properly  supported,  we  recog¬ 
nize  the  fact  that  a  more  adequate  provision  should  be  made  by  the 
church,  and  we  recommend  that  an  ad  interim,  committee  be  appointed 
by  the  Moderator  consisting  of  three  who  shall  give  this  whole  matter 
consideration — not  only  the  Canadian  Relief  scheme  (referred  to), 
but  that  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  (North),  and  any  others 
to  them  occurring;  and  that  they  make  report  to  the  next  Assembly. 

1900,  p.  616.  The  committee  reported,  and  was  continued  with 
additions  to  its  number. 

1906,  p.  40.  An  increase  of  93  in  the  number  of  contributing 
churches  and  an  increase  in  the  amount  contributed,  shows  that  our 
people  are  beginning  to  be  interested  in  this  cause,  which  should 
receive  a  large  share  of  the  gifts  of  the  Church. 

Mr.  Hugh  T.  Inman,  an  elder  of  the  First  Church,  Atlanta,  Ga., 
has  proposed  to  the  Committee  to  add  $100,000  to  $125,000  to  be 
raised  in  three  years  beginning  June,  1905;  thus,  with  $25,000 
already  invested,  making  an  endowment  fund  of  $250,000. 

This  was  completed  in  1908. 

This  offer  has  given  a  new  impetus  to  the  work  of  making  pro¬ 
vision  for  the  servants  of  the  Church.  In  ten  months  more  than 
$40,000  in  cash  and  pledges  have  been  added  to  this  fund. 

The  Assembly  earnestly  calls  upon  Synods,  Presbyteries  and  Ses¬ 
sions  of  churches  to  give  careful  thought  to  the  matter  of  responding 
to  the  call  which  comes  to  us  through  this  servant  of  God  to  endow' 
the  cause  of  Ministerial  Relief.  And  to  this  end  it  enjoins  upon  the 
Presbyteries,  in  view  of  the  wonderful  opportunity  and  crisis  of  this 
cause,  to  select  suitable  men  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  visit  the 
churches  and  solicit  funds  for  it;  and  that  the  third  Sunday  in 
November,  or  the  day  nearest  thereto  that  may  be  most  ,  convenient, 
be  set  apart  for  collections  in  all  the  churches  and  Sabbath  Schools 
for  the  Endowment  Fund. 

The  Assembly  declined  to  change  the  time  of  the  collection  for 
this  cause  from  July  to  September. 

1907,  p.  23.  The  General  Assembly  called  upon  the  church  to 
increase  as  rapidly  as  possible  this  endowment  fund  to  at  least 
$500,000,  and  commended  this  endowment  fund  to  our  people  of 
wealth  for  their  gifts  and  legacies.  Same  action  in  1910  (p.  65). 

1912,  p.  31.  We  would  recommend  in  regard  to  Ministerial  Re¬ 
lief,  that  while  there  is  cause  for  rejoicing  in  the  blessing  of  God 
upon  this  work,  which  has  enabled  the  Committee  to  substantially 
increase  the  amounts  given  to  some  of  the  most  needy  beneficiaries, 
yet  we  call  upon  the  Church  for  increased  liberality  towards  the 
work;  and  we  wrould  urge  the  pastors  and  Sessions  to  co-operate  with 


Education  and  Relief 


394 


[Book  IV 


the  Committee  in  the  work  before  it,  of  increasing  the  Endowment 
Fund  as  rapidly  as  possible  to  at  least  $500,000. 

1913,  p.  62.  Your  Committee  feels  that  the  action  of  the  Assem¬ 
bly,  requesting  $500,000.00  for  the  Endowment  Fund  of  Ministerial 
Relief,  should  be  continuously  kept  before  the  mind  of  the  Church, 
in  view  of  the  great  need  of  such  a  fund  and  in  view  of  the  further 
facts  that  no  time  is  now  set  for  an  offering  to  this  fund  and  it  is 
not  included  in  the  percentage  for  the  Assembly  causes  which  has 
been  requested  for  Ministerial  Relief. 

1915,  p.  36.  While  rejoicing  in  the  prosperity  of  the  work  of 
Ministerial  Relief  which  has  resulted  in  largely  increasing  the 
amounts  given  the  needy  veterans  and  widows  and  orphans  of  our 
deceased  ministers,  the  General  Assembly  calls  upon  the  Church  to 
provide  more  adequately  for  their  needs. 

The  General  Assembly  again  called  upon  the  churches  to  increase 
the  Endowment  Fund  for  Ministerial  Relief  to  at  least  half  a  million 
dollars  as  soon  as  possible. 

1916,  p.  58.  The  Overture  asking  that  the  amount  of  the  pro¬ 
posed  Endowment  Fund  for  Ministerial  Relief  be  raised  to  one 
million  dollars,  was  answered  in  the  affirmative,  this  Assembly  be¬ 
lieving  that  it  should  be  at  least  that  much. 

1917,  p.  56.  Through  the  abounding  liberality  and  inspiring 
example  of  one  of  our  ruling  elders,  coupled  with  the  wise  and 
efficient  labors  of  our  Executive  Secretary,  the  year  past  has  seen  the 
Endowment  Relief  increased  to  the  sum  of  $543,651.53. 

1917,  p.  59.  The  Assembly  put  on  record  its  appreciation  of  the 
liberality  of  the  ruling  elder  whose  large  gift  made  possible  the  great 
increase  of  our  Endowment  Fund  for  Ministeral  Relief  realized  in 
the  past  year,  and  though  his  name  be  withheld,  in  deference  to  his 
wishes,  from  a  place  in  these  minutes,  we  commend  him  to  God  and 
the  abundant  riches  of  His  Grace. 

The  Executive  Committee,  at  such  time  and  by  such  means  as 
might  seem  wisest  to  itself,  was  encouraged  to  endeavor  to  bring 
the  Endowment  Fund  for  Ministerial  Relief  up  to  one  million 
dollars. 

1918,  p.  34.  Within  this  period  [three  years]  the  Endowment 
Fund  of  Ministerial  Relief  shall  be  increased  to  at  least  $1,000,000. 
The  Executive  Committee  during  this  time  shall  secure  from  the 
ministers  of  the  Church  and  their  families  data  that  will  furnish 
the  basis  for  the  future  statesman-like  handling  of  this  sacred  and 
binding  obligation  of  the  Church. 

1920,  p.  25.  The  Endowment  Fund. — Mr.  C.  E.  Graham  has 
offered  the  sum  of  $200,000  to  the  Endowment  Fund  for  Ministerial 
Relief,  provided  the  Church  raises  $400,000  additional.  We  recom¬ 
mend  that  the  following  resolution  be  adopted: 

The  General  Assembly  is  deeply  appreciative  of  the  generous 
offer  of  Ruling  Elder  C.  E.  Graham  to  give  to  the  Endowment  Fund 
for  Ministerial  Relief  the  sum  of  $200,000  on  condition  that  the 
Church  raise  $400,000  additional  for  this  purpose. 

The  General  Assembly  deems  it  of  the  utmost  importance  that 


Secs.  834-835] 


Endowment 


395 


plans  be  perfected  at  once  to  raise  this  amount,  and  calls  upon  the 
elders,  deacons,  laymen  and  women  of  the  Church  to  assume  the 
responsibility  of  raising  this  $400,000  under  the  direction  of  the 
Executive  Committe,  with  the  help  of  the  Laymen’s  Missionary 
Movement  and  the  Women’s  Auxiliary.  The  Session  of  each  church 
is  requested  to  see  that  on  some  Sunday  in  June  or  September  this 
opportunity  and  responsibility  is  put  before  all  our  people. 


(From  the  report  of  the  Executive  Committee) 

1920,  p.  114.  In  January  Mr.  C.  E.  Graham  made  an  offer  to  the 
Committee  of  $200,000  on  condition  that  the  whole  Church  add  $400,000 
to  the  Endowment  Fund  by  December,  1920.  A  short  time  before,  he 
had  purchased  from  the  receiver  of  the  United  States  Court,  the  Heard 
National  Bank  IBuilding,  at  Jacksonville,  Florida,  intending  to  use  it 
as  a  foundation  for  “The  Graham  Trust  Fund”  from  which  his  bene¬ 
factions  might  be  continued  into  the  future.  At  that  time  he  offered 
to  turn  the  building  over  to  the  Executive  Committee  for  $700,000  on 
which  he  promised  to  pay  the  $200,000  on  the  condition  mentioned 
above. 

The  name  was  changed  to  “The  Graham  Building.”  It  is  ideally 
located  in  the  business  and  financial  center  of  the  rapidly  growing 
city  of  Jacksonville.  It  is  a  modern,  fourteen  story,  fireproof,  office 
building  of  steel,  concrete,  stone,  brick  and  marble  construction.  It 
was  built  nine  years  ago  at  a  cost  of  more  than  $900,000,  with  bank 
fixtures,  and  could  scarcely  be  replaced'  today  for  less  than  $1,500,000. 
After  deducting  the  cost  of  ground  rent,  insurance,  taxes,  repairs  and 
operating  expenses  the  building  is  yielding  more  than  6  per  cent,  on 
$1,000,000. 

Many  of  the  foremost  business  men  of  our  Church  have  made  a 
careful  investigation  of  this  investment  and  commend  it  without 
reservation  and  urge  that  the  money  to  secure  it  be  raised  at  once. 

On  April  1,  1920,  we  had  secured  $33,923.78  on  the  $400,000,  pledges 
for  more  than  $10,000,  besides  our  offer  from  another  Elder  to  pay  the 
last  $25,000  of  the  $400,000. 

The  Endowment  Fund  should  be  greatly  increased.  Were  we  to  seek 
a  fund  equal  to  the  average  amount  (per  minister)  sought  by  the 
Congregational,  Disciples,  Methodist,  Episcopal  and  Presbyterian,  U. 
S.  A.  Churches,  our  goal  should  be  $2,356,900. 

(The  receipts  exceeded'  the  amount  named  by  more  than  $100,000.) 

1921,  p.  57.  The -Assembly  express  its  opinion  that  the  Endow¬ 
ment  Fund  should  be  made  at  least  $2,500,000  as  soon  as  possible. 

1922,  p.  53.  Similar  action. 

835.  Annuities  to  families  of  deceased  missionaries 

1890,  p.  30.  Resolved,  That  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign 
Missions  be  directed  to  discontinue  the  payment  of  the  annual  pre¬ 
miums  on  each  of  the  eleven  missionaries  now  insured  in  the  “Relief 
Fund.”  And  in  order  that  some  provision  may  be  made  for  the 
family  of  a  missionary  who  may  die  in  the  service  of  the  Executive 
Committee,  leaving  a  widow,  or  a  widow  with  dependent  children, 
or  dependent  children  without  a  widow,  it  is  resolved  that  said  sur¬ 
vivors  of  such  deceased  missionary  shall  be  paid  the  following  an¬ 
nuities  for  the  period  of  six  years,  if  they  live  so  long.  Where  the 
deceased  leaves  onlv  a  widow,  she  shall  receive  $300;  and  in  case 


396 


Endowment  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


he  leaves  a  widow  and  dependent  children,  they  shall  receive  $400; 
and  if  he  leaves  only  dependent  children  and  no  widow,  they  shall 
receive  $300.  The  Executive  Committee  is  hereby  authorized  and 
directed  to  pay  said  annuities  out  of  the  funds  in  their  hands;  but 
if  the  deceased  missionary  already  has  an  interest  in  the  “Relief  Fund” 
procured  by  the  Executive  Committee,  the  amount  which  may  be 
received  by  said  survivors  from  said  fund  shall  be  reckoned  as  part 
of  said  annuity. 

P.  69.  In  the  report  of  the  Executive  Committee  here  given  is  found 
a  complete  history  of  the  “Relief  Fund',”  the  connection  of  our  mis¬ 
sionaries  with  the  same,  and  reasons  for  changing  the  plan  of  pro¬ 
vision  for  families  of  such  as  may  die  in  the  foreign  service. 

1908,  p.  37.  An  overture  asking  that  the  financial  policy  of 
Executive  Committee  touching  payment  of  annuities  be  changed, 
was  answered  in  the  negative. 

1915,  p.  36.  The  Assembly  endorsed  the  Executive  Committee’s 
purpose  to  put  into  more  general  use  the  Annuity  Plan. 

836.  Children  of  deceased  ministers  in  the  home  land 

1913,  p.  63.  In  reply  to  Overture  from  Presbytery  of  Ouachita, 
asking  the  Assembly  to  request  the  Executive  Committee  of  Chris¬ 
tian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  to  place  children  of  deceased 
ministers  in  the  home  land  who  are  without  financial  resources  on 
the  same  plane  of  educational  advantage  as  the  children  of  living 
foreign  missionaries,  who  receive  for  each  child  $200.00  per  annum, 
we  recommend  that  the  overture  be  answered  in  the  negative. 

837.  The  Stuart  Robinson  legacy 

1882,  p.  561.  The  late  Dr.  Stuart  Robinson  gave  $25,000,  as  a 
permanent  endowment  fund  for  this  cause,  on  condition  “that  the 
General  Assembly  shall  encourage  and  organize  an  effort  to  increase 
the  amount  to  one  hundred  thousand  dollars.”  The  General  Assem¬ 
bly  gratefully  accepted  this  large  donation  on  the  condition  specified, 
and  the  Executive  Committee  at  Baltimore  was  directed  to  take  such 
steps  as  in  their  judgment  might  seem  best  to  increase  this  fund  to 
the  specified  amount,  the  fund  to  be  called  the  “Stuart  Robinson 
Invalid  Endowment  Fund.” 

1884,  p.  234.  The  way  not  being  clear  to  enter  upon  such  an 
organized  effort  as  was  evidently  contemplated  by  this  venerable  ser¬ 
vant  of  God;  the  General  Assembly  withdrew  all  claim  to  this  be¬ 
quest,  and  directed  the  Stated  Clerk  to  communicate  this  action  to 
the  executor  of  Dr.  Robinson’s  will. 

838.  Benefit  fund 

1885,  p.  399.  Whereas  there  is  no  efficient  plan  in  our  Church 
for  the  relief  of  the  families  of  ministers  who  die  in  the  service  of 
the  Church;  and 


Secs.  835-839] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


397 


Whereas  the  vast  majority  of  our  beloved  ministers  receive  not 
more  than  a  bare  support,  and  are  therefore  unable  to  lay  by  any¬ 
thing  for  the  support  of  their  families  after  they  themselves  have 
been  called  to  rest;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  seven  ruling  elders  be  appointed, 
who  shall  consider  whether  a  practicable  system,  which  will  not 
interfere  with  collections  for  Invalid  Fund,  can  be  adopted,  by  which 
our  members  may  be  induced,  by  contributing  small  sums  at  stated 
times,  to  create  a  “Benefit  Fund”  to  be  paid  to  the  widow  of  every 
minister  who  may  die  after  such  system  is  adopted,  and  that  saidi 
committee  report  to  this  Assembly. 

P.  421.  The  report  of  this  committee,  after  being  discussed,  was 
iaid  on  the  table. 


IV.  Schools  and  Colleges 

839.  Church  and  Christian  Education 

1898,  p.  231.  The  special  committee  appointed  to  report  on  the 
overtures  with  references  to  Christian  education  in  schools  under 
Presbyterial  control,  recommended  the  appointment  of  an  ad  interim 
committee  in  pursuance  of  the  designs  indicated  in  the  overtures. 

1899,  p.  411.  This  ad  interim  Committee  reported  as  follows: 

While  expressing  its  appreciation  of  the  great  work  done  for  the 

cause  of  education  by  the  schools,  colleges  and  universities  supported 
and  controlled  by  civil  authorities,  by  philanthropists,  and  by  other 
religious  denominations,  and  urging  our  people  to  do  all  that  is 
expedient  to  throw  about  these  institutions  a  wholesome  Christian 
influence,  the  General  Assembly  does  not  consider  it  safe  for  any 
church  to  turn  over  to  any  other  parties,  either  religious  or  civil, 
the  entire  education  of  her  sons  and  daughters.  The  history  and 
traditions  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  this  and  other  countries 
amply  prove  that  denominational  fidelity  in  this  and  other  matters 
has  not  only  secured  the  best  results  for  our  church,  but  has  accom¬ 
plished  great  good  by  its  influence  on  all  others. 

The  General  Assembly  hails  with  delight  the  unmistakable  signs 
of  a  re-awakening,  not  in  our  church  only,  but  in  all  thd  evangelical 
churches,  to  the  great  importance  of  Christian  education. 

We  also  record  with  satisfaction  the  increasing  prosperity,  success 
and  usefulness  of  our  higher  institutions  of  learning,  male  and 
female,  under  direct  church  control  and  denominational  influence. 
We  also  hail  the  increasing  number  of  high  schools,  academies, 
grammar  schools  and  mission  schools,  which  have  more  or  less  of 
direct  church  control.  Therefore,  in  view  of  the  great  importance 
and  promise  of  earnest  effort  for  Church  and  Christian  education, 
we  do  recommend  that  all  our  Synods,  Presbyteries  and  church  Ses¬ 
sions  undertake  whatever  may  be  practicable  in  furtherance  of  this 
cause,  and  we  believe  that  very  much  may  be  done  along  denom¬ 
inational  lines  without  antagonizing  any  good  work  done  by  others. 

For  the  assistance  and  guidance  of  all  who  may  find  it  practicable 


398 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


from  time  to  time  to  found  and  support  schools  under  church  con¬ 
trol,  and  in  order  to  secure  uniformity  of  effort  and  example,  we  set 
forth  the  following  Constitution: 

Constitution  for  Presbyterian  Church  Schools 

( 1 )  A  school  founded  by  a  congregation,  or  by  two  more  con¬ 
tiguous  congregations,  shall  be  called  a  Westminster  School. 

(2)  The  sole  government  of  the  school  shall  be  in  the  hands 
of  a  Board  of  Trustees,  not  less  than  three  nor  more  than  six,  who 
shall  be  appointed  by  the  Session  or  Sessions  of  the  churches  found¬ 
ing  the  school  for  terms  of  one,  two  and  three  years,  and  the  Session 
or  Sessions  shall  fill  vacancies  as  they  occur,  electing  for  three- 
year  terms.  A  majority  of  the  Board  shall  constitute  a  quorum. 
The  Trustees  in  all  cases  must  be  male  communicants  in  the  Pres¬ 
byterian  Church. 

(3)  The  school  shall  be  limited  in  its  scope  and  design  to  pri¬ 
mary  and  preparatory  education  for  males  or  females  or  both. 

(4)  The  Bible  shall  be  used  as  a  text-book  throughout  the 
school  in  such  measure  and  proportion  as  the  Board  may  determine, 
so  as  to  make  the  school  distinctly  a  Christian  school,  and  the 
Standards  of  the  church,  especially  the  Shorter  Catechism,  also,  as 
far  as  it  may  be  found  practicable.  The  school  shall  be  opened 
each  day  with  suitable  devotional  exercises.  It  is  very  desirable  that 
the  pupils  be  trained  in  vocal  sacred  music. 

(5)  The  Board  of  Trustees  shall  elect  a  President,  Secretary  and 
Treasurer  from  their  own  number  annually,  and  shall  employ  such 
teachers  and  other  agencies  as  may  be  necessary. 

(6)  The  Board  shall  have  power  to  raise  and  disburse  moneys, 
and  to  hold  property  in  trust  for  the  furtherance  of  the  objects  of 
the  school,  and  when  necessary  may  secure  articles  of  incorporation. 

(7)  The  Board  shall  adopt  their  own  By-laws  subject  to  the 
limitations  of  this  Constitution,  which  Constitution  shall  be  of  the 
nature  of  fundamental  law  to  the  Board  in  the  execution  of  their 
trust. 

(8)  In  case  it  shall  ever  prove  desirable  to  secure  a  charter  of 
incorporation,  the  provisions  of  this  Constitution  shall  be  incorporated 
into  the  charter,  or  else  adopted  as  a  fixed  part  of  the  By-laws. 

(9)  In  founding,  developing  and  administering  the  school  the 
Board  shall  be  careful  not  to  incur  debt. 

(10)  This  Constitution  mutatis  mutandis  is  recommended  to  the 
Presbyteries  and  Synods  for  the  founding  of  educational  institutions 
of  any  grade. 

In  furtherance  of  this  cause  of  Church  and  Christian  Education, 
your  committee  would  recommend  to  the  Assembly  to  approve  and 
adopt  the  following  plan  of  organization  for  systematic  effort 
throughout  the  church,  which  plan  substantially  has  been  in  operation 
for  some  years  in  the  four  Synods  of  North  Carolina,  South  Caro¬ 
lina,  Georgia  and  Florida,  and  has  been  productive  of  excellent  re¬ 
sults  in  many  places,  to- wit: 


Sec.  839] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


399 


(1)  That  the  General  Assembly  appoint  a  Committee  on  Church 
and  Christian  Education,  and  urge  the  Synods  and  Presbyteries 
throughout  the  church  to  appoint  similar  committees,  the  duty  of  all 
which  committees  shall  be  to  gather  and  disseminate  information  and 
excite  interest  in  Church  and  Christian  Education  as  best  they  may, 
and  make  annual  reports  to  their  respective  bodies  on  this  subject. 
These  committees  ought  to  be  organized  as  Permanent  Committees 
similar  to  those  who  have  charge  of  other  departments  of  Christian 
work. 

(2)  The  Chairman  of  the  Assembly’s  Committee  shall  be  the 
organ  of  communication  with  the  Chairmen  of  the  several  Synodical 
and  Presbyterial  Committees. 

(3)  The  Assembly  urges  upon  the  ministers  under  its  charge 
to  preach  and  instruct  the  people  on  the  duty  and  necessity  of  pro¬ 
viding,  as  far  as  possible,  for  the  education  of  our  sons  and  daugh¬ 
ters,  giving  special  emphasis  to  the  cause  of  female  education. 

(4)  That  Synods,  Presbyteries,  Sessions,  officers  and  private 
members  of  the  church  be  exhorted  and  encouraged  to  provide,  in 
every  possible  way,  for  schools  both  primary  and  preparatory,  in 
which  the  Bible  shall  be  a  text-book. 

(5)  That  the  Presbyteries  are  urged  to  prepare  and  circulate 
pastoral  letters  on  this  subject  to  all  our  people. 

1904,  p.  38.  Our  Synods  and  Presbyteries  are  urged  to  active 
effort  in  increasing  the  endowment  and  equipment  of  our  Theologi¬ 
cal  Seminaries.  The  need  for  a  learned  and  thoroughly  furnished 
ministry  is  perpetual  and  always  urgent.  Our  Seminaries  need  full 
and  continually  expanding  equipment  in  the  way  of  new,  well  en¬ 
dowed  professorships,  libraries,  lectureships  and  fellowships,  to  en¬ 
courage  and  secure  profound  scholarship  in  all  branches  of  Biblical 
and  theological  learning.  Our  Church  needs  recognized  leaders  in 
the  world  of  scholars,  who  shall  be  faithful  and  skilful  exponents 
of  our  system  of  faith  and  policy,  and  able  to  hold  and  deepen  the 
love  and  loyalty  of  our  people,  command  the  respect  and  attention  of 
an  increasingly  intelligent  world,  and  extend  God’s  kingdom  by 
winning  souls  for  Christ. 

Presbyteries  and  Synods  are  urged  to  enlarge  and  strengthen  his¬ 
toric,  existing  collegiate  institutions  under  their  control,  so  that  our 
youth,  trained  in  them,  shall  not  be  inferior  in  culture  and  scholar¬ 
ship  to  the  graduates  of  other  colleges.  The  Assembly  would  not 
dictate  the  duties  of  the  lower  courts  with  respect  to  founding  such 
new  institutions  as  may  seem  necessary  to  enable  them  efficiently  to 
do  their  proper  work  of  spreading  the  Gospel  and  building  up  the 
Church,  but  would  emphasize  the  importance  of  ample  provision  for 
thorough  collegiate  scholarship  in  the  institutions  where  so  many  of 
our  candidates  for  the  ministry  are  trained. 

1905,  p.  30.  Your  Committee,  in  answer  to  the  overture  from 
the  Presbytery  of  Greenbrier,  touching,  first,  the  appointment  of  a 
General  Secretary  of  Church  and  Christian  Education;  second,  plac¬ 
ing  the  cause  on  our  regular  list  of  causes  for  Church  collections; 
third,  seeking  to  secure,  through  a  Secretary,  a  permanent  endow- 


400 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


* 


ment  fund  for  the  different  academies  and  colleges,  would  respect¬ 
fully  report,  recommending  that  the  whole  subject  matter  of  said 
overture  be  referred  to  an  ad  interim  committee  of  five  members,  to 
be  appointed  by  the  Moderator,  who  shall  report  to  the  next  Gentral 
Assembly. 

840.  Executive  Committee  of  Schools  and  Colleges  established 

1906,  p.  54.  I  he  report  of  the  above  ad  interim  committee  was 
referred  to  the  Standing  Committee  on  Church  and  Christian  Edu¬ 
cation.  This  Committee  made  the  following  recommendations, 
which  were  adopted: 

(a)  That  the  Assembly  give  to  the  department  of  Church  and 
Christian  Education  a  place  among  the  objects  of  its  systematic 
(beneficence. 

(b)  That  the  Assembly  appoint  two  Annual  Collections  for 
this  cause,  one  to  be  designated,  “The  Assembly’s  Collection  for 
Schools  and  Colleges,”  and  the  other,  “The  Synodical  Collection  for 
Schools  and  Colleges.” 

(c)  The  Assembly’s  Collection  shall  be  appointed  for  the  last 
Sabbath  in  December,  thus  taking  the  place  of  the  present  Assembly’s 
Collection  for  the  Fredericksburg  Home  and  School.  The  proceeds 
of  this  collection  are  to  be  applied  under  the  direction  of  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee,  to  the  following  objects:  (1)  The  Adequate  Main¬ 
tenance  and  Enlargement  of  the  Assembly’s  Home  and  School.  (2) 
'Hie  Administrative  Expenses  of  the  Executive  Committee  and  the 
Secretary  of  this  cause.  (3)  Should  there  be  sufficient  funds,  the 
support  of  other  educational  institutions  under  the  care  of  the  As¬ 
sembly. 

(d)  That  the  Assembly’s  Permanent  Committee  on  Church  and 
Christian  Education  be  discontinued,  and  superseded  by  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  on  Schools  and  Colleges,  and  that  the  Chairman, 
Rev.  Dr.  J.  B.  Shearer,  be  tendered  the  hearty  gratitude  of  the 
Assembly  for  the  long  service  which  has  at  last  borne  the  fruit  he 
long  looked  for  and  ardently  desired.  That  Dr.  Shearer  be  reim¬ 
bursed  out  of  the  Treasury  of  the  Assembly  for  any  expenses  incurred 
during  the  past  year  in  the  prosecution  of  committee  work. 

(e)  That  the  Committee  on  the  20th  Century  Fund  be  at  its 
own  request  discharged  and  thanked  for  its  service. 

(/)  That  we  congratulate  the  Alabama  College  for  Men  on  its 
gratifying  progress  and  bid  it  Godspeed  on  its  mission. 

( g )  The  Synodical  Collection  for  Schools  and  Colleges  shall  be 
appointed  for  the  third  Sabbath  of  March.  The  collection,  control 
and  distribution  of  the  proceeds  of  this  collection  are  to  remain  in 
the  hands  of  each  individual  Synod,  as  in  the  case  of  Synodical 
Home  Missions,  to  be  applied  to  the  maintenance  of  the  schools  and 
colleges  under  its  care. 

( h )  That  the  Assembly  elect  a  Secretary  of  Schools  and  Colleges 
and  appoint  an  Executive  Committee  for  the  same,  to  be  constituted 
as  follows:  Nine  members  appointed  by  the  Assembly,  preferably  in 


Sec.  840  j 


Schools  and  Colleges 


401 


easy  reach  of  the  office  of  the  Committee,  together  with  the  Chairmen 
of  the  Synodical  Committees  on  Church  and  Christian  Education, 
and  the  Superintendent  of  the  Assembly’s  Home  and  School,  as  cor¬ 
responding  members. 

(t)  That  the  headquarters  of  this  Executive  Committee  be  fixed 
at  Atlanta,  Ga. 

(j)  That  the  Assembly  members  be  the  following: 

To  serve  for  a  term  of  one  year,  B.  I.  Hughes,  Rome,  Ga;  C.  E. 
Graham,  Greenville,  S.  C.;  and  T.  H.  Rice,  Atlanta,  Ga.  For  two 
years,  T.  W.  Sloan,  Greenville,  S.  C. ;  J.  G.  Patton,  Decatur,  Ga. ; 
and  J.  J.  Eagan,  Atlanta,  Ga.  For  three  years,  S.  M.  Inman,  At¬ 
lanta,  Ga. ;  F.  H.  Gaines,  Decatur,  Ga. ;  and  M.  A.  Candler,  De¬ 
catur,  Ga. 

( k )  That  the  Assembly  elect  as  Secretary  for  three  years,  Rev. 
Geo.  H.  Cornelson,  of  Concord,  N.  C.,  the  salary  to  be  fixed  by 
the  Executive  Committee.  The  Secretary’s  term  of  office  shall  begin 
this  year  on  October  1. 

Rev.  Dr.  Cornelson  declined  to  accept,  then  Rev.  Dr.  R.  E.  Vinson 
was  chosen  but  declined.  In  1909,  Rev.  Dr.  Wm.  E.  Boggs,  was  secured 
for  the  position. 

( l )  That  the  Executive  Committee  be  instructed  to  meet  some 
time  during  the  first  week  in  October  to  organize  and  take  up  the 
work. 

( m )  That  the  necessary  expenses  of  their  first  meeting  be  met 
out  of  the  Assembly’s  Treasury,  and  that  the  Treasurer  be  authorized 
to  pay  the  same  upon  the  order  of  the  Chairman  of  the  Executive 
Committee. 

(w)  That  to  the  Executive  Committee  be  left  the  finding  of 
funds  for  the  additional  running  expenses  of  the  work  until  the 
December  collection  comes  in. 

1907,  p.  59.  The  Assembly  instructed  its  Executive  Committee — 

(1)  To  make  a  thorough  study  of  present  conditions  and  move¬ 
ments  in  our  educational  work,  and  a  similar  study  of  the  conditions 
and  movements  in  educational  work  in  general,  and  put  the  results  of 
their  investigations  in  such  form  as  will  make  them  practically 
available  for  the  information  of  our  people. 

(2)  To  endeavor  with  prudence  and  by  correspondence  with 
those  actually  entrusted  with  the  educational  work  of  our  Church 
to  create  and  secure  common  assent  to  true  educational  standards. 

(3)  To  use  their  endeavors  to  pave  the  way  for  the  unifying 
of  our  educational  work  by  a  proper  correlation  of  secondary  and 
higher  education. 

(4)  To  encourage  the  planting  of  schools  at  strategic  points 
within  our  bounds. 

(5)  To  create  a  literature  of  Christian  education  for  our  Church 
defining  Christian  education;  showing  the  needs  for,  and  the  fruits 
of  such  education;  and  giving  such  information  as,  in  their  judg¬ 
ment,  will  tend  to  advance  the  interest  of  this  great  cause. 

(6)  To  use  all  of  the  endeavors  that  Christian  wisdom  and 


402 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


prudence  may  devise  for  keeping  our  institutions  distinctly  Christian. 

(7)  To  devise  measures  for  building  up  an  intelligent  and 
liberal  clientele  for  our  denominational  education,  who  will  have  its 
interests  specially  at  heart;  and  to  secure  a  large  collection  annually 
for  this  cause,  arranging  to  have  the  cause  presented  by  all  of  our 
pastors  to  their  respective  churches. 

The  following  persons  were  elected  (members  of  the  Executive 
Committee  for  a  term  of  three  years,  to  take  the  places  of  Messrs. 

B.  I.  Hughes,  C.  E.  Graham  and  T.  H.  Rice,  whose  term  of  service 
expires  with  this  Assembly,  to- wit: 

Messrs.  B.  I.  Hughes,  Rome,  Ga. ;  C.  E.  Graham,  Greenville,  S. 

C.  and  W.  L.  Lingle,  Atlanta,  Ga.,  the  last  named  person  to  be  the 
Chairman  of  the  Committee. 

The  Assembly  re-affirmed  the  following  actions  included  in  the 
report  of  its  Standing  Committee  of  1906. 

1.  The  Assembly’s  collection  shall  be  appointed  for  the  third 
Sabbath  in  September. 

The  proceeds  of  this  collection  are  to  be  applied  under  the  di¬ 
rection  of  the  Executive  Committee  to  the  following  objects,  to-wit: 

(a)  The  administrative  expense  of  the  Executive  Committee  and 
the  Secretary  of  this  cause. 

( b )  And,  should  there  be  funds  over  and  above  such  as  are  re¬ 
quired  for  the  purpose  just  mentioned,  to  the  educational  institu¬ 
tions  under  the  care  of  the  Assembly. 

2.  The  Synodical  collection  for  Schools  and  Colleges  shall  be 
appointed  for  the  third  Sabbath  in  March.  The  collection,  control 
and  distribution  of  the  proceeds  of  this  collection,  are  to  remain  in 
the  hands  of  each  individual  Synod,  as  in  the  case  of  the  collection 
for  Synodical  Home  Missions,  to  be  applied  to  the  maintenance  of 
the  schools  and  colleges  under  its  care,  whether  Presbyterial  or 
Synodical. 

Forward  Movement 

1909,  p.  58.  The  Assembly  directs  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Schools  and  Colleges  to  consider  the  feasibility  of  inaugurating  a 
forward  movement  in  behalf  of  our  church  schools  with  a  view  to 
their  more  complete  endowment  and  maintenance,  and  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  is  authorized,  if  the  way  be  clear,  to  enter  at  once 
upon  the  prosecution  of  such  a  forward  movement  among  our  Pres¬ 
byterian  people. 

841.  Twentieth  Century  Fund 

1900,  p.  639.  Overtures  from  the  Presbytery  of  Louisville  and 
from  L.  H.  Blanton,  J.  I.  Vance  and  others,  praying  the  Assembly  to 
undertake  to  raise  $1,000,000  for  the  permanent  work  of  the  church 
to  be  known  as  the  Twentieth  Century  Fund. 

Answer :  We  recommend,  first,  that  the  Assembly  heartily  endorse 
the  general  scheme  proposed  in  these  overtures,  and  appoint  a  com¬ 
mittee  after  the  manner  recommended,  to  inaugurate  the  movement  and 


Secs.  840-841] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


403 


have  general  management  and  oversight  of  it,  which  committee  shall 
have  power  to  fill  vacancies  which  may  occur  before  the  next  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly;  to  elect  a  Treasurer,  and  to  pay  out  of  the  funds 
coming  into  his  hands  all  legitimate  expenses  which  the  committee 
may  incur  in  the  prosecution  of  its  work,  and  shall  make  reports 
to  each  succeeding  Assembly  until  it  be  discharged. 

2.  The  object  of  the  fund  shall  be  to  promote  and  put  upon  a 
surer  basis  the  cause  of  Christian  Education;  to  endow  and  equip 
more  fully  our  theological  seminaries,  our  schools,  colleges  and 
other  institutions  of  learning,  both  for  males  and  females;  and  to 
found  such  new  institutions  of  similar  character  as  may  seem  ad¬ 
visable. 

3.  The  movement  shall  in  nowise  interfere  with  or  displace  plans 
that  are  now  in  operation  in  different  parts  of  the  church,  looking 
to  the  same  end,  but  shall  rather  seek  to  unify  all  these  local  efforts 
and  to  stimulate  and  encourage  them  through  sympathetic  co-opera- 
ion,  either  in  our  own  land  or  the  foreign  field. 

4.  Each  Synod  or  Presbytery  or  division  of  the  church  co-operat¬ 
ing  in  the  movement  may  employ  such  agencies  as  it  deems  wise, 
choose  the  institution  or  institutions  for  which  its  funds  shall  be 
raised,  and  have  entire  control  and  direction  of  such  funds,  but  mak¬ 
ing  reports  of  them  to  the  committee  appointed  by  the  Assembly.  All 
money  coming  directly  into  the  hands  of  the  committee’s  Treasurer 
shall  be  distributed  according  to  the  judgment  of  the  committee  or 
the  wishes  of  the  donors. 

5.  The  Assembly  recommends  to  the  several  Synods  to  appoint 
each  a  committee  of  three  to  co-operate  with  the  Assembly’s  com¬ 
mittee. 

6.  The  Assembly  earnestly  calls  upon  all  its  Synods,  Presbyteries, 
Sessions  and  members  to  co-operate  heartily  in  this  movement,  and 
to  signalize  the  opening  of  the  new  century  by  a  great  advance  in 
this  all-important  branch  of  the  church’s  work.  Adopted. 

1902,  p.  283.  Ten  Synods  have  undertaken  to  raise  in  behalf  of 
Christian  Education  the  sum  of  $1,720,000,  and  the  sum  of  $423,- 
000,  or  nearly  25  per  cent,  of  the  amount  desired,  has  been  already 
secured.  Moreover,  one  theological  seminary,  one  college  and  six 
academies  have  been  established,  and  four  colleges  and  three  acad¬ 
emies  have  been  projected.  Several  new  Westminster  schools  have 
been  organized,  and  some  old  schools  have  been  reorganized.  The 
Day  School  has  been  made  a  part  of  the  Home  Mission  work  in 
some  of  the  Presbyteries,  and  in  some  places  the  public  schools  are 
opened  with  the  reading  of  the  Bible  and  with  prayer. 

In  view  of  these  facts,  The  Assembly  expressed  its  sense  of  grat¬ 
ification  because  of  the  general  campaign  just  opening  in  behalf  of 
both  public  and  Christian  education  in  the  Southern  States. 

The  Assembly  expressed  its  very  deep  sense  of  gratification  be¬ 
cause  of  the  signal  degree  of  success  that  has  marked  the  movement 
in  our  church  in  behalf  of  the  Twentieth  Century  Fund  for  Chris¬ 
tian  Education. 

The  Assembly  reaffirmed  its  belief  that  our  Synods  and  Presbv- 


404 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


teries  and  congregations  must  bend  every  energy  to  maintain  and  ex¬ 
tend  the  system  of  Christian  education  established  by  the  founders 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  To  this  end  the  support  and  patronage 
of  this  Assembly  will  be  given  only  to  those  academies  and  colleges 
in  which  Biblical  and  spiritual  instruction  are  combined  with  the 
usual  courses  of  study  in  classical,  scientific  and  literary  subjects. 

1903,  p.  505.  Upon  the  request  of  the  chairman  of  the  Permanent 
Committee  on  the  Twentieth  Century  Fund,  the  committee  was  dis¬ 
charged,  and  a  committee,  composed  of  one  representative  from 
each  Synod  was  appointed. 

[The  members  of  this  committee  were  urged  to  collect  all  data 
bearing  upon  this  work  in  their  respective  Synods,  and  forward  the 
same  to  the  chairman  in  time  for  the  meeting  of  the  Assembly;  and 
the  committee  was  instructed  to  aid  the  Synodical  and  Presbyterial 
committees  in  their  efforts  to  carry  on  this  work. 

1902,  p.  37.  In  paid  and  pledged  subscriptions  about  $558,589 
has  been  secured  for  the  Twentieth  Century  Fund,  divided  as 
follows,  viz.:  Amounts  paid,  $85,175;  pledges,  $473,414. 

These  moneys  are  mainly  in  the  form  of  pledges  for  the  endowment 
of  existing  institutions.  President  W.  E.  Mcllwain  has  secured 
pledges  of  $45,000  for  the  proposed  Synodical  College  of  Alabama, 
and  $14,000  for  the  Alabama  College  for  Women.  A  considerable 
sum  has  been  given  for  mission  schools  in  connection  with  evange¬ 
listic  work. 

The  w7ork  done  in  the  Synod  of  Texas,  under  the  leadership  of 
Dr.  T.  R.  Sampson,  developing  and  unifying  a  system  of  Synodical 
institutions,  is  marked  by  commendable  zeal.  The  affiliation  of 
the  five  institutions  under  Synodical  control  gives  promise  of  good 
results,  which  we  hope  will  be  realized. 

The  endorsement  and  support  of  the  scheme  adopted  in  Texas,  has 
borne  fruit,  in  the  raising  of  $220,000  within  the  past  three  years. 

1905,  p  42.  Your  Committee  on  the  Twentieth  Century  Fund 
begs  leave  to  report  that  gratifying  progress  has  been  made  in  some 
of  the  Synods  of  our  Church  in  the  work  of  securing  funds  to  be 
used  in  behalf  of  Christian  Education. 

The  Synod  of  Texas  sent  in  last  year  its  admirable  report  con¬ 
cerning  work  already  accomplished  and  plans  for  the  future.  No 
additional  details  can  now  be  added  to  that  report. 

The-  Synod  of  Louisiana  owns  the  Silliman  Collegiate  Institute, 
and  has  taken  steps  to  inaugurate  a  school  among  the  French  popula¬ 
tion  within  its  bounds. 

The  Synod  of  Missouri  makes  the  following  report  of  progress 
concerning  this  work  during  the  year  ending  May,  1905: 


Westminster  College,  pledges  for  endowment . $15', 450  00 

Westminster  College,  pledges  for  immediate  needs....  4,640  00 

Gifts  for  current  expenses .  801  46 

Synodical  Female  College .  2,500  00 

Elmwood  Seminary .  500  00 

Endowment  for  new  school  in  the  Ozark  mountains ....  4,000  00 


Total . $27,891  46 


Secs.  841-843] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


405 


In  the  Synod  of  South  Carolina  gratifying  success  has  marked 
the  effort  to  increase  the  endowment  of  the  Presbyterian  College  of 
South  Carolina.  Steps  have  been  taken  also  to  bring  Chicora 
College  under  Presbyterian  control. 

In  the  Synod  of  North  Carolina  the  sum  of  $168,000  has  been 
pledged,  through  the  general  and  special  agencies  at  work;  of  this 
amount  about  $90,000  in  cash  has  been  paid  in.  This  result  shows 
that  nearly  three-fifths  of  the  $300,000  assumed  by  this  Synod  as 
its  portion  of  the  General  Assembly’s  Educational  Fund  has  been 
already  pledged. 

1906,  p.  54.  The  Committee  on  the  20th  Century  Fund  was  at 
its  own  request  discharged  and  thanked  for  its  service  (its  work 
being  transferred  to  the  Executive  Committee  on  Schools  and  Col¬ 
leges). 


842.  Maryville  College 

1870,  p.  510.  Your  committee  has  received  a  statement  from 
Hon.  Jesse  G.  Wallace  in  relation  to  Maryville  College,  an  insti¬ 
tution  founded  for  the  training  of  students  for  the  ministry,  formerly 
under  the  control  of  the  United  Synod,  which  we  herewith  sub¬ 
mit,  and  recommend  that  it  be  referred  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly,  with  instructions  to  investigate  the  claim  therein 
mentioned,  and  to  take  such  steps  as  to  them  may  seem  expedient  and 
proper  to  assert  and  secure  the  rights  of  this  General  Assembly  in 
the  premises.  Adopted. 

'1872,  p.  210.  It  appears  that  the  college  was  founded  in  1819 
by  the  Synod  of  Tennessee,  and  at  first  was  called  the  Southern 
and  Western  Theological  Seminary,  afterwards  Maryville  College. 
It  seems  to  have  been  incorporated,  having  a  Constitution  which  was 
adopted  by  the  said  Synod,  one  of  the  provisions  of  which  was,  that 
the  Trustees  and  Professors  should  be  members  in  full  communion 
in  the  Presbyterian  Church.  The  Board  of  Trustees  consists  of 
thirty-six  members,  two-thirds  ministers  and  one-third  laymen.  The 
said  Synod  has  the  sole  power  of  appointing  the  Trustees.  It  seems 
that  the  legal  right  to  the  property  is  in  the  Synod  of  Tennessee,  or 
the  Trustees  appointed  by  the  said  Synod;  that  our  Church  never 
has  had,  and  is  not  likely  to  have,  any  right  to  the  property. 


843.  Sayre  Female  Institute 

1870,  p.  5*23.  A  memorial  from  David  A.  Sayre,  Esq.,  of  Ken¬ 
tucky,  was  presented  and  referred  to  a  committee. 

P.  526.  This  committee  made  a  report,  which  was  adopted,  and  is 
as  follows: 

Resolved,  That  the  prayer  of  the  memorialist  be  granted;  and 
that  this  Assembly  does  hereby  give  its  sanction  and  approval  of  the 
said  deed  of  April  20th,  1870;  and  orders  that,  for  convenience  of 
reference  to  the  facts  upon  which  this  action  is  based,  said  memorial, 
with  the  acts  of  the  Legislature  and  the  deeds  and  certificates  ac- 


406  Education  and  Relief  [Book  IV 

companying  the  same,  be  published  in  the  Appendix  to  the  Minutes 
of  the  Assembly. 

Resolved,  That  this  action  is  not  to  be  understood  as  in  any  way 
committing  the  Assembly  to  all  or  any  of  the  statements  of  said 
memorial  touching  the  divisions  of  the  Church,  or  the  healing  of  those 
divisions  past  or  prospective;  but  simply  as  the  expression  of  a 
desire  on  the  part  of  the  Assembly  not  to  trammel  or  restrain 
the  memorialist  in  the  control  of  an  institution  sustained  in  part  at 
least,  by  his  own  funds. 

This  action  is  not  so  expressed  as  to  convey  an  idea  of  what  was 
contemplated.  The  facts  were  these:  Mr.  D.  A.  Sayre,  in  July,  1860, 
conveyed  to  trustees  certain  property  in  Lexington,  Ky.,  for  the 
purposes  of  a  female  institute.  This  institute  was  chartered  by 
the  Legislature  in  1856,  and  its  charter  was  amended  in  1861  and 
1870.  The  deed  was  designed  to  secure  the  use  and  benefit  of  the 
institute  to  the  Presbyterian  Church,  described  in  the  deed  as  “succes¬ 
sors  of  the  Rochester  Assembly,”  i.  e.,  the  Old  School  Church. 

In  the  opinion  of  Mr.  Sayre  the  purposes  of  said  deed  were  in  danger 
of  being  defeated  by  the  ecclesiastical  changes  that  had  taken  place 
in  the  Presbyterian  Church  since  its  execution.  Both  Northern  and 
Southern  Assemblies  might  claim  to  be  such  successors.  To  prevent 
this  result,  and  place  the  institution  which  he  had  founded  in  such  a 
position  that  it  would  be  free  from  danger  of  litigation,  he  executed, 
in  April,  1870,  a  second  deed.  By  this  he  made  the  Board  of  Trustees 
self-perpetuating,  stipulating,  however,  that  two-thirds  of  the  number 
of  trustees,  must  be  members  of  some  Presbyterian  church  in  Fayette 
county,  Ky.,  and  that  the  principal  of  the  institute  should  be  a  member 
of  some  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States.  Mr.  Sayre  thought 
that  this  action  would  eventually  secure  the  benefits  of  the  institute 
to  the  Presbyerian  Church,  and  while  it  removed  the  school  from 
ecclesiastical  control,  would  unite  both  sides  of  the  Church  in  its 
support.  The  object  of  the  memorial,  which  was  sent  to  both  Northern 
and  Southern  Assemblies,  was  to  request  the  Assemblies  to  relinquish 
any  rights  of  property  which,  by  any  construction  of  his  first  deed, 
might  be  vested  in  them.  As  seen  above,  the  Southern  Assembly  at 
once  granted  the  request.  The  Northern  Assembly  declined  ©r 
neglected  to  take  similar  action.  After  Mr.  Sayre’s  death  the  memo¬ 
rial  to  the  Northern  Church  was  renewed  by  his  nephew,  but  it  was 
not  granted. 

The  time  within  which  it  would  have  been  possible  to  contest  the 
deed  of  Mr.  D.  A.  Sayre  has  passed,  and  the  last  deed  must  now  stand. 
Both  memorials  were  accompanied  by  a  promise  to  endow  the  insti¬ 
tution  in  the  additional  sum  of  $20,000,  if  the  memorial  should  be 
granted  by  both  Assemblies. — A. 


844..  Tranfer  of  La  Grange  College 

1901,  p.  52%  On  the  transfer  of  the  La  Grange  Synodical  Col¬ 
lege  by  the  Synod  of  Memphis  to  the  Presbyteries  of  Memphis, 
Western  District,  North  Mississippi  and  Chickasaw,  and  their 
successors,  your  committee  recommend  that  this  Assembly,  being 
empowered,  authorized  and  requested  to  do  so,  do  now  confirm, 
approve  and  ratify  the  transfer  of  the  said  La  Grange  Synodical 
College,  its  property,  assets,  effects,  rights  and  claims,  by  the  said 
Synod  of  Memphis  to  the  Presbyteries  of  Memphis,  Western  District, 
North  Mississippi  and  Chickasaw,  and  their  successors,  and  that 


Secs.  843-847] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


407 


the  trustees  named  in  the  article  of  transfer  hereby  submitted  as  a 
part  of  this  report,  be  and  are  hereby  empowered,  authorized  and 
directed  to  take  all  necessary  steps  to  transfer  and  vest  the  title  to 
said  college,  as  requested. 

845.  King  College 

1912,  p.  70-d.  The  invitation  from  the  president  of  King  College, 
in  this  city,  to  the  members  of  the  Assembly,  to  attend  the  laying  of 
the  corner-stone  of  the  Alumni  and  Old  Students  building  at  5  :30 
this  afternoon,  was  accepted. 

1912,  p.  70-g.  The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  United  States,  in  session  at  Bristol,  Tenn.,  impressed  with 
the  strategic  location  of  King  College,  and  of  its  potential  import¬ 
ance  in  the  center  of  a  rapidly  developing  section,  and  among  people 
from  whom  have  come  some  of  our  most  useful  leaders;  and  pro¬ 
foundly  grateful  for  the  immense  contribution  this  college  has  already 
made  to  our  Church,  would  record  its  appreciation  of  the  institution, 
and  commend  it  most  heartily  and  earnestly  to  the  sympathies, 
prayers,  and  benefactions  of  the  Church  at  large,  and  of  all  people 
who  are  interested  in  Christian  education. 

846.  Funds  from  the  will  of  William  Workman 

1914,  p.  78.  “The  Synod  of  Kentucky,  in  session  at  Lebanon, 
Ky.,  October  16,  1913,  respectfully  overtures  the  General  Assembly, 
to  meet  in  Kansas  City,  Missouri,  May,  21,  1914,  to  instruct  the 
Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Southern  Presbyterian 
Church  to  transfer  to  the  Lees  Collegiate  Institute  the  interest  aris¬ 
ing  from  any  funds  which  may  be  in  their  hands  from  the  will  of 
William  Workman,  formerly  of  Bath  County,  Ky.,  the  interest  of 
which  is  now  used  for  the  benefit  of  Central  University,  of  Danville, 
Ky.” 

From  information  that  has  come  into  the  hands  of  your  Auditing 
Committee,  we  recommend  that  this  matter  be  referred  back  to  the 
Synod  of  Kentucky  without  action  on  the  part  of  this  Assembly. 

847.  Secular  Education 

1867,  p.  150.  The  following  paper,  offered  by  the  Rev.  Dr. 
J.  A.  Lyon,  was  referred  to  the  Presbyteries,  with  direction  to  report 
on  the  subject  to  the  next  General  Assembly: 

Whereas  the  Presbyterian  Church  has  at  all  times  been  distin¬ 
guished  for  the  high  degree  of  mental  culture  of  its  ministers  and 
people,  an  honorable  precedence  which  it  will  be  commendable  for 
us  to  try  still  to  maintain;  therefore, 

Resolved ,  1,  That  in  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly  it  comes  clear¬ 
ly  within  the  province  of  the  organized  Church  of  God  to  look  after 
the  mental,  as  well  as  the  moral,  culture  of  the  people  of  God,  with 
the  view  to  their  highest  attainment  in  active,  vital  piety. 


408 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


2.  That,  in  view  of  this  fact,  this  Assembly  deems  it  of  the  utmost 
importance  that  the  Church  elevate  its  standard  of  learning  and 
widen  its  domain  in  prosecuting  the  educational  interests  of  the 
people  over  whom  it  exerts  a  controlling  influence. 

3.  That  this  Assembly  request  the  Presbyteries  throughout  the 
bounds  of  the  Church  to  take  this  subject  into  consideration  at  their 
next  regular  meetings,  and  report  their  action  to  the  next  General 
Assembly. 

1868,  p.  266.  The  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures,  to  which 
were  referred  the  answers  of  Presbyteries  to  the  overture  on  Educa¬ 
tion  sent  down  by  the  last  Assembly,  report  that  replies  have  been 
received  from  twenty-two  Presbyteries.  The  object  understood  to 
be  aimed  at  in  the  overture  of  the  Assembly  is  embodied  in  a  me¬ 
morial  from  the  Presbytery  of  Tombeckbee,  contained  in  their  reply, 
as  follows: 

“Resolved,  That  this  Presbytery  hereby  memorialize  the  General 
Assembly  to  take  the  initiative  at  once  in  establishing  a  great  central 
institution  of  learning,  under  its  supervision  and  control,  in  which 
the  whole  Church  shall  be  united,  and  in  which  the  youth  of  the 
Church  shall  be  trained  and  qualified  to  become  intelligent  office¬ 
bearers  in  the,  Church  of  God,  whilst  at  the  same  time  they  may 
pursue  the  different  professions  and  callings  in  life. 

The  memorializing  Presbytery,  and  one  other,  have  recommended 
the  establishment  of  such  an  institution.  Of  the  other  Presbyteries 
seven  deny  the  right  of  the  Church  to  engage  in  the  work  of  secular 
education,  thirteen  declare  that  it  is  inexpedient  to  undertake  such 
an  enterprise,  and  one  simply  affirms  the  resolutions  sent  down  by 
the  Assembly. 

In  view  of  the  above  facts,  and  in  view  of  the  fact  that  twenty-six 
Presbyteries  have  not  responded  to  this  overture,  the  committee  re¬ 
commend  the  adoption  of  the  following  resolutions: 

,1.  That  the  whole  matter  be  indefinitely  postponed. 

2.  That  our  people  be  urged  to  establish  and  encourage  schools 
and  colleges  under  Presbyterial  influence,  and  be  earnestly  advised 
not  to  send  their  children  to  schools  where  they  are  likely  to  be 
estranged  from  their  own  Church. 

848.  The  necessity  of  Christian  Schools 

1911,  p.  53.  We  are  of  the  mind,  that  special  and  unremitting 
effort  should  be  made,  first  of  all  to  awaken  the  Church  to  the 
great  necessity  of  Christian  schools.  The  alarming  tendency  towards 
the  secularization  of  education,  calls  for  such  effort  with  imperious 
voice.  The  unification  and,  if  possible,  the  correlation  of  our  schools 
should  be  brought  about.  Some  intelligent  and  persistent  plan  should 
be  pursued,  by  which  the  standardization  of  all  our  schools  may  be 
gradually  secured. 

1912,  p.  20.  The  Assembly  met  and  engaged  in  a  public  meeting 
in  the  interest  of  Schools  and  Colleges.  After  devotional  exercises, 
addresses  were  made  by  Secretary  W.  E.  Boggs,  D.  D.,  and  Rev. 
A.  D.  P.  Gilmour,  D.  D.,  on  the  “Denominational  College.” 


Sec.  848] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


409 


These  addresses  were  referred  to  the  Standing  Committee  on 
Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief.  It  was  ordered  that 
the  address  of  Dr.  Gilmour  on  the  “Denominational  College”  be 
printed  in  pamphlet  form  for  distribution. 


Presbyterian  Educational  Association  of  the  South 

1913,  p.  63.  In  answer  to  Overture  from  Secretary  T.  P.  Junkin 
and  others  representing  the  Conference  on  Education  meeting  in 
Atlanta,  we  recommend  that  an  Ad-Interim  Committee,  composed 
of  the  Executive  Secretary  of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial 
Relief  as  Chairman,  and  one  member  from  each  of  the  Synods,  be 
appointed  to  consider  all  matters  relating  to  the  discovery,  definition, 
co-ordination  and  allied  questions  of  the  schools  and  colleges  con¬ 
nected  with  our  Church.  That  this  Committee  call  the  Christian 
educators  of  these  schools  and  colleges  into  conference  with  them¬ 
selves  at  Montreat,  N.  C.,  during  July  or  August  of  this  year,  to 
discuss  matters  coming  under  the  purview  of  this  Committee,  and 
that  this  Committee  report  its  findings,  with  or  without  recommen¬ 
dations,  to  the  General  Assembly  of  1914. 

1913,  p.  68.  The  Moderator  appointed  the  following  Committee: 

Rev.  Henry  H.  Sweets,  D.  D.,  Chairman  (or  Temporary  Chair¬ 
man),  Kentucky;  Rev.  J.  I.  Norris,  D.  D.,  Arkansas;  Rev.  Lynn 
R.  Walker,  D.  D.,  Florida;  Rev.  F.  H.  Gaines,  D.  D.,  Georgia; 
Rev.  George  H.  Comelson,  D.  D.,  Louisiana;  Dr.  J.  R.  Dobyns, 
Mississippi;  Dr.  George  H.  Denny,  Alabama;  Prof.  D.  S.  Gage, 
Missouri;  Prof.  W.  B.  Morrison,  Oklahoma;  Dr.  W.  J.  Martin, 
North  Carolina;  Prof.  A.  E.  Spencer,  South  Carolina;  Dr.  Wm. 
Dinwiddie,  Tennessee;  Rev.  R.  E.  Vinson,  D.  D.,  Texas;  Dr.  Henry 
Louis  Smith,  Virginia. 

1914,  p.  31.  The  report  of  the  Ad-Interim  Committee  appointed 
to  hold  a  conference  on  Christian  Education  was  read  by  the  Chair¬ 
man,  Rev.  H.  H.  Sweets,  D.  D.  (See  Appendix.)  It  was  referred 
to  the  Standing  Committee  on  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial 
Relief. 

1914,  p.  72.  This  Committee  called  a  conference  of  our  Presby¬ 
terian  educators  at  Montreat.  The  conference  was  largely  attended 
and  spent  about  two  full  days  in  earnest  and  prayerful  discussion 
and  deliberation,  and  endorsed  every  action  with  almost  unanimous 
voice.  The  Committee’s  report  has  the  signature  of  every  member 
and  is  presented  to  the  Assembly  with  a  recommendation  that  it  be 
adopted  and  put  into  effect  as  speedily  as  possible.  The  report  is 
printed  in  the  Appendix  to  the  Minutes  of  this  Assembly. 

1914,  p.  80.  The  Moderator  appointed  the  following  Ad-Interim 
Committee  on  Christian  Education: 

Henry  H.  Sweets,  Louisville,  Ky. ;  alternate,  J.  M.  Spencer, 
Lexington,  Ky. 

E.  D.  McDougall,  Anniston,  Ala.;  alternate,  T.  P.  Walton,  Tal¬ 
ladega,  Ala. 


410  Education  and  Relief  [Book  IV 

John  Van  Lear,  Little  Rock,  Ark.;  alternate,  J.  P.  Robertson, 
Batesville,  Ark. 

L,  R.  Walker,  De  Funiak  Springs,  Fla.;  alternate,  W.  H.  Dodge, 
Ocala,  Fla. 

F.  H.  Gaines,  Decatur,  Ga.;  alternate,  J.  K.  Coit,  Sautee,  Ga. 

G.  H.  Cornelson,  Jr.;  New  Orleans,  La.;  alternate,  H.  H.  Brownlee, 
Clinton,  La. 

M.  E.  Melvin,  Port  Gibson,  Miss. ;  alternate,  R.  V.  Lancaster, 
Jackson,  Miss. 

D.  S.  Gage,  Fulton,  Mo.;  alternate,  L.  I.  McQueen,  Fulton,  Mo. 

W.  J.  Martin,  Davidson,  N.  C.;  alternate,  W.  F.  Hollingsworth, 
Glade  Valley,  N.  C. 

W.  B.  Morrison,  Durant,  Okla. ;  alternate,  J.  M.  Clark,  Shawnee, 
Okla. 

A.  E.  Spencer,  Clinton,  S.  C. ;  alternate,  S.  C.  Byrd,  Greenville,  S.  C. 

Wm.  Dinwiddie,  Clarksville,  Tenn. ;  alternate,  Tilden  Scherer, 
Bristol,  Tenn. 

R.  E.  Vinson,  Austin,  Texas;  alternate,  H.  C.  Evans,  Milford, 
Texas. 

H.  T.  Graham,  Hampden  Sidney,  Va. ;  alternate,  W.  W.  Moore, 
Richmond,  Va. 

D.  P.  McGeachy,  Lewisburg,  W.  Va. ;  alternate,  R.  C.  Somerville, 
Lewisburg,  W.  Va. 

The  following  resolution  was  adopted: 

1916,  p.  58.  Recognizing  and  affirming  Christian  Education  to  be, 
at  this  time  and  for  the  immediate  future,  one  of  the  most  vital  and 
far-reaching  problems  before  American  Protestantism,  and  viewing 
with  deep  apprehension  the  critical  condition  of  this  phase  of  our 
work  in  many  of  our  Synods,  the  Assembly  directs  the  Executive 
Committee  to  make  an  earnest  and  persistent  effort  to  put  into  effect 
the  comprehensive  program  outlined  on  pages  20  and  21  of  the 
Annual  Report  for  1916,  which  is  printed  in  full  in  Assembly’s 
minutes  for  this  year,  p.  129.  (See  below.) 

The  Assembly  therefore  calls  upon  Synods  and  Presbyteries  to 
give  earnest  attention  to  the  immediate  development  of  their  respective 
educational  institutions,  so  that  these  may  be  able  to  meet  the  increas¬ 
ing  and  urgent  requirements  of  the  present  day. 

Inasmuch  as  many  Presbyteries  and  Synods  are  now  in  the  midst 
of  campaigns  for  funds  that  will  enable  their  institutions  to  meet  the 
standards  fixed  by  the  Assembly,  and  inasmuch  as  the  year  1917 
has  also  been  set  by  the  Assembly  for  a  great  forward  movement  along 
educational  lines  as  an  appropriate  participation  in  the  Luther 
Celebration  of  that  year,  we  therefore  postpone  the  date  at  which  the 
above  mentioned  standards  are  to  become  effective  from  September, 
1916,  to  September,  1917,  and  urge  a  general,  united,  and  aggressive 
campaign  in  all  Presbyteries  to  this  end. 

1916,  p.  129.  These  are  some  of  the  tasks  before  us — some  of 
which  must  be  completed  by  September,  1917: 

I.  To  complete  the  organization  of  the  educational  forces  in  each 
one  of  the  Synods.  The  Church  has  fully  determined  to  enter  upon 


Sec.  848] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


411 


a  quite  far-reaching  educational  campaign.  Amazing  progress  has 
already  been  made  along  this  line  in  many  of  the  Synods.  The 
others  are  in  a  fair  way  to  successful  co-operation. 

2.  To  awaken  our  people  to  the  vast  importance  of  Christian 
Education.  John  R.  Mott  in  his  book,  “Strategic  Points  in  the 
World’s  Conquest,”  shows  how  the  Church’s  schools  in  the  home 
land  and  on  the  foreign  field  are  the  keys  of  the  coming  triumph  of 
the  Kingdom  of  God,  which  may  linger,  but  which  is  sure  to  come 
in  large  measure  through  the  splendid  services  of  these  Christian 
schools. 

3.  (To  inform  all  Presbyterian  parents  of  the  advantages  of  edu¬ 
cation  under  Christian  auspices,  and  to  bring  them  to  a  recognition 
and  practical  acceptance  of  the  two  fundamental  principles — that 
religion  is  an  essential  part  of  education,  and  that  education  is  neces¬ 
sary  to  the  adequate  achievement  of  the  aims  of  the  Christian  religion. 

4.  To  increase  the  enrollment  of  our  Presbyterian  schools,  col¬ 
leges  and  theological  seminaries.  The  enrollment  in  the  institutions 
has  kept  pace  in  a  remarkable  way'  with  the  marvelous  growth  of  other 
educational  institutions.  We  need  to  be  alert,  however,  if  this  growth 
is  to  continue,  and  if  the  largest  possible  number  of  our  wrorthv 
youth  are  to  have  the  advantage  of  our  excellent  institutions. 

5.  To  increase  the  physical  equipment  and  endowment  of  all  in¬ 
stitutions  to  standard  requirements.  The  General  Assembly  directs 
that  we  “impress  upon  the  entire  membership  of  our  Church  their 
financial  responsibility  to  our  educational  institutions.”  The  Church 
has  directed  that  our  colleges  be  prepared  to  do  honest  work  educa¬ 
tionally.  If  we  do  not,  the  State  will  soon  force  the  issue. 

6.  To  assist  in  solving  urgent  local  problems  for  our  institutions. 
These  institutions  should  all  be  closely  tied  to  the  Church,  and  the 
Church  should  help  in  time  of  need.  The  General  Assembly  sug¬ 
gests  that  “our  educational  institutions  be  placed  in  the  budget  of 
the  Synods  and  Presbyteries.”  President  W.  O.  Thompson,  of  the 
Ohio  State  University,  says:  “I  express  the  deep  conviction  that 
the  Church  will  make  a  mistake  if  it  loosens  its  hold  on  its  colleges, 
and  the  further  opinion  that  there  ought  to  be  no  change  of  control 
dictated  by  the  influence  of  great  boards  or  foundations,  or  by  the 
simple  desire  to  get  money  or  the  influence  of  individuals.  A  control 
which  conserves  the  things  for  which  these  institutions  were  founded 
and  assures  their  loyalty  to  moral  and  religious  ideas  seems  to  me 
of  first  importance.” 

7.  To  provide  fully  endowed  professorships  for  Bible  and  subjects 
of  applied  Christianity  in  all  our  colleges.  This  is  the  department 
that  differentiates  the  Christian  college  from  other  institutions.  It 
should  be  the  strongest  and  the  best. 

8.  To  increase  the  Student  Loan  Fund  so  that  it  may  assist  each 
year  a  larger  number  of  the  choice  boys  and  girls  of  the  Church  who 
seek  a  higher  Christian  education  in  our  own  Presbyterian  colleges. 
Most  gratifying  results  have  already  appeared  from  this  fund  in 
the  lives  of  our  youth,  in  the  colleges  and  in  all  departments  of  the 
Church’s  work,  both  at  home  and  abroad. 


412 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


9.  To.  co-operate  with  other  evangelical  bodies  in  the  supreme 
effort  to  meet  the  deep  spiritual  needs  of  all  the  students  in  all  the 
institutions  of  learning  in  all  parts  of  our  Southland. 

10.  To  promote  well-directed  and  carefully  planned  Bible  study 
evangelistic  campaigns  in  all  our  educational  institutions  and  to 
secure  more  thorough  identification  of  the  students  with  all  the  ac¬ 
tivities  of  the  local  Church. 

11.  To  co-operate  in  the  religious  culture  of  Presbyterian  students 
at  the  State  universities.  In  the  large  numbers  of  young  men  and 
young  women  securing  technical  training  in  the  State  institutions 
of  higher  learning  in  the  South,  every  sixth  or  seventh  student  comes 
from  a  Presbyterian  home,  and  should  have  the  fostering  care  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church. 

12.  To  devise  means  for  securing  better  support  for  our  self- 
denying  and  too  often  over-taxed  teachers.  The  annals  of  the  South, 
when  fully  written,  will  contain  the  record  of  no  more  heroic  and 
self-denying  service  to  the  Church,  the  youth,  and  the  land,  than  that 
rendered  by  many  of  the  godly  men  and  women  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  who  have  given  their  lives  to  teaching  in  our  Church  schools 
and  colleges. 

1917,  p.  56.  Under  the  heading  “Schools  and  Colleges,”  the 
Committee’s  report,  while  setting  forth  the  educational  program  of 
that  body  (which  is  in  all  respects  most  excellent),  cites  us  to  the 
undoubted  fact  that  our  schools  and  colleges  are,  practically  without 
exception,  face  to  face  with  the  most  serious  crisis  of  their  existence. 
The  time  has  come  when  all  educational  institutions  are  forced  to 
conform  in  curriculum,  equipment,  and  teaching  force  to  the  stand¬ 
ards  recommended  by  various  agencies  and  generally  accepted  by  all 
classes  alike  as  right  and  proper.  They  must  conform  to  these 
standards  or  else  find  themselves  discredited  before  the  public  and  left 
destitude  of  students,  who,  turning  to  State  and  other  standard  insti¬ 
tutions  at  one  and  the  same  time  will  leave  our  schools  and  colleges 
without  patronage,  will  themselves  be  without  the  wholesome  and 
beneficent  influences  of  training  in  Christian  Souls,  and  will  cut  off 
from  the  Church  that  steady  influx  to  her  ranks  of  active  workers 
of  men  and  women  educated  and  trained  in  her  own  schools  to 
cherish  her  own  ideals  and  to  magnify  her  Lord.  To  conform  to 
standard  requirements,  our  schools  and  colleges  must  receive  a  large 
increase  of  funds  both  for  equipment  and  for  endowment.  Practi¬ 
cally  all  the  great  Evangelical  Churches  of  this  country  show  their 
understanding  of  the  vital  importance  of  the  Church  school,  and  of 
the  unusual  crisis  which  faces  these  institutions,  by  seeking  during 
this  year,  which  marks  the  four  hundredth  anniversary  of  the  Refor¬ 
mation,  to  add  from  one  to  $36,000,000  to  their  respective  assets 
for  education.  From  the  minutes  of  our  own  Committee  on  Systematic 
Beneficence  it  is  learned  that  it  is  the  deliberate  judgment  of  that 
group  of  able  and  painstaking  students  of  the  life  of  our  Church 
that  “the  equipment  and  endowment  of  our  educational  institutions 
is  the  most  important  need  of  the  Church  at  this  hour.” 

1920,  p.  26.  The  splendid  work  done  by  the  Executive  Commit- 


Secs.  848-850] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


413 


tee  in  arousing  the  Church  to  the  necessity  of  conserving  and  en¬ 
larging  the  Church  schools  and  colleges  cannot  be  too  highly  com¬ 
mended.  Its  work  has  proven  of  inestimable  value. 

Our  Church  schools  and  colleges  are  the  very  seed-plots  of  the 
Church.  Our  people  are  awakening  to  this  fact;  yet  it  must  be  said 
that  a  great  deal  of  education  is  still  needed  to  bring  home  to  the 
hearts  and  minds  of  our  Church  members  the  fact  that  “these  insti¬ 
tutions  must  be  saved  to  the  Church — to  the  cause  of  Christianity — 
and  they  must  be  better  equipped,  enlarged,  and  endowed.” 

849.  Standard  of  minimum  requirements 

1908,  p.  60.  The  Executive  Committee  of  Schools  and  Colleges 
was  requested  to  endeavor  to  arrange  for  a  great  educational  confer¬ 
ence,  to  be  held  at  some  conveniently  located  place,  at  a  suitable 
time  within  the  next  twelve  months,  to  which  shall  be  invited  rep¬ 
resentatives  from  all  Presbyterian  educational  institutions  under 
control  of  our  Church  or  within  our  bounds;  and  also,  prominent 
educators  from  other  institutions,  should  this  be  deemed  desirable: 
the  Assembly  to  have  no  responsibility  for  the  expenses  of  the  con¬ 
ference. 

In  response  to  the  suggestion  of  the  Executive  Committee,  it  was 
recommended  to  the  above  conference  that  they  appoint  a  committee 
of  representative,  practical  educators,  who  shall  recommend  to  the 
next  Assembly  the  standards  of  minimum  requirements  for  uni¬ 
versities,  colleges  and  secondary  schools  under  the  control  of  our 
Church,  with  the  view  of  bringing  any  that  have  not  reached  this 
standard  to  adopt  its  requirements  as  speedily  as  possible. 

850.  Standardization 

1911,  p.  53.  We  are  of  the  mind,  that  special  and  unremitting 
effort  should  be  made,  first  of  all,  to  awaken  the  Church  to  the 
great  necessity  of  Christian  schools.  The  alarming  tendency  towards 
the  secularization  of  education,  calls  for  such  effort  with  imperious 
voice.  The  unification  and,  if  possible,  the  correlation  of  our  schools 
should  be  brought  about.  Some  intelligent  and  persistent  plan  should 
be  pursued,  by  which  the  standardization  of  all  our  schools  may  be 
gradually  secured. 

1914,  p.  73.  The  Assembly  amended  the  report  of  the  Ad-Interim 
Committee  on  Education  by  omitting  Sections  V  and  VI  under  the 
head  of  “Church  Connection,”  and  Sections  II  and  III  under  the 
head  of  “Loan  and  Scholarship  Funds,”  and  also  fixing  three 
years  for  biblical  instruction  in  paragraph  7  under  “Standardizing;” 
and  amending  paragraph  8  so  as  to  read,  “who  shall  ordinarily  be 
members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  shall  teach  nothing  contrary 
to  the  standards  of  Presbyterianism.”  The  report  as  thus  amended 
was  adopted. 

The  sections  thus  omitted  were  referred  by  the  Assembly  to  the 
new  Ad-Interim  Committee  for  further  study  and  investigation. 


414 


Education  and  Relief 


(Book  IV 


The  Assembly  .recognized  with  warm,  appreciation  the  work  being 
done  by  that  large  group  of  institutions  not  classified  by  the  Ad- 
Interim  report,  and  instructed  the  new  Committee  to  give  special 
study  to  this  group,  to  see  what  place  they  might  be  given  in  our 
educational  system. 

1915,  p.  31.  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  adopt  all  of  that 
portion  of  the  report  of  the  Ad- Interim  Committee  on  Education 
which  is  entitled  “Presbyterian  Educational  Institutions,”  and  is 
as  follows: 


1.  Church  Connection 

To  have  the  report  of  our  Committee  in  the  most  convenient  form 
for  the  General  Assembly,  we  publish  below  the  parts  that  were 
adopted  last  year.  All  changes  or  additions  in  Section  1  and  2  are 
printed  in  italics. 

1.  Those  schools,  colleges,  and  universities  whose  charters  or 
constitutions  require  that  at  least  two-thirds  of  their  trustees  shall 
be  elected,  nominated,  or  ratified  by  some  court  or  courts  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.;  whose  presidents  or  principals  are 
members  of  the  said  Church;  all  the  members  of  whose  faculties  are 
members  of  some  evangelical  Church,  a  majority  being  members  of 
some  Presbyterian  Church;  and  which  require  a  course  in  the  Bible, 
shall  be  classed  as  Southern  Presbyterian  institutions. 

2.  'Those  schools,  colleges,  and  universities,  whose  charters  or 
constitutions  require  that  at  least  two-thirds  of  their  trustees  shall 
be  elected,  nominated,  or  ratified  jointly  by  a  court  or  courts  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.,  together  with  a  court  or  courts  of 
other  Reformed  Churches  holding  the  Presbyterian  system  of  doctrine, 
at  least  one-half  of  such  trustees  being  elected,  nominated,  or  rati¬ 
fied  by  a  court  or  courts  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.; 
wdiose  presidents  or  principals  are  members  of  some  one  of  the 
bodies  mentioned  above;  all  the  members  of  whose  faculties  are 
members  of  some  evangelical  Church,  a  majority  being  Presbyterian; 
and  which  require  a  course  in  the  Bible,  shall  be  classed  as  joint 
Presbyterian  institutions. 

3.  Those  schools,  colleges,  and  universities  whose  charters  or 
constitutions  require  that  a  majority  of  their  trustees  shall  be  members 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S. ;  or  a  majority  of  whose 
trustees  are  elected,  nominated,  or  ratified  by  some  court  or  courts  of 
the  Prsbyterian  Church  in  the  TJ.  S.;  whose  presidents  or  principals 
are  members  of  the  said  Church;  all  the  members  of  whose  faculties 
are  members  of  some  evangelical  Church,  a  majority  being  Presby¬ 
terian;  and  which  require  a  course  in  the  Bible,  may  be  classed  as 
affiliated  Presbyterian  institutions,  if  they  so  desire. 

4.  Those  theological  seminaries  which  are  approved  by  and  report 
to  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.  shall 
be  classed  as  Presbyterian  Theological  Seminaries. 


Schools  and  Colleges 


415 


2.  Standardization 

I.  A  Presbyterian  College 

The  following  requirements  for  a  Standard  Presbyterian  College 
have  been  adopted  by  the  Assembly.  (Changes  suggested  in  italics.) : 

1.  For  entrance — 14  units,  unconditioned;  12  units,  conditioned. 

2.  Faculty  of  at  least  six  full  professors,  giving  their  entire  time 
to  college  work;  or  such  institutions  as  now  have  at  least  six  full 
professors  offering  eighty-four  hours  per  week  of  college  work,  pro¬ 
vided  that  no  teacher  has  more  than  eighteen  hours  a  week  of  teaching. 

3.  Tour  full  years  of  college  work  in  the  liberal  arts  and  sciences. 

4.  Its  heads  of  departments  must  have  the  Baccalaureate  degree 
and  M.  A.  degree,  or  in  lieu  of  the  M.  A.  degree,  proved  (conspicious) 
teaching  ability. 

5.  Endowment — a  minimum  of  $100,000  of  productive  funds, 
or  an  annual  income  for  maintenance  of  not  less  than  $12,000; 
exclusive  of  the  cost  of  table  board;  with  the  understanding  that 
this  is  to  be  increased  within  three  years  after  these  standards  go 
into  effect  to  $200,000,  or  an  annual  income  for  maintenance  of  not 
less  than  $15,000. 

6.  A  working  library  of  5,000  volumes,  and  laboratory  equip¬ 
ment  sufficient  for  two  years  of  college  work  in  Chemistry,  Physics, 
and  Biology. 

7.  It  must  require  for  graduation  not  less  than  the  equivalent  of 
two  (three)  years  of  biblical  instruction  of  two  hours  a  week  each, 
institutions  not  having  more  being  urged  to  increase  to  the  equivalent 
of  three  years  of  two  hours  a  week  each  as  soon  as  possible. 

8.  It  must  have  only  such  professors  and  teachers  as  are  members 
in  good  and  regular  standing  in  some  evangelical  Church,  a  majority 
of  whom  (ordinarily  they)  shall  be  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church.  Nothing  contrary  to  the  doctrines  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
shall  be  taught. 

9.  The  above  standards  to  go  into  effect,  September,  1916. 

After  September,  1917,  no  Church  college  except  standard  colleges, 

as  above  defined,  shall  confer  degrees. 

II.  A  Presbyterian  Preparatory  School 

Definition  of  a  Standard  Presbyterian  College  Preparatory  School: 

1.  It  must  give  at  least  14  units  of  preparatory  work,  according 
to  the  rating  of  the  State  high  school  inspectors  or  similar  officials. 

2.  It  shall,  of  course,  give  no  degrees. 

3.  It  shall  give  systematic  biblical  instruction  during  each  of  the 
four  years. 

4.  (The  principal  shall  be  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  good  and  regular  standing,  and  the  teachers  shall  be  members  of 
some  evangelical  Church. 


416 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


III.  A  Presbyterian  Junior  College 

As  to  Standardizing  a  Junior  College,  we  recommend  the  following 
requirements : 

1.  A  Junior  College  shall  be  an  institution,  the  last  two  years 
of  whose  work  shall  correspond  to  the  first  two  years  of  the  Standard 
College,  and  whose  requirements  for  admission  to  this  department  of 
its  work  shall  be  the  same  as  that  of  the  Standard  College. 

2.  Faculty  of  at  least  six  teachers  giving  not  less  than  half  their 
entire  time  to  the  college  work. 

3.  Its  heads  of  departments  must  have  the  Baccalaureate  degree, 
or,  in  lieu  of  the  Baccalaureate  degree,  proved  teaching  ability. 

4.  Endowment — a  minimum  of  $35,000  of  productive  funds,  or 
an  annual  income  for  maintenance  of  not  less  than  $5,000,  exclusive 
of  the  cost  of  table  board. 

5.  A  working  library  of  1,000  volumes,  and  laboratory  equipment 
sufficient  for  one  year  of  college  work  in  any  two  of  the  three  sciences: 
Chemistry,  Physics,  and  Biology. 

6.  It  must  require  for  graduation  not  less  than  the  equivalent  of 
two  years  of  biblical  instruction  of  two  hours  a  week  each. 

7.  It  must  have  only  such  professors  and  teachers  as  are  members 
in  good  and  regular  standing  in  some  evangelical  Church,  a  majority 
of  whom  shall  be  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  Nothing 
contrary  to  the  doctrines  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  shall  be  taught. 

8.  The  above  standards  to  go  into  effect  September,  1916. 

3.  Unclassified  Schools 

That  all  schools  doing  at  least  one  year  additional  to  the  work  of 
the  Standard  Preparatory  School,  and  not  otherwise  classified,  shall 
be  classified  under  the  general  head  of  Collegiate  Institute;  and  all 
schools  doing  less  work  than  is  done  by  the  Standard  Preparatory 
School  shall  be  classified  as  Elementary  Schools. 

4.  Names  of  Presbyterian  Institutions 

We  recommend  that  the  General  Assembly  be  asked  to  urge  that 
only  colleges  and  junior  colleges,  as  defined  by  the  Assembly,  shall 
use  the  word  “college”  as  part  of  their  titles;  that  no  colleges  or 
junior  colleges  shall  use  the  word  “university”  as  part  of  their  titles; 
that  any  institutions  not  now  conforming  to  these  regulations  be 
urged  as  soon  as  possible  to  conform  thereto;  that  the  Executive 
Committee  of  Home  Missions  be  directed  to  use  its  influence  and 
authority  to  accomplish  this  end  in  the  case  of  any  of  our  educational 
institutions  under  the  care  of  the  Committee. 

5.  Financial  Problems 

1.  ‘That  the  Assembly  impress  upon  the  entire  membership  of 
our  Church  their  financial  responsibility  to  our  educational  insti¬ 
tutions. 


Secs.  850-852] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


417 


2.  »That  the  Assembly  urge  that,  in  addition  to  student  fees,  all 
our  educational  institutions  seek  to  secure  adequate  endowment  and 
annual  offerings  from  our  Churches. 

3.  That  tlie  Synod  be  the  educational  unit. 

4.  That  our  educational  institutions  be  placed  on  the  budget  of 
the  Synods  and  Presbyteries,  the  method  to  be  left  to  them. 

5.  That  all  future  canvasses  for  endowment  and  equipment  funds 
be  joint  canvasses,  including  all  educational  institutions  of  the  Synod, 
instead  of  separate  canvasses. 

6.  The  Ad- Interim  Committee  thoroughly  endorses  the  plan  of 
the  Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial 
Relief  to  begin  at  once  a  Church-wide  campaign  for  increasing  the 
resources  of  our  educational  institutions,  and  asks  that  the  Assembly 
also  approve  this  plan. 

1921,  p.  58.  The  General  Assembly  adopted  the  standards 
recommended  by  the  Presbyterian  Educational  Association  of  the 
South,  August  5,  1920,  to  apply  to  the  Colleges  and  Junior  Colleges 
of  our  Church  to  come  into  effect  September,  1922. 

This  recommendation  is  as  follows:  That  in  all  matters  pertain¬ 
ing  to  general  equipment,  endowment,  educational  training  and 
degrees  of  faculty  members,  hours  of  work  and  service  generally,  this 
Committee  recommends  that  the  Assembly  adopt  the  Standards  of 
the  Association  of  Southern  Colleges  and  Secondary  Schools. 

That  in  all  matters  touching  Church  affiliation  of  Faculties, 
relation  to  Trustees  or  other  governing  bodies  of  the  Church,  and 
Biblical  and  other  religious  instruction  in  the  required  courses,  we 
retain  our  Standards  as  at  present  adopted. 

The  Standards  of  the  Association  of  Southern.  Colleges  and  Sec¬ 
ondary  Schools  in  regard  to  training  of  faculty,  salaries  and  support 
and  endowment  are  here  understood  to  be,  as  they  are  in  fact  stated, 
still  advisory  and  not  mandatory. 

851.  Better  equipment  of  Church  Schools 

1921,  p.  57.  1.  The  Assembly  again  urged  upon  the  Synods  the 

necessity  of  making  a  larger  provision  for  the  Schools,  Colleges  and 
Seminaries  of  the  Church. 

2.  It  directed  the  Executive  Committee  to  put  forth  renewed 
efforts  to  the  end  that  all  of  these  Institutions  may  be  fully  equipped 
and  adequately  endowed. 

852.  A  Southern  Presbyterian  University 

1870,  p.  502.  Rev.  J.  A.  Lyon,  D.  D.,  read  a  memorial  from  the 
Synod  of  Mississippi  in  relation  to  establishing  a  Southern  Pres¬ 
byterian  University,  and  addressed  the  Assembly  in  its  favor. 

This  memorial,  together  with  papers  adopted  by  some  of  the  Pres¬ 
byteries  relating  to  the  same  subject,  was  referred  to  a  special  com¬ 
mittee,  consisting  of  one  commissioner  from  each  Synod. 

1870,  p.  519.  The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  memorial 
of  the  Synod  of  Mississippi,  upon  the  establishment  of  a  Church 


418  Education  and  Relief  [Book  IV 

University,  and  the  overtures  of  certain  Presbyteries  on  the  same 
subject,  respectfully  report: 

In  relation  to  the  memorial,  they  submit  the  following  resolutions : 

Resolved,  That  this  General  Assembly  be  requested  to  recommend 
a  convention,  to  consist  of  one  representative  from  each  Presbytery, 
to  meet  at  8  p.  m.  on  the  Monday  before  the  opening  of  the  next 
Assembly,  at  Huntsville,  Alabama,  for  the  purpose  of  discussing  the 
whole  educational  policy  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  together  with 
this  scheme  of  a  Southern  institution  common  to  the  whole  body,  and 
to  report  to  the  next  Assembly. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  asked  for  in  the  above  memorial 
be  appointed  for  the  simple  purpose  of  calling  the  attention  of  the 
several  Presbyteries  to  the  above-mentioned  convention;  this  com¬ 
mittee  to  consist  of  the  Rev.  Drs.  J.  A.  Lyon  and  C.  A.  Stillman  and 
T.  A.  Hamilton,  Esq. 

To  the  overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  of  West  Hanover,  of 
Roanoke,  and  of  Memphis,  objecting  to  the  establishment  of  a  Church 
University,  and  suggesting  doubts  both  as  to  the  constitutionality 
and  expediency  of  the  same,  and  to  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery 
of  Western  District,  calling  for  such  an  institution,  this  Assembly 
gives  answer:  That  a  scheme  so  vast  can  have  no  prospect  of 
success  without  the  hearty  co-operation  of  the  entire  Church;  and 
that,  before  its  inauguration,  the  judgment  of  all  the  Presbyteries 
should  be  obtained  through  a  distinct  response  to  some  proposition 
hereafter  to  be  sent  down  to  them  for  that  purpose;  and  that,  mean¬ 
while,  the  Assembly  does  not  commit  the  Church  either  for  or  against 
the  enterprise.  Adopted. 

1871,  p.  9.  Rev.  J.  N.  Waddel,  president  of  the  convention  on 
Education,  presented  and  read  the  report  adopted  by  that  body. 
This  report  was  received  and  referred  to  a  committee,  consisting  of 
one  from  each  Synod. 

The  report  of  this  committee  may  be  found  in  xMexander’s  Digest, 
p.  212.  (Minutes  of  1871,  pp.  9  and  16). 

It  was  thought  that  the  people  of  our  Church  were  not  prepared 
to  enter  at  once  upon  the  undertaking  of  such  an  enterprise.  The 
following  recommendations  were  adopted: 

1.  The  Assembly  earnestly  recommends  to  all  our  people  that 
strong  efforts  be  made  to  sustain  those  Presbyterian  colleges  already 
in  operation,  to  aid  them  by  such  pecuniary  contributions  as  they 
may  feel  able  to  bestow,  so  that  they  may  all  be  placed  upon  a  per¬ 
manent  and  self-sustaining  basis. 

2.  The  Assembly  would  recommend  that  to  this  end  the  multi¬ 
plication  of  such  institutions  be  not  encouraged,  but,  on  the  con¬ 
trary7,  that  those  Synods  adjacent  to  such  colleges  be  urged  to  con¬ 
centrate  upon  them  their  interest,  their  means,  their  patronage,  and 
their  prayers,  and  in  this  way  most  effectually  aid  them  in  supplying 
the  want,  now  manifestly  existing,  of  a  species  of  education  not 
fully  attainable  with  our  present  means. 

3.  The  Assembly  deems  it  timely  to  speak  a  word  of  encourage¬ 
ment  to  those  of  our  brethren  engaged  in  the  education  of  young 


Secs.  852-854] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


419 


ladies,  and  to  exhort  our  people  to  send  their  daughters  to  institu¬ 
tions  where  their  moral  and  religious  training  will  be  in  accordance 
with  the  faith  of  their  fathers. 

4.  Inasmuch  as  this  Assembly  has  reason  to  believe  there  may 
be  in  some  parts  of  our  Zion  benevolent  individuals  of  large  means  and 
large  hearts,  who  desire  and  prefer  to  invest  a  portion  of  their 
wealth  in  -the  particular  form  of  a  great  university,  such  offerings 
of  benevolence  should  be  encouraged,  and  the  Assembly  feels  called 
upon  to  provide  some  authoritative  and  responsible  place  of  reception 
for  these  funds  to  be  held  in  sacred  trust  for  this  purpose,  guarded 
by  every  security  possible,  and  prudently  invested. 

5.  The  Assembly,  therefore,  in  the  exercise  of  its  best  judgment, 
deems  it  wisest  for  the  present  to  designate  its  Board  of  Trustees  as 
such  authorized  body  for  the  reception  and  management  of  all  such 
funds,  and  recommends  to  all  the  benevolent  among  our  people  that 
they  entrust  their  offerings  for  this  object  to  that  body,  to  be  held 
by  them  in  trust  until  such  time  as  a  suitable  university  may  be  or¬ 
ganized  under  the  sanction  of  some  future  Assembly;  to  which 
future  Assembly  the  question  of  the  nature  of  control  over  said 
university  is  to  be  left. 

6.  Finally,  the  Assembly  earnestly  commends  our  educational  in¬ 
terests  to  the  prayers  and  benefactions  of  our  people,  praying  that 
the  great  Head  of  the  Church  may  put  it  into  their  hearts  to  “devise” 
wisely  “liberal  things.” 

853.  Presbyterial  and  Synodical  Schools 

1892,  p.  436.  In  view  of  the  great  demand  for  candidates,  and 
the  insufficient  supply  of  funds,  the  Assembly  would  call  attention 
to  the  propriety  of  organizing  and  fostering  Presbyterial  schools, 
through  which  it  is  hoped  that  more  of  our  youth  shall  be  encouraged 
to  enter  upon  the  ministry. 

Repeated  1893,  page  45. 

1910,  p.  42.  The  Assembly  expressed  its  deep  and  abiding  in¬ 
terest  in  the  cause  of  Christian  education  as  vital  to  our  continued 
existence  and  well-being  as  a  Church,  and  its  determination  to  carry 
on  this  work  until  there  is  a  Christian  school  under  Presbyterian 
•  control  within  the  bounds  of  every  Synod. 

854.  Atlanta  University 

1905,  p.  37.  Your  Committee  of  Church  and  Christian  Educa¬ 
tion  would  report  that,  after  careful  consideration  of  the  paper  from 
certain  brethren,  touching  their  purpose  and  agreement  to  undertake 
the  establishment  of  a  university,  to  have  a  common  relation  to  the 
whole  Church,  for  the  promotion  of  higher  Christian  education,  and 
asking  the  approval  of  the  enterprise  by  this  Assembly,  they  recom¬ 
mend  : 

That,  while  fully  sympathizing  with  the  spirit  and  aims  of  the 
brethren  composing  the  Atlanta  Conference,  and  bidding  them  God- 


420 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


speed  in  their  efforts  to  further  the  educational  interests  of  our 
Church,  the  Assembly  does  not  at  this  time  deem  it  expedient  to 
give  its  formal  endorsement  to  the  proposed  scheme  for  establishing 
a  university  for  post-graduate  work  in  the  city  of  Atlanta. 

855.  Southern  Presbyterian  University  again 

1909,  pp.  58,  59.  In  response  to  an  overture  asking  for  the  estab¬ 
lishment  of  a  great  Southern  Presbyterian  University  as  a  memorial 
to  John  Calvin,  the  following  reply  was  made: 

The  Assembly  recognizes  the  importance  of  a  university  owned 
and  controlled  by  the  Southern  Presbyterian  Church,  but  the  way 
does  not  now  seem  clear  to  undertake  the  establishment  of  such 
an  institution. 

856.  Presbyterian  University  in  Atlanta 

1911,  p.  54.  Plie  General  Assembly  in  answer  to  overtures  from 
the  Synod  of  Texas,  and  the  Presbytery  of  Atlanta,  touching  the 
establishment  of  a  great  Presbyterian  university  in  Atlanta,  appointed 
an  ad  interim  committee  of  five  members  to  consider  this  whole 
question  with  regard  to  the  feasibility  of  locating  such  a  school  in 
Atlanta  or  any  other  central  point. 

1911,  p.  55.  The  Moderator  appointed  the  following  Committee: 
Walter  L.  Lingle,  Rutherford  Lapsley,  J.  H.  Bellot,  C.  C.  Carson, 
John  B.  Ross. 

1912,  p.  19.  The  report  of  this  Committee  (Minutes,  p.  124) 
was  approved:  “We  have  not  been  able  to  discover  any  considerable 
demand  for  a  great  university,  and  it  is  not  practicable  or  possible 
to  locate  such  a  university  anywhere  until  there  is  a  real  demand  for 
it” 

1913,  p.  63.  In  answer  to  the  Presbyterian  Ministers’  Association 
of  Atlanta,  we  recommend  that  the  Rev.  Thomwell  Jacobs  be  invited 
to  address  the  Assembly  for  ten  minutes  on  the  refounding  of 
Oglethorpe  University. 

857.  Oglethorpe  University 

1915,  p.  13.  Rev.  Dr.  Thorn  well  Jacobs,  President,  was  granted 
the  privileges  of  the  floor  and  addressed  the  Assembly  in  the  interest 
of  Oglethorpe  University.  The  Moderator  then  led  the  Assembly 
in  a  prayer  for  the  blessing  of  God  upon  this  institution. 

1915,  p.  33.  In  reply  to  the  request  of  Dr.  Thornwell  Jacobs,  of 
Atlanta,  that  this  Committee  (Ad-Interim  Committee  on  Education) 
make  certain  recommendations  to  the  General  Assembly  regarding  a 
Presbyterian  University,  the  Committee  having  recommended  in 
this  report  that  the  Assembly  suggest  the  Synod  as  the  educational 
unit  of  our  Church,  we  therefore  now  recommend  that  the  matter  of  a 
university  be  left  to  the  Synods  for  their  action. 

1916,  p.  18.  The  order  of  the  day  for  hearing  Rev.  J.  I.  Vance, 
D.  D.,  and  Rev.  D.  H.  Ogden,  D.  D.,  concerning  Oglethorpe  Uni¬ 
versity  was  taken  up. 


Secs.  854-857] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


421 


The  following  paper  on  the  subject  of  Oglethorpe  University  was 
adopted : 

After  a  conference  with  certain  members  of  the  Board  of  Directors 
of  Oglethorpe  University  and  certain  members  of  the  Committee  of 
Education  and  of  the  Advisory  Committee  of  Education  and  other 
brethren  interested,  it  was  agreed  by  them  to  ask  this  Assembly  to 
appoint  an  Ad-Interim  Committee  of  five,  three  ministers  and  two 
elders,  to  confer  with  a  like  committee  from  the  Board  of  Directors 
of  Oglethorpe  University,  to  see  if  it  is  possible  to  come  to  some 
agreement  as  to  the  relationship  of  Oglethorpe  University  to  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  U.  S.,  which  would  be  satisfactory  to  all  parties 
concerned,  and  report  to  the  next  Assembly. 

It  was  also  agreed  to  ask  the  Assembly  to  appoint  the  following  as 
that  committee:  Rev.  Walter  L.  Lingle,  D.  D.,  Robt.  F.  Campbell, 
D.  D.,  C.  W.  Grafton,  D.  D.,  Elders  Helm  Bruce  and  Jno.  S.  Munce. 

1917,  p.  26.  /The  order  of  the  day,  the  consideration  of  the  report 
of  the  Ad- Interim  Committee  on  the  Oglethorpe  University,  was 
taken  up. 

The  following  order  of  procedure  was  adopted: 

1.  Give  the  Chairman,  Rev.  W.  L.  Lingle,  D.  D.,  thirty  minutes. 

2.  Give  the  Oglethorpe  University  one  hour  and  fifteen  minutes. 

3.  Give  the  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  the  Advisory 
Committee  of  Education  one  hour  and  fifteen  minutes. 

4.  Give  thirty  minutes  for  the  consideration  of  the  matter  by  the 
Assembly. 

P.  30.  The  time  in  item  4  was  extended  to  one  hour  and  thirty 
minutes. 

1917,  p.  31.  The  report  was  amended  and  adopted,  and  is  as 
follows : 

This  Committee  was  created  and  given  instructions  under  the  fol¬ 
lowing  resolution,  which  was  passed  by  the  General  Assembly  in 
session  at  Orlando,  Florida,  in  May,  1916: 

“After  a  conference  with  certain  members  of  the  Board  of  Directors 
of  Oglethorpe  University,  and  certain  members  of  the  Committee  of 
Education  and  the  Advisory  Committee  of  Education  and  other 
brethren  interested,  it  was  agreed  by  them  to  ask  this  Assembly  to  ap¬ 
point  an  Ad-Interim  Committee  of  five,  three  ministers  and  two  elders, 
to  confer  with  a  like  Committee  from  the  Board  of  Directors  of 
Oglethorpe  University  to  see  if  it  is  possible  to  come  to  some  agree¬ 
ment  as  to  the  relationship  of  Oglethorpe  University  to  the  Presby¬ 
terian  Church  in  the  United  States  which  would  be  satisfactory  to 
all  parties  concerned,  and  report  to  the  next  Assembly.  It  was  also 
agreed  to  ask  the  Assembly  to  appoint  the  following  as  that  Committee : 
Revs.  Walter  L.  Lingle,  D.  D.,  Robt.  F.  Campbell,  D.  D.,  C.  W. 
Grafton,  D.  D.,  Elders  Helm  Bruce  and  John  S.  Munce/’  (See 
Minutes  1916,  p.  18.) 

In  compliance  with  the  instructions  given  in  this  resolution,  your 
Ad-Interim  Committee  held  a  series  of  conferences  with  a  similar 
Committee  from  the  Board  of  Directors  of  Oglethorpe  University 
in  the  City  of  Atlanta  on  February  13th  and  14th,  1917.  All  the 


422 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


members  of  our  Committee  were  present  except  Dr.  Grafton,  who 
was  detained  at  the  last  moment.  1 

First,  guided  by  the  Oglethorpe  Committee,  we  inspected  the 
grounds  and  buildings  and  material  equipment  of  Oglethorpe  Uni¬ 
versity. 

We  found  a  site  consisting  of  forty-eight  and  one-sixth  acres  of 
land,  to  which  Oglethorpe  will  have  a  fee  simple  title  after  it  has 
been  used  for  twenty  years  for  educational,  religious,  or  benevolent 
purposes.  There  is  no  especial  natural  beauty  about  the  site,  but 
we  believe  that  it  will  make  an  adequate  and  satisfactory  campus 
when  it  has  been  properly  graded  and  beautified.  This  tract  of 
land  is  located  north  of  Atlanta  on  the  main  line  of  the  Southern 
Railway  at  Crosskeys  Station,  which  the  Southern  Railway  time 
table  says  is  ten  and  eight- tenths  miles  from  the  Tenninal  (Southern) 
Station  in  Atlanta.  It  is  about  five  or  six  miles  outside  the  city 
limits  of  Atlanta.  A  trolley  car  line  at  present  goes  within  a  mile 
of  the  University,  and  promises  to  go  to  the  gate  of  the  grounds  in 
the  near  future.  Only  one  building  has  been  erected.  It  is  an  un¬ 
usually  substantial  and  handsome  building,  and  elegant  in  all  of 
its  appointments.  It  is  built  of  stone,  and  is  fire  proof  throughout 
We  understand  that  it  cost  about  $175,000.00.  This  building  includes 
dormitories  for  students,  class-rooms,  administrative  offices,  dining 
room,  and  kitchen.  We  had  the  pleasure  of  meeting  the  professors 
and  students  and  of  looking  in  a  general  way  into  the  courses  of 
study.  About  sixty  students  have  been  in  attendance  during  the 
past  year.  These  are  all  in  the  Freshman  Class,  and  are  doing  about 
the  same  grade  of  work  that  is  done  in  the  Freshman  Class  in 
the  average  college.  It  cannot  be  said  that  Oglethorpe  is  now 
doing  any  real  university  work,  but  the  Board  of  Directors  say  they 
are  looking  forward  to  the  establishment  of  post-graduate  and  uni¬ 
versity  work  when  conditions  make  it  possible. 

Your  Committee  also  made  a  careful  study  of  the  Charter  of 
Oglethorpe  and  the  By-Laws  of  the  Board  of  Directors.  A  full, 
up-to-date  statement  concerning  the  financial  affairs  of  Oglethorpe 
was  made  to  yOur  Ad-Interim  Committee,  and  the  report  of  a  reliable 
expert  accountant  was  laid  before  us,  showing  clearly  the  assets  and 
liabilities  and  expenditures  of  the  institution  to  date.  We  have  a 
copy  of  these  statements,  and  are  prepared  to  give  such  information 
along  these  lines  as  may  be  pertinent  to  the  discussion  of  the  subject 
in  hand. 

Having  put  ourselves  in  possession  of  all  the  information  that 
seemed  necessary,  we  settled  down  to  the  conference  which  the  last 
Assembly  directed  us  to  hold  in  the  resolution  quoted  above.  We 
would  like  for  the  members  of  this  Assembly  to  study  carefully  the 
specific  scope  of  the  instructions  given  us  in  that  resolution  before 
looking  at  our  findings. 

It  has  been  rather  difficult  for  us  to  interpret  this  resolution  and 
to  discover  precisely  what  the  Assembly  wanted  us  to  do.  Your 
Committee,  knowing  something  of  the  history  of  the  resolution,  was 
under  the  impression  that  the  Assembly  expected  us  to  take  up  some 


Sec.  857] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


423 


of  the  larger  questions  connected  with  this  subject,  such  as:  Does 
our  Church  need  a  university?  Can  our  Church  afford  a  university 
and  at  the  same  time  support  adequately  the  great  missionary,  edu¬ 
cational,  and  benevolent  enterprises  which  she  already  has?  Does 
our  Church  really  want  a  university?  Does  our  Church  want  a 
university  fashioned  after  the  plan  and  ideals  of  Oglethorpe  Uni¬ 
versity?  We  believe  that  such  fundamental  questions  as  these  must 
be  considered  in  any  adequate  and  satisfactory  discussion  of  the 
subject  now  before  us. 

On  the  other  hand,  our  brethren  on  the  Oglethorpe  Committee  in¬ 
sisted  on  a  strictly  literal  interpretation  of  the  Assembly’s  resolution 
quoted  above,  and  firmly  declined  to  discuss  with  us  any  of  these 
larger  questions  which  we  have  mentioned.  It  can  be  seen  that 
their  interpretation  excludes  these  larger  questions.  Upon  this  in¬ 
sistence  of  the  Oglethorpe  Committee,  we  limited  our  discussions  with 
them  and  have  limited  our  findings  to  the  narrower  interpretation, 
and  have  simply  tried  to  reach  an  “agreement  as  to  the  relationship  of 
Oglethorpe  University  to  the  Presbyterian  Church,  U.  S.,  which  would 
be  satisfactory  to  all  parties  concerned.” 

An  additional  reason  for  yielding  to  the  strictly  literal  interpreta¬ 
tion  is  the  fact  that  so  recent  an  Assembly  as  that  of  1912  (see  Min¬ 
utes,  p.  124)  had  passed  upon  some  of  these  questions  which  we  have 
mentioned,  and  at  the  same  time  had  definitelv  instructed  the  Execu- 
tive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  “to 
study  the  whole  field  in  a  scientific  and  systematic  way  and  to  report 
to  a  later  Assembly  whether  there  is  any  real  need  of  a  great  Presby¬ 
terian  university.”  We  take  it  for  granted  that  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Christian  Education  is  still  working  under  these  instructions. 

It  is  not  quite  clear  who  constitute  the  “all  parties  concerned”  in 
the  resolution.  There  were  three  parties  represented  in  the  confer¬ 
ence  which  prepared  and  presented  to  the  last  Assembly  the  resolu¬ 
tion  under  which  our  Committee  is  working.  These  three  parties 
were  the  Board  of  Directors  of  Oglethorpe  University,  the  General 
Assembly’s  Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education,  and-  the 
General  Assembly’s  Permanent  Advisory  Committee  on  Christian 
Education.  We  understand  that  the  Assembly  has  given  us  the 
task  of  finding  a  “relationship”  which  will  be  satisfactory  to  all 
three  of  these  parties.  Another  party  mentioned  in  the  resolution  is 
the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States.  We  understand  that 
it  is  also  a  large  part  of  our  task  to  find  a  “relationship”  which  will 
be  satisfactory  to  the  entire  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States. 

It  is  comparatively  easy  to  learn  what  is  satisfacory  to  the  Board 
of  Directors  of  Oglethorpe  University  and  what  is  satisfactory  to 
the  Assembly’s  Executive  and  Advisory  Committee  of  Christian  Edu¬ 
cation.  It  is  much  more  dfficult  to  discover  what  will  be  satisfactory 
to  the  entire  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States. 

As  we  study  the  recent  actions  of  Assemblies,  Synods,  Presbyteries, 
and  of  the  Assembly’s  Executive  and  Advisory  Committees  of  Christian 
Education,  we  are  convinced  that  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States  believes  that  educational  institutions,  built  by  the 


424 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


Church’s  money  and  using  the  Church’s  name  and  influence,  should 
be  owned  by  the  Church  and  governed  by  trustees  appointed  by  the 
proper  courts  of  the  Church. 

On  the  other  hand,  as  we  study  the  Charter  and  By-Laws  of 
Oglethorpe  University,  and  the  history  of  Oglethorpe  movement,  we 
are  convinced  that  those  in  charge  of  the  Oglethorpe  movement  believe 
that  their  institution  should  be  owned  and  controlled  by  a  self-per¬ 
petuating  board,  independent  of  all  Church  courts,  or  that  the  very 
minimum  of  authority,  if  any,  should  be  given  to  Church  courts. 
We  also  realize  that  it  would  be  rather  difficult  for  Oglethorpe  to 
recede  from  this  view,  as  it  has  been  written  into  the  warp  and  woof 
of  her  Charter,  and  as  the  subscriptions  which  were  made  in  Atlanta 
were  made  with  that  understanding. 

Here,  then,  are  two  parties,  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States  and  the  Assembly’s  Executive  and  Advisory  Committees  of 
Christian  Education,  on  the  one  hand,  and  Oglethorpe  University  on 
the  other  hand,  which  hold  conflicting  views  as  to  the  way  in  which 
Church  institutions  should  be  governed,  and  the  problem  which  con¬ 
fronts  your  Committee  is  to  discover  “the  relationship”  which  will 
be  satisfactory  to  these  parties  holding  these  conflicting  views. 

The  only  possible  way  that  we  can  see  of  solving  such  a  problem  is 
to  find  the  maximum  of  Church  control  which  the  Oglethorpe  Board 
would  be  willing  to  grant,  and  the  maximum  of  independent  control 
which  the  Assembly’s  Executive  and  Advisory  Committees  of  Chris¬ 
tian  Education  and  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States 
are  willing  to  grant,  and  to  see  how  near  this  brings  the  parties 
together. 

In  our  conference  with  the  Oglethorpe  Committee  we  were  able 
to  discover  what  would  be  a  satisfactory  relationship  to  them  and 
the  maximum  of  Church  control  which  they  seemed  willing  to  con¬ 
cede. 

We  submitted  the  results  of  this  conference  to  the  Assembly’s  Ex¬ 
ecutive  and  Advisory  Committees  of  Christian  Education,  to  see  if 
the  proposed  relationship  was  satisfactory  to  them,  as  they  really 
constitute  some  of  the  parties  to  be  satisfied  in  the  resolution.  These 
Committees  informed  us  most  positively  that  the  plan  of  relationship 
offered  by  Oglethorpe  at  our  conference  with  them  was  not  satis¬ 
factory. 

We  then  asked  the  Executive  and  Advisory  Committees  to  state 
clearly  and  concisely  the  action  which  they  thought  the  Assembly 
ought  to  take.  They  placed  such  a  statement  in  our  hands.  When 
we  compared  this  statement  with  the  plan  presented  by  the  Oglethorpe 
Committee  in  our  conference  in  Atlanta,  it  was  clear  to  us  that  the 
two  were  irreconcilable.  After  much  correspondence  and  prolonged 
conferences,  we  were  fully  convinced  that  we  could  find  no  plan 
that  would  be  mutually  satisfactory  to  the  Oglethorpe  management 
and  to  the  Assembly’s  Executive  and  Advisory  Committees  of  Chris¬ 
tian  Education. 

When  we  reached  this  conviction,  two  courses  lay  before  your 
Committee — one  was  to  make  a  very  brief  report,  saying  that  it  was 


Secs.  857-858J 


Schools  and  Colleges 


425 


impossible  for  us  to  find  “the  relationship”  that  was  satisfactory  to 
all  parties  concerned;  the  other  was  to  report  the  results  of  our  con¬ 
ferences  and  investigations  and  to  lay  before  the  Assembly,  without 
recommendation,  the  plan  which  would  be  satisfactory  to  the  Ogle¬ 
thorpe  management  and  the  plan  which  would  be  satisfactory  to  the 
Assembly’s  Executive  and  Advisory  Committees  of  Christian  Edu¬ 
cation,  to  discover  what  would  be  a  satisfactory  relationship  to  them 
and  let  the  Assembly  decide  which  would  be  satisfactory  to  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States.  We  have  chosen  the 
latter  course,  because  we  believed  that  the  Assembly  wanted  us  to 
do  all  that  we  could  to  assist  in  solving  this  perplexing  problem. 

(1)  That  the  Assembly  records  its  appreciation  of  Dr.  W.  L. 
Lingle  and  his  associates  in  the  arduous  work  they  were  called  upon 
to  perform. 

(2)  That  the  Assembly  commend  the  zeal  and  energy  of  the 
managers  of  Oglethorpe  University,  and  wish  them  great  success  in 
building  up  an  institution  in  Georgia  which  we  trust  will  be  a  blessing 
to  generations. 

(3  That  the  Assembly  decline  to  adopt  Oglethorpe  University, 
and  decline  to  commend  it  to  the  Churches  for  their  contributions. 

(4)  That  the  Assembly  urge  our  Presbyteries  and  Synods  to 
increase  diligence  in  building  up  and  maintaining  their  schools  and 
colleges. 

For  the  full  report  of  the  Committee  see  Minutes,  1917,  pp.  162ff. 

The  Treasurer  of  the  Assembly  was  instructed  to  pay  the  expenses 
of  the  Ad-Interim  Committee  on  Oglethorpe  University. 

858.  Church  and  College  Property 

1908,  p.  60.  The  Assembly  appointed  a  committee  to  devise  a 
plan  for  securing  the  property  of  our  educational  institutions  so  as 
to  guarantee  donors  that  their  donations  will  not  pass  out  of  the 
control  of  the  Church.  This  committee  consisted  of  Hon.  F.  B. 
Hutton,  Hon.  W.  C.  Caldwell,  Hon.  W.  M.  Cox,  Rev.  R.  V,  Lan¬ 
caster  and  Rev.  C.  R.  Nisbet. 

The  next  year  the  committee  asked  for  more  time  and  was  con¬ 
tinued. 

1910,  pp.  27,  162.  The  committee  reported  that  they  met  in 
Chattanooga  on  the  8th  day  of  April,  1910,  all  the  members  of  the 
committee  being  present  except  Hon.  W.  M.  Cox,  and  spent  the 
entire  day  in  discussing  the  subject  committed  to  them  by  the 
resolutions  of  the  Assembly,  and  submitted  as  a  result  of  their  deliber¬ 
ations,  the  following  forms  of  deed  for  local  Church  property,  for 
schools,  and  for  donations  of  money,  which,  in  their  judgment,  if 
followed  by  those  who  desire  to  give  property  to  our  beloved  Church 
for  any  purpose,  would  prevent  diversion  from  the  purposes  for 
which  the  property  was  given.  Forms  of  the  various  papers  were 
submitted  as  a  part  of  the  report,  marked  respectively  “Local  Church 
property,”  “Deed  of  gift  to  colleges,”  etc.,  and  “Donation  of  money.” 
These  forms  could  be  followed  in  wills  as  well  as  by  deeds  with 


426 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 

like  effect.  They  were  adopted  by  the  Assembly  and  are  as  follows: 

Forms  of  Bequest 

“I  give,  devise,  and  bequeath  to  the  Trustees  of  the  General  As¬ 
sembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States . 

(here  insert  the  estate  devised  and  bequeathed)  for  the  use  and 
benefit  of  said  Church.” 

“I  give  and  bequeath  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Presbyterian  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Publication  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States  (incorporated  under  the  laws  of  the  State  of  Virginia)  (here 
name  the  amount  of  the  bequest) ,  to  be  used  for  the  Publication 
work  of  said  Church.” 

“I  give  and  bequeath  to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Mis¬ 
sions  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  (incorporated 
under  the  laws  of  the  State  of  Tennessee)  (here  name  the  amount  of 
the  bequest),  to  be  used  for  the  Foreign  Mission  work  of  said 
Church.” 

“I  devise  and  bequeath  to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Ministerial 
Education  and  Relief  [now  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial 
Relief]  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  the  sum  of 
. . dollars  for  the  cause  of  Ministerial  Relief.” 

“I  devise  and  bequeath  to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Ministerial 
Education  and  Relief  [now  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial 
Relief]  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  .States  the  sum  of 

$ .  to  aid  candidates  of  said  Church  in  preparation  for  the 

gospel  ministry.” 

“I  hereby  give  and  bequeath  to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home 
Missions  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  (incor¬ 
porated  under  the  laws  of  the  State  of  Georgia)  (here  name  the 
bequest) — to  be  used  for  the  Home  Mission  work  of  said  Church.” 

FORMS  RECOMMENDED  FOR  CONVEYING  PROPERTY 

Local  Church  Property 

This  deed  made  and  entered  into  this . day  of . , 

19.  .,  between  A  and  B,  parties  of  the  first  part,  and  C,  D  and  E, 
Trustees  and  Elders  of  the  local  congregation  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States,  known  as  the  Southern  Presbyterian 

Church,  at . ,  and  also  known  as . ,  in  the 

State  of . 

Witnesseth,  That  for  and  in  consideration  of  $ . to 

the  parties  of  the  first  part  in  hand  paid,  the  receipt  whereof  is 
hereby  acknowledged,  said  parties  of  the  first  part  hereby  sell,  trans¬ 
fer  and  convey  (or  in  case  of  a  gift,  for  and  in  consideration  of  the 
interest  they  feel  in  that  Church,  hereby  give,  transfer  and  convey), 
unto  D,  C  and  E,  parties  of  the  second  part,  as  Trustees  and  Elders 
of  the  local  congregation  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 

States  known  as  the  Southern  Presbyterian  Church  at . , 

in  the  State  of . ,  and  also  known  as . ,  and 


Sec.  858] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


427 


to  their  successors  in  office  forever,  for  the  use  and  benefit  of  the 
said  congregation,  and  for  the  support  and  teaching  and  propagation 
therein  of  the  doctrines  and  polity  contained  in  the  Confession  of 
Faith  and  Government  of  the  said  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States,  the  following  described  real  estate,  situated,  etc., 
(here  insert  description  of  the  property). 

To  have  and  to  hold  the  said  real  estate  unto  the  said  D,  C  and 
E\Trustees  and  Elders  of  the  said  local  congregation  of  the  said 
Church  and  their  successors  in  office  forever  in  fee  simple,  for  the 
uses  and  purposes  aforesaid,  and  without  power  in  them  or  elsewhere 
to  transfer  the  same  to  any  other  person  or  organization  whatsoever 
except  for  reinvestment  to  the  same  uses  and  purposes. 

And  the  said  parties  of  the  first  part  do  covenant  with  the  said 
parties  of  the  second  part  that  they  will  warrant  generally  the  title 
to  the  said  property  hereby  conveyed. 

Witness  the  signatures  and  seals  of  the  parties  of  the  first  part 
the  day  and  year  first  above  written. 

. (  Seal.) 

. (Seal) 

(To  be  acknowledged  according  to  the  requirements  of  the  State 
in  which  the  property  is  located.) 

Deed  or  Gift  to  College,  Etc. 

For  and  in  consideration  of . dollars,  to  me  in  hand 

paid,  the  receipt  whereof  is  hereby  acknowledged,  I  . here¬ 
by  sell,  transfer  and  convey .  (or  in  case  of  gift,  I . 

hereby  give,  transfer  and  convey)  . unto  A,  B  and  C, 

Board,  or  the  General  Assembly), . and  their  successors 

in  office  forever,  for  the  use  and  benefit  of  the  said  College  (or 
Board,  or  Presbytery,  etc.)  as  an  institution  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States  (known  as  the  Southern  Presbyterian 
Church)  and  not  otherwise,  the  following  described  real  estate,  sit¬ 
uated,  etc.,  (describe  the  property). 

To  have  and  to  hold  the  said  real  estate  unto  the  said  A,  B  and  C, 
Trustees  of  the  said  College  (or  Board,  etc.)  and  their  successors 
in  office  forever,  for  the  uses  and  purposes  aforesaid,  and  without 
power  in  them  or  elsewhere  to  transfer  the  said  property  to  any 
other  person  or  organization  except  for  reinvestment  for  the  same 
uses  and  purposes. 

Witness  the  signatures  and  seals  of  the  parties  this  the . 

day  of . 1  . ,  19  .  . . 

. (Seal) 

. . (Seal) 

•  (To  be  acknowledged  according  to  the  requirements  of  the  State 
in  which  the  property  is  located.) 

Donation  of  Money 


I, . ,  hereby  give  and  donate  to  A,  B  and  C,  Trustees 

of .  College  (or  Presbytery,  or  etc.)  and  their  successors 


428  Education  and  Relief  [Book  IV 

in  office  .  dollars  for  the  use  and  benefit  of  the  said 


College  (or  Board,  or  Presbytery,  etc.)  and  not  otherwise. 

This  donation  is  to  be  used  by  the  said  Trustees  and  their  succes¬ 
sors  in  office  as  follows: .  (state  how  it  is  to  be  used). 

There  shall  be  no  power  in  the  said  Trustees  and  their  successors 
in  office  to  divert  this  fund  or  any  part  of  it  to  any  organization  or 
institution  or  body  not  within  and  under  the  control  and  management 
ot  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States,  known  as  the 
Southern  Presbyterian  Church. 

Witness  the  signatures  and  seals  of  the  parties  this  the . . 

day  of . ,  19 .  .  .  .. 

. (Seal) 

. . (Seal) 

(To  be  acknowledged  according  to  the  requirements  of  the  State  in 
which  donation  is  made.) 

859.  Our  Colleges  not  to  be  separated  from  church  control 

1909,  p.  65.  Recognizing  that  the  vast  majority  of  our  candidates 
come  from  the  colleges  under  our  direct  ecclesiastical  control,  and 
feeling  that  every  effort  should  be  put  forth  at  this  time  not  only  to 
prevent  any  decrease,  but  to  secure  an  increase  in  the  number  of  our 
candidates,  the  Assembly  views  with  alarm  all  movements  looking 
to  a  separation  of  our  colleges  from  church  control  and  protests 
against  the  very  beginning  of  such  movements. 

1909,  p.  58.  The  Assembly  accepts  the  challenge  implied  in  the 
discriminations  now  made  on  every  hand  against  schools  owned  and 
controlled  by  the  Church.  This  challenge  touches  the  life  of  the 
Church  itself,  since  our  schools  now  constitute  almost  the  entire 
source  of  supply  from  which  come  our  ministers  and  missionaries. 

With  the  aforesaid  challenge  in  view,  the  Assembly  declares  its 
purpose  to  place  a  system  of  church  schools  upon  the  widest  possible 
basis  of  material  equipment.  To  this  end  the  Assembly  lays  it  as 
a  solemn  duty  upon  the  hearts  of  all  of  our  people  to  pour  their 
gifts  into  the  treasury  in  such  large  measure  that  our  Church  schools 
may  be  endowed  in  the  most  liberal  manner. 

The  Assembly  declares  its  purpose  in  this  manner  to  offer  to  the 
youth  who  attend  our  Church,  educational  advantages  equal  to  those 
that  may  be  found  in  any  other  schools. 

860.  Number  of  Presbyterian  Educational  Institutions 

1908,  p.  60.  A  tabulated  statement  of  Presbyterian  Educational 
Institutions  shows  a  total  of  ninety-one.  To  this  number  should 
be  added  the  Presbyterian  College  for  Women,  in  Columbia,  S.  C., 
which  is  found  upon  the  map  in  the  report,  but  omitted  from  the 
tables.  Adding  this,  we  have  a  total  of  ninety-two  institutions.  Of 
these,  four  are  theological  seminaries,  with  a  theological  department 
in  still  another  institution;  fourteen  are  colleges  for  men;  twenty- 
six  are  colleges  for  women;  thirty-seven  are  secondary  schools,  most 


Secs.  858-862] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


429 


of  them  being  co-educational ;  two  are  co-educational  colleges,  and 
nine  are  orphans’  homes  and  schools,  which  are  likewise  co-educa- 
tional. 

This  summary  omits  all  schools  for  negroes  and  all  those  in 
foreign  lands.  (See  Book  IX,  General  Statistical  Information.) 

1914,  p.  72.  “Our  Presbyterian  Educational  Institutions.” — This 
volume  of  206  pages,  with  a  map  and  several  tables  and  numerous 
fine  illustrations,  represents  a  prodigious  amount  of  work  on  the 
part  of  the  Secretary  and  the  Committee,  and  gives  the  most  com¬ 
plete  presentation  of  our  Presbyterian  institutions  that  is  in  existence., 

861.  Summer  Bible  Schools  at  Montreat  and  elsewhere 

1906,  p.  43.  The  Moderator  appointed  the  following  Committee 
to  visit  Montreat,  North  Carolina,  for  the  week  beginning  June  29th, 
1906,  to  consider  and  report  upon  the  advisability  of  establishing  a 
Summer  School  of  Theology  as  provided  in  the  report  of  the  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Church  and  Christian  Education. 

S.  H.  Chester,  S.  L.  Morris,  H.  H.  Sweets,  A.  L.  Phillips,  J.  G. 
Snedecor,  Thomas  H.  Law,  W.  W.  Moore,  W.  M.  McPheeters, 
C.  R.  Hemphill,  R.  A.  Webb,  T.  R.  Sampson,  T.  E.  Converse,  F. 
B.  Converse,  George  Summey,  Jas  P.  Smith,  W.  T.  Waller,  Chas. 
P.  Janney,  Martin  F.  Ansel,  A.  J.  McKelway,  A.  G.  Hall,  Mr. 
Bevil,  W.  W.  Reid,  J.  J.  Eagan,  R.  W.  Agee. 

Pile  Assembly  gave  this  Committee  power  to  add  the  following 
persons  to  the  Committee,  if  funds  are  found  sufficient  to  pay  their 
expenses : 

R.  S.  Cohn,  Alex.  Sprunt,  J.  T.  Plunket,  J.  W.  Stagg,  W.  Calvin 
Wells,  Maj.  C.  B.  Moore,  J.  G.  Anderson,  Henry  Giddins,  Jasper 
K.  Smith,  T.  S.  McPheeters. 

1907,  p.  61.  The  Assembly  expressed  its  pleasure  upon  learning 
that  there  had  been  established  at  Montreat,  N.  C.,  a  resort  under 
the  direct  control  of  a  corporation  whose  charter  provides  that  two- 
thirds  of  its  Board  of  Management  shall  be  office-bearers  of  our 
own  Church,  where  our  ministe  s  and  people  may  not  only  secure 
the  benefits  of  a  superb  climate  and  delightful  Christian  fellowship, 
but  also  special  advantages  in  the  matter  of  Bible  studies,  training 
for  Sabbath  School  and  other  branches  of  Church  work. 

1908,  p.  49.  The  Assembly  commended  the  Summer  School  at 
Montreat,  N.  C.,  in  July;  Crystal  Springs,  Miss.,  in  July;  Kerrville, 
Texas,  in  July;  Searcy,  Ark.,  in  July;  Nacoochee  Institute,  Ga., 
in  August;  and  urged  upon  our  Sabbath  School  workers  to  avail 
themselves  of  the  training  thus  furnished  so  as  to  do  the  most  effiicient 
work. 

The  Assembly  earnestly  commended  the  Young  People’s  Mis¬ 
sionary  Conference  to  be  held  in  Sherman,  Texas,  in  July,  and 
Asheville,  N.  C.,  July  3  to  12,  1908. 

862.  Mountain  Retreat  Association  ( Montreat ) 

1911,  p.  19.  The  following  resolution  touching  the  Mountain 


4.S0 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


Retreat  Association  was  adopted:  “That  the  General  Assembly  place 
on  record  its  high  appreciation  of  the  generous  gift  of  the  late  John 
S.  Huyler  of  twenty-four  thousand  dollars  to  the  Mountain  Retreat 
Association,  and  also  expresses  thanks  to  the  heirs  and  executors  of 
his  estate  in  their  prompt  and  kind  action  in  placing  this  gift  in  the 
hands  of  the  association,  the  same  gift  being  in  the  form  of  cancel 
lation  of  claims  which  Mr.  Huyler  held  against  the  association. 

1912,  p.  70-e.  The  resolution  touching  the  establishment  of  a 
Home  at  Montreat,  was  amended  as  follows: 

Provided  the  Mountain  Retreat  Association  shall  deed  to  the  Pres¬ 
byterian  Church  in  the  United  States  suitable  and  sufficient  land  on 
which  the  proposed  buildings  shall  be  erected. 

1913,  p.  62.  The  report  of  the  Mountain  Retreat  Association 
shows  that  the  Association  is  in  a  flourishing  condition,  and  that 
the  work  conducted  at  Montreat,  N.  C.,  through  the  Assembly’s 
Executive  Committees  and  other  agencies,  is  resulting  in  much  good 
to  the  several  causes  of  the  Church. 

/1914,  p.  50.  The  Select  Committee  on  the  address  of  Rev.  R. 
C.  Anderson,  President  of  the  Mountain  Retreat  Association,  made 
the  following  report,  which  was  adopted: 

1 .  The  Assembly  has  heard  with  pleasure  and  interest  the  address 
of  R  ev.  R.  C.  Anderson,  setting  forth  the  plans,  purposes  and  scope 
of  the  work  at  Montreat,  and  we  rejoice  at  the  large  proportions  this 
work  is  assuming  and  the  wide  influence  it  is  wielding  for  good 
throughout  the  borders  of  our  Church  in  all  the  departments  of 
the  beneficent  work  of  the  Assembly. 

2.  We  appreciate  the  generous  offer  made  by  the  Mountain 
Retreat  Association  to  the  General  Assembly  to  furnish  us,  free  of 
cost,  the  use  of  their  magnificent  plant  for  nine  months  of  the  year, 
that  it  may  be  used  for  educational  and  school  purposes,  as  may 
seem  best  and  wise  to  the  Assembly. 

3.  In  response  to  this  liberal  offer,  the  Assembly  does  hereby  ap¬ 
point  an  Ad-Interim  Committee  to  investigate  and  consider  the 

feasibility  of  accepting  this  proposition;  and  if,  in  the  judgment  of 
said  Committee,  it  is  desirable  and  practicable  so  to  do,  said  Com¬ 
mittee  is  directed  to  formulate  plans  for  control,  government  and 
support  of  such  a  school  and  report  to  the  next  General  Assembly 

for  its  action.  This  Committee  is  to  meet  at  Montreat,  without 

cost  of  traveling  expenses  to  the  General  Assembly. 

1915,  p.  36.  The  Assembly,  having  heard  with  pleasure  the 

report  of  the  President  of  the  Mountain  Retreat  Association,  and 
rejoicing  in  the  prosperity  of  this  institution,  expressed  to  the  Direc¬ 
tors  its  earnest  desire  that  every  possible  measure  be  taken  to  safe¬ 
guard  and  preserve  this  institution  for  vital  Christianity  and  the 
Church. 

1916,  p.  29.  Rev.  R.  C.  Anderson,  President  of  the  Mountain 
Retreat  Association,  was  heard  for  fifteen  minutes.  The  Assembly 
expressed  its  thanks  and  appreciation  to  Mr.  Anderson  and  com¬ 
mended  the  work  at  Montreat. 

1916,  p.  57.  The  Assembly,  hearing  with  pleasure  of  the  con- 


Sec.  862] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


431 


tinued  prosperity  of  the  Mountain  Retreat  Association,  expressed  its 
gratification  that  generous  friends  have  transferred  a  majority  of 
the  common  stock  of  this  Association  to  a  board  under  a  declaration 
of  trust  which  forever  guarantees  Church  control  of  this  Association 
without  direct  ownership.  This  gift  represents  a  controlling  in¬ 
terest  in  a  property  worth  at  least  $200,000.  This  will  undoubtedly 
enable  this  enterprise  to  become  more  and  more  a  source  of  vitality 
and  strength  for  the  life  and  work  of  our  Church. 

1917,  p.  58.  The  Mountain  Retreat  Association  was  encouraged  to 
provide  itself,  at  the  earliest  practicable  time,  with  an  adequate  and 
fitting  auditorium. 

This  Association  hereafter,  if  it  have  report  for  the  Assembly , 
is  to  make  such  report  direct  to  that  body  instead  of  through  the 
Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief. 

1918,  p.  34.  There  has  come  into  our  hands  a  communication 
from  the  Mountain  Retreat  Association,  which,  because  of  the  As¬ 
sociation’s  connection  with  the  several  Synods,  is  received  only  as 
information,  with  the  assurance  that  the  Assembly  is  deeply  appre¬ 
ciative  of  the  splendid  work  which  the  Association  is  doing  for  the 
Church. 

1919,  p.  26.  fWe  recommend  that  the  General  Assembly  endorse 
a  campaign  throughout  the  Church  by  the  Mountain  Retreat  Asso¬ 
ciation  for  $200,000  for  the  proper  equipment  of  Montreat  in 
buildings,  such  as  new  auditoriums,  hotels,  cottages  and  lighting 
plant,  and  in  macadamized  roads,  pavements,  sewer,  etc. 

1920,  p.  48.  To  an  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  South  Caro¬ 
lina,  requesting  the  General  Assembly  to  exercise  its  authority  or 
influence  to  see  that  each  Synod  “be  represented  on  the  Program 
Committee  and  Board  of  Managers  of  the  Mountain  Retreat  Asso¬ 
ciation,  so  that  the  conduct  of  the  platform  shall  represent  the  entire 
Church,”  your  Committee  replies  as  follows: 

From  an  examination  of  the  charter  of  the  Mountain  Retreat 
Association,  as  amended  January  9,  1917,  your  Committee  is  of  the 
opinion  that  the  General  Assembly,  not  being  in  control  of  the 
Mountain  Retreat  Association,  has  no  authority  to  do  as  requested 
by  the  Presbytery  of  South  Carolina.  (See  Section  7,  page  11;  Sec¬ 
tion  11,  page  12;  Section  14,  page  13;  charter  and  amendments  of 
the  Mountain  Retreat  Association,  January  9,  1917.) 

The  terms  of  the  two  Trustees  nominated  by  the  General  Assembly, 
expiring  on  August  15,  1917,  your  Committee  recommends  that  the 
General  Assembly  nominate  Dr.  A.  D.  P.  Gilmour,  of  South  Caro¬ 
lina,  and  Mr.  Chas.  E.  Barker,  of  Tennessee,  as  the  two  Trustees 
of  the  General  Assembly  to  serve  for  three  years  from  August  15, 
1920. 

In  order  clearly  to  define  and  to  strengthen  the  relation  between 
the  Mountain  Retreat  Association  and  the  General  Assembly,  your 
Committee  recommends  that  an  Ad-Interim  Committee  of  three  mem¬ 
bers  be  appointed  by  the  Moderator  to  make  a  report  and  recom¬ 
mendations  to  the  next  General  Assembly  looking  to  these  ends. 

1920,  p.  49.  The  Moderator  announced  the  following  Ad-Interim 


432  Education  and  Relief  [Book  IV 

Committee  on  the  Mountain  Retreat  Association:  J.  D.  Eggleston, 
A.  M.  Scales,  T.  S.  McCallie. 

1922,  p.  75.  The  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures,  to  which 
was  referred  the  Majority  and  Minority  reports  of  the  Ad-Interim 
Committee,  of  which  Dr.  J.  D.  Eggleston  is  Chairman,  on  the  title 
to  the  property,  commonly  called  Montreat,  reported: 

The  Assembly  at  St.  Louis,  by  apportioning  the  sum  of  $200,000 
out  of  the  General  Equipment  Fund,  to  the  Mountain  Retreat  Asso¬ 
ciation,  “provided  the  Committee  on  the  Mountain  Retreat  Associa¬ 
tion,  of  which  Dr.  J.  D.  Eggleston  is  Chairman,  reports  to  the  next 
Assembly  that  a  satisfactory  title  is  vested  in  the  Trustees  of  the 
General  Assembly,”  justified  the  assumption  by  the  majority  of  the 
Ad-Interim  Committee  that  the  Assembly  desired  and  would  be 
satisfied  with  nothing  less  than  the  absolute  ownership  of  the  prop¬ 
erty  of  the  Mountain  Retreat  Association  by  the  “Trustees  of  the 
^General  Assembly,”  a  corporation  controlled  by  the  General  Assem¬ 
bly,  This  assumption  actuated  the  report  of  the  majority  of  the 
Committee. 

The  minority  report,  [which  was  adopted;  see  below]  on  the 
other  hand,  is  intended  to  submit  to  the  Assembly  two  propositions, 
namely:  (1)  That  the  acquisition  of  the  ownership  of  the  property 
by  the  “Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly”  was  under  the  existing 
provisions  of  Trusteeship  and  charter  practically  unattainable,  and 
(2)  that  such  ownership,  even  if  attainable,  was  unnecessary,  as  all 
ends  sought  for  such  ownership  now  existed.  To  sustain  these  con¬ 
clusions  a  summary  of  the  provisions  of  the  various  acts  constituting 
the  Charter  of  the  Association  is  given  n  the  report.  If  this  Assem¬ 
bly  insists  on  the  position  the  last  Assembly  apparently  took,  the 
majority  report  should  be  approved. 

Your  Committee  would  recommend: 

1.  That  the  direct  control  and  ownership  of  “Montreat,”  through 
the  “Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly,”  would  be  neither  wise  nor 
practicable,  as  such  control  and  ownership  would  require  the  exer¬ 
cise  by  the  Assembly’s  Trustees  of  political  and  police  powers  and 
the  carrying  on  of  various  business  activities. 

2.  That  the  present  control  and  ownership  is  solely  in  the  interest 
of  and  for  the  advancement  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S. 
and  of  Presbyterianism  in  general;  and  that  there  is  no  apparent 
danger,  nor  can  any  remote  conditions  be  forseen  to  induce  or  incite 
fear  that  the  control  and  management  of  Montreat  will  ever  be 
otherwise. 

3.  That  the  proviso  to  the  apportionment  of  the  sum  of  $200,000 
out  of  the  General  Equipment  Fund  be  removed. 

4.  That  the  minority  report  signed  by  A.  M.  Scales,  Esq.,  be 
adopted.  (See  page  199,  Appendix.)  This  report  was  adopted 
(p.  74.) 

5.  That  the  Trustees  holding  a  majority  of  the  stock  of  the 
Mountain  Retreat  Association  be  requested  to  report  to  the  next 
Assembly  the  measures  the  Trustees  have  taken  to  fully  safeguard 


Secs.  862-864] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


433 


the  property  for  the  benefit  of  our  Church,  and  what  further  mea¬ 
sures,.  if  any,  can,  with  the  assistance  of  the  Assembly,  be  taken. 

Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Ashville,  asking  that  the  condi¬ 
tion  upon  which  an  apportionment  of  $200,000  to  the  Mountain 
Retreat  Association  out  of  the  General  Equipment  Fund,  provided  for 
at  the  St.  Louis  Assembly,  be  changed  so  that  said  apportionment, 
when  collected,  would  be  available  to  the  Association  as  soon  as  the 
Association  makes  “it  manifest  that  the  property  is  thoroughly 
secured  to  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.  for  the  purposes 
named  in  the  charter.” 

We  recommend  the  following  answer: 

The  subject  of  the  ownership  of  the  property  of  Mountain  Retreat 
Association,  commonly  called  Montreat,  is  pending  before  the  Assem¬ 
bly  in  two  reports  from  the  Ad-Interim  Committee,  of  which  Dr.  J. 
D.  Eggleston  is  Chairman.  If  the  Assembly  shall  approve,  in  whole 
or  in  substance,  the  minority  report  of  A.  M.  Scales,  Esq.,  of  the 
said  Ad-Interim  Committee,  the  Assembly  should  remove  the  restric¬ 
tion  on  the  appropriation,  and  this  Committee  recommends  that  if 
the  minority  report  of  Mr.  Scales  is  approved,  in  whole  or  in  sub¬ 
stance,  that  all  conditions  placed  on  the  appropriation  to  the  Moun¬ 
tain  Retreat  Association  be  removed  by  this  Assembly.  (See  p.  432.) 

863.  Vote  of  Thanks  to  Mrs.  Chapman 

1919,  p.  26.  We  recommend  that  the  General  Assembly  pass  a 
vote  of  thanks  to  Mrs.  J.  Wilbur  Chapman  for  her  gracious  gift  to 
the  Southern  Presbyterian  Church  of  her  home  at  Montreat,  for 
the  special  object  of  supplying  a  home  for  Presbyterian  ministers 
during  the  conference  months. 

864.  Training  School  for  Lay  Workers 

1912,  p.  63.  The  General  Assembly  of  1911  approved  (see 
Minutes,  page  64)  a  recommendation  of  its  Executive  Committee  of 
Publication  (see  Annual  Report,  1911,  page  30)  that  the  “Assembly 
appoint  a  special  committee,  representing  the  various  interests  of 
the  Church,  to  investigate  the  whole  subject  of  training  for  lay 
service,  and  to  report  with  recommendations  to  the  next  Assembly.” 

The  Assembly  of  1911  overlooked  the  appointment  of  this  Special 
Committee.  In  order  to  carry  out  the  spirit  of  this  resolution  and 
save  a  year’s  time,  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  ap¬ 
pointed  Revs.  S.  L.  Morris  and  Homer  McMillan;  the  Executive 
Committee  of  Foreign  Missions,  Revs.  S.  H.  Chester  and  D.  Clay 
Lilly;  the  Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  Minis¬ 
terial  Relief,  Rev.  H.  H.  Sweets;  and  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Publication,  Revs.  J.  P.  Smith,  A.  L.  Phillips,  and  Mr.  R.  E.  Magill 
to  constitute  the  Special  Committee. 

This  committee  met  in  Atlanta,  Ga.,  on  February  9,  1912,  a 
majority  being  present,  and  after  discussion  reached  the  following 
conclusions : 


434 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


1.  There  is  a  steadily  growing  need  for  trained  workers  in  the 
well-established  local  churches  where  assistants  to  pastors,  Sunday 
School  superintendents,  and  teachers,  visitors,  nurses,  and  social 
workers  are  needed.  There  is  increasing  demand  for  trained  workers 
on  the  Home  Mission  fields,  and  in  the  Foreign  field  throughout 
the  whole  world  there  is  a  well-nigh  distressing  need  for  trained 
workers  of  large  constructive  ability. 

2.  An  increasing  number  of  persons  are  inquiring  for  an  insti¬ 
tution  that  will  give  adequate  training  at  the  lowest  possible  cost. 

3.  There  is  not  a  single  institution  under  the  control  of  our 
Church  that  is  giving  itself  chiefly  to  the  work  of  training  laymen 
and  women. 

It  is  therefore  recommended — - 

( 1 )  That  the  General  Assembly  instruct  its  four  Executive  Com¬ 
mittees  to  appoint  at  their  regular  meetings  in  June,  1912,  two  repre¬ 
sentatives  each  to  constitute  a  committee  to  establish  one  Training 
School  for  Lay  Workers. 

(2)  That  said  Committee  be  instructed  to  meet  at  Montreat,  N. 
C.,  during  July,  1912,  and  Mr.  R.  E.  Magill  be  appointed  to  ar¬ 
range  the  day  of  the  month  for  the  meeting  and  act  as  temporary 
chairman ;  subsequent  meetings  to  be  held  at  the  will  of  the  committee. 

(3)  ;That  said  committee  be  authorized  to  prepare  a  curriculum  in 
outline,  and  to  define  the  relation  of  the  Training  School  to  the 
General  Assembly  somewhat  similar  to  the  relation  existing  between 
the  Theological  Seminaries  and  the  General  Assembly. 

(4)  That  said  committee  be  authorized  to  locate  said  Training 
School  after  full  investigation,  provided  that  enough  money  shall  be 
secured  by  special  gifts  to  purchase  a  site,  provide  necessary  buildings 
and  maintain  the  school  for  at  least  three  years;  and  provided , 
further,  that  the  General  Assembly  shall  not  be  held  financially 
responsible  for  any  part  of  the  expense. 

(5)  That  in  order  to  supply  in  some  measure  the  present  need 
for  training,  the  General  Assembly  approve  the  plan  herewith  sub¬ 
mitted  for  holding  a  series  of  conferences  on  Systematic  Beneficence 
to  be  conducted  by  representatives  of  its  Executive  Committees. 

1913,  p.  70-n.  The  General  Assembly  of  1912  recommended: 

(1)  “That  a  Committee  of  two  representatives  from  each  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  be  appointed  by  the  several  Executive  Committees 
to  prepare  a  general  plan  and  the  curriculum  in  outline  for  a  train¬ 
ing  school  for  lay  workers,  and  also  to  receive  propositions  as  to 
location  and  receive  subscriptions  for  the  establishment  of  said 
school,  to  report  to  the  next  Assembly,”  and 

(2)  “In  order  to  meet  the  present  need  of  training,  that  the 
Assembly  approve  the  plan  submitted  by  the  Committee  for  holding 
a  series  of  conferences  on  Systematic  Beneficence,  to  be  conducted  by 
representatives  of  its  Executive  Committees.” 

(3)  The  proposal  of  the  Presbyterian  Council  of  Charlotte, 
N.  C.,  for  the  establishment  in  that  city  of  a  “Training  School  for 
Nurses  for  Home  and  Foreign  Work”  was  referred  to  this  Special 
Committee. 


Sec.  864] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


435 


In  pursuance  of  these  instructions,  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Home  Missions  appoiijted  as  their  representatives  R.  O.  Flinn  and 
J.  G.  Snedecor. 

The  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  appointed  J.  D. 
Blanton  and  C.  A.  Rowland. 

The  Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education'  and  Ministerial 
Relief  appointed  J.  S.  Lyons  and  H.  H.  Sweets. 

The  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  appointed  D.  C.  Lilly 
and  A.  L.  Phillips,  with  R.  E.  Magill  and  W.  L.  Lingle  as  alternates 
to  either. 

R.  E.  Magill,  who  had  been  appointed  convener  of  the  Committee 
by  the  Bristol  Assembly,  called  a  meeting  to  be  held  in  Montreat, 
N.  C.,  August  14,  1912.  The  Committee  met  in  accordance  with 
this  call,  and  there  were  present  Magill,  Chairman;  Lyons,  Flinn, 
Snedecor,  Rowland,  Lingle,  and  E.  W.  Smith,  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Foreign  Missions. 

Inasmuch  as  the  substance  of  recommendation  number  2,  above 
recited,  was  incorporated  in  the  Conferences  on  Evangelism  and 
Stewardship,  to  be  arranged  by  the  Assembly’s  Campaign  Committee, 
nothing  was  done  in  regard  to  the  Conference  on  Systematic  Benefi¬ 
cence. 

The  proposal  of  the  Presbyterian  Council  of  Charlotte,  N.  C.,  for 
the  establishment  of  a  Nurse’s  Training  School  is  declined,  for  the 
reason  that  training  for  nurses  will  probably  be  included  in  the 
curriculum  of  the  Training  School  for  Lay  Workers,  if  such  shall 
be  established. 

As  to  the  establishment  of  the  Training  School  for  Lay  Workers, 
no  definite  proposal,  meeting  the  conditions  prescribed  by  the  Bristol 
Assembly,  was  submitted  at  the  Montreat  meeting,  although  tentative 
and  encouraging  overtures  were  made  by  Rev.  W.  W.  Moore  for 
Richmond,  Va.,  Rev.  R.  C.  Anderson  for  Montreat,  N.  C.,  and  Rev. 
C.  G.  Vardell  for  Red  Springs,  N.  C. 

At  meetings  of  the  Committee  held  in  Atlanta,  Ga.,  May  13th  and 
15th,  1913,  a  definite  proposal  for  the  location  of  the  training  school 
near  Richmond,  Va.,  was  made  by  the  Presbyterian  League  of  the 
city,  with  abundant  guaranty  that  all’  the  conditions  prescribed  by 
the  Assembly  were  met,  to-wit:  A  free  site  with  adequate  buildings 
and  a  competent  faculty,  and  running  expenses  for  three  years,  with¬ 
out  involving  the  Assembly  in  financial  responsibility.  The  Rich¬ 
mond  brethren  thinking  that  we  had  authority  to  locate  the  school 
without  reference  to  the  Assembly,  and  that  the  location  would  be 
decided  upon  before  its  present  meeting,  made  their  proposal  con¬ 
ditional  on  its  acceptance  by  the  middle  of  May,  1913. 

Our  investigations  have  shown  clearly  the  need,  and  increasing 
desire,  for  a  Training  School  for  Lay  Workers,  under  the  control  of 
the  General  Assembly,  and  adapted  to  the  needs  of  our  Church. 
There  is  a  growing  interest  on  the  part  of  brethren  in  different 
sections  of  our  territory,  in  the  establishment  of  the  school.  We 
wish  to  record  our  sincere  appreciation  of  the  generous  proposals 
made,  especially  of  the  overture  from  Richmond. 


436 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


Several  reasons  might  be  given  why  we  do  not  recommend  the 
acceptance  of  any  of  the  proposals  at  present,  but  we  think  it  sufficient 
to  say  that  it  does  not  seem  wise  to  decide  the  matter  of  location  with¬ 
out  further  notice  to  all  who  may  be  interested.  We  therefore 
recommend : 

(1st)  That  the  Special  Committee  of  two  representatives  from 
each  of  the  Assembly’s  Executive  Committees  be  continued: 

(2nd)  That  said  Committee  be  authorized  to  prepare  a  curri¬ 
culum  in  outline,  and  to  define  the  relation  of  the  Training  School 
to  the  General  Assembly,  somewhat  similar  to  the  relation  existing 
between  the  Theological  Seminaries  and  the  General  Assembly. 

(3rd)  That  said  Committee  be  authorized  to  locate  the  Train¬ 
ing  School  within  one  year  from  the  date  of  the  passage  of  this  paper, 
after  full  investigation,  provided,  that  enough  money  shall  be  secured 
by  special  gift  to  purchase  a  site,  provide  necessary  buildings,  and 
maintain  the  school  adequately  for  at  least  three  years;  and  provided 
further,  that  the  General  Assembly  shall  not  be  held  responsible  for 
any  part  of  the  expense. 

1914,  p.  26.  In  accordance  with  the  authority  given  it  by  the 
General  Assembly  of  1913,  the  Special  Committee  on  the  Training 
School  for  Lay  Workers  met  in  Richmond,  Virginia,  February  5, 
1914,  for  the  purpose  of  locating  the  school  if  a  satisfactory  proposal 
meeting  the  requirements  of  the  Assembly  should  be  made. 

The  following  resolutions  were  adopted: 

1.  That  after  full  discussion  and  due  publicity  already  given, 
the  proposal  submitted  by  Messrs.  Owsley  Sanders,  John  S.  Munce, 
Marshall  M.  Gilliam  and  W.  S.  Rhoads,  on  behalf  of  the  Presby¬ 
terian  League  and  the  Presbyterian  Ministers’  Association  of  Rich¬ 
mond,  Va.,  and  advocated  by  Rev.  W.  W.  Moore,  D.  D.,  and  Rev. 
Russell  Cecil,  D.  D.,  be  accepted  and  the  Training  School  for  Lay 
Workers  be  located  at  Richmond,  Va.,  for  a  period  of  three  years. 
The  terms  of  said  proposal  are  as  follows: 

(1)  “We  offer  a  site  comprising  about  two  acres  in  Sherwood 
Park,  one  of  the  most  beautiful  and  highly  improved  sections  of 
Suburban  Richmond.  This  tract  was  valued  at  $10,000  by  ex¬ 
perienced  and  disinterested  appraisers  sixteen  years  ago  and  has 
been  increasing  in  value  ever  since. 

(2)  “We  engage  to  provide  a  suitable  building,  or  buildings, 
with  ample  accommodations  for  any  number  of  students  who  may 
attend  the  school  during  the  period  which  you  specify. 

(3)  “We  engage  to  maintain  the  school  for  at  least  three  years, 
providing  a  sufficient  corps  of  instructors,  approved  by  your  Com¬ 
mittee  or  by  the  Board  of  Directors,  to  be  appointed  by  the  General 
Assembly. 

(4)  “We  guarantee  that  the  General  Assembly  shall  not  be  held 
financially  responsible  for  any  part  of  the  expense  of  the  site  or  of 
the  building  or  buildings  erected  thereon  within  these  three  years,  or 
of  the  maintenance  of  the  school  during  these  three  years.” 

2.  That  the  Richmond  proposal  be  accepted,  subject  to  the  fol- 


Sec.  864] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


437 


lowing  action  taken  by  the  Assembly’s  Committee  on  Training 
School,  Montreat,  N.  C.,  August  5,  1913: 

Control 

The  General  Assembly  shall  appoint  the  Directors,  and  approve 
the  Faculty  and  the  curriculum  and  the  general  management  of  the 
Training  School,  concerning  which  an  annual  printed  report  shall 
be  submitted.  The  management  shall  be  committed  to  a  Board  of 
Directors  of  twelve  (12)  persons  which  shall  include  two  repre¬ 
sentatives  to  be  elected  by  each  of  the  Assembly’s  Executive  Com¬ 
mittees.  The  Directors  shall  submit  to  the  Assembly  next  following 
its  election,  a  charter,  constitution  and  by-laws  for  their  own  govern¬ 
ment  and  that  of  the  Training  School. 

The  General  Assembly’s  Executive  Committee  of  Publication 
formally  tendered  to  the  Richmond  Committee  the  free  use  of  one 
story  in  its  new  publishing  house  now  in  the  course  of  erection  for 
class  rooms  and  administrative  offices  until  a  permanent  building 
can  be  erected.  This  offer  was  accepted  by  the  Richmond  Committee, 
and  included  in  their  proposal. 

A  temporary  dormitory  will  be  provided  by  renting  a  residence 
nearby.  A  building  already  equipped  for  community  and  institu¬ 
tional  work  for  use  as  gymnasium,  with  shower  baths  already  in¬ 
stalled,  has  been  offered  for  payment  of  taxes  and  insurance  on  the 
building. 

The  Richmond  Committee  has  guaranteed  a  support  fund  of 
$5,000.00  a  year  for  three  years. 

3.  That  the  following  tentative  curriculum  in  outline  be  ap¬ 
proved  for  the  guidance  of  the  Directors  in  the  organization  of  the 
school : 

(1)  English  Bible:  Its  origin,  preservation,  literary  structure 
and  forms,  books,  geography,  Old  Testament  history,  New  Testament 
history,  doctrines,  use  in  winning  souls. 

(2) .  Church  History:  Apostolic,  Medieval,  Reformation,  Mod¬ 
ern  History  of  Presbyterianism. 

(3) .  Presbyterian  Standards:  Confession  of  Faith,  Catechisms, 
Form  of  Government,  Rules  of  Discipline,  Directory  of  Worship. 

(4) .  The  Pupil:  Early  childhood,  childhood,  adolescence,  matur¬ 
ity.  The  pupil  at  home,  the  pupil  and  the  church,  the  pupil  at 
school. 

(5) .  Organic  work:  1. — Home  Missions — The  field  in  detail, 
house-to-house  visitation,  ministering  to  the  sick,  mothers’  meetings, 
play,  music,  evangelistic  work.  2. — Foreign  Missions — The  field  in 
detail;  the  non-Christian  religions;  educational  work,  academic  and 
industrial;  hospitals  and  dispensaries;  evangelistic  work,  local  and 
itinerant;  training  of  native  leaders. 

Special  arrangements  should  be  made  with  approved  established 
medical  colleges  and  hospitals  for  training  physicians  and  nurses. 

(6)  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief:  History;  pres¬ 
ent  organization;  methods  of  work;  results;  needs;  prospects. 


438  Education  and  Relief  [Book  IV 

Sabbath  School  Extension  and  Publication:  History;  organization; 
methods;  needs;  prospects;  results. 

( 7 )  Available  Agencies,  such  as :  ( 1 )  The  day  mission 

school,  its  organization,  equipment,  curriculum,  management,  sup¬ 
port;  (2)  The  Sunday  School,  its  history,  control,  organization, 
equipment,  instruction,  worship,  methods  of  work,  The  Daily  Vaca¬ 
tion  Bible  School;  (3)  The  Young  People’s  Society,  its  history, 
control,  equipment,  organization,  methods  of  work;  (4)  The  Mis¬ 
sionary  Society  for  children  and  adults;  control,  organization,  man¬ 
agement,  detailed  methods  of  work;  (5)  The  City  Mission:  (a) 
Hospital  and  Dispensary,  control,  support,  equipment,  detailed  meth¬ 
ods,  personal  work;  (b)  The  Day  Nursery:  control,  support, 
equipment,  methods,  results;  (c)  Evangelism:  chapel  preaching, 
street  preaching,  personal  work;  (d)  Entertainments:  indoor  and 
outdoor  games  and  plays. 

(8)  The  Country  Church:  Rural  conditions,  difficulties,  en¬ 
couragements,  tested  methods  of  work. 

(9) .  Music  and  the  Art  of  Reading  and  Speaking. 

(10) .  Personal  Service  :  Accompanying  their  studies,  all  pupils 
should  be  required  to  engage  regularly,  under  supervision,  in  various 
forms  of  Christian  service,  and  special  emphasis  should  be  given  to 
the  work  of  winning  souls. 

(12).  Correspondence  and  Extension  Courses.  All  courses  of 
study,  as  far  as  practicable,  should  be  made  available  by  corres¬ 
pondence. 

4.  That  the  school  be  opened  for  the  work  not  later  than  Novem¬ 
ber  4th,  1914. 

5  :  That  the  following  be  appointed  Directors  for  three  years,  with 
instructions  to  appoint  four  others: 

Representing  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions — Rev 
J  I.  Vance,  D.  D.,  Rev.  E.  W.  Smith,  D.  D. 

Representing  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions — Rev 
Homer  McMillan,  D.  D.,  Mr.  John  J.  Eagan. 

(Representing  the  Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and 
Ministerial  Relief — Rev.  H.  H.  Sweets,  D.  D.,  Rev.  J.  S.  Lyons,  D.  D. 

Representing  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication — Rev.  R* 
E.  Magill,  Rev.  A.  L.  Phillips,  D.  D. 

. be  appointed  Temporary  Chairman  of  the 

Board. 

1915,  p.  37.  The  Assembly,  having  heard  with  pleasure  the 
report  of  the  Board  of  Managers  of  the  Assembly’s  Training  School 
for  Lay  Workers, 

(1)  Approved  the  faculty  and  the  curriculum  of  the  School; 

(2)  Asked  that  the  charter  be  amended  so  as  to  provide  that  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  U.  S.,  shall  annually 
elect  a  Board  of  Twelve  Managers  for  the  term  of  one  year,  who 
shall  serve  until  the  election  and  acceptance  of  their  duly  qualified 
successors.  In  the  event  that  this  be  contrary  to  the  laws  of  Virginia, 
the  Board  of  Managers  is  to  have  the  power  to  nominate  their  own 
successors,  and  the  selection  of  such  persons  so  chosen  to  fill  said 


Sec.  864] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


439 


vacancies  shall  be  reported  by  said  Board  of  Managers  to  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  U.  S.,  for  its  approval  and 
confirmation. 

(3)  Asked  pastors  and  Sessions  to  co-operate  with  the  School  in 
discovering  students  for  the  institution,  in  view  of  the  fact  that  the 
School  is  an  enterprise  of  the  General  Assembly  and  is  equipped  to 
take  care  of  a  large  student  body,  and  that  its  usefulness  depends 
largely  upon  the  number  of  students  taking  training  therein. 

(4)  The  Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  Minis¬ 
terial  Relief  invite  churches,  societies,  and  individuals  to  provide 
$100.00  scholarships  for  the  aid  of  those  who  have  not  sufficient 
funds  to  enter  the  School  and  who,  with  a  slight  aid,  may  become 
efficient  workers  in  the  Church; 

(5)  Endorsed  the  raising  among  the  Sunday  Schools  and  Young 
People’s  Societies  of  the  Church  an  A.  E.  Phillips  Memorial  Fund  of 
$50,000  for  the  purposes  of  the  School,  to  be  raised  and  administered 
by  the  Board  of  Managers; 

(6)  The  Assembly  gave  authority  to  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  to  place  candidates  for 
the  Home  Mission  fields  on  the  same  basis  as  candidates  for  the 
Foreign  Mission  fields,  so  as  to  enable  them  to  obtain  a  loan  from 
the  Funds  of  Education  with  which  to  prosecute  their  studies  in  the 
Training  School. 

1916,  p.  59.  The  Assembly  expressed  its  pleasure  at  the  exceptional 
success  of  its  Training  School  for  Lay  Workers  and  commended 
this  enterprise  to  the  generosity  of  our  people,  and  to  this  end  the 
Board  of  Managers  were  authorized  to  appeal  to  the  Church  for 
funds  for  buildings  and  endowment,  provided,  however,  that  the  four 
Executive  Committees  of  this  Assembly  shall  first  be  satisfied  that 
funds  and  property  so  acquired  can,  under  the  institution’s  charter, 
be  safeguarded  to  the  Assembly. 

Rev.  F.  T.  McFaden,  D.  D.,  Mr.  R.  E.  Magill,  W.  B.  Lorraine, 
M.  D.,  Rev.  William  Megginson,  Rev.  H.  H.  Sweets,  D.  D.,  Rev. 
Homer  McMillan,  D.  D.,  Rev.  S.  H.  Chester,  D.  D.,  Rev.  J.  S.  Lyons, 
D.  D.,  Prof.  James  Lewis  Howe,  Rev.  Stuart  Nye  Hutchinson,  Rev. 
W.  L.  Lingle,  D.  D.,  Mr.  Robert  M.  Friend  were  elected  on  the 
Board  of  Managers  for  the  ensuing  year. 

1917,  p.  57.  That  the  following  Board  of  Managers  of  the  As¬ 
sembly’s  Training  School  for  Lay  Workers  be  appointed  for  a  term  of 
one  year:  F.  T.  McFaden,  D.  D.,  H.  H.  Sweets,  D.  D.,  S.  IP.  Chester, 
D.  D.,  Homer  McMillan,  D.  D.,  Mr.  R.  E.  Magill,  Mr.  Robt.  M. 
Friend,  Rev.  Wm.  Megginson,  W.  B.  Lorraine,  M.  D.,  J.  L.  Howe, 
Ph.  D.,  S.  Nye  Hutchinson,  D.  D.,  J.  S.  Lyons,  D.  D.,  and  W.  L. 
Lingle,  D.  D. 

That  the  faculty  selected  by  the  Board  of  Managers  for  the  coming 
year  be  approved. 

That  the  Assembly  again  commend  the  School  for  Lay  Workers  to 
the  generosity  of  our  people  and  earnestly  show  their  attention  to  the 
splendid  opportunity  for  invaluable  service  which  lies  in  properly 
equipping  and  supporting  this  institution. 


440 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


That  the  Board  of  Managers  and  the  four  Executive  Committees  of 
the  Assembly  be  requested  to  devise  a  form  of  government  for  the 
draining  School  which  would  be  in  line  with  the  educational  policy 
of  the  Assembly,  and  devise  also  a  plan  of  support  for  the  institution, 
and  report  to  the  next  Assembly. 

That  the  change  in  charter  of  the  Training  School,  as  set  forth  in 
the  report  of  the  Managers,  be  approved. 

That  the  Assembly  hereby  put  on  record  its  appreciation  of  the 
liberality  of  the  Presbyterian  League  of  the  City  of  Richmond  in  sup¬ 
porting  the  Training  School  for  three  years  without  expense  to  us; 
and  of  the  splendid  services  of  the  faculty  of  that  school,  given 
without  money  and  without  price. 

That  the  report  of  the  Board  of  Managers  be  printed  in  the  appendix 
of  the  Assembly’s  Minutes. 

1917,  p.  58.  The  report  of  the  Training  School  for  Lay  Workers 
furnishes  the  following  interesting  facts: 

(1)  There  have  been  70  students  in  attendance  on  the  school 
for  the  past  year,  35  boarding  and  35  local. 

(2)  Diplomas  and  certificates  were  awarded  this  year  to  11 
persons  for  work  done  in  this  school,  and  all  the  graduates  were  at 
once  appropriated  to  positions  of  service  throughout  the  Church,  nor 
was  their  number  equal  to  the  demand  for  such  trained  workers. 

(3)  The  obligation  of  the  Presbyterian  League  of  the  City  of 
Richmond  to  maintain  the  school  for  three  years  expires  June  1,  1917, 
so  that  the  running  expense  of  about  $6,000.00  must  needs  be  pro¬ 
vided  from  some  other  source  for  the  coming  year. 

(4)  The  most  urgent  need  of  this  institution  is  a  building  to 
house  it  and  its  rapidly  increasing  number  of  students.  Such  a  build¬ 
ing  would  probably  cost  something  like  $75,000.  A  lot  estimated  to 
be  worth  approximately  $15,000  has  been  offered  the  school  in  the 
City  of  Richmond  as  soon  as  money  is  provided  to  erect  a  building. 

(5)  The  Board  of  Managers  has  secured  an  amendment  to 
their  charter  which  secures  to  the  Assembly  the  ownership  and  control 
of  the  school  beyond  peradventure. 

(6)  ;The  faculty  for  the  coming  year  is  as  follows:  Rev.  William 
Megginson,  Dean,  Christian  Doctrine  and  English  Bible;  Rev.  Walter 
W.  Moore,  D.  D.,  English  Bible,  Old  Testament;  Rev.  Edward 
Mack,  D.  D.,  English  Bible,  Old  Testament;  Rev.  Eugene  C.  Cald¬ 
well,  D.  D.,  English  Bible,  New  Testament;  Mrs.  John  Russell 
Sampson,  English  Bible,  New  Testament,  and  Missions;  Rev.  Russell 
Cecil,  D.  D.,  Church  History;  Miss  Katherine  Heath  Hawes,  So¬ 
cial  Questions  and  Christian  Ethics;  Rev.  Walter  L.  Lingle,  D.  D., 
Sunday  School  Pedagogy;  Miss  Anna  Branch  Binford,  Sunday 
School  Pedagogy,  Teen  Age  Specialist;  Miss  Elizabeth  McE.  Shields, 
Sunday  School  Pedagogy,  Elementary  Division;  Rev.  O.  E.  Buchholz, 
Christian  Missions;  Mr.  Wade  C.  Smith,  Personal  Evangelism  and 
Stewardship;  Miss  Pauline  Williamson  Grant,  Organized  Women’s 
Work;  W.  B.  Lorraine,  M.  D.,  Director  of  Medical  Course. 

1918,  p.  30.  The  work  o*f  the  Training  School  during  the  four 


Sec.  864] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


441 


years  of  its  existence  has  amply  demonstrated  the  usefulness  of  the 
school  and  it  bids  fair  to  become  indispensable  to  our  Church. 

It  is  not  only  giving  our  prospective  foreign  missionary  ladies  the 
training  they  could  formerly  receive  only  by  going  outside  our 
boundaries,  but  it  is  also  furnishing  our  young  women  education  and 
equipment  for  positions  as  home  and  city  mission  teachers  and 
workers,  as  pastors’  assistants  and  for  similar  positions,  and  it  offers 
similar  opportunities  to  laymen. 

The  demand  for  such  trained  workers,  now  already  far  exceeding 
the  supply,  will  rapidly  increase  under  the  conditions  which  will 
confront  us  in  the  immediate  future.  The  school  has  been  fortunate 
in  having  the  services  of  such  a  corps  of  skilled  instructors,  all 
giving  their  services  without  financial  compensation.  We  feel,  how¬ 
ever,  that  the  Church  is  doing  itself  an  injustice  in  giving  no  return 
for  these  valuable  services.  The  school  having  passed  with  increasing 
success  through  its  first  quadrennium,  the  time  has  come  for  the 
Assembly  to  place  it  upon  a  more  established  basis  of  support. 

,Your  Committee  would  make  the  following  recommendations: 

1.  That  the  General  Assembly’s  Training  School  for  Lay  Workers 
continue  to  work  under  its  present  charter  and  plan  of  government 
which  have  been  fully  approved  by  previous  Assemblies. 

2.  Inasmuch  as  the  large  majority  of  the  students  of  the  Train¬ 
ing  School  will  always  be  women,  we  recommend  that  women  be 
elected  to  fill  three  places  out  of  the  twelve  on  the  Board  of  Mana¬ 
gers  of  the  Training  School. 

3.  In  order  to  provide  for  the  needs  of  the  present  year,  we 
recommend  that  the  General  Assembly  place  the  Training  School  on 
its  list  of  Benevolent  Causes  and  ask  the  Church  to  raise  at  least 
$8,000.00  for  its  running  expenses,  and  that  the  treasurer  of  the 
Board  of  Managers  of  the  Training  School  be  placed  in  the  Assembly’s 
Minutes  along  with  the  names  of  the  treasurers  of  the  Assembly’s 
Benevolent  Causes. 

(Recommendation  asking  for  1  per  cent,  in  the  Benevolent  Budge* 
was  referred  to  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence. ) 

4.  We  would  recommend  the  following  as  the  Board  of  Managers 
for  the  coming  year:  Rev.  F.  T.  McFaden,  D.  D.,  Mr.  R.  E.  Magill, 
Mr.  Robert  E.  Friend,  Rev.  H.  H.  Sweets,  D.  D.,  Rev.  S.  H.  Chester, 
D.  D.,  Rev.  Homer  McMillan,  D.  D.,  Rev.  S.  Nye  Hutchison,  D.  D., 
Rev.  Walter  L.  Lingle,  D.  D.,  Mr.  Owsley  Sanders,  Miss  Katherine 
Hawes  (Richmond),  Mrs.  H.  M.  Price  (Baltimore),  Mrs.  A.  W. 
McAllister  ( Greensboro ) . 

5.  We  would  recommend  the  approval  of  the  following  faculty: 
Rev.  Walter  L.  Lingle,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Walter  W.  Moore,  D.  D.,  Rev. 
Edward  Mack,  D.  D.,  Rev.  W.  B.  Mcllwaine,  B.  D.,  Rev.  Eugene 
Caldwell,  D.  D.,  Rev.  M.  Ryerson  Turnbull,  B.  D.,  Rev.  Charles 
L.  King,  B.  D.,  Rev.  O.  E.  Buchholz,  B.  D.,  Mr.  Wade  Smith,  Dr. 
W.  B.  Lorraine,  Miss  Anna  Branch  Binford,  Miss  Elizabeth  McE. 
Shields,  Miss  Pauline  Williamson  Grant,  Mr.  Owsley  Sanders. 

6.  That  the  report  of  the  Board  of  Managers  be  published  in  the 
Appendix  of  the  Assembly  Minutes. 


442 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


1919,  p.  27.  We  wish  to  call  the  attention  of  the  members  of  this 
Assembly  first,  to  the  remarkable  growth  of  this  school,  and  second, 
to  the  economical  management  of  the  school's  affairs  by  the  Board; 
and,  third,  commend  the  school  to  the  entire  Church  as  a  training 
agency  of  lay  workers;  and,  fourth,  present  to  the  General  Assembly 
five  recommendations: 

I.  Growth  of  the  School. — The  catalogue  of  the  General  As¬ 
sembly’s  Training  School  for  Lay  Workers  shows  an  enrollment  of 
49  students  for  the  past  school  year.  This  enrollment  was  distributed 
as  follows:  Senior  Class,  11;  Junior  Class,  31;  and  Specials,  7. 
The  personnel  of  the  student  body  represents  twelve  States  of  our 
country,  and  the  countries  of  Japan  and  China.  There  were  ten 
graduates  from  the  school  this  year.  Of  the  forty-nine  students  en¬ 
rolled,  eleven  are  preparing  for  Foreign  Mission  service.  The  Junior 
Class,  lacking  two  students,  is  three  times  the  size  of  the  Senior 
Class,  and  the  President  informs  your  Committee  that  he  has  now  in¬ 
quires  from  seventy  prospective  students,  representing  all  sections  of 
the  country  ministered  to  by  our  Church,  who  desire  to  enter  this 
school.  The  large  enrollment  in  the  Junior  Class  during  the  past 
school  year,  coupled  with  the  fact  that  70  new  students  were  seeking 
admission  to  this  school,  offers  abundant  evidence  of  the  need  for 
this  school,  and  the  splendid  service  which  it  is  rendering  our  Church. 

II.  Economical  Management  of  the  School — During  the  past  year 
there  have  come  into  the  hands  of  the  Board  of  Managers  of  the 
school  $8,333.95  for  current  expenses;  $15,685.74  in  cash,  and 
$10,000.00  in  good  subscriptions  toward  the  permanent  assets  of 
the  school,  with  $9,789.65  as  its  first  payment.  With  these  last 
mentioned  funds,  your  Board  of  Managers  have  purchased  a  property 
costing  $35,500.00,  immediately  across  the  avenue  from  Union  Semi¬ 
nary.  On  this  property  are  located  two  three-story  buildings,  which 
were  immediately  available  for  the  use  of  the  students  and  faculty. 
'The  fact  that  this  purchase  gives  the  school  a  permanent  home,  and  the 
further  fact  that  such  a  substantial  payment  has  been  made  on  the 
property  as  to  make  it  a  safe  and  economical  investment,  lead  your 
Committee  to  commend  the  action  of  the  Board  in  providing  this 
permanent  home  for  the  school. 

;Your  Committee  calls  especial  attention  to  the  economical  ad¬ 
ministration  of  the  current  expenses  of  the  school  during  the  past 
year.  From  the  $8,833.95  which  came  into  the  hands  of  the  Board 
from  all  sources  for  current  expenses,  the  school  was  conducted,  a 
deficit  of  $1,010.07  from  the  past  school  year  was  met,  and  there 
remain  in  the  treasury  $143.13.  This  remarkable  accomplishment 
on  the  part  of  your  Board  was  made  possible  by  the  sacrificial  work 
of  the  President  of  die  school,  Dr.  Walter  L.  Lingle,  and  the  faculty 
of  Union  Theological  Seminary,  and  Dr.  Gilbert  Glass,  and  certain 
people  connected  with  our  Publishing  House  in  Richmond,  all  of 
whom  served  the  school  without  pay. 

Your  Committee  received  with  interest  the  information  that  there 
has  been  secured  a  Professor  of  English  Bible  for  the  school,  who 
will  give  full  time  to  the  work;  and  expresses  the  confident  hope  that 


Sec.  864] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


443 


this  Assembly  will  take  steps  to  provide  the  funds  for  the  immediate 
use  of  the  Board  of  Managers  in  the  selection  of  a  President  and 
Dean  of  Women.  There  should  also  be  made  in  the  near  future 
provision  for  a  full  faculty  for  this  school. 

III.  The  Importance  of  the  School. — The  organization  of  this 
school  by  the  General  Assembly  meets  a  crying  need  in  our  Church. 
Furthermore,  it  enables  our  Church  to  share  in  a  splendid  way  in 
serving  our  nation.  The  past  twenty  years  have  witnessed  the  found¬ 
ing  and  growth  of  an  increasing  number  of  independent  schools  for 
the  instruction  and  training  of  lay  workers.  To  these  schools  have 
gone  many  of  our  own  men  and  women,  who  are  in  training  for 
religious  work  at  home  and  abroad.  They  have  gone  to  these  schools 
because  our  Church  has  had  no  agency  for  their  training.  In  the 
nature  of  the  case,  no  guarantee  can  be  had  for  the  orthodoxy  and  gen¬ 
eral  helpfulness  of  this  training.  Furthermore,  it  is  not  fair  for 
our  Church  to  expect  our  lay  religious  workers  to  secure  training 
elsewhere  and  still  be  loyally  bound  to  expend  their  energies  within 
the  bounds  of  our  Church.  The  successful  operation  of  this  school 
means  a  continuous  stream  of  trained  men  and  women  for  those 
important  places  to  be  filled  by  unordained  men  and  women  both  at 
home  and  abroad  in  the  expanding  program  of  our  Church.  More 
than  this,  the  school  offers  to  the  men  and  women  of  our  nation  who 
are  entering  religious  work  a  most  splendid  training  in  an  environ¬ 
ment  where  the  English  Bible  is  taught  as  the  Word  of  God  and 
where  absolute  loyalty  to  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  enjoined.  This 
in  itself  is  no  mean  consideration  when  thought  is  given  to  some  kinds 
of  training  now  being  offered  in  some  religious  schools  of  our  land 
Your  Committee  would,  therefore,  most  highly  recommend  this  school 
to  the  General  Assembly  and  voice  the  hope  that  all  ministers  in 
the  Assembly  will  direct  students  seeking  this  kind  of  training  to 
the  Assembly’s  School  for  Lay  Workers. 

IV.  Recommendations. — Your  Committee  makes  the  following 
recommendations : 

1.  That  the  General  Assembly  elect  the  following  persons  to 
compose  the  Board  of  Managers  of  the  Assembly’s  School  for  Lay 
Workers  for  the  years  1919-1920: 

Rev.  F.  T.  McFaden,  D.  D.,  President,  Richmond,  Va. 

Mr.  R.  E.  Magill,  Treasurer,  Richmond,  Va. 

Mr.  Robert  M.  Friend,  Secretary,  Petersburg,  Ya. 

Mr.  Owsley  Sanders,  Richmond,  Va. 

Rev.  H.  H.  Sweets,  D.  D.,  Louisville,  Ky. 

Rev.  Homer  McMillan,  D.  D.,  Atlanta,  Ga. 

Rev.  S.  H.  Chester,  D.  D.,  Nashville,  Tenn. 

Rev.  S.  Nye  Hutchinson,  D.  D.,  Norfolk,  Va. 

Rev.  Walter  L.  Lingle,  D.  D.,  Richmond,  Va. 

Mrs.  Hampton  Fleming,  Richmond,  Va. 

Mrs.  H.  N.  Price,  Baltimore,  Md. 

Miss  Catherine  Heath  Hawes,  Richmond,  Va. 

2.  That  the  General  Assembly  approve  the  faculty  as  reported  by 
the  Board  of  Managers. 


444 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


3.  That  the  General  Assembly  authorize  the  Board  of  Managers 
to  secure  from  the  Church  at  large  $180,000  for  a  suitable  building 
on  the  campus,  to  meet  the  immediate  needs  of  the  school. 

4.  That  the  General  Assembly  authorize  the  Board  of  Managers 
to  secure  from  the  Church  at  large  $120,000,  to  be  invested  as  an 
endowment  for  the  Chair  of  the  English  Bible  and  the  salary  of  a 
president. 

5.  That  the 'General  Assembly  provide  for  a  Standing  Committee 
of  the  Assembly  each  year,  into  whose  hands  shall  go  the  report  of 
this  school  for  consideration. 

1919,  p.  63.  The  Assembly  approved  of  the  action  of  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  of  Publication  on  March  6th,  1919,  appropriating 
$2,500  a  year,,  beginning  July  1st,  1919,  to  the  General  Assembly’s 
Training  School  for  Lay  Workers  until  the  Training  School  receives 
an  adequate  support  from  other  sources.  The  appropriation  was 
made  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Assembly,  and  for  the  reason  that 
the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  believes  that  the  Assembly’s 
Training  School  is  one  of  the  most  potent  forces  in  the  Church  for 
training  leaders  for  Sunday  School  and  Young  People’s  Work. 

1920,  p.  35.  The  Assembly  should  have  great  satisfaction  in  this 
school,  and  deep  gratitude  to  God,  in  view  of  the  efficient  and  eco¬ 
nomical  management,  the  wise  policy,  the  fruitful  service,  the  growing 
favor,  and  the  bright  future  of  the  institution.  The  Assembly  should 
also  note  the  pressing  needs  and  take  steps  to  supply  these  needs 
as  soon  as  possible. 

Your  Committee  recommends: 

( 1 )  That  the  Assembly  express  its  grateful  appreciation  of  the 
services  of  the  faculty  during  the  past  year,  and  approve  their  being 
selected  for  the  coming  year. 

(2)  That  the  Assembly  answer  in  the  affirmative  the  overture 
of  the  Board  of  Managers  and  authorize  said  Board  to  secure  the 
charter  revision  it  desires,  set  forth  in  the  overture  as  follows: 

“The  Board  of  Managers  overtures  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  to  authorize  the  Board  of 
Managers  to  (l)secure  the  necessary  charter  changes,  which  will 
be  accomplished  by  amending  Sections  (d)  and  (e)  of  the  charter 
as  heretofore  amended,  and  making  said  sections  when  amended  read 
as  follows: 

“(d)  The  number  of  Trustees  who  shall  manage  the  affairs  of 
the  corporation  shall  be  fifteen,  who  shall  elect  from  their  number  the 
following  officers:  President,  Vice-President,  and  Secretary  of  the 
corporation;  and  the  Board  of  Trustees  shall  also  elect  the  Treasurer, 
who  may  or  may  not  be  a  member  of  said  Board  of  Trustees;  and 
shall  have  the  power  ito  elect  from  its  members,  or  otherwise,  such 
other  officers  as  may  from  time  to  time  be  necessary. 

“(e)  The  Board  of  Trustees  shall  be  elected  by  the  General  As¬ 
sembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States.  At  the 
first  election  held  hereunder,  the  General  Assembly  shall  elect  the 
said  fifteen  Trustees,  five  of  whom  shall  serve  for  one  year,  five  of 
whom  shall  serve  for  two  years,  and  five  of  whom  shall  serve  for 


Sec.  864] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


445 


three  years,  and  thereafter  all  of  said  Trustees  shall  be  elected  for 
a  term  of  three  years,  provided  that  every  Trustee  shall  be  entitled  to 
serve  during  the  time  for  which  he  is  elected  and  until  his  duly  elected 
successor  shall  have  qualified,  and  provided  that  the  Board  of  Trustees 
shall  have  power  to  fill  any  vacancies  that  may  occur  in  the  Board 
until  the  next  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States,  at  which  time  the  General  Assembly  shall 
elect  a  Trustee  to  fill  the  remainder  of  the  unexpired  term,  or  the  full 
term,  as  the  case  may  be. 

“And  (2)  to  make  the  necessary  revision  of  the  by-laws  of  the 
corporation,  which  will  be  accomplished  by  substituting  for  Article 
I,  paragraph  1  of  the  by-lawrs  the  following: 

“Article  I ,  Paragraph  1.  There  shall  be  a  Board  of  fifteen  Trus¬ 
tees,  who  shall  be  elected  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyte¬ 
rian  Church  in  the  United  States  for  a  term  of  three  years,  and  who 
shall  serve  until  the  election  and  acceptance  of  their  duly  qualified 
successors.  The  Board  of  Trustees  shall  be  divided  into  three  classes, 
with  an  equal  number  of  members  in  each.  At  the  first  election 
after  this  article  goes  into  effect,  those  in  the  first  class  shall  be 
elected  for  a  term  of  one  year;  those  in  the  second  class  for  a  term 
of  two  years;  and  those  in  the  third  class  for  a  term  of  three  years. 
Thereafter,  upon  the  expiration  of  their  term  of  office,  the  members 
of  each  class  shall  be  elected  for  a  term  of  three  years.  Provided, 
however,  the  Board  of  Trustees  shall  have  the  power  to  fill  any  va¬ 
cancy  that  may  occur  in  the  Board  until  the  next  meeting  of  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States; 
and  provided  further,  that  the  Board  of  Trustees  shall  have  no 
authority  to  apply  for,  or  make  any  change  in  the  charter  of  the 
corporation,  or  in  this  Paragraph  1,  Article  I.,  of  the  by-laws  of  the 
corporation,  except  as  authorized  by  vote  of  the  General  Assembly 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States.” 

(3)  That  the  Assembly  elect  the  following  persons  as  members 
of  the  Board  of  Managers,  to  serve  until  the  next  meeting  of  the 
Assembly : 

F.  T.  McFaden,  Richmond,  Va. 

R.  E,  Magill,  Richmond,  Va. 

Robt.  M.  Friend,  Petersburg,  Va. 

Owsley  Sanders,  Richmond,  Va. 

H.  H.  Sweets,  Louisville,  Ky. 

Homer  McMillan,  Atlanta,  Ga. 

S.  H.  Chester,  Nashville,  Tenn. 

S.  Nye  Hutchison,  Norfolk,  Va. 

Walter  L.  Lingle,  Richmond,  Va. 

Mrs.  H.  N.  Price,  Baltimore,  Md. 

Miss  Katherine  Heath  Hawes,  Richmond,  Va. 

Mrs.  Hampton  Fleming,  Richmond,  Va. 

i 

(4)  That  the  Assembly  elect  the  following  persons  as  members 
of  the  Board  of  Trustees,  to  take  their  places  after  the  charter  re- 


446  Education  and  Relief  [Book  IV 

vision  has  become  effective,  and  to  serve  until  the  next  meeting  of  the 
General  Assembly. 

Geo.  W.  Call,  Richmond,  Va. 

Walter  W.  Moore,  Richmond,  Va. 

Samuel  K.  Phillips,  Greenville,  N.  C. 

(5)  That  the  Assembly  approve  the  raising  of  $500,000  for  this 
institution  as  soon  as  practicable  (to  be  used  for  a  dormitory  estimated 
to  cost  $200,000,  and  for  the  endowment  of  five  chairs  in  the  fac¬ 
ulty,  estimated  at  $60,000  each),  and  place  the  raising  of  this  amount 
under  the  supervision  and  control  of  the  Assembly’s  Permanent 
Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  and  Stewardship. 

>(6)  That  this  Assembly  request  all  Presbyteries  to  urge  each 
treasurer  of  benevolences  to  see  that  the  Training  School  gets  its 
due  percentage  in  the  distribution  of  the  benevolent  funds  of  each 
congregation. 

1921,  p.  67.  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly: 

1.  Express  its  hearty  approval  of  the  Training  School  as  an 
institution  of  unparalleled  usefulness  for  the  preparation  of  young 
women  and  other  lay  workers. 

2.  Express  its  appreciation  of  the  services  of  the  faculty  of  Union 
Theological  Seminary,  the  teachers  from  the  Presbyterian  Committee 
of  Publication  and  other  volunteers  in  supplying  needed  instructors. 

3.  Direct  the  Systematic  Beneficence  Committee  in  apportion¬ 
ing  any  equipment  fund  to  make  wise  and  generous  provision  for  the 
Assembly’s  Training  School. 

4.  Instruct  the  Assembly’s  Stewardship  Committee  to  keep  the 
Training  School  on  the  budget  of  the  churches  for  its  due  percent¬ 
age  of  the  benevolences. 

5.  Approve  the  faculty  for  the  session  of  1921-1922. 

6.  Elect  the  following  trustees: 

For  One  Year 

Rev.  S.  H.  Chester,  D.  D.;  Mr.  Owsley  Sanders,  J.  Scott  Parish,. 
Rev.  Walter  L.  Lingle,  D.  D.,  Mrs.  Hampton  Fleming. 

For  Two  Years 

Rev.  Homer  McMillan,  D.  D.,  Mr.  R.  E.  Magill,  Rev.  W.  W. 
Moore,  D.  D.,  Rev.  S.  K.  Phillips,  Miss  Katherine  Heath  Hawes. 

For  Three  Years 

Rev.  F.  T.  McFaden,  D.  D.,  President;  Mr.  George  W.  Call,  Treas¬ 
urer;  Mr.  R.  M.  Friend,  Secretary;  Rev.  H.  II.  Sweets,  D.  D.,  Mrs. 
H.  N.  Price. 

1922,  p.  65.  We  have  been  profoundly  impressed  by  the  growth 
of  the  Training  School  in  the  short  period  of  eight  years  since  it  was 
founded  in  1914;  by  the  widespread  interest  throughout  the  Church 
as  manifested  in  a  student  body  of  112  representing  15  States  and 
four  foreign  countries;  by  the  acceptable  service  rendered  by  those 


Sec.  86  4  J- 


Schools  and  Colleges 


447 


who  have  attended  the  school;  by  the  financial  support  of  the 
churches,  which  during  the  past  year  reached  a  total  of  more  than 
$18,000,  the  equivalent  in  money  of  the  income  of  $300,000  endow¬ 
ment,  and  worth  far  more  to  the  institution  as  an  evidence  of  the 
interest  and  confidence  and  affection  of  the  Church;  by  the  excellence 
of  the  faculty;  and  by  the  rich  and  varied  and  comprehensive  cur¬ 
riculum. 

We  note  with  special  interest  the  election  of  Rev.  F.  T.  McFaden, 
D.  D.,  as  President  and  his  acceptance,  to  take  effect  in  July,  thus 
lifting  the  heavy  load  whch  has  rested  on  Rev.  W.  L.  Lingle,  and 
which  he  has  carried  in  connection  with  his  other  duties,  at  lavish 
expense  of  his  own  strength  and  personality.  We  note  also  the  wise 
and  conservative  and  far-reaching  program  of  the  trustees  for  build¬ 
ing  the  school  an  adequate  home. 

We  call  special  attention  to  the  fact  that  this  institution  is  not  a 
school  for  women  only,  but  already  numbers  men  in  its  student 
body  and  looks  forward  to  a  large  increase:  in  the  number  of  men 
students  and  to  special  provisions  to  meet  their  needs.  That  the 
school  is  already  offering  work  and  appeals  to  men  is  shown  by  the 
fact  that  an  elder,  a  member  of  this  Committee,  has  expressed  his 
desire  and  intention  to  take  the  full  two-year  course  as  soon  as 
practicable. 

We  recommend  that — 

1.  The  Assembly  endorse  heartily  the  work  of  the  Training  School, 
and  commend  the  institution  to  the  whole  Church. 

2.  The  Assembly  approve  the  faculty  as  listed  in  the  report  of 
the  trustees. 

3.  The  Assembly  elect  Mr.  Owsley  Sanders,  Mr.  J.  Scott  Parrish, 
Rev.  S.  H.  Chester,  D.  D.,  Rev.  W.  L.  Lingle,  D.  D.,  and  Mrs. 
Hampton  Fleming  as  trustees  for  three  years,  their  terms  expiring  in 
1925. 

4.  The  Assembly,  through  its  Stewardship  Committee,  put  in 
Training  School  into  its  Progressive  Program  for  the  year  1923-24 
for  $28,500,  beng  six-tenths  of  one  per  cent,  of  $4,750,000,  the  total 
financial  goal  for  1923-24,  and  urge  alf  Presbyteries  and  all  churches 
to  see  that  in  the  distribution  of  their  benevolences  the  Training 
School  receives  its  full  part. 

5.  The  Assembly  commend  the  Training  School  to  our  people 
of  means  as  a  worthy  enterprise  in  which  to  make  investments  from 
the  money  which  God  has  entrusted  to  them  as  His  stewards. 

6.  The  Assembly  notes  with  pleasure  the  fact  that  the  Synods  of 
Virginia  and  West  Virginia  have  included  the  Training  School  in 
their  Educational  Campaign  for  substantial  quotas,  and  suggests  that 
other  Synods  consider  the  advisability  of  doing  likewise. 

7.  The  Assembly,  following  the  precedent  of  the  192  f  Assembly, 
designates  the  last  Sunday  in  September  as  Assembly  Training  School 
Day,  and  urges  that  at  that  time  special  attention  be  called  to  the 
great  work  of  the  Training  School  and  special  prayer  be  offered  in 
its  behalf,  and  that,  in  the  churches  which  have  not  adopted  the  Pro- 


448 


Education  and  Relief  [Book  IV 

gressive  Program  and  made  an  every-member  canvass,  an  offering 
be  taken  on  that  day. 

8.  The  Assembly  expresses  its  gratification  at  hearing  that  the 
Rev.  F.  T.  McFaden,  D.  D,,  has  accepted  the  presidency  of  the 
Training  School. 

9.  The  Assembly  expresses  its  grateful  appreciation  to  Rev.  W.  L. 
Lingle,  D.  D.,  for  his  faithful  and  efficient  and  generous  services  as 
acting  president  of  the  Traing  School. 

10.  The  Assembly  refers  to  the  trustees  of  the  Training  School 
overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  St.  Louis  (asking  the  Assembly  to 
make  available  trained  Bible-teachers  for  the  women  of  our  churches 
(p.  65),)  for  such  action  as  may,  in  the  judgment  of  the  Trustees, 
be  deemed  wise  and  practical. 

865.  Christmas  Program  for  Sabbath  Schools 

1918,  p.  35.  That  so  far  as  practicable,  our  Committee's  arrange¬ 
ment  of  the  Christmas  program  be  used  in  our  Sabbath  schools. 

866.  Week  of  prayer 

1873,  p.  337.  The  Assembly  recommended  the  observance  of  a 
week  of  prayer  for  our  institutions  of  learning,  and  for  the  youth  of 
our  Church  and  our  country,  beginning  with  the  last  Thursday  of 
February. 

867.  Free-will  offering 

1880,  p.  390.  The  Secretary  was  authorized  to  make  a  brief 
statement  through  the  church  papers  of  the  condition  of  this  cause 
on  the  1st  of  April,  and  ask  for  free-will  offerings  of  God’s  people. 

# 

868.  Day  of  prayer  for  public  schools 

1902,  p.  258.  On  an  overture  asking  that  the  second  Lord’s  day 
in  September,  annually,  be  devoted  to  special  prayer  for  the  public 
and  private  schools  of  the  United  States,  the  recommendation  of 
the  committee,  that  the  day  above  named  be  substituted  for  the  third 
Thursday  of  February  as  the  annual  day  of  prayer  for  the  youth 
in  schools  and  colleges  throughout  our  country,  was  amended  so  as 
to  read,  “The  Assembly  deems  it  unwise  to  take  any  action  at 
present.”  Adopted. 

1903,  p.  469.  The  Alliance  asks  that  the  second  Sabbath  in 
September  be  set  apart  as  a  day  of  prayer  for  public  schools.  We 
recommend  that  the  Assembly  so  order  it.  Adopted. 

Same  action  in  1904  (p.  40). 

w869.  Christian  influences  in  public  schools 

1904,  p.  38.  The  people  of  our  Church  are  hereby  counseled  and 
exhorted  to  be  diligent  in  their  duties  as  citizens,  in  guarding  the 
purity,  and  elevating  the  character  of  the  public  schools  of  the  country, 
maintained  by  the  State.  The  Christian  citizens  of  a  country  owe 


Secs.  864-872] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


449 


it  to  themselves,  their  children,  the  State  and  their  Lord,  to  be  faith¬ 
ful  in  protecting  public  schools  from  the  evils  of  influences  unfriendly 
to  Christianity,  in  the  studies,  the  teachers,  or  the  directors  of  the 
public  schools  in  which  the  large  majority  of  the  children  of  the 
land  are  taught. 

The  Assembly  gratefully  recognizes  the  fact  that  public  education, 
maintained  by  the  State,  in  our  borders — both  higher  and  secondary — 
is,  in  general,  friendly  to  religious  faith  and  life,  in  the  personnel 
of  the  instructors  and  directors,  and  in  the  matter  of  instruction. 
Let  our  people,  as  citizens,  see  to  it  that  Christian  influences  in  all 
State  schools  are  constantly  maintained  in  purity  and  power. 

870.  The  Bible  in  State  Schools 

1901,  p.  42.  The  Assembly  expressed  the  hope  that  the  Exec¬ 
utive  Committee  having  this  cause  in  charge  will  continue  the  effort 
to  devise  some  workable  method  of  caring  for  the  spiritual  welfare 
of  Presbyterian  youths,  and  some  worthy  teaching  of  the  Bible,  in 
State  Universities  and  other  undenominational  schools. 

871.  The  Bible  in  public  schools 

1904,  p.  94.  The  following  recommendations  of  the  Alliance  of 
Reformed  Churches  (Western  Section)  were  adopted  by  the  Assembly: 

“(a)  We  recommend  that  this  Assembly  expresses  its  sincere 
gratification  that  so  much  stress  is  laid  upon  sound  moral  training 
by  our  school  system,  and  that  the  Bible  is  so  largely  read  in  the 
public  schools  of  this  country;  and  it  also  expresses  the  earnest  hope 
that  this  desirable  condition  may  continue  through  all  the  days  to 
come. 

(b)  We  recommend  that  this  Assembly  expresses  its  regret  that 
confusion  should  have  been  introduced  into  the  practice  regarding 
the  use  of  the  Bible  in  our  public  schools  by  reason  of  the  inconsistent 
decisions  by  the  courts  and  the  varying  interpretations  given  by 
school  authorities  in  different  places,  of  practically  the  same  con¬ 
stitutional  and  statutory  provisions,  and  that  the  Church  advises  its 
officers  and  people  that  they  should  seek  to  exert  a  prudent  Christian 
influence  upon  public  sentiment  in  their  respective  localities  upon 
this  subject. 

(c)  We  recommend  that  this  Church  declares  that  moral  instruc¬ 
tion  and  ethical  training  are  necessary  for  good  citizenship,  and 
should  have  a  place  in  our  public  school  system,  and  that  this  is 
possible  without  inculcating  any  denominational  tenets;  and,  further, 
that  the  Bible  is  the  very  best  instrument  to  impart  this  moral  in¬ 
struction  and  training  in  connection  with  our  public  schools.” 

1916,  p.  36.  Similar  action. 

872.  Recommendations  of  the  Council  of  Reformed  Churches 
in  America  holding  the  Presbyterian  System 

1911,  p.  41.  We  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  suggestions  of 


450  Education  and  Relief  [Book  IV 

the  Council  with  reference  to  the  work  of  Education  with  the  fol¬ 
lowing  changes: 

.Division  A.  Item  1.  The  words,  “And  preferably  the  American 
Standard  Version,”  be  stricken  out,  and  at  the  conclusion  of  Item  5, 
the  following  be  added:  “Subject  to  review  and  control  of  our 
General  Assembly,”  making  the  entire  article  to  read  as  follows: 

TEXT-BOOKS  FOR  ACADEMIES  AND  COLLEGES 

(a)  The  first  and  chief  text-book  should  be  the  Bible  itself,  with 
references,  a  Bible  dictionary  and  concordance  and  subject  index. 

(b)  A  manual  of  Biblical  geography  with  maps,  and  references 
to  books  on  Orientalisms  in  the  Bible. 

(c)  iA  series  of  constructive  text  books  on  a  graded  basis,  for 
use  in  academies,  and  a  series  for  the  first  and  second  years  of  the 
college  course. 

(d)  The  use  of  teacher- training  courses,  as  a  required  or  optional 
part  of  the  curriculum  in  Church  academies  and  colleges. 

(e)  That  each  constituent  body  authorize  each  of  its  publishing 
and  educational  agencies,  commissions  and  committees,  to  appoint  one 
or  two  representatives  to  form  a  joint  committee,  which  shall  secure 
the  preparation  and  publication  of  the  series  of  text-books  on  Bible 
study,  for  use  in  academies  and  colleges,  subject  to  review  and  con¬ 
trol  by  our  General  Assembly. 

873.  Care  of  Presbyterian  students  in  State  Universities 

1903,  p.  482.  The  Executive  Committee  of  Education  was  in¬ 
structed  to  appoint  from  time  to  time  prudent  and  skilful  men  to 
visit  each  college  and  university  within  our  bounds  (so  far  as  prac¬ 
ticable),  to  confer  with  the  young  men  of  Presbyterian  parentage 
there  found  on  matters  of  personal  piety  and  of  the  claims  of  the 
ministry,  the  proper  expenses  of  such  visitation  to  be  paid  by  this 
Executive  Committee. 

1904,  p.  46.  The  matter  was  again  commended  to  the  attention 
of  the  Committee. 

1906,  p.  55.  While  pressing  forward  with  all  earnestness  the 
higher  education  of  the  youth  of  the  Church  in  our  own  schools 

and  colleges,  we  declare  our  purpose  to  discharge  our  duty  to  God 

and  man  with  reference  to  the  large  number  of  our  sons  in  State 
Universities  and  other  non-denominational  institutions.  And  to  this 
end  we  instruct  the  Committee  to  inquire  diligently  into  effective 
means  for  reaching  our  youth  therein,  and  especially  the  work  of 

“Bible  Chairs”  now  located  and  to  be  located  in  close  contact  with 

such  universities  and  colleges — the  nature  and  scope  of  their  work, 
the  means  whereby  they  are  sustained,  and  the  results  hitherto  ac¬ 
complished  by  providing  courses  in  Bible  Study,  Lectures  on  the 
Evidences  of  .Christianity,  and  tender  pastoral  care  for  young  people 
separated  from  home  and  exposed  to  many  perils. 

This  action  was  reaffirmed  the  next  year. 


Secs.  872-873] 


I 


451 


Schools  and  Colleges 

1909,  p.  65.  We  urge  our  Secretary,  our  seminary  professors  and 
seminary  students  and  pastors  to  continue  their  good  work  in  pre¬ 
senting  the  claims  of  the  Gospel  Ministry  to  the  young  men  in  our 
State  institutions,  and  that  their  work  may  be  most  effective,  we 
urge  our  Synods  to  make  the  fullest  possible  provision  for  the  spirit¬ 
ual  interest  of  and  pastoral  oversight  of  the  2,  179  young  men  from 
Presbyterian  homes  who  are  students  in  their  State  institutions. 

1910,  p.  42.  The  Assembly  expressed  the  hope  that  the  Ex¬ 
ecutive  Committee  having  this  cause  in  charge  (Schools  and  Colleges) 
would  continue  the  effort  to  devise  some  workable  method  of  caring 
for  the  spiritual  welfare  of  Presbyterian  youths,  and  some  worthy 
teaching  of  the  Bible,  in  State  Universities  and  other  undenomina¬ 
tional  schools. 

1911,  p.  53.  The  General  Assembly  would  lay  particular  emphasis 
upon  that  part  of  the  work  of  the  Executive  Committee  which  con¬ 
cerns  schools  and  colleges. 

This  Assembly  heartily  approves  the  work  of  our  Secretary  of 
Christian  Education  in  visiting  our  State  Universities,  in  the  interest 
of  our  Presbyterian  boys  in  these  institutions  and  their  spiritual 
welfare,  and  recommends  our  Secretary  to  press  this  work  through  our 
Synods. 

1912,  p.  31.  Your  committee  would  recommend  that  the  Executive 
Committee  continue  its  work  of  sending  the  Secretary  and  others  to 
the  Schools  and  Colleges  of  our  Church  and  to  the  State  Universities 
to  address  the  students  and  confer  with  individuals  on  the  claims 
of  the  Gospel  Ministry;  arid  diligently  use  the  best  literature  which 
will  be  helpful  in  guiding  into  the  ministry  the  young  men  whom 
God  hath  chosen  for  this  great  work. 

1914,  p.  72.  The  Executive  Committee  was  authorized  to  call  in 
conference  the  representatives  of  our  Church  at  all  the  centers  where 
State  institutions  are  located,  with  the  purpose  of  seeing  what  may 
he  done  to  meet  the  religious  needs  of  our  students  in  these  institutions. 

1917,  p.  59.  The  Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  was 
urged  to  be  constantly  mindful  of  the  interests  of  our  many  young 
people  attending  State  institutions,  and  to  seek  to  devise  effective 
means  for  keeping  them  in  touch  with  our  Church  and  under  positive 
Christian  influence. 

1918,  p.  35.  The  Executive  Committee  is  to  assist  the  Synods  to 
arouse  the  members  within  their  bounds  to  a  full  appreciation  of 
the  responsibility  of  the  Church  for  the  boys  and  girls  who  are  at¬ 
tending  the  State  institutions  of  learning.  The  Committee  is  to  labor 
together  with  the  Synods  to  the  end  that  a  well-equipped  church,  with 
an  efficient  pastor,  may  be  sustained  by  the  side  of  each  of  the  State 
institutions  of  higher  learning. 

1921,  p.  58.  [The  Executive  Committee  shall  use  all  of  its  powers 
to  arouse  the  entire  Church  to  the  fundamental  importance  of  Chris¬ 
tian  Education  and  to  a  more  thorough  and  faithful  oversight  of  the 
studies  of  the  Church,  whether  in  Schools,  Colleges,  State  or  Inde¬ 
pendent  Universities. 


452 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


874.  Catechism  on  Church  and  Church  Government 

{1900,  p.  609.  In  answer  to  an  overture  asking  that  a  catechism 
on  the  Church  and  Church  Government  be  prepared,  the  Assembly 
appointed  a  committee,  with  the  Rev.  Robt.  P.  Kerr,  D.  D.,  as  chair¬ 
man,  to  prepare  such  catechism. 

1901,  p.  50.  The  Catechism  on  the  Church  was  sent  down  to 
the  Presbyteries  for  their  criticism,  the  same  to  be  reported  to  the 
ad  interim  committee  by  February  1,  1902,  said  committee  to  report 
to  the  next  Assembly,  the  expense  connected  with  it  to  be  paid  by 
the  Publication  Committee. 

1902,  p.  259.  It  was  ordered  that  the  overtures  on  this  subject 
be  referred  to  the  existing  ad  interim  committee,  enlarged  by  the 
addition  of  the  Rev.  Drs.  C.  R.  Hemphill,  R.  C.  Reed  and  E.  C. 
Gordon,  and  that  their  report  be  made  to  the  next  Assembly,  and 
sent  down  to  the  Presbyteries. 

1903,  p.  506.  The  report  of  the  ad  interim  committee  to  prepare 
a  catechism  on  the  Church,  was  taken  from  the  docket,  and  after 
consideration  was  referred  back  to  the  same  committee  with  Rev. 
W.  A.  Alexander,  D.  D.,  as  chairman,  to  report  to  the  next  Assembly. 

1905,  p.  16.  With  regard  to  the  report  of  the  committee  appointed 
to  prepare  a  catechism  on  the  Church,  the  committee  recommends  tha l 
the  ad  interim  committee  be  discharged  and  their  diligence  be  com¬ 
mended;  and  that  the  manuscript  placed  in  our  hands  be  put  at 
the  disposal  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication.  Adopted. 

875.  Catechism  on  the  History  of  the  Church 

1902,  p.  258.  On  an  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Western 
District,  asking  that  a  committee  be  appointed  “to  prepare  a  cate¬ 
chism  on  the  history  of  our  Church,  for  the  especial  benefit  of  our 
young  people.”  the  committee  recommend  that  the  request  be  granted, 
and  that  said  committee  report  to  the  next  Assembly.  Adopted. 

1903,  p.  472.  The  c'ommittee  was  continued. 

1904,  p.  50.  Owing  to  the  impracticability  of  the  undertaking, 
greatly  increased  by  the  difficulty  of  the  committee’s  holding  a  meeting, 
the  expense  of  which  the  General  Assembly  is  not  at  present  able  to 
sustain,  the  General  Assembly  discontinues  this  committee,  thank¬ 
ing  them  for  the  service  they  have  rendered 


876.  Column  in  statistical  reports  for  contributions  to  Orphanages 

1903,  p.  503;  1905,  p.  54.  This  was  declined. 

1909,  p.  61.  The  column  for  contributions  to  orphans’  homes, 
other  than  the  Assembly’s  Home  and  School,  shall  be  put  in  the 
statistical  reports  in  place  of  the  column  now  occupied  by  “Baptized 
Non-Communicants,”  and  the  Committee  of  Publication  is  instructed 
to  place  such  explanatory  notes  upon  these  blanks  as  may  be  neces¬ 
sary  to  guide  the  Session  in  the  matter  and  in  other  items  when  making 
up  reports. 


Secs.  874-879] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


453 


8,77.  The  Florida  Land  Company 

1886,  p.  56.  Your  committee  had  information  laid  before  it,  show¬ 
ing  that  a  land  company,  which  owns  a  large  tract  of  land  in  Walton 
county,  Florida,  was  proceeding  to  subdivide  and  lay  out  and  improve 
its  lands  in  such  a  manner  as  to  attract  settlers,  and  that  a  consider¬ 
able  settlement  of  Scotch  Presbyterians  was  already  permanently 
located  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  said  lands;  and  that  said  com¬ 
pany  has  offered  to  donate  and  convey  forty  acres  of  its  lands  to  the 
Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  upon  condition  that  the  General 
Assembly  should  provide,  within  three  years  from  the  date  of  the 
grant,  that  as  much  as  six  thousand  dollars  should  be  expended  in 
erecting  upon  the  tract  granted  buildings  adapted  for  educational  or 
church  purposes.  Therefore. 

Resolved  (1),  That  the  Board  of  Trustees  be  directed  to  accept 
the  forty  acres  of  land  offered  by  the  Florida  Land  Company,  near 
De  Funiak  Springs,  Walton  county,  Florida,  upon  the  conditions 
specified  in  the  offer  of  said  company;  and  that  Rev.  Wm.  Adams, 
D.  D.,  Wm.  C.  Sibley  and  S.  M.  Inman  be  appointed  a  committee 
to  raise  the  funds,  and  otherwise  arrange  for  the  improvement  of  the 
property,  in  accordance  with  the  conditions  of  the  grant. 

Resolved  (2),  That  this  General  Assembly  instruct  its  Board  of 
Trustees  to  accept  the  offer  made  by  the  land  company  of  Walton 
county,  Florida,  of  the  forty  acres  of  land  tendered,  under  the  con¬ 
ditions  specified. 

1887,  p.  242.  Presbytery  of  New  Orleans  asked  the  Assembly  to 
recede  from  the  proposition  to  accept  these  lands.  Reply:  For  the 
purpose  of  obtaining  fuller  information  on  this  matter,  the  overture 
is  referred  to  the  next  Assembly  for  answer. 

,1888,  p.  420.  The  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  New  Orleans 
respecting  a  gift  of  land  in  Florida,  which  overture  was  passed  over 
from  the  last  to  the  present  Assembly,  was  taken  up.  The  commis¬ 
sioner  from  the  Presbytery  of  New  Orleans  stated  that  the  opposition 
of  that  body  was  withdrawn;  and  the  Assembly  resolved  not  to  re¬ 
cede  from  the  action  of  the  Assembly  of  1886. 

878.  Receipts  and  disbursements  to  be  printed 

1881,  p.  375.  The  Auditing  Committee  recommend  that  here¬ 
after  the  reports  of  the  receipts  and  disbursements  of  the  funds  of 
this  Executive  Committee  (Education)  be  printed  for  the  use  of  the 
Assembly.  Adopted. 

1903,  p.  481.  A  recommendation  was  made  and  adopted  that  an 
abstract  of  the  Treasurer’s  report  be  annually  entered  on  the  minute 
book  together  with  the  report  of  the  committee  which  has  audited 
his  accounts. 

879.  A  Three  Years’  Program 

1918,  p.  34.  The  Assembly  approved  the  three-year  program  as 
outlined  by  our  Committee. 


454 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


The  Executive  Secretary,  desiring  to  further  the  interests  committed 
to  it  by  the  General  Assembly  in  the  most  thorough  and  systematic 
way,  suggests  that  the  following  program  for  the  next  three  years  be 
approved : 

1.  That  the  Executive  Committee,  through  carefully  planned  and 
sustained  efforts,  see  that  all  the  youth  of  the  Church  are  brought  face 
to  face  with  the  problem  of  their  life’s  work,  so  that  they  may  be  able 
more  clearly  to  discern  God’s  plan  for  their  lives.  In  order  to  ac¬ 
complish  this  much  desired  end  the  Executive  Committee  is  permitted 
to  call  into  co-operation  other  agencies  of  the  General  Assembly, 
Synods,  Presbyteries  and  the  churched.  To  thi^  end  larger  use  shall 
be  made  of  sermons,  addresses  and  literature  in  churches,  Sunday 
schools,  high  schools,  colleges  and  universities. 

2.  That  the  Student  Loan  Fund  of  the  Church  be  increased  during 
this  period  to  at  least  $250,000.  As  the  purpose  of  this  fund  is 
twofold:  to  assist  our  Presbyterian  Colleges  and  to  enable  the  boys 
and  girls  from  poor  homes  of  our  Church  to  secure  a  higher  education, 
the  fullest  co-operation  of  these  institutions  should  be  secured.  No 
investment  will  yield  larger  returns  than  these  in  the  lives  of  our  boys 
and  girls  of  approved  character  as  they  are  being  prepared  for  Chris¬ 
tian  leadership  in  the  coming  age. 

3.  That  within  this  period  the  Endowment  Fund  of  Ministerial 
Relief  be  increased  to  at  least  $1,000,000.  That  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  during  this  time  secure  from  the  ministers  of  the  Church  and 
their  families  data  that  will  furnish  the  basis  for  the  future  statesman¬ 
like  handling  of  this  sacred  and  binding  obligation  of  the  Church. 

4.  That  within  this  period  the  Executive  Committee  put  forth  its 
utmost  endeavor  to  assist  the  various  Synods  to  perfect  their  educa¬ 
tional  policies  and  to  equip  and  endow  the  educational  institutions 
under  control  of  the  Synods. 

5.  That  the  Executive  Committee  assist  the  Synods  to  arouse 
the  members  within  their  bounds  to  a  full  appreciation  of  the 
responsibility  of  the  Church  for  the  boys  and  girls  who  are  attending 
the  State  institutions  of  learning.  That  the  Committee  labor  together 
with  the  Synods  to  the  end  that  a  well-equipped  church,  with  an 
efficient  pastor,  may  be  sustained  by  the  side  of  each  of  the  State 
institutions  of  higher  learning. 

1919,  p.  37.  This  General  Assembly  would  re-endorse  the  Three- 
Year  Program  of  the  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  Minis¬ 
terial  Relief,  and  urge  that  it  be  fully  carried  out. 

880.  Four  hundredth  anniversity  of  the  Reformation 

1915,  p.  36.  The  Assembly  called  upon  the  churches,  Presbyteries, 
and  Synods  to  unite  with  the  other  bodies  represented  in  the  Council 
of  the  Church  Boards  of  Education  in  a  celebration  in  1917  of  the 
four  hundredth  anniversary  of  the  Protestant  Reformation,  seeking 
thereby  to  infuse  new  life  into  our  own  educational  institutions  and 
to  improve  and  Christianize  as  far  as  possible  all  the  educational 
institutions  of  our  land. 


Secs.  879-883] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


455 


1916,  p.  58.  Similar  action. 

1916,  p.  74.  In  this  report  the  attention  of  the  Assembly  is 
directed  to  certain  anniversaries  which  occur  during  this  year  and  the 
year  1917.  They  are:  The  500th  anniversary  of  the  burning  of 
Jerome  of  Prague,  on  the  30th  of  May,  and  the  400th  anniversary 
of  the  posting  of  Luther’s  theses,  on  the  31st  of  October,  1917.  In 
connection  with  the  latter,  we  recommend  that  the  Assembly,  pur¬ 
suant  to  a  Suggestion  of  the  Alliance,  appoint  the  Rev.  W.  W.  Moore, 
D.  D.,  and  the  Rev.  R.  A.  Webb,  D.  D.,  to  frame  and  submit  to  the 
churches  a  program  of  celebration  befitting  such  a  decisive  event  in 
the  history  of  the  Kingdom  of  God. 

1917,  p.  29.  The  Committee  appointed  to  frame  and  submit  to 
the  churches  a  program  for  the  proper  celebration  of  the  400th  anni¬ 
versary  of  the  beginning  of  the  Protestant  Reformation  reported  that 
they  had  proposed  such  a  program,  including  a  Catechism  on  Luther 
and  the  Reformation  for  use  in  the  Sunday  Schools;  that  most  of  the 
program  was  in  the  hands  of  the  Committee  of  Publication,  and  that 
the  entire  program  would  be  issued  in  ample  time  for  the  convenient 
use  by  our  pastors,  churches,  and  Sunday  Schools. 

This  report  was  approved. 

1917,  p.  59.  The  Assembly  urgently  laid  upon  the  Synods  the 
imperatively  pressing  needs  of  our  educational  institutions,  and  ear¬ 
nestly  entreated  them  to  persevere  in  measures  to  provide  for  these 
necessities  where  measures  have  been  taken,  and  where  not,  to  in¬ 
augurate  them  wTith  the  least  possible  delay,  appealing  to  all  our 
people  to  signalize  the  conclusion  of  400  years  of  Reformed  life  in 
the  Church  by  mighty  forward  strides  in  our  educational  equipment. 

881.  Centennial  of  the  organized  work  of  Education 

1918,  p.  35.  In  commemoration  of  the  centennial  of  the  organ¬ 
ized  work  of  education  the  first  evening  of  the  next  General  Assembly 
was  set  apart  for  addresses  on  this  department  of  the  Church’s  work. 

882.  Educational  work  among  our  soldiers 

1918,  p.  35.  The  Executive' Committee  was  directed  to  undertake 
among  our  soldiers  in  cantonments,  a  campaign  of  education,  seeking 
to  enlist  students  for  the  gospel  minstry,  in  order  that  their  minds 
may  be  turned  definitely  to  this  work  during  their  service  and  upon 
their  discharge;  and  to  invite  the  co-operation  of  the  Army  Y.  M.  C. 
A.  and  the  Churches  of  the  Reformed  faith  in  America  in  such  a 
campaign. 

883.  Vote  of  thanks  to  the  Secretary  and  Committee;  to  Dr.  Melvin 

1914,  p.  74.  (The  commendation  of  the  Secretary  and  Committee 
of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  for  their  faithfulness 
and  efficiency  in  their  services,  was  adopted  by  a  rising  vote. 

1919,  p.  37.  The  Committee’s  broad  and  statesmanlike  program, 


456 


Education  and  Relief' 


[Book  IV 


which  is  arousing  the  whole  Church  to  the  importance  of  Chrisian 
Education  through  its  literature  and  efficient  forms  of  publicity  and 
through  the  campaign  force,  consisting  of  Dr.  M.  E.  Melvin  and  his 
associates,  demands  our  highest  approval. 

884.  Thanks  to  Mr.  John  Stites 

|1912,  p.  55.  We  cordially  approve  the  recommendations  of  the 
Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief,  that  the 
thanks  of  the  Assembly  be  given  to  Mr.  John  Stites,  treasurer  of  this 
Committee,  for  his  valuable  services  rendered  without  compensation. 

1920,  p.  27.  Mr.  John  Stites  has  for  more  than  fifteen  years 
been  the  efficient  treasurer  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Christian 
Education  and  Ministerial  Relief.  During  this  period  his  expe¬ 
rience  and  sound  business  judgment  have  been  of  great  value  to  the 
Committee  and  to  the  Church.  As  Mr.  Stites  is  now  present  as  a 
Commissioner  to  this  Assembly,  your  Committee  believes  that  it  is 
speaking  for  the  Assembly  when  it  expresses  to  him  our  very  deep 
appreciation  of  the  great  service  he  has  rendered,  and  is  rendering, 
our  whole  Church. 

See  also  1922,  p.  52. 

885.  Thanks  to  Dr.  Thomas  and  his  helpers 

1914,  p.  46.  The  thanks  of  the  Assembly  were  extended  to  the 
Rev.  Trigg  A.  M.  Thomas  and  his  able  helpers,  Misses  Harriet 
Hawker  and  Georgia  Johnson,  for  their  untiring  labor  in  gathering 
and  arranging  the  educational  exhibits  sent  in  by  the  schools  and 
colleges,  and  for  their  unfailing  courtesy  and  helpfulness  in  making 
this  exhibit  a  success. 


V.  Student  Loan  Fund 

886.  I,o an  Fund 

The  Loan  Fund  is  for  the  purpose  of  helping  poor  Presbyterian 
boys  and  girls  who  desire  an  education  but  are  not  looking  forward  to 
the  ministry.  The  plan  is  to  lend  each  of  these  struggling  students 
$100  a  year,  at  a  low  rate  of  interest  or  with  no  interest  at  all,  for  the 
four  years  of  their  college  course.  The  fund  will  be  used  only  for 
those  students  who  give  promise,  and  who  can  furnish  testimonials 
of  high  Christian  character.  By  this  plan  it  is  hoped  that  three 
things  can  be  accomplished: 

1.  Hundreds  of  our  young  men  and  women  would  be  enabled  to 
secure  an  education. 

2.  Our  Presbyterian  colleges  would  be  built  up  by  receiving  as 
students  those  who  could  not  otherwise  go. 

3.  Workers  would  be  trained  for  every  department  of  our  Church 
work — workers  with  an  abiding  loyalty  to  the  Church  which  helped 
them  in  their  hour  of  need. 


Secs.  883-889] 


Loan  Fund 


457 


The  idea  is  to  lend  the  principal  of  the  Loan  Fund,  not  merely 
the  interest.  Thus  a  larger  number  can  be  aided ;  and  experience  has 
shown  that  such  loans  are  very  safe.  And  as  they  are  repaid  by  the 
beneficiaries,  the  funds  become  available  for  the  use  of  others. 

887.  Memorial  Scholarships 

The  Memorial  Scholarships  have  to  do  with  the  method  of  raising 
the  Fund.  Four  hundred  dollars  will  found  a  Scholarship.  Any 
individual  or  family  or  society  contributing  $400  shall  have  the 
privilege  of  naming  a  Scholarship  as  a  memorial  to  some  friend  or 
loved  one.  The  $400  may  be  given  in  a  lump  sum  or  at  the  rate  of 
$100  a  year.  At  the  meeting  of  the  Assembly  in  1910  it  was  reported 
that  twenty-eight  such  Scholarships  had  been  established,  on  which 
$2,100  had  been  paid  in,  thus  enabling  the  Committee  to  award 
twenty-one  Scholarships.  In  about  four  years  the  Scholarships 
already  promised  will  yield  about  $11,200,  more  than  one-tenth  of 

the  $100,000,  which  has  been  set  as  the  nearest  goal  of  endeavor. 

<• 

888.  Student  Loan  Fund 

1908,  p.  60.  The  Assembly  approved  the  suggestion  of  the  Ex¬ 
ecutive  Committee,  that  the  Church  be  called  upon  to  raise  a  loan 
fund  for  the  assistance  of  worthy  young  men  and  young  women, 
who  are  not  able  to  pay  the  cost  of  higher  education;  the  loans  to 
be  made  under  such  rules  as  may  be  deemed  wise  by  that  Committee. 

1910,  p.  42.  The  Assembly  commended  the  diligence  and  suc¬ 
cess  of  its  Secretary  of  Schools  and  Colleges  in  the  raising  of  an 
“Educational  Loan  Fund,”  and  commended  the  plan  adopted  to 
individuals  of  our  Church  as  a  good  method  of  helping  needy  stu¬ 
dents. 

1915,  p.  36.  The  Assembly  calls  upon  churches,  societies,  Sunday 
Schools,  and  individuals  to  increase  the  Student  Loan  Fund  as  rapidly 
as  possible,  to  the  end  that  a  larger  number  of  the  boys  and  girls 
of  our  Church,  who  come  from  homes  of  limited  means  may  be  en¬ 
abled  to  receive  the  training  afforded  in  our  Presbyterian  colleges. 

1916,  p.  56.  The  Student  Loan  Fund,  which  now  amounts  to 
$20,593.11,  has  made  it  possible  during  the  year  for  72  young  people 
to  secure  a  higher  education. 

1917,  p.  56.  The  Student  Loan  P'und  has  increased  since  the 
last  annual  report  of  the  Committee  by  only  $3,756.39.  From  this 
fund  66  of  our  young  people  were  this  past  year  assisted  by  loans 
to  attend  Presbyterian  schools.  Sixty  applications  for  loans  had  to 
be  declined  because  of  the  insufficiency  of  the  fund. 

1921,  p.  57.  The  Assembly  expressed  its  opinion  that  the  Stu¬ 
dent  Loan  Fund  should  be  speedily  increased  to  at  least  $300,000. 

1922,  p.  54.  Similar  action. 

889.  The  evolution  of  the  Committee 
(From  the  third  annual  report  of  the  Committee,  1913.) 


458 


Education  and  Relief  ,  [Book  IV 

(1)  The  Executive  Committee  of  Educaton  for  the  Ministry 
was  erected  in  1861.  (2)  The  work  of  Ministerial  Relief  under 

the  title  “Invalid  Fund,”  was  begun  by  the  Home  Mission  Committee 
in  1867,  and  in  1901  was  transferred  to  the  Committee  of  Minis¬ 
terial  Relief. 

These  two  agencies  were  consolidated  into  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Ministerial  Education  and  Relief  in  1904.  (3)  The 

Endowment  Fund  of  Ministerial  Relief  was  started  in  1901.  (4) 

The  Assembly’s  Home  and  School  was  organized  in  1893.  (5) 

The  Permanent  Committee  of  Church  and  Christian  Education, 
erected  in  1899,  was  changed  to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Schools 
and  Colleges  in  1906. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly  in  May,  1910,  it  was 
ordered  that  all  these  Committees  be  consolidated  with  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  of  Ministerial  Education  and  Relief,  and  the  name 
changed  to  “The  Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and 
Ministerial  Relief.” 

VI.  THE  HOME  AND  SCHOOL 

890.  The  Home  and  School  established 

1893,  p.  12.  An  overture  from  East  Hanover  Presbytery,  touch¬ 
ing  a  home  and  school  for  orphans  of  ministers  and  the  children  of 
missionaries,  was  referred  to  a  special  committee. 

P.  18.  This  committee  submitted  the  following,  which  was 
adopted : 

1.  That  the  General  Assembly  approve  the  proposed  plan  for 
the  organization  and  operation  of  the  Home  and  School  for  Min¬ 
isters’  Orphans,  and  for  the  Children  of  Foreign  Missionaries,  who 
have  to  be  sent  home  for  education,  and  that  the  offer  made  by  the 
Board  of  Managers  of  the  Female  Orphan  Asylum,  Fredericks¬ 
burg,  Va.,  be  accepted. 

2.  That  the  charter  submitted  for  the  organization  and  opera¬ 
tion  of  the  Home  and  School,  and  the  persons  named  in  said  charter 
as  the  trustees  who  shall  administer  its  affairs,  be  approved. 

3.  That  the  Assembly  heartily  commend  the  institution  to  the 
liberal  and  united  support  of  all  the  churches  under  its  jurisdiction. 

That  the  Board  of  Trustees,  appointed  in  the  charter,  be  instructed 
to  convene  at  the  earliest  convenient  time  for  the  purpose  of  ob¬ 
taining  the  enactment  of  the  charter  by  the  proper  legal  authority,  of 
organizing  the  institution,  and  of  obtaining  the  necessary  additional 
means  for  its  successful  operation. 

1894,  p.  191.  The  following  resolutions  were  adopted: 

1.  That  the  Assembly  express  its  grateful  appreciation  of  the 
faithfulness,  diligence  and  wisdom  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the 
Assembly’s  Home  and  School  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  in  the  inaug¬ 
uration  and  successful  establishment  of  this  important  enterprise  of 
the  church. 

2.  That  in  view  of  the  great  need  of  a  training  school,  and  the 


Secs.  889-890] 


Home  and  School 


459 


special  advantages  afforded  by  the  Home  and  School  for  the  eco¬ 
nomical  and  successful  operation  of  such  an  enterprise,  the  Board 
of  Trustees  be  authorized  to  annex  this  feature  to  their  work,  and 
that  it  be  cordially  commended  to  the  support  of  all  the  churches. 

3.  That  the  plan  of  operation  of  the  Home  and  School  be  ap¬ 
proved;  that  the  ministers  be  urged  to  give  to  this  institution  in 
which  they  are  so  particularly  interested  their  personal  support,  and 
that  all  of  the  churches  be  urged  to  aid  in  the  maintenance  of  scholar¬ 
ships  in  the  Home. 

1895,  p.  393.  Your  committee  finds  that  the  Trustees  have  faith¬ 
fully  executed  the  trust  reposed  in  them  by  the  General  Assembly 
in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  its  charter,  and  that  thirty- 
seven  of  the  orphans  of  deceased  ministers  and  missionaries,  and 
children  of  living  missionaries,  have  received  the  benefits  of  the  in¬ 
stitution  during  the  past  year.  The  committee  desires  to  empha¬ 
size  the  following  points  particularly:  (1),  That  the  Collegiate  In¬ 
stitute  under  the  care  of  these  Trustees  is  entirely  self-supporting, 
and  that  none  of  the  funds  contributed  to  this  enterprise  go  to  the 
maintenance  of  the  School;  (2),  That  the  orphans  of  ministers  and 
the  children  of  missionaries  receive  all  the  benefits  of  a  high-class 
institution  at  the  mere  cost  to  the  church  of  their  maintenance;  (3), 
That  the  Invalid  Fund  of  the  church  is  supplemented  not  only  by 
this  provision  for  the  orphans  of  ministers,  but  by  the  preference 
given  to  widows  of  ministers  in  the  positions  required  for  the  man¬ 
agement  of  the  Home.  It  should  be  further  noted,  that  while  the 
rapid  growth  of  the  other  features  of  the  Home  and  School  pre¬ 
vented  the  inauguration  of  a  training  school  for  missionaries  dur¬ 
ing  the  past  year,  the  plans  for  such  a  school  have  now  been  made, 
and  the  prospectus  for  the  next  session  constitutes  a  part  of  ihe  re¬ 
port  of  the  Trustees. 

With  regard  to  the  needs  of  this  institution,  your  committee  would 
mention:  (1),  That  the  scholarships  and  contributions  last  year 

fell  about  $1,000  short  of  maintaining  the  Home  and  that  in  future 
the  Trustees  will  only  be  able  to  receive  inmates  that  are  specially 
provided  for;  (2),  That  an  infirmary  and  a  home  for  boys — to  take 
the  place  of  houses  now  rented — are  urgently  demanded  for  the 
best  interests  of  the  institution.  With  devout  gratitude  to  God  for 
his  blessing  upon  the  undertaking,  your  committee  submits  the  fol¬ 
lowing  recommendations : 

1.  That  the  Assembly  approves  the  report  of  the  Trustees,  with 
grateful  appreciation  of  their  wise  and  devoted  services,  and  orders 
their  report  to  be  printed  annually  in  the  Appendix  to  the  Minutes 
of  the  General  Assembly. 

2.  That  a  Standing  Committee  on  the  Assembly's  Home  and 
School  be  added  to  the  Assembly’s  Standing  Committees. 

3.  That  our  churches,  and  especially  our  stronger  churches,  be 
urged  to  assume  the  maintenance  of  scholarships  in  the  Home,  either 
directly  by  the  church  or  through  Ladies’  Societies,  Young  Peo¬ 
ple’s  Societies,  or  Sabbath  Schools. 

4.  That  our  ministers  be  urged  to  consider  whether  any  form  of 


460 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


life  insurance  promises  such  large  returns  for  the  outlay  as  a  con¬ 
tribution  of  $5  a  year  toward  an  endowment  fund  for  the  Home  and 
School. 

5.  That  the  need  of  an  infirmary  and  a  boys’  home  is  recognized 
by  the  Assembly,  and  the  liberality  of  our  people  invoked  to  sup¬ 
ply  these  accommodations. 

Only  in  the  year  1896  do  we  find  the  annual  report  published  in 
the  Appendix,  as  contemplated  in  Resolution  1,  above. — A. 

1896,  p.  583.  The  school,  now  called  the  Fredericksburg  Col¬ 
lege,  has  made  gratifying  progress  under  the  presidency  of  Rev.  T. 
R.  Sampson,  D.  D.,  and  is  now  furnishing  such  educational  ad¬ 
vantages  as  fully  meet  the  requirements  of  our  ministers’  youth,  to 
the  honor  of  the  church. 

The  homes  are  conducted  with  a  degree  of  efficiency  most  com¬ 
mendable,  considering  the  lack  of  proper  building  accommodations. 
More  than  forty  orphans  of  our  ministers  and  children  of  our  mis¬ 
sionaries  are  now  receiving  the  benefits  of  the  Home  and  School, 
and  at  least  twenty-five  others  have  applied  for  admission  next 
session. 

The  Home  and  School  is  in  good  financial  condition,  having  now 
in  its  possession  property  and  funds  in  excess  of  all  obligations,  to 
the  amount  of  $25,250. 

In  view  of  the  foregoing  statements,  your  committee  would  ear¬ 
nestly  recommend  the  following,  which  was  adopted: 

1.  That  the  churches  of  the  Assembly  be  urged  to  contribute  an¬ 
nually  to  the  maintenance  of  pupils  at  the  homes,  so  that  the  large 
number  of  applicants  may  be  received,  and  all  be  more  comfort¬ 
ably  provided  for. 

2.  That  the  pastors  of  our  churches  be  urged  to  co-operate  heart¬ 
ily  with  Rev.  A.  P.  Saunders,  D.  D.,  in  his  efforts  to  provide  the 
buildings  necessary  for  the  accommodation  of  the  Home  pupils. 

3.  See  next  Section  on  the  Bible  and  Training  School. 

Touching  the  following  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  St. 

Louis,  your  committee  would  report  as  follows: 

“Whereas,  it  appears  that  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Assem¬ 
bly’s  Home  and  School,  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  has  accepted  from 
the  council  of  said  city  a  sum  of  money  in  aid  of  said  school;  and 

Whereas,  such  use  of  public  money  is  in  violation  of  fundamental 
civil  law,  and  to  accept  it  is  to  repudiate  a  distinctive  principle  of 
our  church,  and  its  acceptance  on  the  agreed  condition  that  the  city’s 
pupils  shall  be  exempt  from  attendance  on  the  religious  exercises 
of  the  School  commits  the  church  to  exclusively  secular  education, 
for  which  it  has  no  warrant;  therefore 

The  Presbytery  of  St.  Louis  respectfully  overtures  the  General  As¬ 
sembly  to  annul  said  transaction,  or  to  order  its  readjustment,  to 
the  end  that  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  shall 
not  be  a  party  to  transgression  of  civil  law,  shall  not  be  swerved 
from  its  own  pronounced  principles,  and  shall  not  be  entangled 
with  the  State  in  the  discharge  of  secular  functions.” 

The  Assembly  would  re-affirm  the  time-honored  traditions  and 


Sec.  890] 


Home  and  School 


461 


cardinal  doctrine  of  our  church,  setting  forth  the  teachings  of  sacred 
Scripture  concerning  the  absolute  separation  of  Church  and  State. 
It  would  record  its  protest  against  any  sort  of  compact  between 
these  two  institutions  by  which  either  would;  gain  control  over  the 
other. 

It  would  also  express  its  emphatic  disapproval  of  the  use  of  public 
state  funds  for  purposes  of  sectarian  education,  religious  propagan- 
dism,  or  in  any  such  manner  as  to  foster  civil  interference  or  ec¬ 
clesiastical  aggressiveness.  At  the  same  time  the  Assembly  is  con¬ 
strained  to  answer  the  overture  in  the  negative,  and  for  the  follow¬ 
ing  reasons: 

1.  It  does  not  appear  from  the  contract  that  the  $10,000  in 
question  is  a  gift.  On  the  other  hand  it  is  distinctly  declared  to 
be  in  payment  for  the  tuition  of  ten  students  which  the  city  may 
elect  to  send  to  the  collegiate  institue. 

2.  It  is  not  a  violation  of  a  “fundamental  civil  law,”  as  appears 
from  the  fact  that  the  Legislature  of  Virginia  has  passed  a  special 
bill  authorizing  the  compact  here  involved. 

3.  It  is  not  the  repudiation  of  a  “distinctive  principle  of  our 
church,”  unless  such  distinctive  principle  denies  to  the  church  the 
right  of  contracting  with  the  civil  authorities  under  any  and  all 
circumstances  when  a  quid  pro  quo  is  given  and  received. 

4.  It  does  not  commit  the  church  to  secular  education  in  any  sense 
other  than  that  which  obtained  before  said  contract  was  made. 
Adopted. 

P.  600.  The  following  protest  was  admitted  to  record: 

The  undersigned  do  solemnly  protest  against  the  action  of  the 
Assembly  in  adopting  the  answer  of  the  Standing  Committee  on 
the  Assembly’s  Home  and  School  to  the  overture  from  the  Presby¬ 
tery  of  St.  Louis.  We  base  our  protest  upon  the  following,  grounds : 

1.  That  we  believe  it  to  be  in  direct  violation  of  our  time-hon¬ 
ored  principles  and  a  departure  from  our  unbroken  custom  of  re¬ 
fusing  to  accept  state  aid  in  support  of  denominational  and  relig¬ 
ious  work. 

2.  That  it  is  inexpedient,  providing  a  constant  menace  to  our 
peace,  a  likelihood  of  frequent  embarrassment  and  expense  in  de¬ 
fending  suits  at  law  liable  to  arise  under  the  peculiar  nature  of 
the  contract,  and  jeopardizing  the  interests  of  the  Home  and  School 
before  the  church  and  world. 

3.  That  it  will  be  a  source  of  grief  and  regret  to  a  large  con¬ 
stituency  in  our  own  church,  and  furnish  occasion  to  our  enemies 
to  taunt  us  with  inconsistency,  and  thus  affix  a  stigma  upon  the 
fair  name  of  the  bride  of  Christ,  whose  reputation,  no  less  than 
her  character,  should  be  “without  spot  or  wrinkle  or  any  such  thing.” 
Signed  by  M.  B.  Lambdin  and  thirty-six  others. 

The  following  answer  to  the  above  protest  was  adopted: 

In  reply  to  the  protest  “against  the  action  of  the  Assembly  in 
adopting  the  answer  of  the  Standing  Committee  on  the  Assembly’s 
Home  and  School  to  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  St.  Louis,” 
said  protest  being  signed  by  Rev.  M.  B.  Lambdin  and  others,  the 


462 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


Assembly  deems  it  sufficient  to  cite  a  copy  of  the  contract  between 
the  mayor  and  commonalty  of  the  town  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  on 
the  one  hand,  and  the  Assembly’s  Home  and  School  on  the  other. 

This  contract  is  then  given  in  full,  pages  601-603. 

1897,  p.  48.  The  Standing  Committee  on  the  Home  and  School, 
m  its  report,  after  reviewing  elaborately  the  facts  concerning  the 
property,  the  work,  the  cost  of  maintenance  and  means  of  support 
(pp.  46-48),  made  the  following  recommendations,  which  were 
adopted : 

1.  That  the  Assembly  instruct  the  Board  of  Trustees  to  take 
steps  to  sever  at  once  all  connection  between  the  Fredericksburg 
College  and  the  Home  and  Training  School. 

2.  That  the  Board  be  further  instructed  to  take  steps  to  dispose 
of  the  property  designated  in  the  Board’s  report  as  “college  build¬ 
ings  and  grounds,’  so  as  to  relieve  the  Assembly  from  all  respon¬ 
sibility  for  the  ownership,  conduct  and  support  of  said  College. 

o.  That  when  the  Board  of  Trustees  shall  ascertain  the  exact 
Tirnount  of  indebtedness  now  resting  on .  the  Home  and  Training 
School,  or  incurred  by  the  conduct  of  the  same,  they  be  authorized 
to  make  a  definite  appeal  to  the  churches  for  money  to  liquidate 
this  indebtedness. 

4.  That  the  Board  be  instructed  to  reduce  the  cost  of  support¬ 
ing  the  Home  and  Training  School  to  the  lowest  point  consistent 
with  the  benevolent  care  of  the  children  committed  to  their  trust. 

5.  That  in  view  of  the  great  importance  and  urgent  need  in  our 
church  of  an  institution  for  the  care  of  the  orphans  of  ministers  and 
the  children  of  missionaries,  and  in  view  of  the  imperative  neces¬ 
sity  of  an  institution  for  the  proper  training  of  our  lady  mission¬ 
aries,  this  institution,  combining  both  of  these  offices  as  thus  re¬ 
organized,  is  most  cordially  committed  to  the  sympathy  and  support 
of  our  church,  and  this  especially  because  of  its  present  critical 
financial  condition. 

P.  58.  A  dissent,  signed  by  James  R.  Guy  and  thirty-one  others, 
to  the  above  action  was  admitted  to  record. 

P.  53.  The  General  Assembly  recommends  that  a  collection  be 
taken  in  all  our  churches  on  the  fourth  Sunday  in  December  next 
in  order  to  relieve  the  present  embarrassments  of  the  Home  and 
School,  and  to  facilitate  the  prospective  changes  ordered  by  this 
Assembly. 

P.  46.  The  Assembly  now  owns  in  the  city  of  Fredericksburg 
real  estate  valued  at  $24,000,  and  personal  estate  valued  at  $13,550. 
The  Assembly  owes  in  connection  with  its  work  in  Fredericksburg, 
$22,925,  of  which  $15,000  is  secured  by  mortgages  on  its  real  es¬ 
tate,  $5,925  are  in  outstanding  notes,  and  $2,000  in  open  accounts. 
The  value  of  the  property  above  obligations  is  $14,925.  Of  this 
excess,  however,  $10,000  consists  in  bonds  of  the  city  of  Freder¬ 
icksburg,  which  are  not  available  as  general  assets,  inasmuch  as 
they  revert  to  the  city  in  case  the  trustees  cease  to  fulfill  certain  con¬ 
ditions  on  which  they  were  issued. 

P.  47.  The  Home  embraces  three  buildings,  in  which  forty 


Secs.  890-891] 


Schools  and  Collegs 


463 


children  are  cared  for,  thirty-six  of  whom  are  orphans;  three  are 
children  of  foreign  missionaries,  and  one  is  the  child  of  a  home 
missionary. 

Contributions  to  the  Home  and  School  have  been  for  the  year, 
$6,252.63. 

891.  The  Bible  and  Training  School 

The  Section  just  preceding  this  recites  (1895,  p.  393),  that  the 
rapid  growth  of  other  features  of  the  Home  and  School  has  hitherto 
prevented  the  inauguration  of  a  training  school  for  missionaries,  but 
that  the  plans  for  such  a  school  have  now  been  made. 

1895,  p.  413.  The  plan  for  the  Training  School  in  connection 
with  the  Assembly’s  Home  and  School,  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  au¬ 
thorized  by  the  last  General  Assembly,  was  placed  before  your  com¬ 
mittee. 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  endorse  the  plan  of  the  School, 
and  cordially  commend  it  to  the  sympathy  and  support  of  all  the 
churches.  The  School  will  be  opened  in  September,  1895.  It  is 
admirably  arranged,  to  give  a  spiritual,  scriptural  and  sensible 
method  of  training  for  Christian  work,  especially  for  young  women 
who  desire  to  be  fitted  for  Home  or  Foreign  Missionaries.  Adopted. 

The  Assembly  records  with  pleasure  the  fact  that  a  charter  has 
been  obtained  for  a  Missionary  Training  College  at  Clinton,  South 
Carolina,  in  connection  with  the  Presbyterian  Church.  This  in¬ 
stitution  is  commended  to  the  sympathy  and  support  of  our  churches. 

The  Assembly  (p.  394)  directed  th£  attention  of  pastors  and 
churches,  and  of  young  people  expecting  to  engage  in  Christian  work, 
either  at  home  or  abroad,  to  the  facilities  afforded  by  this  Train¬ 
ing  School  for  Christian  workers  at  a  very  moderate  cost. 

1896,  p.  583.  The  attention  of  the  women  of  the  church  is  called 
to  the  work  of  the  Bible  and  Training  School,  with  a  view  to  se¬ 
curing  their  active  co-operation  in  the  endeavor  to  raise  funds  for 
the  better  equipment  and  maintenance  of  this  most  important  ad¬ 
junct  to  the  missionary  enterprises  of  our  church. 

P.  635.  The  Trustees  say:  The  Bible  and  Training  School  was 
opened  in  September,  1895,  and  has  met  with  encouraging  success. 
There  have  been  four  young  women  in  attendance  as  regular  stu¬ 
dents,  looking  forward  to  work  in  the  foreign  or  home  fields,  and  a 
large  number  of  special  students  from  the  city  and  collegiate  in¬ 
stitute.  The  teachers  (p.  583)  are  Rev.  R.  M.  Hodge,  Rev.  T.R. 
Sampson,  Dr.  J.  N.  Barney,  Mrs.  John  Boyle  and  Mrs.  A.  E.  Ran¬ 
dolph. 

1897,  p.  47.  The  Bible  and  Training  School  provides  instruc¬ 
tion  in  theology,  medicine  and  pedagogy.  Others  than  those  pre¬ 
paring  for  missionary  work  have  the  privileges  of  this  School.  Four 
students  preparing  for  missionary  work  were  instructed  this  year 
in  this  School.  The  Training  School  is  represented  as  costing  the 
church  nothing.  Two  of  its  teachers  draw  annuities  from  the  treas¬ 
ury  of  the  Foreign  Mission  Committee.  The  other  teachers  give 
their  services  free. 


Education  and  Relief 


464 


[Book  IV 


892.  Separation  of  Fredericksburg  College  and  Home  and  School 

1898,  p.  224.  The  instructions  given  to  the  Board  of  Trustees 
by  the  last  Assembly  have  been  carried  out.  All  connection  be¬ 
tween  the  Fredericksburg  College  and  the  Home  and  Training 
School  has  been  severed,  so  that  the  Assembly  has  been  entirely  re¬ 
lieved  from  responsibility  for  the  conduct  and  support  of  the  col¬ 
lege.  The  property  known  as  “the  college  buildings  and  grounds” 
has  been  sold  for  the  amount  of  indebtedness  upon  it,  the  Board 
of  Trustees  reserving  the  right  of  free  college  tuition  for  as  many  as 
twenty-four  orphans  for  ten  years. 

The  principle  sources  of  income  are  from  scholarships  and  the 
gifts  of  individuals.  These  will,  doubtless,  within  a  few  years  be 
sufficient,  not  only  to  defray  the  expenses,  but  also  to  permit  the 
much  needed  increase  of  the  facilities  of  the  Home  and  enlarge¬ 
ment  of  its  benefactions.  But  for  the  present,  in  order  to  supple¬ 
ment  the  income,  we  recommend  that  a  collection  be  taken  in  all 
our  churches  on  the  last  Sabbath  of  next  December. 

In  order  that  the  Home  may  be  freed  from  debt,  which  so  greatly 
hampers  its  usefulness  and  threatens  its  existence,  we  recommend 
that  the  Board  of  Trustees  be  authorized  to  employ  some,  capable 
man  to  undertake,  as  soon  as  possible,  to  raise  the  money  to  liqui¬ 
date  the  debt. 

In  view  of  the  meagre  equipment  of  the  training  school  for  women 
missionaries,  and  because  there  is  no  urgent  demand  for  it,  we 
recommend  that  the  training  school  for  women  missionaries  be  dis¬ 
continued. 

See  further  Section  899. 


893.  Auditing  Committee 

1899,  p.  426.  We  recommend  that  the  Home  and  School  at  Fred¬ 
ericksburg,  Va.,  be  added  to  the  list  of  committees  for  which  audit¬ 
ing  committees  should  be  appointed. 

894.  Date  of  collection 

1900,  p.  618.  We  recommend  that  our  ministers  and  churches  be 
earnestly  urged  to  observe  the  last  Sabbath  in  December,  or  some 
date  near  thereto,  in  presenting  this  cause  and  contributing  thereto, 
and  that  our  Sunday  Schools  be  urged  to  make  a  contribution  dur¬ 
ing  the  month  of  December  as  a  Christmas  offering  to  this  cause. 
See  also  1901,  p.  67;  1902,  p.  256. 

895.  Apportionment  of  the  debt 

1902,  p.  256.  The  Assembly,  profoundly  impressed  with  the 
good  work  which  is  being  done  by  the  Assembly's  Home  and  School 
at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  does  hereby  authorize  the  Trustees  of  said 
Home  and  School  to  make  an  equitable  apportionment  among  our 
seventy-nine  Presbyteries  of  the  remaining  debt  of  $6,000. 


465 


Secs.  892-899]  Schools  and  Colleges 

896.  Proposed  consolidation  of  Home  and  School  with  Ministerial 

Relief 

1902,  p.  267.  The  Assembly,  recognizing  the  fact  that  the  work 
of  the  Home  and  School  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  is  virtually  a 
branch  of  Ministerial  Relief,  directs  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the 
said  Home  and  School  and  the  Executive  Committee  on  Minis¬ 
terial  Relief  to  take  into  consideration  the  wisdom  and  feasibility 
of  consolidating  these  two  branches  of  our  benevolent  work  under 
one  management,  and  to  report  on  the  question  to  the  next  Assembly. 

Nu  action  was  reported  the  next  year;  but  in  1906  (p.  41)  it  was 
decided  not  to  place  the  institution  under  the  joint  control  of  the 
Executive  Committee  of  Ministerial  Relief  and  Foreign  Missions. 

897.  Efforts  to  increase  its  usefulness 

1904,  p.  37.  That  the  work  may  not  be  hampered,  but  rather  go 
on  increasing  and  widening  in  its  range  of  influence  and  blessing, 
this  Assembly — 

(1)  Urges  upon  all  the  Presbyteries  to  adopt  some  measures  that 
will  secure  a  more  general  dissemination  of  the  knowledge  of  such 
an  institution,  and  the  great  and  good  work  it  is  doing. 

(2)  Calls  upon  the  delinquent  Presbyteries  to  pay  their  apportion¬ 
ments  of  the  debt  as  soon  as  possible. 

(3)  Asks  each  presbytery  to  appoint  a  Permanent  Committee  on 
Home  and  School. 

(4)  Calls  upon  all  the  churches  to  take  the  December  collec¬ 
tion  ordered  by  this  and  previous  Assemblies. 

(5)  Suggests  to  the  Board  of  Trustees  the  expediency  of  taking 
up  the  question  of  a  more  economic  arrangement  for  the  tuition  of 
the  children. 

898.  Placed  on  statistical  reports  of  Systematic  Beneficence 

1907,  p.  37.  This  cause  was  ordered  to  be  placed  on  the  statis¬ 
tical  reports  of  Systematic  Beneficence. 

The  Assembly  separated  this  cause  from  the  cause  of  Schools 
and  Colleges,  and  restored  it  to  its  place  in  the  scheme  of  our  church 
collections,  which  is  the  last  Sabbath  in  December.  (See  1906, 
p.  54.) 

899.  Scope  of  the  institution 

1908,  p.  40.  We  desire  to  emphasize  the  fact  that  this  institution 
is  not  an  orphanage  to  claim  the  interest  of  the  Synod  in  which  it 
is  located.  It  is  different  and  larger  in  its  scope  and  has  claims 
upon  every  part  of  the  church  alike.  Through  this  beneficent  insti¬ 
tution  the  Assembly  is  able  (a)  to  furnish  a  home  and  school  for 
the  children  of  deceased  ministers  and  missionaries  who  have  fallen, 
wherever  it  may  be,  in  the  service  of  our  beloved  church;  ( b )  to 
make  it  possible,  by  the  method  upon  which  it  is  conducted,  for  the 


466 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


widowed  mothers  to  be  with  their  children,  to  give  a  mother’s  love 
and  care,  and  to  still  have  a  home  of  their  own;  ( c )  to  make  a 
home  for  our  missionaries  while  on  furlough,  making  it  convenient 
and  comfortable  for  them  to  leave  their  families  while  visiting  the 
churches;  ( d )  to  offer  to  the  missionaries  at  work  on  the  foreign 
field  the  advantages  of  a  school  of  high  standard  and  Christian  cul¬ 
ture  to  which  they  may  send  their  children,  with  the  assurance  that 
while  they  are  receiving  their  education  they  will  have  thrown 
around  them  the  influences  of  a  Christian  home. 

900.  More  buildings  authorized 

1908,  p.  41.  In  view  of  the  fact  of  the  present  arrangement  for 
the  education  of  the  children  being  temporary,  and  as  it  may  become 
necessary  to  establish  a  teaching  department,  the  Assembly  author¬ 
ized  the  Board  of  Trustees  to  erect  or  purchase  buildings  for  this 
work,  whenever,  in  the  judgment  of  the  Board,  it  shall  be  deemed 
necessary  or  advisable. 

901.  Information  and  statistical  column 

1908,  p.  41.  The  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  was  directed 
to  furnish  to  the  chairman  of  each  Presbyterial  Committee  a  state¬ 
ment  of  the  work  and  needs  of  this  cause  at  least  three  weeks  before 
the  December  collection,  and  these  chairmen  are  directed  to  supply  the 
Session  of  each  church  with  this  information. 

A  separate  column  shall  be  provided  for  this  cause  in  the  Sessional 
statistical  reports  to  Presbytery,  taking  the  place  of  the  “Presbyterial 
column,  which  shall  be  reported  in  “Congregational.” 

902.  Consolidated  with  Ministerial  Education  and  Relief 

1910,  p.  21.  In  accordance  with  the  recommendation  of  the  ad 
interim  Committee  on  the  Coordination  of  the  Executive  Committees, 
this  cause  was  united  with  that  of  Ministerial  Education-  and  Relief. 

903.  Regulations  for  Home  and  School 

1911,  p.  54.  With  reference  to  the  Home  and  School,  we  recom¬ 
mend  : 

(1)  That  no  one  shall  be  admitted  to  the  privileges  of  the  insti¬ 
tution,  except  upon  the  recommendation  of  the  Committee  of  Chris¬ 
tian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  of  the  Presbytery  in  which  the 
party  resides. 

(2)  That  the  distribution  of  the  aid  rendered  the  widows  and 
orphans  in  the  Home  and  School  by  the  Assembly’s  Committee  of 
Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief,  be  made  (1)  on  the 
bases  of  need,  and  (2)  on  a  per  capita  basis  of  children. 

(3)  That  the  Home  and  School  be  continued  for  the  coming 
year,  as  at  present. 


Secs.  899-904] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


467 


(4)  That  an  aa  interim  committee  of  five — three  ministers  and 
two  elders,  be  appointed  by  this  Assembly  to  take  into  consideration 
all  matters  concerning  the  work  of  the  Home  and  School,  in  order 
to  recommend  to  the  next  Assembly  a  permanent  policy  as  to  the 
future  of  its  existence  and  work. 

904.  Fredericksburg  College 

1912,  p.  121.  This  institution  was  founded  by  Rev.  A.  P.  . 
Saunders  in  connection  with  Home  and  School.  In  1897  the  Assem¬ 
bly  ordered  that  the  connection  between  College  and  Home  and 
School  be  severed  at  once  and  the  property  sold.  The  College  from 
that  date  until  January,  1910,  was  conducted  as  a  separate  institu¬ 
tion,  payment  for  tuition  of  beneficiaries  of  Home  and  School  being 
by  the  management,  (24  inmates,  by  terms  of  sale,  receiving  free  tui¬ 
tion  for  ten  years).  We  find  that  in  1904,  the  management  reports 
that  they  are  paying  for  children  in  Primary  Department,  $30.00;  in 
College,  $55.00  per  annum.  The  Assembly  of  that  year  directed 
Board  of  Trustees  to  take  up  the  question  of  more  economical  ar¬ 
rangement  for  the  tuition  of  the  children.  In  1908  the  Assembly 
recommends  “That  it  may  become  necessary  to  establish  a  teaching 
department,  the  Board  of  Trustees  be  authorized  to  erect  or  purchase 
buildings  for  this  work  whenever  in  judgment  of  the  Board  it  shall 
be  necessary  or  advisable.” 

Under  this  authority  the  property  known  as  that  of  Fredericks¬ 
burg  College  was  purchased  January,  1910,  for  $18,000.00,  and  the 
college  reopened  under  management  of  Home  and  School. 

We  found  this  property  to  consist  of  a  well  located  lot  of  ample 
dimensions — a  dormitory  in  good  state  of  repair  and  the  College 
building — a  dwelling  (remodeled  and  added  to)  in  poor  condition 
and  very  inadequate  to  the  work  designed  to  be  done  by  College. 

On  this  property  there  rests  a  debt  of  $12,470.00.  In  estimate  of 
representative  of  management,  who  presented  to  us  the  financial 
side  of  the  work,  there  is  urgently  needed  an  immediate  expenditure 
of  a  like  amount  to  give  an  adequate  plant  of  even  most  modest 
proportions  for  carrying  on  work  in  creditable  fashion. 

The  following  exhibit  would  seem  to  show  that  the  intention  of 
more  economical  tuition  of  children  of  Home  as  contemplated  by  the 
Assembly  of  1904,  has  not  been  realized: 

In  1904  the  Home  and  School  cared  for  and 

and  educated,  under  old  plan,  55  children  Per  capita 

at  cost  of  . v . $  9,828.00  $179.00 

In  1908,  under  old  plan,  79  children  at  cost  of...  12,651.00  160.00 

In  1909,  under  old  plan,  84  children  at  cost  of...  13,238.00  157.00 

Under  the  United  Control  of  College  and  School. 

In  1911  cared  for  and  educated  75  children  at...  20,334.00  271.00 

In  1912  cared  for  and  educated  62  children  at...  20,838.00  336.00 


So  far  as  we  could  find,  that  for  session  of  1910-11,  the 

expense  on  account  of  College  was  . $12,533.58 


468  Education  a^d  Relief  [Book  IV 

1910- 11,  the  income  on  account  of  College  was  .  5,73 1. 95 

Net  cost  — . . . . - . . — . $  6,801.63 

1911- 12,  Expense  Account  on  account  of  College  was . $11,808.07 

1911-12,  Income  Account  on  account  of  Cellege  was . .  6,250.01 

Net  cost  . . - . - . ~$  5,558.06 


We  found  in  College  from  Home  and  School  .  20 

We  found  in  Preparatory  Department  . *....4 . .  23 

We  found  in  Primary  Department  . . . . . . . .  18 


Total  in  School  . . — . - . . . - . . . . .  61 

We  were  assured  by  all  parties  in  Fredericksburg  with  whom  we 
had  conference,  that  under  private  ownership  the  College  had  always 
been  a  paying  proposition.  The  above  exhibit  would  seem  to  argue 
for  mutual  advantage  of  separate  management. 

In  view  of  all  the  facts  gathered,  the  Committee  unanimously 
make  the  following: 


RECOMMENDATIONS 

1.  Since  in  the  18  years  of  its  existence  only  13  families  have 
taken  advantage  of  the  offer  made  by  Home  and  School  to  furnish 
to  missionaries,  while  on  furlough,  a  home  and  free  board  and  tui¬ 
tion  for  their  children,  that  the  contemplated  Home  for  this  pur¬ 
pose  be  erected  at  Montreat,  North  Carolina,  and  the  management 
of  the  Mountain  Retreat  Association  be  authorized  to  solicit  funds 
for  building  sufficient  number  of  cottages  designed  for  summer  occu¬ 
pancy. 

2.  That  the  whole  matter  of  education  of  children  of  foreign  mis¬ 
sionaries  be  referred  to  Executive  Committee  Foreign  Missions,  with 
suggestion  that  where  practicable  they  unite  with  other  churches  in 
establishment  and  support  of  preparatory  schools  where  needed  in 
foreign  fields,  and  the  payment  of  traveling  expenses  of  teachers  in 
reaching  foreign  fields  be  continued. 

3.  That  the  Institution  known  as  Fredericksburg  College  be  sep¬ 
arated  from  the  Home  and  School,  and  that  the  buildings  and 
grounds  of  Fredericksburg  College  be  offered  to  the  present  man¬ 
agement  free  of  rent  for  two  years,  under  condition  that  they  main¬ 
tain  the  College  as  at  present  organized,  keep  property  insured  and 
pay  for  repairs.  The  Assembly  to  pay  interest  on  present  indebt¬ 
edness,  but  to  be  in  no  way  responsible  for  the  management  of  the 
Institution. 

4.  That  the  policy  of  the  Church  shall  henceforth  be  .to  give 
equal  assistance  to  widows  and  families  of  deceased  ministers  when 
in  need  of  financial  aid,  irrespective  of  place  of  residence  or  agency 
through  which  help  of  the  Church  is  extended.  The  aid  in  every 
case  being  so  far  as  the  Church  can  give  it,  in  proportion  to  actual 
need. 


Secs.  904-905] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


469 


(This  action  is  not  to  be  construed  as  abrogating  for  present  any 
understanding  or  agreement  between  Executive  Committee  Foreign 
Mission  and  missionaries  on  the  foreign  field.) 

5.  That  dating  from  June  1st,  1914,  the  age  limit  beyond  which 
the  advantages  of  Home  and  School  shall  be  withdrawn  shall  be  in 
case  of  boys  16,  of  girls  18. 

1913,  p.  62.  An  examination  of  the  reports  of  the  Executive 
Committee  shows  painstaking  fidelity  in  the  effort  to  carry  out  the 
recommendations  of  the  Ad  Interim  Committee  adopted  by  the  last 
Assembly,  touching  the  conduct  of  the  Home  and  School  at  Fred¬ 
ericksburg,  Va.  Your  Committee  believes  that  the  experience  of  one 
year  has  demonstrated  the  wisdom  of  the  Assembly’s  action. 

1913,  p.  70j.  The  Special  Committee,  to  which  was  referred 
Overtures  touching  the  Assembly’s  Home  and  School,  would  report 
that  we  have  carefully  considered  the  overture  from  the  Synod  of 
Virginia  asking  that  the  ownership  of  the  Assembly’s  Home  and 
School  be  transferred  to  that  Synod,  and  overtures  from  Roanoke, 
West  Hanover,  and  Lexington  Presbyteries,  protesting  against  such 
transfer. 

The  Committee  has  received  valuable  information  from  several 
Commissioners  from  Virginia  and  others,  including  Mr.  J.  W.  Ad¬ 
ams,  of  Fredericksburg,  and  Secretary  Sweets,  of  the  Executive 
Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief.  And  the 
Committee  has  studied  the  action  of  the  Bristol  Assembly,  1912, 
action  based  upon  the  full  report  of  an  ad  interim  committee. 

We  unanimously  recommend  that  the  Assembly  take  action  as 
follows : 

First.  After  having  expended  a  quarter  of  a  million  dollars  of 
the  Church’s  money  on  the  Assembly’s  Home  and  School  since  it 
was  founded  by  the  Macon  Assembly  in  1893,  the  Assembly  owes 
a  duty  to  the  Church  and  to  this  institution  which  it  is  not  at  lib¬ 
erty  to  evade.  Therefore,  the  Assembly  declines  at  present  to 
grant  the  request,  and  asks  the  Synod  to  give  the  matter  further 
consideration. 

Second.  Attention  is  hereby  called  to  the  action  of  the  Bristol 
Assembly,  Minutes,  1912,  pages  70e  and  119-122,  by  which  this 
institution  is  in  future  to  be  maintained,  as  originally  founded,  as 
a  home  and  school,  rather  than  as  a  community  and  college. 

905.  Transferred  to  the  Synod  of  Virginia 

1914,  p.  22.  In  response  to  Overture  from  the  Synod  of  Virginia, 
touching  the  transfer  of  the  ownership  and  control  of  “The  Assem¬ 
bly’s  Home  and  School”  to  said  Synod,  the  said  institution  was 
turned  over  to  the  said  Synod,  subject  to  the  following  conditions 
of  transfer  recommended  by  the  Executive  Committee  of  Christian 
Education  and  Ministerial  Relief: 

1.  The  Synod  shall  so  change  the  name  that  there  may  be  as 
little  confusion  as  possible. 

2.  No  appeals  for  the  Synodical  Institution  shall  be  made  out- 


470 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


side  the  bounds  of  the  Synod  of  Virginia.  As  there  has  constantly 
been  misapprehension  as  to  this  institution,  the  work  of  which  has 
been  virtually  the  same  as  that  of  Ministerial  Relief,  the  whole  num¬ 
ber  of  beneficiaries  of  Ministerial  Relief,  both  in  Virginia  and  the 
other  Synods,  must  suffer  unless  this  plan  is*  strictly  adhered  to. 

3.  Money  remitted  from  outside  the  Synod  of  Virginia  for  “ The 
Assembly’s  Home  and  School”  either  directly  to  Fredericksburg 
or  to  the  Executive  Committee,  shall  be  used,  with  the  consent  of  the 
donors,  for  the  work  of  Ministerial  Relief,  by  the  Executive  Committee. 

4.  Any  legacies  becoming  available  for  “The  Assembly’s  Home 
and  School,”  shall  be  used  for  the  work  of  Ministerial  Relief,  un¬ 
less  it  can  be  clearly  shown  to  the  General  Assembly  that  this  will 
be  contrary  td  the  wish  of  the  legator. 

5.  All  debts  and  claims  against  the  Institution  must  be  assumed 
and  satisfied  by  the  Synod  of  Virginia  before  the  transfer  is  made. 

6.  The  property  shall  revert  to  the  General  Assembly  for  the 
work  of  Ministerial  Relief  in  case  the  Synod  abandons  the  insti¬ 
tution. 

We  believe  the  General  Assembly  should  also  reaffirm  its  con¬ 
viction,  that: 

1.  The  plan  of  providing  money  for  needy  families  without  the 
great  administrative  and  institutional  cost  of  a  community  is  the 
wisest  and  most  economical  way  to  administer  the  work  of  Minis¬ 
terial  Relief,  because,  (1)  families  can  live  where  it  is  cheapest 
and  most  healthful  and  agreeable;  (2)  where  they  can  be  near 
friends  and  relatives;  (3.)  where  they  may  be  free  from  the  depress¬ 
ing  effects  of  living  in  a  community  in  which  so  many  members  are 
suffering  from  the  same  sorrow;  (4)  where  they  may  have  the  super¬ 
vision  of  Sessions,  deacons,  and  chairmen  of  Presbyterial  Committees 
of  Ministerial  Relief  where  the  husbandj  was  known  and  honored; 
(5)  where  the  widow  and  children  at  their  convenience  can  find 
employment. 

2.  That  the  expense  of  conducting  a  college  for  the  children  of 
the  deceased  ministers  is  not  warranted,  and  that  those  who  are 
willing  and  possess  the  ability  to  take  a  college  education,  be  re¬ 
ferred  to  our  well  established  Presbyterian  Colleges  which  will  fur¬ 
nish  free  tuition  for  them. 

In  accordance  with  the  above  action,  the  following  resolution  was 
adopted : 

Resolved,  That  the  Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education 
and  Ministerial  Relief  be  and  is  hereby  authorized  to  transfer  to  the 
Synod  of  Virginia  the  property  of  the  Assembly’s  Home  and  School, 
under*  the  provisions  of  the  report  of  the  Standing  Committee  on 
Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief. 

1915,  p.  24.  Your  Standing  Committee  on  Christian  Education 
and  Ministerial  Relief  beg  to  make  the  following  partial  report: 

With  reference  to  the  overture  from  the  Synod  of  Virginia  re¬ 
questing  that  the  Assembly  return  certain  property  in  Fredericks¬ 
burg,  Va.,  and  money  received  from  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the 
Female  Orphan  Asylum  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  to  said  Directors, 


Sec.  905] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


471 


1.  Inasmuch  as  the  following  assurances  have  been  given: 

“We,  the  remaining  members  of  the  Board  of  Directors  and  Man¬ 
agers  of  the  said  Orphan  Asylum,  hereby  give  the  Assembly  full  assur¬ 
ance  that  the  money  and  property  will  be  legally  administered  and  the 
Assembly  will  be  fully  absolved  from  any  and  all  responsibility  there¬ 
for  and  for  any  other  obligations  arising  from  the  Assembly’s  con¬ 
nection  with  the  Home  and  School  at  Fredericksburg. 

“And  we  further  assure  the  Assembly  that  this  adjustment  of 
the  affairs  of  the  Home  and  School  is  satisfactory  to  us,  to  our 
Church,  and  to  this  community.  (Signed) 

“Mrs.  M.  E.  Eckenrode,  Treasurer. 

“Mrs.  Geo.  H.  Chewing,  Secretary. 

“Mrs.  L.  A.  Carmichael. 

“T.  M.  Fleming. 

“E.  M.  Crutchfield. 

“Miss  Helen  H.  Howison. 

“Mis3  Rebecca  Smith,  by  H.  J.  H. 

“Mrs.  Irene  McDowell. 

“Mrs.  S.  I.  Forbes 

“Mrs.  Mary  H.  Beale. 

“We,  the  Session  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  at  Fredericksburg, 
Va.,  hereby  endorse  the  above  action  as  taken  by  remaining  mem¬ 
bers  of  the  Board  of  Directors  and  Managers  of  the  Female  Orphan 
Asylum. 

(Signed)  “Robert  Campbell  Gilmore,  Moderator. 

“Attest: 

(Signed)  “S.  G.  Howison,  Clerk  of  Session. 

“Done  by  the  Session  this  13th  day  of  March,  1915.” 

A  brief  history  of  the  Assembly’s  Home  and  School  may  be  found 
in  the  Appendix  of  the  report  of  the  Executive  Committee  on  Chris¬ 
tian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief. 

2.  And  inasmuch  as  the  following  action  has  been  taken  by  the 
Executive  Committee:  “That  in  view  of  the  circumstances  comiected 
with  the  Assembly’s  Home  and  School,  it  will  be  well  for  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  to  grant  the  request  of  the  remaining  members,  ‘the 
Directors  and  Managers  of  the  Female  Orphan  Asylum,’  ”  which 
has  been  endorsed  by  the  Synod  of  Virginia,  and  return  said  building 
and  funds  on  the  conditions  mentioned  above, 

We  recommend  as  follows: 

1.  That  the  General  Assembly  return  the  property  commonly 
known  as  “Smithsonia,”  in  a  legal  manner,  to  trustees  who  may  be 
appointed  at  the  request  of  the  said  Directors  and  Session  of  Fred¬ 
ericksburg  Church. 

2.  That  all  other  real  and  personal  property  in  Fredericksburg, 
Va.,  belonging  to  the  Assembly  be  sold  as  soon  as  practicable  by  the 
Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Re¬ 
lief,  and  the  proceeds  of  said  sale  be  used  as  follows: 

(1)  To  discharge  any  and  all  debts  which  appear  against  said 
property. 

(2)  If  any  money  remain  after  said  debts  are  paid,  to  return 


472 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


to  said  Trustee  money  originally  received  by  the  Assembly,  amount 
ing  to  about  $10,000.00,  or  so  much  of  that  amount  as  may  be 
realized  from  said  sale. 

(3)  Any  money  that  may  remain  after  the  above  provisions, 
shall  be  used  by  the  Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education 
and  Ministerial  Relief  for  Ministerial  Relief,  inasmuch  as  the 
work  of  the  Home  and  School  has  been  declared  by  the  Assembly 
to  be  virtually  as  that  of  Ministerial  Relief. 

906.  School  for  Missionaries’  children 

1909,  p.  42.  The  letter  from  Rev.  Geo.  Hudson,  Rev.  W.  H. 
Hudson  and  others,  of  the  Mid-China  Mission,  reveals  the  fact 
that  our  missionaries  find  their  great  difficulty  and  suffer  much 
anxiety  about  securing  for  their  children  the  opportunities  of  educa¬ 
tion.  Good  schools  on  mission  territory  are  few  and  very  expensive. 
The  same  may  be  said  of  good  governesses — they  are  few  and  very 
expensive.  It  seems  a  necessity  that  the  missionaries,  if  they  are  to 
educate  their  children  at  all,  must  send  them,  at  a  tender  age,  to 
this  country.  Here,  again,  the  expense  is  very  great,  and  the  con¬ 
cern  of  parental  hearts  for  children  so  far  removed  from  parental 
care  is  very  keen.  Your  Committee  feel  that  the  condition  of  our 
missionaries  in  respect  to  this  matter  merits  the  sympathy  of  the 
Assembly,  and  that  the  Assembly  should  show  a  readiness  to  do  all 
that  it  can  to  relieve  the  situation.  Your  Committee,  therefore, 
recommend  that  the  Assembly  appoint  an  ad  interim  Committee  of 
three  to  canvass  thoroughly  the  whole  subject  of  the  education  of  the 
children  of  our  missionaries  with  a  view  to  ascertaining  precisely 
what  our  Church  is  doing,  whether  it  can  and  ought  to  do  more,  what 
other  churches  are  doing  in  this  line — in  a  word,  to  inform  them-' 
selves  fully  on  every  aspect  of  the  subject,  and  report  to  the  next 
Assembly. 

1910,  pp.  130-139.  From  information  received  by  this  Committee 
there  is  no  general  call  from  our  missionaries  in  the  foreign  field 
for  schools  located  on  foreign  soil,  but  if  such  desire  should  become 
in  any  wise  general  the  key  to  the  solution  of  this  problem  lies  in 
union  and  co-operation  with  other  missionary  bodies  of  like  evangel¬ 
ical  faith  and  like  views  on  methods  of  school  teaching. 

From  information  received  by  the  Committee  there  is  a  desire  that 
two  schools  here  in  the  home  land  be  established,  one  for  girls  and 
one  for  boys,  which  shall  be  both  home  and  school,  and  that  they  be, 
if  practicable,  in  connection  with  some  of  our  regular  established 
colleges. 

It  is  felt  that  the  ideal  is  a  home  and  school  for  boys  and  a  sepa¬ 
rate  home  and  school  for  girls,  the  curriculum  of  whose  studies  in 
both  shall  end  with  the  grade  of  a  high  school;  that  they  be  thor¬ 
oughly  good  schools;  that  they  do  their  work  well  and  under  good 
moral  influences  and  then  the  parents  be  left  free  to  send  to  college 
where  they  may  elect. 

1.  We  recommend  that  the  General  Assembly  approve  the  action 


Sec.  906] 


Schools  and  Colleges 


473 


of  the  Committee  at  Nashville,  in  paying  traveling  expenses  of 
teachers  to  the  foreign  fields  where  they  are  desired  by  our  mission¬ 
aries  and  supported  by  them  after  their  arrival. 

2.  That  wherever  missionary  parents  ask  it,  the  Committee  at 
Nashville  be  authorized,  as  far  as  their  finances  allow,  to  grant 
increased  aid  for  the  education  of  children  up  to  the  limit  of  $200 
per  child  per  annum  and  upon  further  request  to  continue  that  aid 
through  the  college  term  of  the  child. 

3.  We  recommend  most  heartily  to  the  care  of  this  Assembly 
the  Home  and  School  at  Fredericksburg,  and  the  work  they  are 
doing  in  the  education  of  the  children  of  our  missionaries.  From 
the  information  we  have  before  us,  we  recommend  it  as  a  Home  most 
warmly.  We  recommend  it  as  a  School,  furnishing  a  good  educa¬ 
tion  that  compares  favorably  with  the  work  done  in  our  smaller 
colleges.  We  would,  in  the  interest  of  the  children  of  missionaries, 
advise  that  a  curriculum  be  prepared  limited  to  a  high  school  grade, 
and  leave  to  the  choice  of  tha  parent  a  college  at  Fredericksburg, 
or  wherever  desired  by  the  pupil  and  its  parents;  especially  in  view 
of  the  fact  that  we  have  so  many  first-class  denominational  colleges 
in  our  bounds. 

4.  We  recommend  that  in  view  of  the  call  of  our  missionaries  for 
a  separate  school  for  girls,  to  be  established  in  the  home  land,  your 
Committee  on  Schools  and  Colleges  be  directed  to  make  special 
effort  to  raise  means,  and  as  soon  as  finances  will  permit,  to  estab¬ 
lish  a  school  for  girls  of  foreign  missionaries’  families  and  make  it 
a  home  as  well  as  a  school,  carrying  its  pupils  through  a  high 
school  grade.  We  would  suggest,  as  the  request  comes  from  mis¬ 
sionaries  themselves,  that  it  be  in  connection  with  some  college  for 
women  under  Presbyterian  control. 

On  February  27th  your  Chairman  received,  in  answer  to  our 
letter  of  July  8,  1909,  from  the  Mid-China  Mission,  a  paper  re¬ 
questing  that  land  be  purchased  at  Kinchiang,  and  $15,000  be  ap¬ 
propriated  to  the  building  of  a  school  edifice,  and  that  $2,500  per 
annum  be  given  to  the  support  of  said  school  for  a  term  of  years. 

When  this  communication  was  received,  our  report  was  already 
made  up,  and  it  was  too  late  to  deal  with  this  paper  from  China, 
send  our  report  to  Japan  for  approval  or  criticism  of  our  fellow-com¬ 
mitteeman,  Rev.  R.  E.  McAlpine,  and  get  it  back  in  time  to  have 
it  printed  in  April,  as  requested  by  Dr.  T.  H.  Law,  our  Acting  Secre¬ 
tary.  We  therefore  submit  this  supplemental  report,  signed  by  the 
two  committeemen  in  this  country: 

1.  That  our  Secretaries  of  Foreign  Missions  be  directed,  at  the 
Conference  of  Secretaries  of  Foreign  Mission  Boards,  held  annually 
in  New  York  City,  to  take  up  this  matter  of  the  education  of  children 
in  foreign  lands  and  endeavor  to  secure  union  effort  in  the  estab¬ 
lishment  of  schools  of  primary  grades  in  all  foreign  fields,  where 
they  are  needed  and  when  union  of  effort  is  practicable. 

2.  We  recommend  that  our  missionaries  in  the  foreign  field  con¬ 
fer  as  to  their  needs,  their  difficulties  and  the  opportunities  open  to 


474  Education  and  Relief  [Book  IV 

them,  and  that  our  Secretaries  at  Nashville  keep  our  Assemblies 
advised  of  the  progress  made  in  the  matter. 

3.  We  recommend  that  the  precedent  set  us  by  the  Reformed 
and  Congregational  churches  in  India  be  followed.  The  friends 
of  those  schools  in  India  raised  twenty  thousand  dollars  in  this 
country  and  established  at  Kodar-Kunal,  Madura  District,  South 
India,  just  such  a  school  as  this  one  desired  by  these  brethren  in 
China. 

We  recommend  that  the  General  Assembly  commend  this  endeavor 
to  establish  such  a  school,  and  place  the  raising  of  the  amount  needed 
for  its  establishment  in  the  hands  of  the  Mid- China  Mission  and 
commend  it  to  all  the  friends  of  missions  in  this  country.  We 
would  advise  that  the  co-operation  and  union  with  other  evangelical 
denominations  laboring  in  China  be  sought  and  thus  the  burden  on 
each  be  lightened. 

As  to  the  support  of  such  a  school,  both  these  churches  above 
referred  to  in  India — the  Reformed  and  the  Congregational — give 
$300  each  per  annum  to  the  support  of  the  school.  Our  Executive 
Committee  at  Nashville  could  do  the  same,  if,  when  the  school  was 
actually  put  in  operation,  the  recommendation  in  item  No.  2  of  first 
report  did  not  furnish  sufficient  means  in  the  hands  of  our  mission¬ 
aries  themselves  to  maintain  the  school. 

P.  61.  The  report  of  the  ad  interim  committee  was  referred  to 
the  Standing  Committee  on  the  Home  and  School,  but  no  action  was 
taken  by  the  latter  in  view  of  the  proposed  consolidation  of  the 
Home  and  School  with  Ministerial  Education  and  Relief. 


CHAPTER  IV 


Theological  Seminaries 

907.  Union  Seminary 

This  Seminary  was  founded  in  1812,  and  opened  January  1,  1824, 
with  one  professor,  J.  H.  Rice,  D.  D.,  and  three  students.  No  build¬ 
ing  had  been  completed.  In  1830-’31  an  additional  professor  had 
been  secured;  the  number  of  students  was  about  fifty,  and  buildings 
had  been  erected,  affording  accommodations  for  two  professors,  a 
steward  and  sixty  students,  and  also  containing  a  chapel,  a  library 
and  lecture  rooms.  Since  that  time  three  buildings  for  professors’ 
residences  and  a  spacious  library  have  been  erected. 

At  the  request  of  the  controlling  Synods  of  Virginia  and  North 
Carolina,  the  Assembly  assumed  the  right  of  review  and  control 
in  1861. 

After  the  war,  funds  were  raised  to  replace  those  which  had  been 
lost,  special  mention  being  made  of  $30,000  given  by  Mr.  Cyrus  H. 
McCormick,  of  Chicago.  Further  additions  were  made  to  its  en¬ 
dowment  from  time  to  time.  In  1898  the  Seminary  was  removed 
from  Hampden  Sidney  to  Richmond,  Va.  In  1900  a  new  chapel 
was  erected  on  the  grounds  at  Richmond. 

Since  1910  the  following  appointments  have  been  approved  by 
the  Assembly: 

1912,  p.  63.  Rev.  W.  L.  Lingle,  D.  D.,  Professor  of  Hebrew'. 

1914,  p.  33.  Rev.  Eugene  C.  Caldwell,  D.  D.,  Professor  Hebrew 

and  Interpretation  of  the  Old  Testament. 

1914,  p.  33.  Rev.  Eugene  C.  Caldwell,  D.  D.,  Professor  of  Hebrew 
and  Old  Testament  Exegesis;  Rev.  E.  C.  Caldwell,  D.  D.,  Professor 
of  Biblical  Literature  and  New  Testament  Exegesis. 

1914,  p.  33.  The  readjustment  in  the  faculty  of  Union  Theological 
Seminary  in  Virginia  was  approved. 

908.  Completion  of  one  hundred  years,  of  service 

1913,  p.  34.  The  Assembly  extends  its  congratulations  to  Union 
Theological  Seminary  upon  the  completion  of  a  full  century  of 
devoted  service  for  the  Church  and  of  soundness  in  the  faith. 

909.  West  Virginia  to  share  in  control  of  the  Seminary 

1915,  p.  80d.  The  Assembly  approved  the  association  of  West 
Virginia  with  the  Synods  of  North  Carolina  and  Virginia  in  the  sup¬ 
port  and  control  of  Union  Theological  Seminary  in  Virginia,  and 
of  its  representation  on  the  Board  of  Directors. 


476 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


910.  Death  of  Mr.  George  IV.  Watts 

1921,  p.  75.  That  the  Aissembly  express  its  sympathy  with  the 
Union  Seminary  in  the  loss  by  death  of  Mr.  George  W.  Watts, 
President  of  the  Board,  a  great  friend  and  benefactor  of  the  insti¬ 
tution. 

911.  Columbia  Seminary 

This  Seminary  was  established  in  1828,  by  the  Synod  of  South 
Carolina  and  Georgia,  its  title  then  being  “The  Theological  Semi¬ 
nary  of  the  Synod  of  South  Carolina  and  Georgia.”  Upon  the 
division  of  the  Synod  into  the  two  Synods  of  South  Carolina  and 
Georgia,  the  Constitution  was  so  modified  as  to  continue  to  each 
of  the  Synods  a  share  in  its  control.  It  was  chartered  by  the  Legsi- 
lature  of  South  Carolina  in  1832.  The  Synod  of  Alabama,  at  its 
sessions  in  the  fall  of  1857,  received  and  accepted  overtures  offering 
it  a  joint  interest  in  the  Seminary.  So  that  the  institution  was  under 
the  joint  control  of  these  three  Synods  until  it  was  given  over  to 
the  Assembly.  The  plan  is  essentially  the  same  as  that  of  Prince¬ 
ton.  (See  Baird’s  Digest,  Chapter  on  Princeton  Seminary;  also 
Book  V,  Section  242,  on  Columbia  Seminary.) 

In  1863  it  was  transferred  to  the  General  Assembly  (Min¬ 
utes,  pp.  125,  142).  In  1881  it  was  restored  to  the  Synods  of 
South  Carolina,  Georgia  and  Alabama,  the  Assembly  retaining  only 
the  right  of  review  and  control.  In  the  same  year  the  Synod  of 
South  Georgia  and  Florida  was  invited  to  co-operate  in  the  manage¬ 
ment  of  the  Seminary  and  agreed  to  do  so. 

912.  Endowment  of  Columbia  Seminary 

A  large  part  of  the  endowment  having  been  lost  by  reason  of  the 
war,  additional  funds  were  secured  from  churches  and  from  indi¬ 
viduals.  The  Professors  also,  at  one  time,  voluntarily  relinquished 
a  part  of  their  salaries  that  remained  unpaid  and  requested  that 
their  salaries  be  reduced.  In  this  way  the  work  was  carried  on 
without  interruption. 

913.  The  removal  of  Columbia  Seminary 

1866,  p.  32.  The  following  resolution  was  introduced,  discussed, 
and  indefinitely  postponed:  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  take 
the  necessary  steps,  with  the  concurrence  of  the  Synods  of  South 
Carolina,  Georgia  and  Alabama,  as  soon  as  practicable,  for  the  re¬ 
moval  of  the  Theological  Seminary  at  Columbia  to  some  point  west 
of  the  line  dividing  the  States  of  Alabama  and  Georgia. 

P.  22.  This  movement  would  require  the  consent  of  the  Synods 
of  South  Carolina,  Georgia  and  Alabama. 

1876,  p.  217.  Overture  of  the  Synod  of  Missouri,  calling  atten¬ 
tion  to  the  fact  that  there  is  no  theological  seminary  connected  with 
our  Church  west  of  the  xAlleghany  Mountains,  and  asking  that  the 


Secs.  910-917] 


Seminaries 


477 


General  Assembly  consider  the  propriety  of  removing  the  Seminary 
at  Columbia  to  some  point  in  the  West. 

Your  committee  are  unanimously  of  the  opinion  that  this  propo¬ 
sition  for  the  removal  of  the  Seminary  at  Columbia  should  not  be 
entertained  at  the  present  time.  Adopted. 

914.  Professors  to  be  elected  by  Board  of  Directors 

1877,  p.  439.  By  a  change  in  the  Constitution  the  Assembly 
lodged  with  the  Board  of  Directors  the  power  of  electing  professors, 
reserving  the  right  of  review  and  approval. 

915.  Attendance  upon  chapel  service. 

1874,  p.  676.  The  General  Assembly  recommended  to  the  Fac¬ 
ulty,  that  in  the  event  of  services  in  the  chapel  on  Sabbath  morning 
being  deemed  desirable,  the  attendance  on  said  services  on  the  part 
of  Faculty  and  students,  be  voluntary. 

916.  Temporary  closing  of  the  Seminary 

Owing  to  vacancies  in  the  Faculty,  the  decreasing  number  of 
students,  the  insufficient  income,  together  with  other  matters,  it  was 
deemed  best  to  close  the  institution  in  1880.  Rev.  George  Howe,  D. 
D  .,  was  put  in  charge  of  the  grounds  and  buildings.  The  Seminary 
was  reopened  in  1882. 

Since  1910  the  following  appointments  have  been  approved  by 
the  Assembly: 

1911,  p.  27.  Rev.  Thornton  Whaling,  D.  D.,  President  and 
Professor  of  Didactic  and  Polemic  Theology. 

1912,  p.  63.  Rev.  R.  G.  Pearson,  D.  D.,  Professor  of  English 
Bible,  Pastoral  Theology,  and  Sacred  Rhetoric. 

1914,  p.  33.  Rev.  James  O.  Reavis,  D.  D.,  Professor  of  English 
Bible,  Pastoral  Theology,  and  Sacred  Rhetoric. 

1915,  p.  80c.  Rev.  Samuel  Hutson  Hay,  Jr.,  Professor  of  Chris¬ 
tian  Ethics  and  Apologetics. 

1920,  p.  49.  Rev.  Hugh  R.  Murchison,  Executive  Secretary,  and 
Director  of  Religious  Work. 

1922,  p.  27.  Rev.  John  M.  Wells,  D.  D.,  President  and  Pro¬ 
fessor  of  Practical  Theology;  Rev.  James  B.  Green,  D.  D.,  Pro¬ 
fessor  of  Didactic  and  Polemic  Theology;  Rev.  Edgar  D.  Kerr,  D. 
D.,  full  Professor  of  Hebrew  and  Cognate  Languages. 

917.  Study  of  the  English  Bible 

1883,  p.  84.  The  Board  directed  the  Faculty  last  fall  “to  pro¬ 
vide  for  a  more  complete  study  of  the  Bible  as  a  whole,  and  through 
the  English  version  of  the  Scriptures.”  This  direction  has  been 
carried  out,  and  the  study  of  the  English  Bible  constitutes  an  im¬ 
portant  feature  in  the  departments  of  Didactic  Theology,  Church 


478 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


History  and  Sacred  Rhetoric.  Moreover,  the  Board  have  directed 
the  Executive^  Committee  to  secure  special  instruction  in  Elocution 
during  the  coming  session. 

918.  The  age  limit  removed 

1898,  p.  234.  Whereas,  It  is  provided  in  the  Constitution  of  the 
Columbia  Theological  Seminary  that  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  has  “the  right  of  general 
supervision  over  the  interest  of  this  seminary,”  and  “can  advise  and 
recommend  measures  for  its  welfare”  (Constitution,  Sec.  1,  Art.  2); 
and, 

Whereas,  It  is  likewise  provided  in  the  same  Constitution  that, 
“should  the  Assembly  see  reason,  at  any  time,  to  object  to  any  of 
the  acts  of  the  Directors  or  other  authorities  of  the  institution,  it 
shall  send  down  in  writing  to  the  Synods  its  opinion  in  the  premises, 
but  shall  have  no  controlling  negative,  nor  the  right  to  originate  any 
measures  for  the  management  of  the  seminary;”  and 

Whereas,  The  so-called  age  rule,  Section  3,  Art.  12,  Par.  33  (p. 
8),  is  deemed  harmful  to  the  seminary  and  to  the  church  and  its 
ministry,  and  seems  plainly  to  be  founded  on  the  false  principle  that 
a  definite  age  may  be  set  as  a  limitation  of  service  in  said  seminary 
of  the  church,  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  this  General  Assembly  advises  and  would  approve 
the  action  were  the  Synods  in  charge  of  this  seminary  to  do  away 
with  said  age  rule  (Constitution,  Par.  33). 

2.  In  earnestly  and  affectionately  giving  this  advice,  the  General 
Assembly  would,  in  doing  so,  make  mention,  as  was  done  by  the 
Synods  of  Georgia  and  Alabama  in  their  actions  for  the  repeal  of 
the  aforesaid  age  rule,  of  the  understood  fact  that  Par.  15  (Art.  12, 
Sec.  2)  of  the  “Plan  of  Government,”  would  still  remain  in  full 
force  as  “a  sufficient  provision  of  authority  for  the  Board  of  Direc¬ 
tors  in  the  matter  of  retiring  professors.” 

3.  That,  as  is  provided  in  the  Constitution  of  the  seminary,  the 
Clerk  of  this  General  Assembly  is  directed  to  send  down  in  writing 
this  advisory  deliverance  to  the  four  charter  Synods,  with  the  assur¬ 
ance  that  it  is  expressive  of  our  sincere,  fraternal  and  abiding  inter¬ 
est  in  the  welfare  of  this  venerable  institution  of  our  church,  for 
whose  prosperity  and  extended  usefulness  we  will  ever  pray. 

1899,  p.  419.  The  age  limit  was  removed  by  the  authorities  of 
Columbia  Seminary. 

919.  Reports  from  other  institutions  requested 

1892,  p.  424.  There  are  several  established  literary  institutions 
within  our  bounds,  Presbyterian  in  origin  and  patronage,  but  not 
officially  known  to  this  body,  which  have  theological  departments  in 
their  courses  of  study.  There  are  also  one  or  two  theological  Semi¬ 
naries,  under  Presbyterial  or  Synodical  control,  that  send  to  the 
Assembly  no  annual  reports.  In  order  that  there  may  be  uniformity 


Secs..  917-922] 


Seminaries 


479 


of  practice  and  that  the  “supervisory’  jurisdiction,”  expressly  claimed 
by  the  Assembly  (Alexander’s  Digest,  p.  264)  over  these  corpora¬ 
tions  may  be  maintained,  it  is  the  sense  of  the  Assembly  that  it  is 
proper  that  reports,  similar  to  those  received  from  Columbia  and 
Union  Seminaries  and  Tuscaloosa  Institute,  be  furnished  annually 
to  the  General  Assembly  by  the  Schools  of  Theology  at  Richmond, 
Ky.,  Clarksville,  Tenn.,  Batesville,  Ark.,  and  Austin,  Tex.;  and 
that  the  Synods  or  Presbyteries  responsible  for  the  institutions  be 
urgently  recommended  to  have  such  reports  forwarded;  and  that  the 
Stated  Clerk  furnish  a  copy  of  this  action  to  these  bodies. 

920.  The  Southwestern  Theological  Seminary 

1867,  140.  Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  decidedly  adopts 
the  views  of  the  Presbytery  of  North  Alabama,  that  it  is  inex¬ 
pedient  to  take  measures  for  establishing  a  third  theological  semi¬ 

nary. 

921.  Divinity  School  of  the  Southwestern  Presbyterian  University 

at  Clarksville,  Tenn. 

This  school  was  opened  in  1886. 

Since  1910  the  following  appointments  have  been  approved  by 
the  Assembly: 

1913,  p.  34.  Rev.  A.  R.  Shaw,  D.  D.,  Professor  of  Theology. 

1915,  p.  80c.  John  Robert  Dobyns,  A.  M.,  LL.  D.,  President. 

1913,  p.  34.  The  assembly  expressed  its  appreciation  of  the  long 
and  devoted  service  of  Rev.  Robert  Price,  D.  D.,  recently  made  Pro¬ 
fessor  Emeritus. 


922.  Louisville  Seminary 

1893,  p.  53.  The  first  and  second  articles  of  the  Constitution 
explain  its  ecclesiastical  relation  to  the  Assembly  and  to  the  Synods. 
The  said  articles  read  as  follows: 

Article  1.  The  Seminary  shall  be  under  the  direction  and  con¬ 
trol  of  the  Synods  of  Kentucky  and  Missouri  and  such  other  Synod 
or  Synods  as  may  hereafter  be  associated  with  them  through  the 
incorporated  body  known  as  the  Louisville  Presbyterian  Theological 
Seminary. 

Article  2.  The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  United  States  shall  have  the  right  of  general  supervision  over 
the  interests  of  this  Seminary  and  for  this  purpose  the  Directors 
shall  lay  before  the  Assembly  at  its  annual  meeting  a  report  setting 
forth  the  existing  condition  of  the  Seminary,  and  the  Assembly  may 
advise  and  recommend  measures  for  its  welfare.  Should  the  As¬ 
sembly  see  reason  at  any  time  to  object  to  any  of  the  acts  of  the 
Directors  or  other  authorities  of  the  institution,  it  may  send  down, 
in  writing,  to  the  Directors  or  Synods  its  opinions  in  the  premises; 
but  it  shall  have  no  controlling  negative  except  in  the  election  or 


480 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 

transfer  of  professors,  nor  the  right  to  originate  any  measures  for 
the  management  of  the  Seminary. 

The  General  Assembly  welcomes  most  cordially  this  new  and 
vigorous  foundation  of  theological  learning,  accepts  the  right  of 
general  supervision  over  this  Seminary  proposed  in  the  terms  of  its 
Constitution,  and  commends  it  most  heartily  to  the  love  and  sympa¬ 
thy  and  support  of  our  entire  church. 

This  institution  was  opened  in  October,  1893. 

1922,  p.  28.  The  Assembly  approved  the  change  in  the  Charter 
whereby  the  controlling  Synods  representing  the  Southern  Presbyterian 
Church  shall  have  two-thirds  of  the  Directors,  the  total  number  being 
increased  from  24  to  36. 

923.  Consolidation  of  Louisville  and  Danville  Seminaries 

1901,  p.  38.  While  the  Assembly  may  not  wholly  approve  the 
wisdom  of  the  consolidation  of  the  two  Seminaries,  yet,  in  view  of  the 
fact  that  there  was  practical  unanimity  in  the  Synods  of  Kentucky 
and  Missouri  as  to  the  measure,  and  because  of  the  safeguards  thrown 
about  the  compact,  this  court  hereby  interposes  no  bar  to  such  con¬ 
solidation;  but  gives  its  assent  thereto,  leaving  ffie  entire  responsi¬ 
bility  thereof  to  the  Synods  of  Kentucky  and  Missouri. 

For  articles  of  Agreement  for  Consolidation,  see  p.  97ff.  (As¬ 
sembly  Minutes). 

1902,  p.  269.  In  regard  to  an  overture  asking  this  Assembly  to 
“decline  to  recognize  any  official  or  ecclesiastical  oversight  of  the 
Kentucky  Theological  Seminary,”  and  an  overture  asking  this  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  to  reconsider  the  action  of  the  last  Assembly,  and 
withdraw  its  assent  to  the  consolidation  of  the  two  Seminaries  in 
Kentucky,  the  committee  recommends  that  the  Assembly  answer  these 
two  overtures  in  the  negative,  thus  leaving  the  action  of  the  last 
Assembly  undisturbed.  Adopted. 

Since  1910  the  following  appointments  have  been  approved  by 
the  Assembly: 

1911,  p.  27.  Rev.  J.  Gray  McAllister,  D.  D.,  Professor  of  Bibli¬ 
cal  Introduction,  English  Bible,  and  Biblical  Theology. 

1920,  p.  49.  Rev.  Jno.  M.  Vander  Meulen,  D.  D.,  President, 
Rev.  A.  R.  Shaw,  D.  D.,  acting  Professor  of  Theology,  Rev.  D.  H. 
Ogden,  D.  D.,  Acting  Professor  of  Elocution. 

1922,  p.  27.  Rev.  Thornton)  Whaling,  D.  D.,  Professor  of 
Systematic  Theology. 

924.  Approval  of  effort  to  raise  $100,000 

The  Assembly  gives  its  approval  of  the  efforts  of  the  Theological 
Seminary  of  Kentucky  to  raise  an  endowment  and  scholarship  fund 
of  $100,000. 


Secs.  922-928)  Seminaries  481 

925.  The  Synod  of  Appalachia  to  share  in  the  Management  of  the 

Seminary 

1917,  p.  72.  The  Assembly  approved  the  steps  taken  to  amend 
the  Charter  and  Constitution  so  as  to  admit  the  Synod  of  Appalachia 
to  a  share  in  the  management  of  the  Seminary. 

926.  Austin  Seminary 

The  Seminary  was  opened  for  students  October  1,  1902. 

Since  1910  the  following  appointments  have  been  approved  by 
the  Assembly: 

1911,  p.  27.  Rev  Thomas  W.  Currie,  assistant  Professor  in  the 
English  Bible  course. 

1914,  p.  33.  Rev.  W.  A.  McLeod,  D.  D.,  Professor  of  Systematic 
Theology. 

1918.  The  Seminary  was  closed  on  account  of  the  war  and 
financial  condition  (1919,  p.  24). 

It  was  hoped  that  it  would  be  able  to  resume  its  work  not  later 
than  September,  1921.  (1920,  p.  50.) 

1914,  p.  33.  The  Assembly  expressed  its  sincere  appreciation  of 
the  long  and  faithful  service  of  Rev.  Samuel  A.  King,  D.  D.,  LL. 
D.,  Professor  of  Systematic  Theology  in  Austin  Seminary,  recently 
made  Professor  Emeritus. 

1921,  p.  75.  Austin  Seminary  was  commended  for  the  establish¬ 
ment  of  a  Spanish-speaking  department. 

1922,  p.  28.  The  following  appointments  were  approved:  Rev. 
T.  W.  Currie,  D.  D.,  Professor  of  English  Bible  and  Church  His¬ 
tory;  Rev.  Arthur  D.  Jones,  D.  D.,  Professor  of  Systematic  and 
Pastoral  Theology;  Rev.  A.  H.  Perpetuo,  M.  A.,  Professor  of  Hebrew 
and  Special  Director  of  the  Spanish-speaking  Department,  also  Pro¬ 
fessor  D.  A.  Penick,  Ph.  D.,  Professor  of  Greek. 

927.  Inspiration  of  the  Scriptures  in  the  Seminaries 

1867,  p.  150.  The  Assembly  would  earnestly  impress  on  the 
minds  of  all  having  in  charge  the  government  and  instruction  of  our 
Theological  Seminaries,  the  vital  importance  of  training  our  future 
ministers  not  only  to  be  able  and  faithful  ministers  of  God,  but  also 
to  be  fully  imbued  with  an  implicit  faith  in  the  plenary  and  literal 
inspired  authority  of  the  sacred  Scriptures. 

928.  Standard  of  ministerial  education 

1 87 2r  p.  158.  The  Committee  of  Bills  and  Overtures  report  over¬ 
ture  from  West  Hanover  Presbytery,  respecting  the  standard  of  quali¬ 
fications  for  the  sacred  office.  Your  committee  believe  that  the 
Presbyteries  faithfully  carry  out  the  requirements  of  our  Form  of 
Government;  that  the  standard  of  qualification  for  licensure  and 
ordination  actually  reached  among  us  was  never  higher  than  at 


482 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


present;  that  the  measures  proposed  in  the  overture  would  embarrass 
the  Committee  of  Education,  and  introduce  invidious  distinctions 
among  candidates  for  the  ministry.  Your  committee  therefore  recom¬ 
mend  that  the  further  consideration  of  the  overture  be  dismissed. 
Adopted. 

,  •  * 

The  purport  of  this  overture  was,  that  Presbyteries  should  be  earn¬ 
estly  enjoined  by  the  Assembly  to  take  order  by  which  all  candidates 
for  the  ministry  under  their  care  shall  be  induced  to  prosecute  full 
courses  of  both  academic  and  professional  study  preparatory  to  licens¬ 
ure;  and  that  the  Committee  of  Education  be  required  to  refuse  render¬ 
ing  aid  to  any  candidate,  unless  the  Presbytery  recommending  such 
candidate  shall,  with  the  application  for  such  aid,  furnish  evidence 
that  the  candidate  on  whose  account  the  application  has  been  made 
has  come  under  the  obligation  of  a  written  pledge  to  pursue  such  a 
course  of  study  as  the  Presbytery  may  have  prescribed  in  accordance 
with  the  provisions  of  our  Form  of  Government. — A. 

929.  No  change  in  the  mode  and  standard  of  theological  education 

1869,  p.  373.  A  memorial  from  the  Rev.  R.  L.  Dabney,  D.  D., 
on  theological  education,  was  presented  and  referred  to  the  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Theological  Seminaries. 

P.  385.  The  committee  have  had  under  consideration  the  me¬ 
morial  of  Dr.  Dabney  on  theological  education,  and  find  therein 
many  important  suggestions  on  several  features  of  this  general  sub¬ 
ject.  The  respected  author  obviously  contemplates  radical  changes 
in  the  process  of  theological  education,  embracing  changes  in  the 
relations  of  the  Theological  Seminaries  to  the  Assembly,  changes 
changes  in  the  methods  of  imparting  instruction  by  the  professors, 
in  the  recognition  of  grades  of  proficiency  among  the  students  by 
the  faculty  giving  instruction,  in  the  organization  and  powers  of  the 
Directory  of  the  Seminaries,  and  as  to  the  subject  of  the  Natural 
Sciences,  instruction  in  which  is  imparted  in  one  of  our  institutions. 
It  will  be  seen  at  once  that  these  topics,  as  they  are  treated  by  the 
memorialist,  waxild  constitute  a  necessity  for  remodeling  the  whole 
plan  of  our  Seminaries.  As  far  as  known  to  the  committee,  these  sub¬ 
jects  have  not  been  under  general  consideration  in  the  Church,  and 
their  importance  forbids  at  the  session  of  the  present  Assembly  that 
mature  judgment  which  they  deserve.  The  committee  therefore 
recommend  that  the  miemorial  be  referred  to  the  Faculty  and  Directors 
of  each  Seminary,  and  that  they  report  to  the  next  Assembly  the  results 
of  their  deliberations  at  their  discretion.  Adopted. 

1870,  p.  510.  The  committee  have  considered  the  memorial  of 
Rev.  Dr.  R.  L.  Dabney,  and  the  report  of  the  Directors  and  Faculty 
of  Columbia  Seminary  in  relation  to  the  matters  contained  therein; 
but  as  no  report  has  been  received  from  the  Directors  and  Faculty 
of  Union  Seminary  on  this  subject,  we  respectfully  recommend  that, 
in  view  of  the  desirableness  of  uniformity  in  the  management  of  our 
Theological  Seminaries,  of  the  importance  and,  difficulty  of  the  whole 
subject,  these  papers  be  referred,  together  with  any  report  on  the  same 
topic  that  may  be  received  from  Union  Seminary,  to  a  committee, 
whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  consider  whether  any  changes  are  necessary 


Secs.  928-929] 


Seminaries 


483 


or  expedient  in  the  general  management  of  the  Seminaries,  and  re¬ 
port  to  the  next  General  Assembly.  We  further  recommend,  that 
this  committee  be  composed  of  the  following  persons;  Rev.  J.  L. 
Kirkpatrick,  D.  D.,  Rev.  J.  L.  Girardeau,  D.  D.,  Rev.  R.  L.  Dabney, 
D.  D.,  Rev.  Prof.  James  Woodrow,  Prof.  John  L.  Campbell,  Prof. 
W.  C.  Kerr,  and  Prof.  W.  H.  Waddell;  and  that  this  committee  meet 
at  Greensboro,  N.  C.,  at  the  call  of  the  chairman. 

1871,  p.  18.  The  committee  report  to  the  Assembly  an  overture 
of  the  Trustees  of  Union  Theological  Seminary,  Virginia,  calling 
the  attention  of  the  Assembly  to  a  memorial  on  the  improvement  of 
theological  education,  and  requesting  that  the  subject  may  not  fail 
to  receive  attention.  A,s  a  committee  of  the  Assembly  exists  upon 
this  subject,  if  is  recommended  that  this  committee  be  advised  to 
examine  the  matters  submitted  to  them;  and  no  further  action  of 
this  Assembly  at  this  time  is  needed. 

1872,  p.  154.  Rev.  Dr.  Kirkpatrick  submitted  a  report  on  the 
improvement  of  theological  education.  (P.  159.)  Referred  to  the 
Committee  on  Theological  Seminaries. 

P.  178.  This  committee,  to  which  was  referred  an  overture  from 
Augusta  Pesbytery  on  theological  education,  and  also  a  communi¬ 
cation  from  the  chairman,  Dr.  Kirkpatrcik,  of  the  committee,  ad 
interim,  appointed  by  the  Assembly  of  1870  to  consider  a  memorial 
signed  by  Rev.  R.  L.  Dabney,  D.  D.,  touching  the  government  of 
theological  seminaries,  and  the  more  effective  conduct  of  education 
pursued  in  them,  made  a  report,  which  'was  laid  on  the  table,  and 
the  committee  was  discharged. 

1874,  p.  484.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Augusta  com¬ 
plains  of  the  defectiveness  of  the  present  system  of  ministerial  train¬ 
ing,  and  requests  the  appointment  of  a  committee  to  make  provision 
for  certain  specific  changes. 

P.  486.  Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  inquire 
whether  any  changes  in  the  methods  of  conducting  the  education  of 
candidates  for  the  ministry  in  our  Theological  Seminaries  be  advis¬ 
able;  and  if  any,  what  changes  should  be  made.  The  committee  to 
•  report  to  the  next  General  Assembly. 

Rev.  Messrs.  B.  M.  Smith,  D.  D.,  Geo.  Howe,  D.  D.,  C.  A.  Still¬ 
man,  D.  D.,  B.  M.  Palmer,  D.  D.,  Stuart  Robinson,  D.  D.,  and  J. 
L.  Kirkpatrick,  D.  D.,  were  appointed  such  committee.  (P.  492). 

1875,  p.  45.  The  committee  was  continued  until  the,  next  Assem¬ 
bly. 

1876,  p.  208.  The  committee  appointed  last  year  on  the  theo¬ 
logical  education  of  candidates  for  the  ministry  made  a  report, 
through  its  chairman,  the  Rev.  B.  M.  Smith,  D.  D.,  and  the  follow¬ 
ing  resolution,  offered  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Robinson,  was  adopted,  viz. : 

Resolved ,  That  action  on  the  recommendation  of  this  report  be 
deferred  to  the  next  General  Assembly;  meanwhile,  that  so  much  of 
it  as  sets  forth  the  proposed  modifications  in  our  methods  of  educat¬ 
ing  candidates  be  printed  in  the  Appendix  to  the  Minutes  of  this 

Assemblv.  * 

¥ 


484  Education  and  Relief  [Book  IV 

From,  this  report  we  extract  one  or  two  sentences,  together  with  the 
recommendations  made  at  the  close. 

The  Seminaries  should  so>  arrange  their  courses  and  programme 
of  studies,  that  a  student  of  fit  preparation,  ordinary  diligence  and 
mental  culture  can  prosecute  the  whole  successfully  in  the  usual 
period  of  three  sessions  of  eight  or  nine  months  each. 

The  whole  course  shall  be  of  such  extent  that  it  shall  comprise, 
as  a  minimum,  all  that  is  required  by  our  Form  of  Government. 

Recommendations : 

1.  The  Assembly  recommends  to  the  authorities  of  the  Semi¬ 
naries  more  effectual  tests  of  the  attainments  of  candidates  in  the 
course  of  study;  suspending  the  passing  them  from  a  lower  to  a 
higher  stage  on  the  ascertained  satisfactory  standing  of  the  student 
on  each,  and  the  attainments  on  the  whole  by  similar  tests  on  the 
final  stage  of  the  course. 

2.  That  the  injunction  to  Presbyteries  (Minutes,  1875,  p.  28, 
bottom)  be  repeated,  and  urged  on  the  attention  of  Presbyteries. 

3.  That  Presbyteries  take  order  in  a  wise  discretion  for  supply¬ 
ing  to  candidates  deemed  to  need  training  in  the  art  of  the  minister’s 
pastoral  work,  services  which  will,  with  this  purpose,  also  be  so 
remunerative  as  to  aid  such  in  the  means  of  self-support  while  en¬ 
gaged  in  preparatory  study. 

1877,  p.  416.  This  General  Assembly,  in  view  of  the  suggestions 
of  the  report  on  theological .  education  referred  to  it  by  the  Assembly 
of  1876,  respecting  the  desirableness  of  sundry  modifications  in  our 
methods  of  training  candidates  for  the  ministry,  hereby  solemnly 
recommends  to  the  Presbyteries,  and  to  the  Theological  Seminaries 
under  its  care,  to  take  order,  in  their  respective  spheres  of  service 
in  such  training,  for  carrying  forward  that  training  in  the  methods 
herein  commended: 

1.  1.  The  Presbyteries  shall  observe,  with  increased  strictness, 
the  provisions  of  our  Form  of  Government,  Chap.  XIV.,  Secs.  III- 
VI.;  and,  to  avoid  precipitate  action  in  the  licensing  of  candidates, 
they  shall  be  required  to  pass  through  a  probation  of  at  least  one 
year,  involving  an  attendance  on  at  least  two  meetings  of  Presby¬ 
tery,  at  each  of  which  a  portion  of  their  examinations  shall  be  held. 
The  examination  of  candidates  in  the  Seminary  shall  in  no  case 
supersede  the  examination  by  Presbytery. 

2.  Every  candidate,  except  as  regarded  as  an  “extraordinary 
case,”  (Form  of  Government,  Chap.  XIV.,  Sec.  VI.,)  shall  be  re¬ 
quired  to  prosecute  satisfactorily  the  scholastic  course  prescribed  in 
the  Form  of  Government,  and,  at  the  discretion  of  Presbytery,  ex¬ 
hibit  any  other  evidences  of  piety,  literature,  and  aptness  to  teach 
which  may  be  required  by  Presbytery. 

3.  To  improve  candidates  in  “aptness  to  teach,”  the  Presbyteries 
are  advised  to  provide  opportunities  for  such  as  need  additional  ad¬ 
vantages  for  that  purpose,  by  granting  them  permission,  for  a  limited 
period  and  prescribed  field  of  labors,  to  conduct  public  religious  ser¬ 
vices  involving  the  exposition  of  the  Scriptures,  and  provide  for  the 


Seminaries 


485 


Sec.  929] 


adequate  superintendence  of  such  candidates,  and  no  candidate  shall 
assume  such  privileges  except  by  leave  of  Presbytery. 

4.  Candidates  whose  residences  are  at  an  inconvenient  distance 
from  a  Seminary  for  a  properly  frequent  attendance  on  Presbyteries 
may  be  temporarily  placed  under  the  care  of  some  Presbytery  more 
convenient  to  the  Seminary;  but  ordinarily  such  candidates  shall  be 
required  to  pass  their  final  examinations  and  receive  licensure  by  the 
Presbytery  under  whose  care  they  had  been  first  taken. 

II.  1.  The  Presbyteries  are  advised  so  to  arrange  their  pro¬ 
gram  of  study  that  candidates  may  abridge  or  extend  the  tim^e 
of  scholastic  study,  according  to  previous  preparation  and  ability 
for  its  successful  prosecution;  but  in  no  case  shall  such  program 
lessen  the  requisitions  of  our  Form  of  Government. 

2.  In  no  case,  except  under  the  authority  of  Presbytery,  shall  a 
candidate  be  allowed  to  pass  a  higher  grade  of  study  till  he  shall 
have  sustained  a  satisfactory  examination  on  the  studies  of  the  grade 
preceding. 

3.  The  authorities  of  the  Seminaries  shall  annually  report  to 
the  Presbyteries  with  which  candidates  may  be  connected,  by  a  for¬ 
mal  relation,  or  by  residence,  their  scholastic  progress,  and  whatever 
else  respecting  their  merit  the  Presbyteries  may  request. 

4.  They  shall  also  provide  a  course  of  “vacation  study,”  of  such 
a  character  that  it  can  be  successfully  prosecuted  in  private  and  on 
which  the  student  shall  pass  a  satisfactory  examination.  This  pro¬ 
vision  is  designed  to  meet  the  wishes  of  candidates  who,  in  the 
judgment  of  their  Presbyteries,  ought  to  complete  the  prescribed 
course  of  study  in  a  less  period  than  three  years,  either  to  enter  on 
the  work  of  the  ministry  or  to  spend  an  additional  year  in  prosecuting 
such  a  post-graduate  course  of  study  as  the  Faculties  of  the  Semi¬ 
naries  may  prescribe.  Adopted. 

In  adopting  this  report  the  General  Assembly  distinctly  disclaims 
any  purpose  to  exercise  any  right  not  clearly  given  by  the  Con¬ 
stitution,  or  to  restrict  in  the  slightest  degree  the  rights  of  the 
Presbyteries  in  the  premises.  The  report  is  advisory  only. 

1882,  p.  564.  A  series  of  resolutions  were  introduced  into  the 
Assembly  by  Rev.  C.  W.  Lane,  D.  D.,  proposing  to  raise  a  com¬ 
mittee  to  consider  and  report  to  the  next  General  Assembly  certain 
matters  specified  in  said  paper. 

P.  565.  The  following  was  adopted:  “With  regard  to  the  paper 
introduced  by  Rev.  C.  W.  Lane,  D.  D.,  your  committee  would 
recommend  that  Resolutions  1,  3  and  4  be  adopted,  with  the  ex¬ 
ception  that  the  committee  contemplated  in  Resolution  1  be  com¬ 
posed  of  seven  members,  viz. :  four  ministers  and  three  ruling 
elders.” 

The  paper  thus  amended  and  adopted  is  as  follows: 

1.  That  a  committee  consisting  of  seven  members,  viz. :  four  minis¬ 
ters  and  three  ruling  elders,  with  alternates,  be  appointed  to  report  to 
the  next  General  Assembly  on  the  following  points  relating  to  the 
preparation  of  candidates  for  the  gospel  ministry,  and  on  any  related 
topics  which  may  suggest  themselves  to  the  committee: 


486 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


(a)  Whether  the  Constitution  of  the  Church  should  not  be 
changed  so  that,  as  to  the  general  education  of  a  candidate  for 
the  ministry,  it  be  deemed  sufficient  that  he  be  a  graduate  of  any 
respectable  college  or  university,  or  military  institution  whose  cur¬ 
riculum  equals  in  extent  that  of  an  average  college,  even  though  the 
course  of  study  has  not  included  Latin  and  Greek.  (b) 
Whether,  in  such  case,  the  study  of  Hebrew,  or  an  equivalent 
study  of  the  English  Scriptures,  shall  be  left  optional  to  such  stu¬ 
dent  in  his  theological  course.  ( c )  Whether,  in  case  the  above 
changes  be  made  in  the  Constitution,  it  shall  not  still  be  required 
of  candidates  taken  under  care  of  Presbytery,  at  or  before  begin¬ 
ning  their  college  course  (if  under  nineteen  years  of  age),  to  study 
Latin,  Greek  or  Hebrew,  as  now  required.  ( d )  Whether,  if  a 
candidate  be  between  nineteen  and  twenty-five  years  of  age,  he  shall 
not  be  allowed  to  take  an  elective  course  for  graduation  at  a  re¬ 
spectable  college  or  university,  or  a  course  of  study  elsewhere  equiv¬ 
alent  to  one  of  the  courses  required  for  graduation  at  a  respectable 
college  or  university.  ( e )  Whether,  when  a  candidate  who  is  twenty- 
five  or  more  years  of  age  presents  himself  to  be  taken  under  care 
of  Presbytery,  anything  more  shall  be  absolutely  required  of  him 
for  licensure  and  ordination  than  a  good  English  education  (such 
as  can  be  obtained  at  a  good  academy  or  high-school),  and  the 
study  of  divinity  in  English  for  at  least  two  years  under  an  ap¬ 
proved  divine  or  at  an  approved  theological  seminary.  (/)  Whether, 
among  “the  parts  of  trial,”  an  analysis  in  English  of  one  book  of 
the  Old  Testament  and  one  of  the  New  shall  not  be  substituted 
for  the  “Latin  Thesis.”  (g)  Whether  the  systematic  and  daily 
study  of  the  entire  Bible  in  English  shall  not,  so  far  as  is  practicable, 
be  required  of  all  candidates  for  the  ministry  in  their  theological 
course;  and  whether  there  shall  not  be  a  classical  divinity  course 
and  an  Epglish  divinity  course,  either  of  which  may  be  pursued 
by  the  candidate  according  to  his  previous  course  of  study. 

2.  That  the  professors  in  our  Theological  Seminaries  and  de¬ 
nominational  colleges,  and  the  Secretaries  of  the  Assembly’s  Execu¬ 
tive  Committees  be  requested,  and  the  whole  Church  be  invited,  to 
communicate  their  views  in  writing  on  the  above  and  related  topics 
to  the  committee. 

3.  That  this  paper  be  published  in  the  Minutes  of  the  Assembly 
and  a  copy  furnished  to  each  of  our  Church  papers  for  publication. 

In  accordance  with  Resolution  1  the  following  committee  was  ap¬ 
pointed,  viz.:  J.  H.  Nall,  H.  M.  Smith,  C.  W.  Lane,  W.  E.  Boggs, 
ministers;  W.  W.  Lumpkin,  W.  G.  Vardell,  W.  A.  Clarke,  ruling 
elders. 

1883,  p.  18.  The  report  of  the  committee  appointed  by  the  last 
Assembly  on  proposed  changes  in  the  education  of  the  ministry,  to¬ 
gether  with  a  minority  report,  was  read  and  received.  Upon  a  mo¬ 
tion  to  adopt  the  minority  report,  a  paper  was  introduced  by  the 
Rev.  Dr.  C.  W.  Lane  as  a  substitute. 

P.  21.  The  substitute  was  lost. 


Sec.  929] 


Seminaries 


487 


The  report  of  the  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures,  in  answer 
to  Presbyterial  overtures  that  have  reference  to  ministerial  educa-. 
tion,  together  with  the  substantive  propositions  of  the  majority  report 
on  this  subject,  was  adopted  as  follows: 

It  is  deemed  unnecessary  by  this  General  Assembly  to  make  any 
change  in  our  standard  of  ministerial  education  or  qualifications. 

The  report  may  be  found  in  the  Minutes  for  1883,  pp.  89ff.  See 
also  Alexander’s  Digest,  pp.  254ff. 

1880,  p.  192.  The  Committee  on  Theological  Seminaries  have 
been  charged  by  the  General  Assembly  with  the  duty  of  consider¬ 
ing  the  following  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Tuscaloosa: 

Asking  the  Assembly  to  consider  the  propriety  and  practicability 
of  so  arranging  the  course  of  study  of  our  candidates  for  the  min¬ 
istry,  that  our  theological  students  may  be  required  to  spend  six 
months  of  each  year,  or  a  period  approximating  that,  in  active  ser¬ 
vice  in  the  vacant  churches  or  in  destitute  neighborhoods.  We  are 
aware  that  the  subject  has  already  been  before  the  Assembly,  but 
in  view  of  the  fact,  first,  that  it  has  never  been  very  fully  discussed; 
and  second,  that  there  is  an  extensive  desire  in  the  Church  for  some 
such  variation  from  our  present  method  of  training  our  ministers, 
we  ask  for  a  renewed  consideration  of  it.  The  complaint  is  fre¬ 
quently  urged  that  our  young  men,  on  being  licensed  to  preach, 
are,  from  their  long  confinement  and  strictly  scholastic  pursuits  and 
their  comparative  privation  of  contact  with  the  people,  often,  if 
not  generally,  deficient  in  that  practical  knowledge  and  tact  which 
are  necessary  to  give  them  free  access  to  the  people,  and  facility  in 
the  active  work  of  the  ministry.  It  is  believed  that,  if  they  could  spend 
half,  or  nearly  half,  of  the  last  two  years  of  their  preparatory  course 
in  supplying  vacant  churches  and  other  destitute  fields  with  such 
instructions  and  other  religious  exercises  as  they  could  conduct, 
they  would  acquire  much  practical  knowledge  of  the  work  before 
them,  and  that  their  studies  at  the  Seminary  would  be  rendered 
more  profitable  to  them. 

Another  benefit,  not  wholly  incidental  to  such  a  plan,  would  be 
the  supplying  with  gospel  privileges  of  large  numbers  of  people 
whom  we  are  at  present  unable  to  furnish  with  a  regularly  licensed 
ministry. 

It  is  believed,  also,  that  this  work  could  be  so  guided  and  con¬ 
trolled  as  to  avoid  the  evils  which  pertain  to  an  unordained  min¬ 
istry.  The  experiment  has  often  been  made  on  a  small  scale,  and 
we  believe  with  acceptance  and  profit,  and  without  giving  rise  to 
complaint  or  alleged  abuse. 

But  the  Presbytery  does/'  not  assume  to  argue  the  question.  We 
simply  state  a  view  quite  prevalent  and,  we  think,  growing  in  our 
Church,  and  we  trust  the  subject  will  not  be  summarily  dismissed. 

Answer :  With  respect  to  the  subjects  presented  in  the  forego¬ 
ing  overture,  it  is  recommended  that  the  General  Assembly  decline 
to  express  any  opinion.  The  first,  namely,  the  terms  of  study  in 
our  Theological  Seminaries,  it  would  seem  most  judicious  to  leave 


488 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


to  the  experience  and  sound  discretion  of  the  directors  of  those  in¬ 
stitutions.  The  second,  namely,  the  employment  of  students  of  the¬ 
ology  during  their  vacations  “in  supplying  vacant  churches,”  prop¬ 
erly  belongs  to  the  Presbyteries. 

1883,  p.  44.  An  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Tuscaloosa, 
praying  the  Assembly  “to  consider  again  the  propriety  of  so  arrang¬ 
ing  the  theological  training  of  our  candidates  for  the  ministry  that 
one-half  the  time  shall  be  spent  in  active  labor,  especially  in  vacant 
churches  and  destitute  regions,  under  Presbyterial  direction.” 

Answer :  Resolved,  That  the  Faculties  of  the  Union  and  Colum¬ 
bia  Theological  Seminaries  be  constituted  a  committee,  of  which 
the  Rev.  B.  M.  Smith,  D.  D.,  shall  be  chairman,  to  consider  the 
expediency  and  practicability  of  the  proposed  arrangement,  and  if 
they  deem  the  same  expedient  and  practicable,  that  they  suggest  in 
detail  the  methods  by  which  it  can  be  carried  into  effect,  and  re¬ 
port  to  the  next  Assembly. 

1884,  p.  232.  The  Committee  on  Theological  Seminaries  would 
respectfully  report  to  the  General  Assembly,  concerning  the  reports 
referred  to  them  from  the  committee  consisting  of  the  professors  in 
Union  and  Columbia  Theological  Seminaries,  concerning  the  pro¬ 
priety  of  a  change  in  the  course  of  studies  in  training  candidates 
for  the  ministry: 

That  two  reports  were  presented,  one  signed  by  the  professors 
of  the  Columbia  Seminary,  in  which  the  ground  is  taken  that  nothing 
can  be  done  without  a  change  in  the  organic  law. 

Another — a  minority  report — signed  by  Rev.  B.  M.  Smith,  D. 
D.,  recommending  (1,)  That  more  care  be  taken  by  the  Presby¬ 
teries  in  the  examination  of  candidates  seeking  the  gospel  ministry; 
and  (2,)  That  Presbyteries  should  provide  work  for  their  candi¬ 
dates  under  certain  restrictions. 

In  view  of  this  conflict  of  opinion  among  these  learned  profess¬ 
ors,  and  also  in  view  of  the  dangers  arising  from  frequent  change 
in  the  established  customs  of  the  Church,  your  committee  would  sug¬ 
gest  that  it  is  advisable  for  the  Assembly  not  to  recommend  any 
change  at  this  time.  Adopted. 

The  subject  was  again  presented  the  next  year,  and  the  Assembly 
took  the  following  action: 

1884,  p.  246.  The  General  Assembly  deems  it  unnecessary  and 
inexpedient  that  any  change  be  made  in  those  provisions  of  our 
Constitution  which  refer  to  the  licensure  or  ordination  for  the 
gospel  ministry. 

1885,  p.  414.  The  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  reported 
overtures  from  three  Presbyteries,  and  from  sundry  individuals,  min¬ 
isters  and  ruling  elders,  asking  the  appointment  of  an  ad  interim 
committee  to  consider  whether  any  change  should  be  made  in  the 
standards  of  ministerial  qualifications  and  methods  of  training.  The 
committee  recommended  the  adoption  of  the  following  answer,  viz.: 

Inasmuch  as  the  General  Assembly  of  1882,  in  compliance  with 
a  request  similar  to  the  one  contained  in  these  overtures,  did  ap¬ 
point  an  ad  interim  committee  to  consider  and  report  upon  this 


Secs.  929-931] 


Seminaries 


489 


whole  subject;  inasmuch  as  the  General  Assembly  of  1883,  after  an 
able  and  full  report  of  this  committee,  did  decide,  after  due  delib¬ 
eration,  that  (see  Minutes,  1883,  p.  21)  “It  is  deemed  unneces¬ 
sary  by  this  General  Assembly  to  make  any  change  in  our  stand¬ 
ard  of  ministerial  education  or  qualifications;”  and  inasmuch  as 
the  General  Assembly  of  1884  did,  in  answer  to  overtures  from  sundry 
Presbyteries  and  individuals,  answer  again  in  its  wisdom  that  (Min¬ 
utes  of  Assembly,  1884,  p.  246)  “The  General  Assembly  deems  it 
unnecessary  and  inexpedient  that  any  change  be  made  in  those  pro¬ 
visions  of  our  Constitution  which  refer  to  the  licensure  or  ordina¬ 
tion  of  candidates  for  the  gospel  ministry;”  and  inasmuch  as  the 
judgment  of  this  court  coincides  with  that  of  the  two  grave  and  ven¬ 
erable  bodies  preceding  it,  the  General  Assembly  declines  to  appoint 
such  committee,  or  to  take  any  other  step  which  looks  to  the  open¬ 
ing  up  of  this  subject  for  future  discussion.  Adopted.  (P.  419.) 

930.  Length  of  course  of  instruction 

1894,  p.  242.  The  Assembly  advises  that  the  Directors  of  the 
different  Seminaries  consider  the  question  of  making  the  course  of 
instruction  extend  over  four  years,  with  sessions  of  six  months. 

1895,  p.  399.  The  Divinity  School  of  the  Southwestern  Pres¬ 
byterian  University  and  the  Louisville  Seminary  make  no  reply. 
The  Columbia  Seminary  Board  say  that  they  deem  any  change  at 
this  time  inexpedient.  The  Board  of  Union  Seminary  say  they 
have  appointed  a  committee  to  correspond  with  other  seminaries  on 
this  subject,  with  directions  to  report  to  the  next  meeting  of  the 
Board. 

931.  The  English  Bible  in  the  Seminary 

1881,  p.  370.  The  Presbytery  of  Bethel  respectfully  overtures  the 
General  Assembly: 

“1,  That  in  view  of  the  increasing  dangers  that  environ  the  cause 
of  truth,  the  Assembly  urge  upon  the  Presbyteries  the  necessity  of  a 
closer  examination  of  all  applicants  for  licensure  as  to  their  familiar 
and  thorough  acquaintance  with  the  Bible  itself. 

“2,  That  the  Assembly  recommend  and  urge  upon  the  attention  of 
the  Boards  of  Directors  of  our  Theological  Seminaries  the  pressing  de¬ 
mand  for  a  more  copious,  thorough  and  direct  study  of  the  book  they 
are  to  preach,  on  the  part  of  our  theological  students,  not  merely  in 
private,  but  under  the  direction  and  lead  of  the  professor. 

“3,  That  with  a  view  to  effect  this  result,  as  well  as  to  put  the  op¬ 
portunity  of  a  thorough  training  for  the  ministry  (subject  to  such  re¬ 
strictions  and  limitations  as  the  Assembly  shall  deem  necessary)  within 
the  reach  of  that  numerous  class  of  active,  able  and  highly  competent 
young  men  who  have  never  enjoyed  the  advantages  of  a  classical  edu¬ 
cation;  and  in  view,  furthermore,  of  the  speedy  re-organization  of  the 
Columbia  Seminary,  Bethel  Presbytery  would  urgently  pray  the 
General  Assembly  to  lend  its  sanction  and  approval  to  the  plan  of 
substituting,  in  that  institution,  for  the  exegetical  study  of  the  Scrip- 


'490 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


tures  in  the  original  Hebrew  and  Greek,  that  of  the  English  Bible, 
old  and  new  versions,  confronted  with  and  corrected  upon  the 
original  in  all  cases  of  real  or  supposed  error,  or  other  serious 
difference  of  opinion. 

“Bethel  Presbytery  would  not  be  understood  as  desiring  or  sanc¬ 
tioning  any  proposal  to  supersede  or  neglect  the  study  of  the  orig¬ 
inal  languages  of  Scripture  on  the  part  of  such  as  are  qualified  for 
it;  but  only  to  make  the  direct  study  of  the  Bible,  as  a  whole  (which 
can  be  effected  only  in  that  form  which  is  most  familiar,  to-wit: 
its  English  dress),  the  basis,  practically,  as  well  as  theoretically, 
of  our  system  of  theological  instruction,  at  least  so  far  as  regards 
the  Seminary  about  to  be  reorganized. 

“We  would  not  be  understood  as  desiring  the  appointment  of  a 
special  professorship  with  reference  to  the  purpose  proposed;  but 
rather  that  this  feature  be  engrafted  upon  our  system  of  theolog¬ 
ical  education,  and  superadded  to  the  ordinary  studies  of  the  Semi¬ 
nary  course,  with  the  exception  indicated.” 

After  a  careful  consideration  of  this  overture,  the  committee  would 
recommend  to  the  General  Assembly  the  following  action,  viz.: 

1,  That  the  Assembly  call  the  attention  of  the  Directors  of  our 
two  Theological  Seminaries  to  Section  2  of  said  overture,  express¬ 
ing  their  hearty  approval  of  any  practical  measure  which  will  se¬ 
cure  a  more  careful  study  of  the  English  Bible  by  our  Seminary  stu¬ 
dents,  as  a  part  of  their  theological  training. 

2,  That  the  matter  presented  in  Section  3  of  said  overture  in¬ 
volves  a  change  in  our  Constitution  (see  Form  of  Government, 
Chap.  VI.,  Sec.  VI.,  Art.  VI.),  and  such  change  must  be  made,  not 
by  authority  of  the  General  Assembly,  but  by  the  action  of  the 
Presbyteries. 

1882,  p.  564.  An  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Fayetteville 
relative  to  the  “establishment  in  our  Seminaries  of  a  course  of  ex- 
egetical  study  of  the  Scriptures  in  the  English  language.” 

P.  656.  In  reply  to  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Fayette¬ 
ville,  it  is  recommended  that  the  Presbytery  be  referred  to  the  action 
of  the  General  Assembly  of  1881  (see  Minutes,  pp.  370,  371),  as 
meeting  the  case  presented;  that  the  attention  of  the  Directors  of 
the  Theological  Seminaries  be  again  earnestly  and  respectfully  called 
to  this  matter,  and  that  they  be  requested  to  report  to  the  next  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  any  results  which  may  be  reached.  Adopted. 

1883,  p.  85.  lire  Directors  of  Columbia  Seminary  report  that 
this  direction  has  been  carried  out,  and  that  the  study  of  the  English 
Bible  constitutes  an  important  feature  in  the  departments  of  Di¬ 
dactic  Theology,  Church  History  and  Sacred  Rhetoric. 

P.  34. The  Trustees  of  Union  Theological  Seminary  ask  the 
attention  of  the  Assembly  to  the  following  resolution  of  the  corpora¬ 
tion,  adopted  May  2,  1883: 

Resolved,  That  the  Trustees  of  Union  Theological  Seminary  in 
Virginia,  fully  concurring  with  the  General  Assembly  as  to  the 
importance  of  such  study  of  the  Bible  as  suggested  by  that  body, 
yet,  in  view  of  the  onerous  duties  now  resting  on  the  professors  of 


Secs.  931-933] 


Seminaries 


491 


the  Seminary,  and  the  insufficiency  of  our  existing  income  for  the 
support  of  a  separate  chair,  do  not  see  the  way  open  at  the  present 
time  for  the  introduction  of  any  measures  for  the  end  proposed  be¬ 
yond  the  considerable  instruction  in  the  English  Bible  which  is 
already  distinctively  imparted  in  this  institution.  At  the  present 
meeting  of  the  corporation,  however,  plans  have  been  inaugurated 
for  an  increase  of  income  from  further  endowment,  which,  if  suc¬ 
cessful,  may  accomplish  the  wishes  indicated  by  the  Assembly,  and 
in  which  the  Trustees  sympathize. 

P.  82.  In  response  to  a  resolution  of  the  Synod  of  Virginia  (Min¬ 
utes  of  1882,  p.  168),  and  impressed  with  the  importance  of  initiat¬ 
ing,  at  the  present  meeting  of  the  Trustees,  measures  for  the  en¬ 
dowment  of  a  Fifth  Professorship  in  this  Seminary,  to  be  known 
as  the  Chair  of  English  Biblical  Study  and  Pastoral  Theology,  a 
committee  (Rev.  Drs.  C.  White,  Rumple,  Richardson,  Dabney  and 
Peck)  will  address  the  Christian  public,  asking  contributions  (to 
an  amount  not  less  than  $50,000)  to  endow  this  Chair. 

932.  Extraordinary  recruit  for  the  ministry 

1869,  p.  390.  Overture  from  Rev.  Dr.  Dabney,  that  the  As¬ 
sembly  direct  all  its  moral  and  spiritual  powers  in  an  appeal  to 
the  Christian  consciences  of  your  educated  members  among  liter¬ 
ary  and  professional  men,  for  an  extraordinary  recruit  to  our 
ministry,  who,  by  receiving  licensure  as  soon  as  they  can  comply 
with  the  constitutional  requirements  as  to  scholarship,  may  be  ready 
to  meet  our  exigencies  earlier  than  the  pious  youth  now  in  acad¬ 
emies  and  colleges. 

Answer :  This  Assembly  would  earnestly  appeal  to  the  Chris¬ 
tian  consciences  of  the  educated  members  of  the  Church  among  lit¬ 
erary  and  professional  men,  as  well  as  among  our  young  men  who 
are  now  considering  the  particular  profession  or  life-work  for  their 
future  pursuit,  to  seek,  in  solemn  and  earnest,  humble  prayer  to 
God,  the  answer  to  the  question,  “Lord,  what  wilt  thou  have  me 
to  do?”  and  that  they  watch  the  providences  of  God  as  they  open 
before  them;  and  that,  by  every  available  means,  they  strive  to  as¬ 
certain  God’s  holy  will  in  reference  to  this  great  matter,  without 
allowing  themselves  either  presumptuously  to  seek  this  holy  office 
from  the  mere  possession  of  external  gifts,  however  great,  or  suffer¬ 
ing  themselves  to  be  deterred  from  it  by  obstacles  and  difficulties, 
however  apparently  formidable. 

933.  Health  in  the  Seminaries 

1833,  p.  44.  The  attention  of  Directors  and  Professors  in  our 
Seminaries  is  called  to  the  great  importance  of  cultivating  the  phys¬ 
ical  health  of  the  students  in  these  institutions,  and  of  providing 
such  means  of  convenient  and  pleasant  bodily  exercise  as  shall  pro¬ 
mote  that  robustness  and  vigor  of  constitution  so  needful  to  the 
highest  measures  of  success  in  after  life. 


492 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


934.  Students  should  attend  our  own  Seminaries 

1881,  p.  364.  Resolved,  That  whilst  the  Assembly  does  not  dis¬ 
courage  that  laudable  aspiration  which  seeks  the  best  culture,  not 
only  within  our  pale,  but  in  other  parts  of  Protestant  Christen¬ 
dom,  no  candidate  for  the  ministry  should  resort  to  such  exterior 
sources  of  learning  until  he  shall  have  been  grounded  in  that  of 
his  denomination;  and  therefore  the  Presbyteries  are  hereby  exhorted 
to  exert  all  their  legitimate  power  to  cause  their  students  to  go 
through  the  curriculum  of  our  own  Seminaries  before  studying  in 
learned  institutions  without  our  bounds. 

1911,  p.  27.  Your  committee  urges  that  the  Presbyteries,  as  far 
as  practicable,  should  see  to  it  that  candidates  for  the  ministry  under 
their  care,  pursue  their  studies  in  our  own  Seminaries,  especially 
those  candidates  who  have  received  assistance  from  our  Executive 
Committee  during  their  collegiate  course. 

935.  What  control  the  Assembly  has  over  our  Theological  Seminaries 

1886,  p.  15.  On  motion  of  ruling  elder  W.  W.  Henry,  “The 
Committee  on  Theological  Seminaries  is  directed  to  report  to  this 
Assembly  what  control,  if  any,  the  Assembly  has  over  the  Boards 
and  Faculties  of  our  Theological  Seminaries.” 

P.  43.  This  committee  reported  as  follows: 

In  reply  to  the  injunction  laid  upon  us  to  find  and  state  the  re¬ 
lation  existing  between  this  General  Assembly  and  the  Theological 
Seminaries  organized  within  the  pale  of  our  Church,  we  report: 

1.  That  this  Assembly  sustains  very  important  relations  to  all 
such  institutions;  yet  these  relations  differ  somewhat  according  to 
the  constitution  and  practice  of  each  institution  as  ratified  by  the 
Assembly. 

2.  That  by  the  very  genius  of  Presbyterianism  the  Assembly  is 
bound  to  maintain  a  supervisory  jurisdiction  over  these  and  all 
other  like  corporations,  and  also*  over  all  schemes  for  religious 
work,  so  far  as  they  affect  the  practice  or  doctrine  of  the  Assembly’s 
constituencies,  and  especially  the  office-bearers  of  the  Church. 

3.  That  this  jurisdiction  must  in  every  case  enable  the  Assem¬ 
bly,  through  the  proper  channels  of  authority,  to  keep  all  such  in¬ 
stitutions  free  from  everything  inconsistent  with  the  spirit  of  our 
system,  and,  of  course,  free  from  all  teaching  inconsistent  with  the 
Word  of  God  as  expounded  in  our  Standards.  Adopted. 

1887,  p.  233.  Overtures  respecting  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  over  all  the  affairs,  institutions  and  proceedings  of 
the  lower  courts. 

The  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  recommended  the  follow¬ 
ing  reply: 

Touching  the  subject-matter  referred  to  in  these  overtures,  this 
Assembly  declines  to  formulate  any  detailed  explanation  of  the 
acts  of  the  last  Assembly,  as  any  such  statement,  however  expressed, 


Secs.  934-937] 


Seminaries 


493 


could  only  be  regarded  as  a  new  deliverance  on  the  same  subjects, 
which  this  Assembly  does  not  feel  called  upon  to  make. 

Two  members  of  the  Committee  offered  a  minority  report  as  a 
substitute,  but  this  was  indefinitely  postponed. 

936.  Evolution  in  the  Theological  Seminaries  A. 

1884,  p.  280.  From  the  report  of  the  Directors  of  Columbia 
Seminary : 

In  May,  1883,  the  Board  requested  Professor  James  Woodrow' 
to  publish  in  the  October  (1883)  number  of  the  Southern  Presby¬ 
terian  Review,  or  as  soon  thereafter  as  possible,  his  teachings  om 
Evolution,  in  regard  to  the  world,  the  lower  animals  and  man.  Im 
May,  1884,  he  sent  a  communication,  stating  that  it  had  been  im¬ 
possible  for  him  to  prepare  the  article  for  the  October  (1883)  num¬ 
ber  of  the  Review,  but  that  he  would  deliver  an  address  to  the  Alumni 
Association  on  that  subject  on  May  7th,  1884.  The  statement  was 
accepted  as  satisfactory,  and  he  was  again  requested  to  publish 
his  teachings  on  that  subject  in  the  Southern  Presbyterian  Review . 

P.  231.  Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  commends  the  action  of 
the  Board  of  Directors  of  Columbia  Theological  Seminary  in  re¬ 
questing  the  Perkins  Professor  of  Science  in  connection  with  Rev¬ 
elation  to  lay  before  the  Church,  for  its  information,  his  views  as 
held  and  taught  in  that  institution  touching  Evolution  as  it  respects 
the  earth,  the  lower  animals  and  man. 

1886,  pp.  41,  44.  Resolved,  That  whereas  the  General  Assembly 
is  convinced  that  Rev.  James  Woodrow,  D.  D.,  one  of  the  Profess¬ 
ors  in  Columbia  Theological  Seminary,  holds  views  repugnant  to 
the  Word  of  God  and  to  our  Confession  of  Faith,  as  appears  both  by 
his  address,  published  in  the  Southern  Presbyterian  Review  for 
July,  1884,  and  in  other  publications,  and  by  his  statements  made 
upon  the  floor  of  this  Assembly,  therefore  this  Assembly  does  hereby, 
in  accordance  with  its  action  yesterday  in  regard  to  the  oversight 
of  Theological  Seminaries,  earnestly  recommend  to  the  Synods  of 
South  Carolina,  Georgia,  Alabama,  and  of  South  Georgia  and  Flor¬ 
ida,  which  direct  and  control  the  said  Seminary,  to  dismiss  the  said 
Rev.  James  Woodrow,  D.  D.,  as  professor  in  the  said  Seminary,  and 
to  appoint  another  in  his  place,  and  speedily  to  take  such  other 
steps  as  in  their  judgment  will  be  best  adapted  to  restore  this  Sem¬ 
inary  to  the  confidence  of  the  Church.  Adopted — Ayes,  65;  nays, 
27.  Several  who  voted  nay  put  an  explanation  of  their  votes  on 
record. 

937.  Training  in  Elocution 

1894,  p.  242.  The  Assembly  commends  the  training  given  in 
three  of  the  Seminaries  in  Elocution,  thus  seeking  to  train  the  stu¬ 
dents  to  read  the  word  of  God  with  more  power  and  to  preach  more 
effectively. 

1914,  p.  33.  The  Assembly  would  heartily  commend  the  semi¬ 
naries  for  the  introduction  in  recent  years  of  courses  of  instruction 


494 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


in  voice  culture  and  expression,  and  also  in  the  training  in  prac¬ 
tical  Christian  work. 


938.  Seminaries  to  teach  Sociology ,  Sabbath  School  Work,  and 
Management  of  Young  People's  Societies 

1911,  p.  27.  In  view  of  the  growing  importance  of  many  social 
questions,  we  earnestly  recommend  that  all  our  Theological  Semi¬ 
naries  adopt  and  teach  a  brief,  practical  course  in  Sociology. 

Recognizing  on  every  hand  the  importance  of  work  among  our 
young  people,  we  advise  that  our  Seminaries  give  special  instruc¬ 
tion  in  Sabbath  School  work,  and  in  organizing  and  managing  young 
people’s  societies. 

,  939.  Lectureships  and  new  courses 

1913,  p.  34.  The  Assembly  would  express  its  gratitude  to  the 
great  Head  of  the  Church  that  He  has  led  consecrated  men  of 
wealth  to  establish  lectureships,  like  the  Smyth  and  Sprunt  Courses 
in  Columbia  and  Union,  for  the  benefit  not  only  of  the  students, 
but  also  of  the  Church  at  large. 

1915,  p.  80d.  The  Assembly  approved  the  establishment  of  the 
special  lecture  courses  provided  for  in  several  of  our  Seminaries,  of 
the  increasing  additions  made  from  these  sources  to  the  Christian 
literature  of  our  Church,  and  commended  these  valuable  publica¬ 
tions  to  our  ministers  and  membership. 

1915,  80  d.  The  Assembly  approved  the  establishment  of  the 
four  new  courses  of  study  in  the  Theological  Seminary  of  Ken¬ 
tucky,  namely:  Christian  Sociology,  Christian  Ethics,  Religious 
Education,  and  Christian  Missions;  the  establishment  of  the  Chair 
of  Christian  Ethics  and  Apologetics  in  Columbia  Theological  Sem¬ 
inary;  and  of  all  the  efforts  made  for  increasing  the  efficiency  of 
our  Theological  Seminaries. 

1922,  p.  28.  The  Assembly  would  look  with  favor  on  any  move¬ 
ment  among  the  Synods  looking  toward  a  centralization  of  our 
Seminaries. 

940.  Need  of  course  in  Pastoral  Theology 

1916,  p.  69.  The  suggestion  already  adopted  by  this  Assembly  is 
repeated  and  emphasized,  viz. :  The  necessity  for  arranging  the 
course  in  Pastoral  Theology,  so  as  to  give  adequate  instruction  in 
Church  finances  in  those  institutions  where  this  is  not  already  pro¬ 
vided  for. 

941.  Additional  endowments  urged 

1916,  p.  69.  In  view  of  the  work  done,  the  constant  and  pressing 
need  of  funds  for  additional  equipment  for  this  ever-increasing 

number  of  men  in  training,  the  controlling  Synods  are  urged  to  make 


Secs.  938-942] 


Seminaries 


495 


an  especial  and  continued  effort  to  add  to  their  endowment,  and 
thus  aid  a  larger  number  of  deserving  men. 

942.  Scholarship  Funds 

1916,  p.  69.  The  General  Assembly  is  asked  to  take  notice  of 
the  difficulties  and  possible  abuse  of  scholarship  funds,  and  sug¬ 
gests  a  conference  of  all  our  seminaries  to  consider  and,  if  possible, 
find  a  just  and  satisfactory  method  of  securing  the  best  results 
from  funds  given  for  student  aid;  also,  if  possible,  to  place  the 
scholarship  funds  on  the  same  basis  as  the  general  funds  for  min- 
isterial  education,  and  that,  in  accordance  with  previous  deliver¬ 
ances  of  the  Assembly,  these  be  held  and  distributed  as  loans.  The 
following  officials  are  appointed  to  arrange  for  this  conference: 

Presidents:  W.  W.  Moore,  D.  D.,  Chairman;  C.  R.  Hemphill, 
D.  D.,  Thornton  C.  Whaling,  D.  D.,  and  W.  A.  McLeod,  D. 
D.,  and  Dr.  J.  R.  Dobyns,  with  H.  H.  Sweets,  D.  D.  Alter¬ 
nates:  J.  G.  McAllister,  D.  D.,  W.  L.  Lingle,  D.  D.,  and  R.  C. 
Reed,  D.  D.  And  that  they  be  requested  to>  report  their  action  to 
the  next  Assembly.’ 

1917,  p.  18.  This  Committee  reported  progress  and  was  con¬ 
tinued  for  another  year. 

1918,  p.  16.  The  report  of  the  Presidents  of  our  Theological 
Seminaries  who  were  appointed  to  consider  the  method  of  admin¬ 
istration  of  scholarship  funds  was  read  and  referred  to  the  Select 
Committee  on  licensure. 

1918,  p.  57.  The  Committee,  composed  of  representatives  of  the 
several  Theological  Seminaries,  is  of  the  opinion  that  this  question 
cannot  be  dealt  with  satisfactorily  in  the  present  disturbed  condi¬ 
tions  in  which  our  young  men,  including  candidates  for  the  min¬ 
istry,  are  placed.  We  therefore  recommend  to  the  Assembly  that 
the  subject  be  not  pursued  further  at  this  time. 

The  Committee,  however,  does  make  certain  recommendations 
which  are  here  given,  together  with  recommendations  of  this  [Select] 
Committee  touching  the  same. 

“First.  Should  a  student  marry  during  the  progress  of  his  Sem¬ 
inary  studies  without  the  explicit  consent  of  the  Presbytery  under 
whose  care  he  has  placed  himself,  he  should  not  be  entitled  to 
any  further  aid  from  the  Seminary.” 

Concerning  this,  we  recommend  that  inasmuch  as  it  treats  of 
matters  wholly  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  several  Seminaries,  no 
action  be  taken  by  the  Assembly  beyond  the  approval  of  the  policy 
suggested. 

“Second.  The  General  Assembly  instruct  the  Executive  Commit¬ 
tee  of  Christian  Education  to  request  the  Council  of  the  Presby¬ 
terian  and  Reformed  Churches  in  the  United  States  of  America  to 
bring  to  the  attention  of  their  highest  courts  the  value  and  impor¬ 
tance  of  more  through  comity  and  co-operation  among  the  theolog¬ 
ical  institutions  of  the  several  Churches,  and  the  desirability  of 
eliminating  any  evils  that  may  have  grown  up  in  connection  with  the 


496 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


administration,  of  the  aid  to  students  for  the  ministry  from  Semi¬ 
nary  scholarships  or  other  funds  of  the  Church.” 

We  recommend  the  adoption  of  this  by  the  Assembly. 

“Third.  The  Committee  recommends  to  the  General  Assembly 
that  it  earnestly  exhorts  the  Presbyteries  to  a  more  careful  and  con¬ 
stant  oversight  of  their  Candidates  for  the  Ministry,  and  to  a 
closer  and  more  sympathetic  co-operation  with  the  Theological 
Seminaries  in  promoting  the  best  standards  of  Christian  attain¬ 
ments,  fidelity  to  study  and  economy  in  expenditures  on  the  part  of 
the  young  men  under  their  care.” 

.  943.  Bachelor  of  Divinity 

1894,  p.  242.  The  Assembly  commends  the  establishing  in  two 
.of  the  Seminaries  of  the  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Divinity. 

The  Southwestern  Presbyterian  University  from  the  inception  of 
its  Divinity  School  conferred  this  degree,  requiring  for  it  gradua¬ 
tion  not  only  in  all  the  separate  schools  of  instruction  distinctively 
theological,  but  also  in  all  those  academic  and  literary  branches 
prescribed  by  the  Book  of  Church  Order  as  essential  to  licensure 
and  ordination  to  the  ministry.  Louisville  Seminary  conferred  this 
degree  on  its  first  full  graduates  in  1894.  In  1897,  p.  74,  the 
Board  of  Union  Seminary  took  steps  looking  to  the  amendment  of 
its  charter  so  as  to  empower  it  to  confer  literary  degrees  on  its 
graduates.  The  Directors  of  Columbia  Seminary  also  resolved,  in 
1897,  to  confer  this  degree. — A. 

1903,  p.  479.  It  is  recommended  that,  in  order  to  create  and 
conserve  definite  relations  of  comity  among  our  several  Theolog¬ 
ical  Seminaries,  and  to  provide  for  concerted  action  by  the  Semi¬ 
naries  in  all  matters  in  which  it  is  important  that  harmony  and  uni¬ 
formity  should  prevail,  the  Assembly  hereby  recommend  to  each 
and  all  of  the  controlling  Boards  and  Faculties  to  unite  in  a  rep¬ 
resentative  conference  on  the  basis  of  one  member  of  the  Faculty 
and  one  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  each  institution,  to  be  held  at 
such  intervals  as  may  be  determined  at  the  first  conference,  the 
initial  meeting  to  be  held  at  the  time  and  place  of  the  next  meet¬ 
ing  of  the  Assembly. 

The  Assembly  would  further  recommend  that  this  representative 
body  consider,  and  if  found  expedient,  formulate  a  non-resident 
post-graduate  course  suitable  for  the  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Divin¬ 
ity.  And  that  they  report  upon  this  item  at  the  meeting  of  the 
Assembly  of  1904. 

1908,  p.  39.  We  commend  to  the  attention  of  the  several  Boards 
of  Trustees  of  our  Seminaries,  the  wisdom  of  establishing  and  ex¬ 
tending  a  course  of  instruction  in  Missions,  Sabbath  Schools  and 
Young  People’s  Work. 


*944.  Students  leaving  seminary  with  insufficient  reason 
1892,  p.  423.  The  Directors  of  Union  Seminary  having  noted 


Secs.  942-949] 


Seminaries 


497 


the  fact  that  during  the  session  some  of  the  students  left  the  sem¬ 
inary  upon  insufficient  reasons,  the  Assembly  called  the  attention  of 
the  Presbyteries  to  this  evil  and  urged  them  to  use  their  authority  to 
correct  it. 

f 

945.  Students  urged  to  complete  their  courses 

1918,  p.  33.  We  urge,  in  accordance  with  the  recommendation 
of  our  President  and  those  that  are  best  acquainted  with  the  needs 
of  the  times,  both  in  the  Church  and  State,  the  young  men  in  our 
colleges  and  seminaries  to  complete  their  courses  of  study,  in  order 
that  they  may  render  to  their  country  and  to  the  Church  the  most 
efficient  service  possible,  remembering  that  the  statute  still  holds 
“that  they  that  tarry  by  the  stuff”  are  worthy  of  equal  honor  with 
those  who  go  to  the  front. 

1921,  p.  75.  Our  Seminaries  should  urge  all  students,  where  at 
all  possible,  to  complete  the  prescribed  course,  looking  to  the  de¬ 
gree  of  Bachelor  of  Divinity. 

946.  Claims  of  the  ministry  to  he  presented  in  Colleges  and  Univer¬ 
sities 

1907,  p.  27.  The  committee  recommends  that  the  Professors  and 
Directors  of  our  Seminaries  take  steps,  through  men  well  qualified  to 
address  bodies  of  students,  to  present  to  the  young  men  in  our  colleges 
and  universities  the  claims  of  the  Gospel  ministry  upon  young  men. 

We  suggest  to  the  Boards,  that  not  only  our  under-graduates  attend 
the  state  and  denominational  institutions  of  learning  for  the  purpose 
of  presenting  the  claims  of  the  gospel  ministry,  but  that  the  professors 
continue  to  seek  opportunities  to  lecture  before  the  schools  in  the 
bounds  of  the  Synods  controlling  them,  on  this  important  subject. 

947.  Professors  in  Seminaries  to  canvass  for  students 

1911,  p.  27.  Your  committee  respectfully  recommends  that  the 
Professors  in  our  Seminaries  make  an  active  personal  canvass  in  their 
respective  fields  for  students. 

948.  Mission  work  for  theological  students 

1907,  p.  27.  Your  committee  would  recommend  to  the  young  men 
gathered  in  our  Seminaries  that  they,  under  the  supervision  of  the 
Faculties  of  their  respective  Seminaries,  exercise  their  gifts  in  min¬ 
istering,  as  far  as  possible,  to  the  destitute,  both  among  the  white 
and  colored  population,  as  furnishing  a  field  for  doing  good  and  of 
training  for  their  life’s  vocation. 

949.  IA)  summer  school 

1897,  p.  50.  Recognizing  the  splendid  equipment  of  the  professors 
of  the  schools  for  their  work,  taking  note  of  the  times  as  to  theological 


498 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


thought  and  Bible  study,  and  being  mindful  of  the  need  felt  by 
many  of  our  pastors  for  help  in  meeting  the  questions  of  the  day, 
the  General  Assembly  was  desirous  of  establishing,  at  some  con¬ 
venient  centre,  of  salubrious  climate,  and  where  living  would  be 
cheap,  a  summer  school  for  Bible  study,  in  which  these  professors 
of  our  various  seminaries  might  be  utilized  for  helping  the  average 
pastor  and  thoughtful  elders  to  prepare  for  more  efficient  service. 

To  carry  out  this  desire,  the  General  Assembly  appointed  an  ad 
interim  committee  of  four  ministers  ^nd  three  elders,  to  arrange  a 
plan  for  such  a  school,  and  ascertain  the  best  place  for  its  location, 
and  to  report  to  the  next  Assembly. 

1898,  p.  234.  Your  committee  recommends  the  adoption  of  the 
plan  for  a  summer  school  of  Bible  study  proposed  by  the  ad  interim 
committee  with  the  following  changes,  viz. :  that  the  sixth  para¬ 
graph  of  their  report  be  stricken  out,  and  the  seventh  paragraph  be 
amended  by  adding  the  words,  “travelling  expenses,”  after  the  words, 
“such  as,”  in  the  second  line. 

1899,  p.  426.  It  was  resolved  to  discontinue  the  effort  to  es¬ 
tablish  a  Summer  School  of  Theology. 

For  summer  Bible  School  at  Montreat,  see  this  Digest,  p.  429. 

950.  Items  to  be  included  in  reports  to  the  Assembly 

1915,  p.  80d.  The  Assembly  directed  the  Board  of  Trustees  of 
our  several  Theological  Seminaries,  in  making  their  annual  reports 
to  the  General  Assembly,  to  furnish  full  information  on  the  following 
matters : 

(1)  The  names  and  addresses  of  Trustees;  (2)  the  names  of  the 
members  of  the  faculty;  (3)  the  names  of  newly  elected  members  of 
the  faculty,  together  with  their  respective  chairs;  (4)  the  total  amount 
of  endowments;  (5)  the  estimated  values  of  buildings  and  grounds; 

(6)  the  additions  to  endowments  and  equipment  during  the  year; 

(7)  the  total  annual  income  from  all  sources;  (8)  the  total  annual 
expenditures;  (9)  the  number  of  students  and  their  distribution  in 
the  several  classes;  (10)  the  installation  of  new  professors;  (11)  the 
names  of  those  receiving  degrees,  diplomas,  and  certificates;  (12) 
a  detailed  list  of  the  courses  of  study  offered  by  the  institution. 

951.  The  Seminaries  commended  to  the  people 

1915,  p.  80d.  The  Assembly  most  cordially  commended  all  our 
Theological  Seminaries  to  our  people  as  worthy  of  their  patronage, 
financial  support,  and  most  earnest  prayers. 

952.  Ecclesiastical  status  of  the  Theological  Seminaries 

1919,  p.  26.  “The  Faculty  and  Board  of  Directors  of  the 
Columbia  Theological  Seminary  hereby  respectfully  overtures  the 
General  Assembly,  in  session  at  New  Orleans,  La.,  May  15th,  1919, 
requesting  that  the  Assembly  be  pleased  to  appoint  an  Ad-Interim 


Secs.  949-952 


Seminaries 


499 


Committee,  consisting  of  one  professor  and  one  director  from  each 
of  our  Theological  Seminaries,  to  consider  and  report  to  the  suc¬ 
ceeding  General  Assembly,  meeting  in  May,  1920: 

“First — As  to  the  propriety  of  inserting  a  new  chapter  in  the 
Book  of  Church  Order  defining  the  ecclesiastical  status  of  the  Theo¬ 
logical  Seminaries,  with  the  full  statement  of  the  power  of  control 
possessed  by  the  General  Assembly,  the  curriculum  which  ought  to 
be  taught,  the  degree  of  control  possessed  by  the  Seminary  over  the 
candidates,  and  all  other  questions  which  may  seem  to  the  Com¬ 
mittee  necessary  in  order  to  define  clearly  the  relation  of  the  Sem¬ 
inary  to  the  General  Assembly  and  to  the  life  of  the  Church;  and 
to  prepare  such  chapter,  if  in  its  judgment  there  be  sufficient  need 
for  it,  reporting  to  the  next  succeeding  Assembly. 

“Second — To  consider  the  question  of  appointing  a  Permanent 
Committee  on  Theological  Education,  whose  duty  it  should  be  to 
supervise  the  interests  of  the  Church  in  this  great  field,  seeking  to 
develop  Theological  Scholarship  and  to  promote,  in  a  wise  and 
efficient  way,  the  production  of  books  of  Theological  and  Biblical 
Scholarship,  meeting  the  needs  and  issues  of  our  own  day  in  a  satis¬ 
factory  and  conclusive  way. 

“Third — To  consider  and  report  to  the  next  General  Assembly 
upon  any  other  questions  relative  to  Theological  Seminaries  and 
Theological  Education,  and  the  interest  of  the  Church  therein,  which 
it  may  seem  wise  to  this  Ad-Interim  Committee  to  incorporate  in  its 
report.” 

We  recommend  that  this  overture  be  placed  on  the  docket  for 
consideration  by  the  General  Assembly  of  1920,  and  that  copies  of 
said  overture  be  sent  by  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the  General  Assembly 
to  the  Faculty  and  Board  of  Trustees  of  each  of  our  Theological 
Seminaries,  to  wit:  Austin,  Columbia,  Louisville  and  Union,  for  their 
information. 

1920,  p.  50.  As  to  the  matter  docketed  for  consideration  by  this 
Assembly,  touching  the  control  of  the  Seminaries  and  the  standard¬ 
ization  of  theological  education  (Minutes,  1919,  pp.  25  and  26,) 
your  Committee  reports  that  only  one  reply  to  same,  transmitted  to 
the  several  Seminaries,  has  been  received,  viz. :  from  Union  Semi¬ 
nary,  and  this  stating  that  its  constitution  makes  it  impracticable  to 
comply  with  the  proposals  of  the  overture.  Your  Committee,  there¬ 
fore,  recommends  that  the  overture  be  replied  to  with  the  statement 
that  the  Assembly  does  not  see  its  way  clear  to  inaugurate  the  changes 
proposed. 


CHAPTER  V 


PUBLICATION  AND  SABBATH  SCHOOL  WORK 

I.  Publication 

953.  An  Executive  Committee  appointed  for  Publication 

1861,  p.  39.  Whereas  the  press  is  one  of  the  most  powerful 
agencies  characteristic  of  modern  times  for  influencing, .  either  for 
good  or  evil,  the  minds  of  men;  and  whereas  it  is  incumbent  upon 
the  Church,  in  obedience  to  the  precept  of  our  Saviour  to  be  “wise 
as  serpents,”  as  well  as  “harmless  as  doves,”  to  command  and  wield 
the  most  efficient  instrumentalities  for  the  advancement  of  the  Re¬ 
deemer’s  kingdom  in  the  world;  therefore, 

Resolved,  1,  That  the  General  Assembly  will  engage  in  the  work 
of  publishing  and  circulating  religious  books  and  literature,  as  one 
of  its  evangelical  agencies,  under  the  name  and  style  of  “The  As¬ 
sembly’s  Executive  Committee  of  Publication.” 

Resolved,  2,  That  the  Executive  Committee  (to  be  annually  ap¬ 
pointed  by  the  General  Assembly)  shall  consist  of  a  Secretary,  to  be 
styled  the  “Secretary  of  Publication,”  who  shall  also  be  editor;  a 
Treasurer,  and  nine  other  members  in  communion  with  the  Presby¬ 
terian  Church,  four  of  whom  at  least  shall  be  ruling  elders,  deacons, 
or  private  members;  six  of  whom  shall  be  necessary  to  a  quorum, 
competent  to  do  business. 

Resolved,  3,  That  no  book,  tract,  pamphlet,  paper,  or  other  publi¬ 
cation  designed  for  general  and  permanent  circulation,  shall  be 
printed  and  published  without  the  sanction  of  at  least  seven  members 
of  the  Committee. 

Resolved,  4,  That  the  Committee  be,  and  hereby  is  empowered,  to 
frame  a  code  of  by-laws  for  the  regulation  of  its  own  proceedings, 
which  shall  be  subject  to  the  revision  and  approval  of  the  General 
Assembly. 

Resolved,  5,  That  said  Committee  shall  keep  a  faithful  record 
of  all  its  proceedings,  and  send  the  same,  together  with  a  written 
report,  up  each  year  to  the  Assembly  for  its  review  and  control. 

Resolved,  further,  That  the  seat  of  the  operations  of  the  Assembly’s 
Executive  Committee  of  Publication  be  the  city  of  Richmond,  in  the 
State  of  Virginia. 

1921,  p.  74.  That  the  election  of  officers  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Work,  other  than  the 
Executive  Secretary,  be  left  to  the  Committee  itself. 

954.  The  rule  about  examining  books 

1863,  p.  146.  Resolved ,  That  the  stringent  rule  which  requires 


Secs.  953-955] 


Publication 


501 


every  issue  of  the  Committee  to  be  carefully  examined  by  at  least 
seven  members,  involving,  as  it  does,  an  amount  of  labor  which 
practically  defeats  the  very  end  intended  to  be  secured,  be  so  far 
modified,  or  rather  interpreted,  as  that  any  book  or  tract  examined 
by  three  of  the  Committee,  and  sanctioned  by  an  adopting  vote  of 
at  least  seven  members,  may  be  published. 

1866,  p.  27.  It  is  provided  that  when  objection  is  made  to  a 
work,  the  concurrence  of  seven  members  shall  be  requisite  to  its 
publication. 

1871,  p.  23.  That,  as  to  the  request  of  the  Executive  Committee 
that  the  Assembly  so  modify  the  rule  with  reference  to  the  examina¬ 
tion  of  books  as  to  permit  them  to  ask  and  accept  the  services  of 
other  brethren  in  the  examination  of  republications,  we  recommend 
that  said  request  be  granted,  under  the  restrictions  set  forth  in  their 
annual  report. 

These  restrictions  are:  That  the  names  of  those  who  have  exam¬ 
ined  and  recommended  a  book  for  republication  be  recorded  in  the 
Minutes  of  the  Committee;  and  in  cases  of  doubt,  it  shall  be  examined 
and  approved  by  the  Committee  itself  under  the  present  rule  (p. 
71).— A. 

955.  Plan  for  resuscitation,  including  depositories  and  an  endow¬ 
ment 

1865,  p.  400.  The  Executive  Committee  reported  that,  by  the 
fire  which,  on  the  third  of  April  last,  laid  in  ashes  so  much  of  the 
city  of  Richmond,  their  office  with  all  its  contents  was  entirely  con¬ 
sumed.  Not  even  the  office  books  were  saved.  With  reference  to 
re-organizing  the  entire  work  the  following  was  adopted: 

1865,  p.  373.  That  in  view  of  the  great  need  of  religious  litera¬ 
ture  among  us,  both  for  Sabbath  Schools  and  general  reading;  in 
view  of  the  difficulty  of  publishing  anything  like  an  adequate  supply 
for  some  time  to  come;  and  also  in  view  of  the  advantages  to  be 
derived  from  a  judicious  selection  of  suitable  books,  both  in  this 
country  and  in  Europe,  the  following  resolutions  are  offered: 

Resolved,  1,  That  the  Publication  Committee  be  charged  with  the 
duty  of  most  carefully  selecting  from  every  available  source,  whether 
in  Europe  or  America,  the  very  best  tracts  and  books  suited  for 
Sabbath  Schools  and  general  reading,  and  have  these  books  stamped 
with  their  imprimatur,  so  that  they  may  be  known  to  our  people  as 
bearing  their  endorsement. 

2.  That  the  Executive  Committee  be  directed  to  establish  de¬ 
positories  for  these  books  at  such  points  as,  in  the  judgment  of  the 
Committee,  may  best  facilitate  their  circulation.  That  these  books 
be  sold  at  a  small  advance  on  the  cost,  and  the  proceeds  of  the 
same  be  re-invested  in  other  books  that  may  be  in  demand. 

3.  That  an  effort  be  made  to  raise  $50,000  (as  soon  as  practicable) 
for  the  purpose  of  setting  this  scheme  in  operation,  to  supply  the  des¬ 
titute  with  books  and  tracts,  and  to  print  such  books  and  tracts  as 
may  be  in  special  demand;  and  further,  that  annual  collections  be 
taken  up  in  all  our  churches  for  sustaining  this  general  cause. 


502 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


956.  Life  of  Rev.  James  Waddell,  D.  D. 

1915,  p.  46.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Lexington,  relative 
to  the  publishing  of  a  Life  of  the  Rev.  James  Waddell,  D.  D. 

We  recommend  that  it  be  answered  in  the  affirmative,  with  the 
exception  that  the  rule  of  the  Assembly  relative  to  the  previous  pro¬ 
vision  for  the  expenses  of  the  publication  be  not  waived. 

957.  Simplified  Language  and  Bible  Helps,  by  Rev.  J.  W. 

Shearer,  D.  D. 

1916,  p.  45.  We  recommend  that  the  paper  from  Dr.  J.  W. 
Shearer,  touching  the  publication  of  his  book  on  Simplified  Language 
and  Bible  Helps,  be  referred  to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publi¬ 
cation. 

958.  Writings  of  Dr.  R.  A.  Webb 

1920,  p.  62.  From  the  Presbyteries  of  Nashville,  Memphis, 
Muhlenburg,  Paducah,  and  Louisville,  asking  that  the  Executive 
Committee  on  Publication  be  instructed  to  take  steps  looking  to  the 
publication  of  a  volume  of  the  writings  of  the  late  Dr.  R.  A.  Webb. 
We  recommend  that  these  overtures  be  answered  in  the  affirmative. 

959.  Works  of  Zwingli 

1916,  p.  74.  Our  attention  is  called  to  the  fact  that  it  is 
proposed  by  the  Western  Section  of  the  Reformed  and  Presbyterian 
Alliance  to  publish  the  remaining  works  of  Zwingli,  the  first  founder 
of  our  family  of  Churches,  in  connection  with  the  400th  anniversary 
of  the  Reformation,  which  occurs  next  year.  Our  Assembly  is  asked 
to  co-operate  in  this  effort,  and  the  sum  of  $225  has  been  apportioned 
to  us  as  our  part  of  the  expense. 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  approve  this  proposal,  and  that 
we  appoint  the  Rev.  R.  C.  Reed,  D.  D.,  and  the  Rev.  W.  L.  Lingle, 
D.  D.,  to  secure  the  needed  funds  and  otherwise  co-operate  in  this 
movement. 

1917,  p.  27.  After  devotional  exercises,  Rev.  R.  C.  Reed,  D.  D., 
Chairman  of  a  Committee  appointed  by  the  last  Assembly  to  secure 
funds  to  publish  the  works  of  Zwingli,  reported  that  the  Committee 
had  been  successful  in  this  effort.  The  Committee  was  continued. 

1918,  p.  20.  A  communication  from  Rev.  R.  C.  Reed,  D.  D., 
with  reference  to  the  publication  of  an  English  translation  of  the 
works  of  Zwingli  was  presented.  In  as  much  as  the  work  is  not 
complete  the  Committee  of  which  Dr.  Reed  is  Chairman  was  con¬ 
tinued. 

1919,  p.  21.  Rev.  Dr.  R.  C.  Reed,  appointed  by  a  former  Assem¬ 
bly  to  raise  funds  for  the  printing  of  the  works  of  Zwingli,  made  a 
report,  stating  that  he  had  in  hand  the  sum  of  $180.00,  and  request¬ 
ing  that  he  be?  authorized  to  place  this  in  the  hands  of  the  Treasurer 


Secs.  956-961] 


Publication 


503 


of  the  Western  Section  of  the  Presbyterian  Alliance,  and  that  the 
Committee  be  discharged.  The  request  was  granted. 

1i  ,  j 

960.  N on-denominational  books 

1869,  p.  395.  Resolved,  That  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publi¬ 
cation  be  authorized,  at  their  discretion,  to  publish  Sabbath  School 
books,  and  others  of  a  character  not  denominational,  without  placing 
on  them  the  “Presbyterian”  stamp,  but  with  such  other  title  as  will 
clearly  indicate  our  own  publishing  house  in  Richmond. 

1908,  p.  50.  In  response  to  a  memorial  concerning  “the  character 
of  literature  and  books  sold  by  your  Executive  Committee  on  Publi¬ 
cation,”  we  would  make  the  following  answer: 

Under  the  rules  and  regulations  of  the  Assembly  governing  the 
Executive  Committee  of  Publication,  it  is  instructed  to  do  a  general 
book  business  for  the  benefit  of  the  church  and  to  publish  such  mat¬ 
ter  as  the  Assembly  may  place  in  its  hands,  and  any  other  matter 
which  comes  within  the  scope  of  the  Assembly’s  regulations.  In 
order  to  render  the  best  service  to  the  church  it  is  necessary  for  the 
Executive  Committee  to  conduct  depositories,  sell  books  of  leading 
home  and  foreign  publishers,  and  to  send  to  its  patrons  announce¬ 
ments  of  such  publications. 

It  has  been  repeatedly  stated  in  advertising  matter  sent  out  by 
the  Executive  Committee,  as  well  as  in  reports  to  the  General  Assem¬ 
bly,  that  no  responsibility  is  assumed  for  the  contents  or  teachings 
of  outside  publications,  other  than  those  recommended  as  suitable  for 
Sabbath  School  libraries.  In  the  past  the  Assembly  has  approved 
such  reports,  and  hence  endorsed  this  policy  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Publication.  The  Assembly  well  knows  the  impossibility 
of  the  Committee  or  its  officers  personally  examining  new  books  which 
come  from  the  press  at  the  rate  of  one  every  hour  in  the  calendar 
day,  to  say  nothing  of  the  countless  issues  of  the  past.  It  would 
seem  to  be  an  invasion  of  the  rights  of  individual  judgment  and  con¬ 
science  to  say  what  books  or  periodicals  the  constituency  of  our  church 
should  buy  and  read.  The  Assembly  therefore  commends  the  policy 
of  the  Publication  Committee,  and  expresses  confidence  that  the  judg¬ 
ment  and  zeal  of  the  Committee  and  its  officers  will  effectually  pre¬ 
vent  them  from  pressing  the  sale  of  books  that  would  be  hurtful  to 
the  interest  of  our  church. 

961.  Heretical  books 

1911,  p.  65.  In  answer  to  overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  of 
Louisiana,  Louisville  and  Paris,  touching  the  advertising  of  heretical 
books,  we  recommend  that,  after  a  careful  consideration,  we  find  that 
our  Committee  of  Publication  at  Richmond,  according  to  the  direc¬ 
tions  of  the  General  Assembly  of  1908,  is  complying  with  the  wishes 
of  these  overtures  as  far  as  is  practicable. 

1913,  p.  70.  The  Committee  of  Publication  was  urged  to  exercise 


504 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


constant  and  jealous  care  over  the  character  of  the  literature  that  it 
keeps  on  sale  and  offers  to  our  people  in  its  advertisements. 

1916,  p.  46.  Overtures  from  the  Presbytery  of  Pine  Bluff,  from 
the  Presbytery  of  Charleston,  from  the  Presbytery  of  West  Hanover, 
from  Potosi  Presbytery,  from  the  Presbytery  of  Ouachita,  from  Con- 
garee  Presbytery,  from  the  Presbytery  of  St.  Louis,  from  the  Presby¬ 
tery  of  Lexington: 

All  these  asking  the  Assembly  to  consider  and  investigate,  matters 
touching  the  work  and  character  of  books  commended  by  our  Commit¬ 
tee,  we  recommend,  in  answer  to  all  these  overtures,  ( 1 )  that  our  'Com¬ 
mittee  be  urged  to  use  the  utmost  care  and  caution  in  presenting  to 
our  people,  through  our  various  mediums  of  advertising,  any  and 
all  publications;  (2)  that  the  request  for  the  appointment  of  an 
official  censor  be  answered  in  the  negative,  as  being  unwise  and 
impracticable;  (3)  to  all  our  ministers  and  members,  when  they 
observe  any  matter  or  action  of  the  Committee  of  Publication  and 
Sabbath  School  Work  that  they  deem  unwise,  imprudent,  or  unortho¬ 
dox,  that  complaint  be  first  made  to  the  Committee  direct,  thus  avoid¬ 
ing,  in  so  far  as  possible,  the  publicity  that  comes  through  the  form 
of  overtures  that  result  often  in  injury  to  the  Committee  and  to  the 
Church. 

Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Ebenezer,  asking  that  the  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Publication  confine  its  sale  and  distribution  of  books,  to 
those  that  are  wholesome  and  uplifting  and  thoroughly  in  harmony 
with  the  great  fundamental  doctrines  of  the  Church: 

We  recommend  that  it  be  answered,  that,  while  our  Committee 
may  have  made  some  mistakes,  we  are  sure  that  it  is  their  purpose  to 
distribute  only  wholesome  and  uplifting  literature.  We  do  not  deem 
it  practical  to  say  they  shall  sell  or  distribute  no  books  save  those 
that  are  thoroughly  in  harmony  with  the  fundamental  doctrines  of 
the  Church,  *as  that  would  shut  them  out  entirely  from  a  general  book 
business. 

1920,  p.  63.  The  two  following  resolutions  were  presented.  They 
were  referred  to  an  Ad-Interim  Committee  to  be  appointed  by  the 
Moderator : 

That  the  Presbyterian  Committee  of  Publication  be  requested  not 
to  sell,  recommend,  or  keep  as  samples  for  sale,  any  book  or  other 
publications  that  are  not  in  full  accord’  with  the  fundamental  belief 
of  our  Evangelistic  Churches. 

Substitute  for  above  resolution: 

We  again  urge  our  Committee  of  Publication  to  exercise  scrupulous 
care  as  to  the  character  of  the  books  advertised  and  commended  to 
our  people. 

P.  65.  Following  is  the  Committee:  Rev.  D.  J.  Woods,  D.  D., 
Rev.  Leroy  Gresham,  D.  D.,  Rev.  W.  Me  White,  D.  D.,  and  Elder 
W.  H.  Mann. 

962.  Advertisements  in  Earnest  Worker 

1921,  p.  73.  Overture  from  West  Hanover  Presbytery  protesting 


Secs.  961-965] 


Publication 


505 


against  the  publication  in  the  Earnest  Worker  of  February,  1921,  of 
certain  advertisements  of  one  J.  H.  Kuhlman  of  four  “Easter  spe¬ 
cialties”  and  against  religious  exercises  for  Easter  Sabbath  in  general. 
We  recommend  that  our  Committee  exercise  scrupulous  care  as  to  the 
character  of  pamphlets  and  tracts  which  it  advertises  and  commends 
to  our  people,  and  we  recommend  that  the  question  of  religious  exer¬ 
cises  for  Easter  Sabbath  in  general  be  referred  to  each  Session. 

See  also  1922,  p.  37. 

963.  Romanism 

1912,  p.  7 Oi.  The  report  of  the  Ad-Interim  Committee  on  Roman¬ 
ism  was  taken  from  the  docket. 

The  following  resolution  touching  the  report  was  adopted: 

Resolved ,  1.  That  this  Assembly,  recognizing  the  ability  and  pains¬ 
taking  diligence  with  which  the  Ad-Interim  Committee  on  Romanism, 
a  Menace  to  Liberty,  has  discharged  its  duty,  hereby  tenders  sincere 
thanks  to  the  Committee. 

2.  That  the  Assembly  instruct  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publica¬ 
tion  to  publish  the  first  two  divisions  of  the  Ad-Interim  Committee’s 
report  in  pamphlet  form  for  the  information  of  our  people.  (Minutes, 
p.  125ff.) 

3.  That  in  meeting  the  menace  of  Romanism,  this  Assembly  would 
recommend  no  other  means  than  the  dissemination  of  knowledge  and 
the  faithful,  earnest  preaching  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ. 

1914,  p.  25.  Overture  from  the  Synod  of  Virginia,  asking  the 
Assembly  to  readopt  portions  of  its  action  on  Romanism  in  1912 
and  to  arrange  for  a  wider  distribution  of  this  report. 

Answer:  The  Assembly  approves,  reaffirming  the  action  on  this 
question  of  the  1912  Assembly  and  instructing  the  Publication  Com¬ 
mittee  to  print  and  send  a  copy  of  the  report  of  the  Ad-Interim  Com¬ 
mittee  to  that  Assembly  to  all  the  ministers,  elders  and  deacons  of  our 
church. 

The  Assembly  declines  to  approve  that  part  of  the  Overture  which 
contemplates  an  Inter-Church  Bureau  of  Information  on  this  subject. 

964.  The  depository  property  of  the  Synod  of  Mississippi  tendered 

to  the  Assembly 

1861,  p.  40.  Resolved,  That,  whereas  the  Synod  of  Mississippi 
has  offered  to  this  Assembly  (under  certain  restrictions)  the  use  of 
their  property  in  the  city  of  New  Orleans,  La.,  for  the  benefit  of  the 
Assembly’s  scheme  of  Publication,  the  Assembly  hereby  acknowledges 
their  obligations  to  the  Synod  of  Mississippi  for  their  generous  offer; 
and  should  the  future  operations  of  the  Committee  render  it  expe¬ 
dient,  they  will  gratefully  accept  the  same. 

965.  Change  of  locality 

Several  propositions  were  made  at  different  times,  to  change  the 
location  of  the  Committee,  but  were  declined.  (1862,  p.  14;  1867, 


506,  Education  and  Relief  [Book  IV 

p.  147;  1868,  p.  27 3;  1872,  p.  169;  1875,  p.  44;  1889,  p.  604; 
1895,  p.  416.) 

966.  Our  imprimatur  to  be  placed  on  other  publications 

1863,  p.  147.  Resolved,  That  the  Executive  Committee  be  em¬ 
powered  at  once  to  make  a  discriminating  selection  of  religious  books, 
wherever  they  may  be  found,  and  to  make  arrangements  with  the 
publishers  of  such  works,  by  which  the  imprimatur  of  our  Com¬ 
mittee  shall  be  stamped  upon  them;  and  that  for  the  accomplishment 
of  this  end  the  Committee  shall  proceed  at  once,  and  with  vigor,  to 
raise  as  large  an  amount  of  money  as  possible,  which  they  shall 
invest  and  hold  in  whatever  form  shall  be  most  safe  and  productive, 
until  it  can  be  employed  in  the  purchase  of  the  editions  contemplated. 
(Substantially  repeated,  1865,  p.  374.) 

1866,  p.  27.  The  insertion  of  any  book  on  the  catalogue  shall  be 
regarded  a  sufficient  evidence  of  its  approval  by  the  Committee. 

967.  Publishing  books  by  our  own  ministers  or  members 

1918,  p.  37.  An  overture  offered  by  Rev.  J.  M.  Wells,  D.  D., 
touching  the  publication  by  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication 
of  a  book  each  year  and  appropriating  $500  for  this  purpose  was 
adopted.  It  is  as  follows: 

I  hereby  overture  the  Assembly  to  authorize  its  Committee  of  Pub¬ 
lication  to  use  each  year  $500.00  or  so  much  thereof  as  shall  be 
necessary  in  this  way  to  guarantee  the  publication  of  those  books  of 
a  religious  or  theological  nature  that  in  the  judgment  of  a  carefully 
selected  committee  shall  be  most  worthy  of  publication. 

The  purpose  of  this  shall  be  to  encourage  the  writing  of  such 
books  by  the  people  of  our  Church. 

The  terms  of  the  competition  and  all  details  connected  with  the 
matter  to  be  left  in  the  hands  of  our  Publication  Committee. 

The  book  to  be  published  each  year  shall  be  the  work  of  a  minister 
or  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States. 

1919,  p.  59j.  The  following  resolution,  offered  by  Rev.  J.  M. 

Wells,  D.  D.,  was  adopted:  - 

Whereas ,  There  was  an  overture  adopted  by  the  General  Assembly 
of  1918,  and  printed  on  page  37  of  said  Minutes,  touching  the  publish¬ 
ing  of  one  book  each  year  by  our  Committee  of  Publication;  and, 

Whereas,  The  Committee  has  not  clearly  understood  the  order  of 
the  Assembly,  and  has  not  therefore  carried  out  the  Assembly’s  order; 

Therefore,  the  said  Committee  is  again  directed  to  publish  one  book 
each  year,  as  authorized  in  said  Minutes  of  the  General  Assembly  of 
1918,  page  37,  under  the  conditions  and  upon  the  terms  there  laid  down. 

968.  Publication  Committee  to  pay  the  entire  salary  of  the  Secre¬ 
tary  of  Education  and  Publication 

1 

1864,  p.  265.  Resolved,  That  the  salary  of  the  Secretary  (of 
Education  and  Publication)  be  raised  by  the  Committee  for  the 


Secs.  966-970] 


Publication 


507 

ensuing  year  to  an  amount  sufficient  for  his  support,  and  that  it  be 
paid  entirely  from  the  treasury  of  the  Committee  of  Publication. 

This  order  was  complied  with  until  1867,  when  the  Committee  of 
Education  paid  a  part  of  the  salary,  i.  e.,  $750.  After  that  it  was 
equally  divided  between  the  two  funds,  until  1872,  when  the  Commit¬ 
tee  of  Publication  for  that  year  again  paid  the  full  salary,  which  was 
approved  by  the  Assembly. — A. 

969.  Publishing  Agent — Assistance  for  the  Secretary 

1864,  p.  306.  The  Assembly  having  authorized  the  appointment 
of  a  publishing  agent,  Mr.  William  D.  Cooke  was  selected  for  that 
office,  and  employed  for  his  entire  time. 

1866,  p.  64.  At  the  suggestion,  and  with  the  entire  consent  of  the 
Secretary  himself,  the  Committee  unanimously  charged  him  with 
the  duties  and  responsibilities  of  publishing  agent.  This  assignment 
was  fully  approved  by  the  Assembly  (p.  27). 

1868,  p.  273..  The  Committee  is  authorized,  as  soon  as  other 
financial  obligations  will  warrant  it,  to  employ  an  assistant  or  assis¬ 
tants  to  the  Secretary,  in  such  departments  of  his  work  as  he  may 
recommend. 

970.  Branch  depositories 

1866,  p.  68.  The  subject  of  branch  depositories,  included  in 
the  plan  of  the  last  Assembly,  received  early  attention.  Regulations 
for  their  management  were  adopted;  but  the  funds  were  not  secured 
to  justify  the  establishment  of  a  branch  at  any  of  the  points  deemed 
desirable.  At  Columbia,  S.  C.,  a  branch  depository  has  been  estab¬ 
lished,  without  involving  the  funds  of  the  Committee,  but  securing 
to  that  part  of  the  Church  great  and  important  advantages. 

P.  27.  Resolved,  That  we  withdraw  the  recommendation  of  a 
former  Assembly  touching  the  establishment  of  branch  depositories, 
unless,  as  in  the  case  of  the  depository  at  Columbia,  they  may  be 
established  without  expense  to  the  Committee. 

1868,  p.  273.  Resolved ,  That  it  be  recommended  to  Presbyteries 
to  make  arrangements,  wherever  practicable,  by  depositories  or  other¬ 
wise,  for  the  introduction  of  the  books  and  publications  of  the  Com¬ 
mittee  within  our  bounds. 

1870,  p.  534.  Resolved,  That  the  question  of  establishing  a  depot 
in  some  great  centre  of  trade,  so  as  to  bring  our  books  into  the 
markets  of  the  world,  be  left  to  the  wisdom  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee. 

1882,  p.  551.  Other  Presbyteries  have  overtured  the  Assembly 
on  the  convenience  of  having  a  depository  for  our  books  either  at 
St.  Louis  or  Memphis.  As  a  committee  we  realize  that  no  positive 
instructions  can  be  now  given  the  Executive  Committee  on  the  sub¬ 
ject,  but  it  is  laid  before  them  for  such  action  as  they  may  deem  advis¬ 
able,  as  soon  as  the  difficulties  now  in  the  way  are  removed. 

1884,  p.  216.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Palmyra,  viz.;  “We 
earnestly  request  that  the  General  Assembly  instruct  its  Committee 


508 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


of  Publication  to  open  a  depository  of  our  literature  in  St.  Louis,  if 
the  way  be  at  all  clear.  This  request  is  made  with  great  urgency, 
from  the  fact  that  nearly  one-third  of  our  Church  is  practically  cut 
off,  by  high  express  charges,  from  our  publications  in  quantities  too 
large  to  mail.  Our  literature  is  too  powerful  an  agent  in  dissemi¬ 
nating  our  principles  to  be  shut  up  in  one  corner  of  our  Church  out  of 
reach  of  a  large  proportion  of  our  membership.”  Not  granted,  as 
the  finances  of  the  Executive  Committee  do  not  at  present  warrant  the 
establishment  of  a  depository  at  St.  Louis. 

1888,  p.  396.  The  Assembly  declined  an  overture  from  the 
Synod  of  Missouri,  asking  that  there  be  established,  at  the  expense  of 
the  church,  a  depository  of  books  at  St.  Louis,  and  annexed  reasons 
for  such  refusal. 

1889,  p.  604.  The  Presbytery  of  Palmyra  asks  the  Assembly,  if  it 
does  not  see  its  way  clear  to  remove  the  Committee,  to  some  central 
point  in  the  church,  to  put  a  depository  in  some  convenient  central 
point  in  the  southwest.  Declined. 

1896,  p.  609.  The  Presbytery  of  Atlanta  asks  the  Assembly  to 
consider  whether  it  would  not  be  well  to  establish  depositories  of  our 
publications  in  Atlanta  and  other  cities. 

Reply :  The  Assembly  cannot  see  its  way  clear  to  establish  such 
depositories. 

1905,  p.  55.  Similar  action  was  taken. 

1906,  p.  27.  We  recommend  that  the  Executive  Committee  be 
empowered  to  establish,  if  the  way  be  clear,  one  or  more  branch 
depositories  at  such  time  and  place  as  they  may  deem  wise. 


971.  Depository  at  Texarkana 

The  depository  was  opened  in  October,  1906.  (See  Alexander’s 
Digest  1910,  p.  339.) 

1912,  p.  39.  We  regret  to  note  that  although  the  Texarkana  De¬ 
pository  has  had  an  increase  in  sales  over  the  previous  year,  yet 
it  is  still  being  operated  at  a  small  cost.  It  is  encouraging  to  note 
that  although  a  splendid  business  is  being  built  up  at  Texarkana, 
yet  the  sales  at  Richmond  have  not  been  affected,  and  show  a  steady 
increase  each  year. 

1912,  p.  56.  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  again  urge  the 
churches  in  the  Synods  west  of  the  Mississippi  to  give  the  branch 
at  Texarkana  their  undivided  patronage,  that  it  may  be  placed  on 
a  self-sustaining  basis. 

1913,  p.  70a.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Palmyra,  Mis¬ 
souri,  asking  that  the  depository  at  Texarkana  be  discontinued.  Your 
Committee  recommends  that  this  overture  be  answered  in  the  neg¬ 
ative. 

1920,  p.  63.  In  the  interest  of  increased  efficiency  and  prompt¬ 
ness  of  service,  we  recommend  that  the  Assembly  suggest  to  the 
churches  in  our  Western  bounds  the  wisdom  of  sending  their  orders 
to  the  Texarkana  Depositor}7. 


Secs.  970-973] 


Publication 


509 


972.  The  use  of  both  depositories  commended  to  our  people. 

1911,  p.  64.  We  approve  the  work  and  commend  to  all  our  peo¬ 
ple  the  use  of  our  depositories  at  Richmond  and  Texarkana. 

1915,  p.  44.  We  recommend — 

That  the  Presbyteries  call  the  attention  of  our  churches  and  peo¬ 
ple  to  the  great  usefulness  of  our  Book  Department  in  Richmond 
and  Texarkana  as  a  medium  for  securing  sound,  moral,  and  re¬ 
ligious  literature.  If  our  people  were  to  make  the  same  use  of  our 
Publication  Department  as  is  made  by  people  of  sister  Churches, 
there  wtould  be  a  largely  increased  amount  of  money  for  the  use  of 
our  Sabbath  School  and  Extension  Work. 

1917,  p.  40.  The  attention  of  pastors  and  Sessions  is  again  called 
to  the  facilities  of  the  Publication  Committee  for  furnishing  books  and 
literature  of  a  helpful  character,  and  it  is  urged  that  our  membership 
give  the  depositories  a  liberal  support  by  ordering  from  them  all  the 
supplies  needed  for  their  homes,  churches,  societies,  and  Sabbath 
Schools. 

1918,  p.  47.  We  recommend  that  our  people  give  the  depositories 
at  Richmond,  Va.,  and  Texarkana,  Tex.,  a  mpre  liberal  patron¬ 
age,  and  that  pastors  be  urged  to  call  the  attention  of  their  congre¬ 
gations  to  the  facilities  of  the  Committee  to  furnish  wholesome  and 
helpful  literature  and  to  explain  that  the  profits  of  the  business  are 
devoted  to  the  extension  work  of  the  Church. 

1921,  p.  73.  Overture  from  the  Synod  of  Texas  requesting  the 
Assembly  to  investigate  the  conditions  which  cause  the  widespread 
complaint  in  the  Texarkana  Depository  concerning  the  inability  to 
secure  Church  helps  and  literature  from  said  Depository  without  un¬ 
told  delays  and  misfilled  orders.  After  investigation  we  recommend 
that  our  Committee  spare  no  pains  or  expense  to  make  any  reorgani¬ 
zation  of  its  office  force  that  may  be  necessary  to  bring  the  business 
methods  of  its  houses,  both  at  Texarkana  and  Richmond,  up  to  the 
very  highest  degree  of  efficiency  possible,  and  that  since  the  disor¬ 
ganization  due  to  the  war  is  now  past,  it  take  these  steps  immediately. 

973.  Depository  in  Birmingham  and  Atlanta  declined 

1911,  p.  65.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of 
North  Alabama,  asking  that  a  depository  be  located  in  Birmingham, 
Ala.,  this  Assembly  does  not  see  its  way  clear  to  do  this. 

1918,  p.  47.  From  the  Presbytery  of  Atlanta,  asking  that  the 
Committee  of  Publication  at  Richmond,  Va.,  be  authorized  to  es¬ 
tablish  a  distributing  station  in  Atlanta,  Ga.  After  careful  con¬ 
sideration  and  consultation,  it  has  been  discovered  that  this  venture 
would  prove  very  expensive,  with  little  hope  of  any  increase  in  in¬ 
come  and  an  actual  loss  of  time  in  delivery  of  literature;  and  there¬ 
fore  the  Committee  recommends  that  the  overture  be  answered  in 
the  negative. 


510 


Education  and  Relief 


-  [Book  IV 

974.  Our  own  printing  plant  not  recommended 

1916,  p.  46.  In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  report  of  our  Publica¬ 
tion  Committee  shows  such  splendid  growth  in  the  circulation  of  all 
our  publications,  and  the  further  fact  that  there  is  now  expended 
annually  by  our  various  executive  departments  the  sum  of  almost 
one  hundred  thousand  dollars  ($100,000)  for  printing  and  pub¬ 
lishing,  we  request  the  General  Assembly  to  appoint  an  Ad-Interim 
Committee,  consisting  of  the  following:  Messrs.  E.  D.  Veach,  John. 
W.  Friend,  and  T.  S.  Bryan,  to  investigate  the  practicability  and 
advisability  of  establishing  and  maintaining  at  Richmond,  Va.,  our 
own  mechanical  plant  for  the  production  of  all  our  Church’s  lit¬ 
erature. 

1917,  p.  43.  Having  considered  the  majority  and  minority  re¬ 
ports  of  the  Ad-Interim  Committee  appointed  by  the  last  General 
Assembly  to  report  on  the  advisability  of  establishing  our  own  print¬ 
ing  plant,  we  recommend  that  no  further  investigation  is  necessary 
at  the  present  time,  and  that  the  said  Committee  be  discharged. 

975.  Annual  Catalogue 

1916,  p.  46.  Overture  from  Congaree  Presbytery,  asking  the 
Assembly  to  direct  the  Committee  of  Publication  to  issue  an  annual 
catalogue  in  which  shall  be  listed,  with  its  own  publications,  worthy 
publications  of  approved  Presbyterian  ministers  and  members: 

We  recommend  that  this  overture  be  answered — the  Assembly  com¬ 
mends  to  the  attention  .of  the  Publication  Committee  the  suggestion 
that  the  Annual  Catalogue  make  larger  provision  for  listing  meri¬ 
torious  books  published  by  Southern  Presbyterian  authors. 

976.  Endowment  for  the  Committee 

1873,  p.  334.  1.  The  General  Assembly  declares  its  sympathy 

with  the  Committee  of  Publication  in  the  trials  and  perplexities, 
arising  from  a  lack  of  adequate  funds,  which  they  have  heretofore 
experienced,  and  in  their  desire  to  be  relieved  of  pecuniary  embar¬ 
rassment  and  furnished  with  larger  means  and  facilities  for  the  pros¬ 
ecution  of  their  work  in  time  to  come. 

2.  In  response  to  the  memorial  asking  that  one  grand  united 
effort  be  made  throughout  the  whole.  Church  to  raise  the  money  nec¬ 
essary  to  meet  the  wants  of  this  cause  at  this  time,  and  to  place  this 
important  and  growing  interest  on  a  broad  and  permanent  founda¬ 
tion,  the  General  Assembly  directs  that  a  special  collection  be  made 
in  all  the  churches  on  the  first  Sabbath  in  December,  1873,  or  as 
near  thereto  as  practicable,  and  hereby  calls  the  especial  attention  of 
Presbyteries,  ministers,  church  Sessions,  and  the  entire  membership 
of  the  Church,  to  this  matter,  with  the  earnest  desire  and  strong 
hope  that,  by  concerted  action  and  liberal  offerings,  the  amount 
needed  will  be  obtained. 

3.  As  an  auxiliary  method  of  promoting  the  object  in  view,  the 


Secs.  974-980} 


Publication 


511 


General  Assembly  recommends  that  application  be  made,  in  the 
name  and  with  the  sanction  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publica¬ 
tion,  to  individuals  of  known  benevolence  and  liberality,  for  spe¬ 
cial  contributions. 

1876,  p.  223.  The  Committee  is  hereby  authorized  to  add  to  the 
working  capital  whatever  portion  of  the  annual  collections  may  be 

in  excess  of  that  needed  in  the  missionary  department  of  the  work. 

For  additional  steps  looking  to  the  creation  of  a  working  capital,  see 
in  article  on  Publishing  House  what  is)  said  about  the  issue  of  bonds. 
(Sec.  723.) 

977.  A  monthly  paper  for  the  Executive  Committees 

1867,  p.  146.  Resolved,  That  the  question  of  publishing  a  monthly 
paper  by  the  Committee,  to  serve  as  an  organ  of  communication  be¬ 
tween  the  Executive  Committees  and  the  churches,  be  referred  to 
the  Executive  Committees,  to  report  to  the  next  General  Assembly. 

This  suggestion  did  not  meet  the  approval  of  the  Committees  at 
Columbia;  therefore  it  was — 

1868,  p.  273.  Resolved,  That  the  proposition  for  the  establish¬ 
ment  of  an  official  newspaper,  to  be  the  organ  of  communication  be¬ 
tween  the  Executive  Committees  and  the  churches,  not  being  called 
for  unanimously  by  these  Committees,  be  deferred  until  the  enlarged 
scale  of  the  operations,  and  the  increased  resources  of  the  Church, 
may  seem  to  require  such  an  organ. 

1905,  p.  55.  Similar  action  was  taken. 

978.  Publishing  the  annual  reports 

1868,  p.  273.  Resolved,  That  the  Executive  Committee  of  Pub¬ 
lication  be  directed  to  publish  the  annual  report  m  pamphlet  form, 
together  with  such  statements  about  the  funds  contributed  for  that 
object,  and  the  expenses  incurred,  as  may  be  needful  to  present  the 
whole  matter  fully  to  the  Church;  also,  that  an  abstract  of  the  re¬ 
port  be  made  by  the  Secretary  of  Publication,  and  inserted  in  the 
Appendix  to  the  Minutes.  This  direction  was  renewed  1869  (p.  387). 

979.  Attendance  of  the  Treasurer  upon  the  Assembly 

1870,  p.  534.  Resolved,  That  the  order  of  the  Assembly  requir¬ 
ing  the  Treasurer  of  Publication  to  be  in  attendance  upon  the  meet-  * 
ings  of  this  body  be  rescinded. 

980.  Separate  fund  for  benevolent  work — Applications  for  aid  to 

be  endorsed 

1871,  p.  23.  Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  keep  a  separate  ac¬ 
count  ©f  donations  to  the  missionary  and  benevolent  work  of  the 
Committee,  to  which  shall  be  credited  all  contributions  not  other¬ 
wise  directed,  which  shall  constitute  a  fund,  from  which  grants 


512 


Education  and  Relief 


[Book  IV 


shall  be  made  to  ministers,  churches  and  Sabbath  Schools,  when 
they  need  them,  and  are  not  able  to  pay  for  them;  whenever  the 
grant  exceeds  $5  in  value,  the  request  shall  be  endorsed  by  the  chair¬ 
man  of  the  Presbyterial  Committee. 

981.  Publication  money  to  be  used  only  for  Publication 

1900,  p.  639.  It  was  resolved  that  the  Committee  of  Publica¬ 
tion  is  hereby  authorized  to  use  any  money  donated  specially  for 
publication  work  exclusively  for  that  purpose. 

982.  The  Committee9 s  ecclesiastical  year 

1876,  p.  223.  The  Assembly  grants  the  request  submitted  by  the 
Committee,  for  the  reasons  assigned,  respecting  a  change  in  the  ec¬ 
clesiastical  year;  and  authorizes  it  to  begin  hereafter  on  the  first 
day  of  April,  and  end  with  the  last  day  of  March. 

983.  Management  of  the  Committee  and  Secretary  endorsed 

1868,  p.  273.  In  response  to  enquiries  contained  in  an  over¬ 
ture,  this  Assembly  would  express  its  conviction,  as  a  result  of  full 
investigation  conducted  by  the  Standing  Committee,  that  the  expen¬ 
ditures  of  the  Executive  Committee  have  been  graduated  by  a  care¬ 
ful  regard  to  justice  and  economy,  and  are,  considering  the  contin¬ 
gencies  and  embarrassments  connected  with  a  new  enterprise,  be¬ 
low,  rather  than  above,  the  amount  to  have  been  anticipated,  and 
that  the  Committee  and  Secretary  have  evinced  an  aptness  in  finan¬ 
ciering  and  an  efficiency  in  management,  which  entitle  them  to  the 
confidence  and  commendation  of  the  churches. 

1875,  p.  44.  In  reply  to  an  overture  touching  the  retrenchment 
and  reduction  of  the  expenses  of  the  Executive  Committee,  the  As¬ 
sembly  adopted  a  paper,  exonerating  the  Committee,  approving  its 
expenditures,  and  testifying  to  their  prudence  and  economy  in  man¬ 
agement. 

1876,  p.  222.  Overture  asking  that  the  Executive  Committee  be 
required  to  present  a  detail-  of  assets,  etc. ;  another,  asking  the  ap¬ 
pointment  of  an  ad  interim  committee  to  examine  into  all  the  op¬ 
erations  of  the  Executive  Committee. 

Answer:  Inasmuch  as  all  that  is  asked  for  is  covered  by  the 
general  report  and  accompanying  documents  presented  to  this  As¬ 
sembly,  and  inasmuch  as  no  charges  of  any  kind  have  been  pre¬ 
ferred  reflecting  against  the  Executive  Committee’s  management  of 
these  matters,  the  Assembly  deems  that  the  object  of  such  overtures 
has  been  substantially  accomplished,  and  that  therefore  nothing  fur¬ 
ther  is  needed;  but  the  Assembly  would  request  the  Committee  of 
Publication  to  persevere  in  introducing  into  its  administration  such 
measures  of  economy  as,  in  their  more  enlarged  experience,  they  may 
find  consistent  with  the  efficient  working  of  the  Committee. 


Secs.  980-984] 


Publication 


513 


984.  Charter  of  incorporation  for  the  Committee  of  Publication 

The  Committee  having  obtained  from  the  Legislature  of  Virginia 
an  act  of  incorporation,  which  act  would  not  he  of  force  until  accepted 
by  the  Committee,  the  Committee  in  its  report  (1873,  p.  372)  asked 
that  they  he  authorized  to  organize  under  it.  The  necessity  for  such 
incorporation,  and  the  special  features  of  the  charter,  are  explained 
at  length  in  the  report.  The  following  action  was  taken  by  the  As¬ 
sembly: 

1873,  p.  325.  While  we  think  that  the  “incorporation’’  of  the 
Committee  of  Publication  is  a  question  of  grave  importance,  yet. 
after  patient  and  earnest  consideration  of  the  whole  matter,  we  are 
satisfied  that,  should  the  General  Assembly  decline  to  go  forward 
in  this  enterprise,  serious  embarrassments  in  the  prosecution  of  its 
labors  and  efficiency  must  arise.  We  therefore  unanimously  rec¬ 
ommend  the  approval  by  this  General  Assembly  of  the  charter  ob¬ 
tained  from  the  Legislature  of  Virginia. 

1874,  p.  520.  The  Executive  Committee,  acting  under  author¬ 
ity  conferred  by  the  last  Assembly,  having  obtained  a  charter  from 
the  Legislature  of  Virginia,  have  organized  as  a  Board  of  Trustees, 
and  accepted  the  charter,  thus  making  it  secure  so  far  as  it  may 
be  judged  proper  by  the  Assembly  to  use  it,  but  have  not  yet  placed 
the  property  of  which  it  has  charge  in  the  legal  custody  of  the  cor¬ 
poration,  continuing  to  hold  the  property  and  to  do  its  business  as 
heretofore,  and  awaiting  final  instructions  from  this  Assembly.  Your 
committee  is  of  opinion  that  this  measure  has  been  wisely  taken,  to 
remove  great  inconvenience  in  the  transaction  of  the  business  of  the 
Committee,  to  enable  the  Committee  to  receive  devises  or  bequests  in 
Virginia,  and  to  prevent  failures  of  devises  or  bequests,  which  might 
occur  without  the  incorporation  of  the  Committee.  We  judge  that 
there  is  no  reasonable  ground  for  apprehension  of  the  corporation 
becoming  independent  of  the  Assembly,  as  members  of  the  corporation 
must  be  members  of  the  Assemblv’s  Executive  Committee,  who  are 
appointed  and  removable  by  the  Assembly.  We  are  further  of  opin¬ 
ion,  after  careful  consideration,  and  using  the  most  satisfactory 
sources  of  information,  that  the  charter  obtained  is  valid,  and  that 
there  is  not  the  shadow  of  a  ground  for  distrust,  or  question  of  the 
safety  to  the  Church  of  all  the  property  that  may  be  covered  by  it. 
Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  approves  the  organization 
of  the  Executive  Committee  under  the  act  of  incorporation  obtained 
from  the  general  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Virginia,  and  orders  the 
Committee  to  put  the  property  of  which  it  has  charge  in  the  legal 
custody  of  the  corporation. 

1875,  p.  65.  On  the  15th  day  of  April  the  Committee  met  and 
adopted  the  necessary  minute,  ordering  the  transfer  of  the  property 
to  the  corporation.  The  Board  of  Trustees  thereupon  accepted  the 
trusts  involved,  and  ordered  the  deeds  to  the  real  estate,  which  were 
in  the  hands  of  the  Treasurer,  to  be  recorded. 


514 


Publication 


[Book  IV 


985.  The  Publishing  House 

For  details  of  the  purchase  of  a  publishing  house  and  the  rea¬ 
sons  therefor,  see  Alexander’s  Digest,  1910,  p.  343. 

1873,  p.  326.  While  declining  to  express  an  opinion  as  to  whether 
the  Executive  Committee  was  authorized  to  contract  for  the  pur¬ 
chase  of  a  publishing  house,  yet  because  of  the  seeming  necessity  of 
the  case,  and  to  prevent  any  possible  evil  consequences  which  would 
result  from  the  want  of  such  a  building,  this  Assembly  does  hereby 
approve  the  contract  or  purchase  as  negotiated  by  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee,  and  does  hereby  authorize  the  Executive  Committee  of  Pub¬ 
lication  to  consummate  said  purchase  of  the  building  specified  in 
the  report  of  the  Secretary,  when  an  organization  shall  have  been 
effected  under  the  act  incorporating  the  Trustees  of  said  Committee. 

No  funds  shall  be  used  in  payment  for  the  Publishing  House 
but  such  as*  are  especially  contributed  for  such  purpose. 

1874,  p.  521.  The  Assembly  recommends  to  all  the  churches  to 
make  collections  for  the  Publishing  House  fund  on  the  first  Sab¬ 
bath  in  December  next,  and  especially  commends  this  important  en¬ 
terprise  to  the  liberality  of  persons  of  means. 

986.  The  business  of  the  Committee  to  be  done  by  contract 

1877,  p.  440.  Resolved,  That  the  Executive  Committee  be  in¬ 
structed  to  carry  on  the  sale,  as  well  as  the  publishing,  of  books  by 
contract,  if  it  be  found  practicable  to  effect  such  contract. 

1878,  p.  646.  The  following  contracts  were  effected:  The  print¬ 
ing  of  the  Earnest  Worker  and  Children’s  Friend  is  done  by  Whit- 
tet  &  Shepperson,  who  pay  to  the  Executive  Committee  a  fixed 
amount  for  every  subscriber,  and  a  certain  per  cent,  on  the  gross 
receipts  for  advertising.  The  printing  and  selling  of  books  is  done 
by  the  St.  Louis  Presbyterian  Publishing  Company,  who  pay  a 
royalty  on  their  sales.  The  wisdom  of  this  plan  is  clearly  seen  in 
the  fact  that  the  income  from  the  contract  with  Whittet  &  Shepper¬ 
son  is  even  now  sufficient  to  pay  about  one-half  of  the  expenses  of 
the  Committee. 

1881,  p.  386.  The  judgment  of  this  committee  is  respectfully  of¬ 
fered  for  the  approval  of  the  Assembly,  that  it  is  desirable  that  ©ur 
Secretary,  under  the  direction  of  the  Committee,  should,  as  soon  as 
practicable,  be  charged  with  the  responsibility  of  filling  the  orders 
of  the  churches  and  of  our  people  generally  for  books  and  papers. 
Adopted. 

1882,  p.  548.  Your  committee  would  recommend  that,  as  the 
last  Assembly  did  recommend,  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publi¬ 
cation  do  resume  the  direct  control  of  the  publishing  and  sale  of 
books,  and  various  overtures  having  been  sent  up  to  this  Assembly 
from  different  Presbyteries  urging  this  course,  that  this  Assembly 
renew  the  instructions  given  the  Executive  Committee  last  year,  but 
in  more  explicit  form,  viz. :  that  the  Committee  be  instructed  to 
annul  the  contract  with  the  Presbyterian  Publishing  Company,  at  as 


Secs.  985-987] 


Publication 


515 


early  a  day  as  the  terms  of  the  contract  and  the  means  of  the  Com¬ 
mittee  will  permit,  or  earlier  if  the  parties  agree.  Adopted. 

1884,  p.  270.  The  contract  with  the  Presbyterian  Publishing 
Company,  of  St.  Louis,  was  terminated  on  the  ninth  of  July  1883, 
twelve  months’  notice  having  been  previously  given. 

987.  Assuming  entire  control  of  the  issuing  of  our  Sabbath  School 

literature 

1895,  p.  416.  The  Executive  Committee  was  directed  to  con¬ 
sider  the  advisability  of  assuming  the  entire  control,  as  publishers, 
of  the  issuing  of  our  Sabbath  School  literature,  as  there  seems  to  be 
a  demand  for  reduction  in  cost. 

1896,  p.  269.  To  this  the  Executive  Committee  make  the  fol¬ 
lowing  reply: 

1.  We  find  that  our  present  plan  of  issuing  our  Sabbath  School 
literature  by  contract  was  adopted  under  imperative  instructions  from 
the  General  Assembly,  and  that  these  instructions  have  been  re¬ 
peated  from  time  to  time. 

2.  The  Executive  Committee  were  enabled,  providentially,  to  carry 
out  these  instructions,  and  to  make  what  was  then  regarded  as  a 
very  favorable  contract  with  printers  of  established  reputation  and 
character,  who  have  not  only  faithfully  discharged  their  duty  un¬ 
der  the  contract,  but  have  from  time  to  time  added  to  the  list  of 
our  papers  and  improved  them  in  size  and  quality  beyond  the  re¬ 
quirements  of  the  contract,  and  have  in  all  respects  met  the  just 
expectations  of  the  Executive  Committee. 

3.  The  Executive  Committee  have,  from  the  beginning  of  this 
contract,  received  a  yearly  royalty  on  the  papers  from  the  contract¬ 
ors,  which  has  increased  from  time  to  time  as  the  subscription  lists 
have  grown,  until  it  has  reached  the  amount  reported  last  year,  viz., 
$4,014.29.  This  is  believed  to  be  a  fair  income  from  this  depart¬ 
ment  of  our  work,  and  is  a  great  help  to  us  in  the  prosecution  of 
the  general  work.  We  do  not  believe  that  the  conduct  of  this  de¬ 
partment  by  the  Committee  directly  would  give  any  better  results. 

4.  Your  committee  have  carefully  examined  the  statements  of  ac¬ 
count  furnished  us  by  the  contractors  from  their  books,  showing  ac¬ 
curately  the  income  from  the  papers  and  the  expenditures,  and  are 
satisfied  that  they  could  not,  in  justice  to  themselves,  do  more  than 
they  have  been  doing. 

5.  Should  the  Executive  Committee  undertake  the  issue  of  the. 
papers,  it  would  still  be  obliged  to  make  contracts  for  all  the  print¬ 
ing,  or  make  a  large  investment  of  capital  in  the  necessary  plant 
for  this  purpose.  Such  capital  would  need  to  be  borrowed. 

6.  The  whole  work  is,  in  fact,  though  it  be  carried  on  by  con¬ 
tract,  under  the  direct  control  and  oversight  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee,  so  that  no  advantage  could  be  realized  in  this  respect  by  any 
change. 

The  result,  therefore,  of  the  investigation  made  by  your  Commit¬ 
tee  is:  That  we  deem  it  exceedingly  unwise  to  entertain  the  prop- 


Publication 


516 


[Book  IV 


osition  referred  to  the  Executive  Committee  by  the  General  Assembly. 


988.  Provision  for  expense  of  publication 

1904,  p.  48.  The  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  was  urged 
to  exercise  great  caution  in  accepting  MSS.  of  books,  etc.,  and  in 
providing  for  two-thirds  of  the  expense  of  the  publication,  of  such 
as  are  doubtful  as  to  profit,  in  cash  or  advance  subscriptions,  etc., 
and  to  use  every  endeavor  to  build  up  the  business  of  the  book  de¬ 
partment.  Repeated  in  1905,  p.  53. 

989.*  Changes  in  the  headings  of  statistical  columns 

1894,  p.  205.  The  Assembly  ordered  that  the  column  known  as 
Sustentation  be  designated  “Assembly’s  Home  Mission;”  the  one 
designated  Church  Erection,  as  “Local  Home  Missions.” 

It  declined  to  order  a  column  for  receipts  for  Orphan  Homes.  It 
refused  to  order  that  only  those  who  come  from  other  communions 
be  put  in  the  column,  “Added  on  Certificate,”  and  to  add,  in  con¬ 
sequence,  another  column  for  those  from  our  own  churches,  to  be 
designated,  “Transferred.” 

990.  Certificates  of  dismissal 

■y 

1895,  p.  416.  The  Assembly  requested  the  Committee  of  Pub¬ 
lication  to  prepare  and  keep  on  hand  a  form  of  certificate  of  dis¬ 
missal  of  members. 

991.  Colportage 

1863,  p.  147.  Resolved,  That*  the  subject  of  colportage  be  re¬ 
mitted  for  further  consideration  by  the  Church,  it  being  impossible 
in  the  present  condition  to  institute  any  efficient  system,  and  it  be¬ 
ing  desirable  that  the  mind  of  the  Church  should  first  be  formed 
and  expressed  as  to  the  manner  in  which  it  may  best  be  conducted, 
whether  through  an  army  of  colporteurs  immediately  appointed  and 
superintended  by  the  Executive  Committee,  or  by  the  voluntary  and 
concurring  agency  of  our  respective  Presbyteries;  for  which  reason 
alone  the  subject  is  referred  to  in  this  report. 

1866,  p.  27.  That  we  recommend  the  Committee  to  appoint 
agents  for  the  sale  of  books,  the  advice  and  concurrence  of  the  Pres- 
•byteries  within  whose  bounds  they  are  to  labor  having  first  been 
obtained.  We  likewise  recommend  that,  whenever  practicable,  Pres¬ 
byteries  shall  make  arrangements  with  booksellers  to  keep  for  sale 
a  supply  of  the  books  of  the  Committee,  and  that  each  Presbytery 
appoint  one  of  its  own  members  to  act  as  a  corresponding  member 
of  the  Committee,  and  to  take  special  oversight  of  its  operations 
within  the  bounds  of  his  Presbytery. 

1867,  p.  198.  From  the  Executive  Committee’s  report:  The  plan 
adopted  by  the  last  Assembly  has  not  yet  had  a  very  thorough  trial, 
as  but  little  has  yet  been  done  on  the  subject.  About  twenty  have 


Secs.  988-991] 


Publication 


517 


been  commissioned,  on  the  recommendation  of  their  respective  Pres¬ 
byteries  or  Synods,  or  of  corresponding  members  on  behalf  of  their 
Presbyteries.  .  .  .  While  the  plan  has  not  been  thoroughly 
inaugurated,  it  has  developed  itself  sufficiently  to  show  that  it  re¬ 
quires  revision  in  some  respects.  The  Committee  is  not  able  to  fur¬ 
nish  large  supplies  of  books,  to  lie  idle  for  months,  in  charge  of  an 
inefficient  agent;  and  hence  authority  is  requested  to  withdraw  the 
commission  of  any  agents  who  may  be  found  inefficient,  or  who 
fail  to  comply  with  our  business  regulations. 

P.  146.  Resolved,  That  the  Presbyteries  be  cautioned  in  the  mat¬ 
ter  of  the  choice  of  book  agents  or  colporteurs,  and  that  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  be  authorized  to  withdraw  the  commission  of  an  un¬ 
suitable  agent,  after  conference  with  the  Presbyterial  Committee  of 
Publication. 

1869,  p.  387.  That  the  plan  for  colportage  recommended  in 
previous  reports  by  this  committee,  recommended  also  by  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  of  last  year — which  plan  has  been  adopted  by  some 
of  our  Presbyteries — and  which  is  again  set  forth  in  this  report  of 
the  Executive  Committee,  be  approved,  and  recommended  to  all  the 
Presbyteries  for  adoption. 

The  nature  and  details  of  this  plan  are  not  given  in  the  Minutes, 
nor  in  the  abridged  report  of  the  Committee  published  in  the  Ap¬ 
pendix. — A. 

1870,  p.  565.  The  Executive  Committee  reported:  So  far  no 
arrangement  has  been  made  with  colporteurs  in  any  part  of  the 
Church  which  has  proven  itself  practically  advantageous  to  the 
general  cause,  or  which  has  promoted  the  interests  of  this  Com¬ 
mittee  in  any  adequate  degree.  Thereupon  the  Assembly  (p.  534), 
Resolved,  That  the  Executive  Committee  shall  settle  up  outstanding 
accounts  with  colporteurs,  and  that  the  whole  matter  of  colportage 
be  committed  to  the  Presbyteries,  to  carry  on  as  they  may  deem  best. 
And,  with  a  view  to  the  largest  possible  distribution  of  our  books 
among  the  people,  the  Committee  will  make  sales  to  Presbyteries 
on  the  most  favorable  terms,  and  grant  donations  for  distribution 
through  Presbyterial  agents  whenever  and  to  as  large  an  extent  as 
it  can  be  properly  done. 

1871,  p.  64.  The  amount  expended,  up  to  date,  in  grants  of 
books  and  expenses  of  colporteurs,  is  $19,846.26. 

1876,  p.  223.  The  Assembly  urges  upon  the  Presbyteries  the 
importance  and  advantage  of  arranging  and  executing  some  plan  of 
colportage  among  their  churches  respectively,  and  for  information 
as  to  a  plan  which  has  worked  well  and  profitably,  would  refer  them 
to  that  adopted  by  the  Winchester  Presbytery,  and  which  the  Ex¬ 
ecutive  Committee  is  instructed  to  publish  in  the  appendix  of  its 
report. 

1877,  p.  479.  The  Executive  Committee  says:  As  the  most  feas¬ 
ible  method,  the  Committee  urged  the  Assembly  to  transfer  the  whole 
matter  to  the  Presbyteries,  and  thus  not  only  gave  them  the  appoint¬ 
ment  of  the  colporteur,  but  also  aimed  to  throw  on  them  the  whole 
pecuniary  responsibility.  Of  course  this  plan  saved  the  Committee 


518 


Publication 


[Book  IV 


from  the  evils  thus  endured;  but  it  has  evils  of  its  own,  or,  at  all 
events,  it  has  produced  undesirable  results.  While  the  Presbyteries 
nominally  support  the  colporteur,  in  point  of  fact,  in  most  instances 
he  is  supported  by  this  Committee.  It  is  rare  that  a  Presbytery 
raises  a  sufficient  capital  to  support  the  colportage  work,  but  gen¬ 
erally  they  rely  on  us  for  the  capital  to  do  it  with.  With  much  self- 
sacrifice  we  have  aided  them  to  the  full  extent  of  our  ability.  Ac¬ 
cording  to  this  plan  the  colporteur  is  supported  by  his  sales.  But 
the  books  are  ours,  usually  bought  by  the  Presbyterial  Committee 
on  credit,  at  the  highest  possible  discount,  thus  taking  away  from 
us  all  the  profit,  and  transferring  it  to  the  Presbytery  to  pay  their 
colporteurs.  Now,  if  the  Presbyteries  paid  cash  down,  this  might 
be  safe  and  profitable,  because  wie  could  immediately  invest  the 
money  so  as  to  become  productive.  As  it  is,  we  are  out  of  the  cap¬ 
ital  until  the  colporteur;  sells  the  books  and  gets  his  own  salary, 
when  he  turns  over  to  us  enough  to  satisfy  our  claim.  In  other  words, 
it  is  our  capital  which  is  employed,  but  the  advantage  and  profit 
is  that  of  the  Presbytery,  ancf  while  the  Committee  by  its  funds  does 
the  work,  the  whole  of  the  credit  goes  to  the  Presbytery. 

1884,  p.  217.  Resolved,  That  the  Executive  Committee  be  di¬ 
rected  to  prepare  and  submit  to  the  next  General  Assembly  a  plan 
of  colportage,  to  be  operated  by  said  Committee  in  those  Presby¬ 
teries  desiring  such  work. 

1885,  p.  417.  Resolved,  That  the  work  of  colportage  be  referred 
to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication,  to  take  whatever  action 
may  be  deemed  advisable;  but  it  is  understood  that  they  shall  not 
assume  any  control  in  a  Presbytery  without  its  permission. 

1887,  p.  211.  Resolved,  That  the  Executive  Committee  of  Pub¬ 
lication  be  authorized  and  instructed  to  inaugurate  and  prosecute 
the  work  of  colportage  as  their  resources  may  permit,  and  in  such 
fields  within  our  bounds  as  the  providence  of  God  may  indicate. 

1888,  p.  450.  In  obedience  to  the  instructions  of  the  last  As¬ 
sembly,  that  the  Executive  Committee  inaugurate  and  prosecute  the 
work  of  colportage,  the  Committee  adopted  and  put  in  operation  a 
plan  of  colportage.  The  plan  sought  to  guard  against  anything  that 
might  even  seem  to  trench  upon  the  rights  of  the  Presbyteries  or 
appear  to  be  in  any  way  a  failure  to  recognize  their  authority.  The 
Committee  estimated  that  it  would  probably  be  able  to  put  at  least 
one  colporteur  in  each  Synod.  It  asked  of  the  Synods  the  appoint¬ 
ment  of  a  synodical  committee,  made  up,  if  thought  best,  of  the 
brethren  of  the  different  Presbyteries  appointed  to  represent  the  pub¬ 
lication  work,  whose  duty  it  should  be  to  select  and  recommend  to 
the  Executive  Committee  persons  suitable  for  the  work,  and  who 
should  take  oversight  of  their  work.  A  body  of  instructions  for 
colporteurs  was  drawn  up  and  copies  of  the  same  sent  to  all  our 
ministers.  The  plan  did  not  take  shape  early  enough  to  secure  the 
attention  of  all  the  Synods,  but  wherever  it  was  considered,  it  was 
warmly  welcomed  and  adopted.  Abridged. 

P.  395.  This  plan  met  the  approval  of  the  Assembly. 

P.  396.  The  Presbytery  of  Abingdon  requests  the  Assembly  to 


Sec.  991] 


Publication 


519 


abandon  the  work  of  colportage,  and  remit  it  to  the  Presbyteries. 

Answer :  1.  The  Assembly’s  plan  of  colportage  has  just  been 

inaugurated.  It  would  not  be  seemly  to  abandon  it  before  giving 
it  a  trial. 

2.  The  plan  is  not  supposed  to  trench  upon  the  work  or  rights 
of  the  Presbyteries,  but  just  the  contrary,  to  co-operate  with  and 
aid  them.  Practically,  under  this  plan,  the  Presbyteries  have  the 
•control  and  oversight  of  the  work. 

3.  The  plan  has  the  further  advantage,  that  it  carries  the  work 
into  the  weaker  Presbyteries,  and  extends  it  to  fields  which  would 
otherwise  be  left  destitute.  For  these  reasons  the  overture  is  declined. 

1896,  p.  608.  Under  the  policy  of  the  Executive  Committee,  the 
colporteur  was  never  meant  to  be  merely  a  seller  of  books.  While 
there  were  to  be  good  books  in  his  saddle-bags,  he  was  meant  to 
be  a  gospel  missionary  in  every  sense  of  the  term.  The  establish¬ 
ment  and  strengthening  of  Sabbath  Schools  was  made  a  specialty 
of  the  work.  We  speak  particularly  of  this  because  of  the  late 
discussions  of  Sabbath  School  interests  in  our  Presbyteries.  For 
nine  years,  at  least,  in  the  forefront  of  instructions  to  what  are  sug¬ 
gestively  called  “missionary  colporteurs,”  are  specified  such  duties 
as  these:  “1.  To  organize  Presbyterian  Sunday  Schools  in  such 
destitute  localities  in  your  field  of  labor  as  need  such  effort,  and  to 
furnish  such  schools  with  supplies  of  our  Sabbath  School  Literature. 
2.  To  visit  Presbyterian  Sabbath  Schools  already  established,  and  to 
furnish  them  our  literature,  and,  when  opportunity  offers,  to  address 
them.” 

1891,  p.  251.  The  colportage  work,  which  was  commenced  sev¬ 
eral  years  ago,  and  which  promised  such  good  results,  has  beeen 
crippled  for  lack  of  funds,  and  must  be  abandoned  unless  means 
are  provided  for  its  support.  The  colportage  work  has  been  largely 
sustained  by  funds  drawn  from  the  publishing  house.  As  this  was 
crippling  the  work  of  this  department,  the  Committee  have  decided 
to  confine  the  support  of  the  colportage  work  to  such  funds  as  may 
be  contributed  for  that  cause. 

This  action  of  the  Committee  was  approved,  and  it  was  ordered 
that  after  the  present  contract  with  the  colporteurs  has  expired,  ap¬ 
propriations  for  colportage  work  be  made  only  from  funds  contrib¬ 
uted  for  this  specific  work. 

1892,  p.  433.  Ordered:  That  the  Synodical  committees  only  rec¬ 
ommend  men  as  colporteurs,  leaving  it  to  the  Executive  Comimittee 
to  employ  them. 

That,  while  working  in  any  Presbytery,  the  colporteur  shall  be 
under  the  direction  of  the  Colportage  Committee  of  that  Presby¬ 
tery. 

That  all  our  Presbyteries  be  requested  to  give  special  attention 
to  this  work  during  their  fall  meetings,  and  to  appoint  an  efficient 
committee  on  colportage. 

1893,  p.  20.  Overture  from  the  Holston  Presbytery,  asking  that  the 
Assembly  authorize  the  Presbytery  to  draw  from  the  Assembly’s 


Publication 


520 


[Book  IV 


Publication  Committee  the  amount  contributed  by  its  churches  to 
the  committee. 

Reply :  As  some  of  our  Presbyteries  elect  to  carry  on  the  colport- 
age  work  under  their  direction,  and  retain  in  their  own  treasury  the 
funds  contributed  for  this  purpose,  the  Assembly  recognizes  the 
right  of  Holston  Presbytery  to  pursue  the  same  course  hereafter; 
and  we  further  recommend  that,  in  case  Holston  Presbytery  de¬ 
sires  during  the  current  year  to  prosecute  the  colportage  work  in  its 
own  bounds,  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  be  author¬ 
ized  to  furnish  for  this  purpose  a  stock  of  books  equal  in  value  to 
the  last  annual  collection  for  this  cause  from  that  Presbytery.  Adopted. 

1894,  p.  205.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Dallas,  asking  that 
it  be  permitted  to  draw  from  Publication  Committee,  annually,  books 
to  the  amount  of  their  contributions  to  the  cause  of  Publication,  for 
the  purpose  of  establishing  a  depository. 

Ansiver:  Inasmuch  as  an  affirmative  answer  to  this  overture  would 
establish  a  precedent  that  would  be  hurtful  to  the  colportage  work,  in 
that  it  would  open  the  way  for  a  similar  request  from  all  the  Presby¬ 
teries,  and  would  practically  amount  to  the  Presbytery  of  Dallas  giving 
nothing  to  the  general  colportage  wTork,  we  recommend  the  request  be 
not  granted.  x\dopted. 

1896,  p.  608.  It  is  recommended  that  the  Executive  Committee  put 
emphasis,  as  far  as  they  can,  upon  the  Sabbath  School  idea  in  their 
colportage  work,  keeping  prominently  in  view  the  fostering  of  w7eak, 
and  the  planting  of  new  Presbyterian  schools,  and  that  the  funds  in  the 
Committee’s  hands  be  used  as  liberally  as  possible  in  this  direction. 

P.  609.  It  is  recommended  that  men  be  selected  as  colporteurs 
who  have  other  gifts  and  graces  than  merely  those  of  book  agents. 

1893,  p.  24.  The  Assembly  directed  that  hereafter  the  Collec¬ 
tion  for  Publication  be  designated  the  Collection  for  Publication  and 
Colportage. 

992.  Candidates  as  colporteurs 


1871,  p.  19.  Overture  of  Presbytery  of  Western  District,  pray¬ 
ing  the  General  Assembly  to  recommend  that  the  Committee  of  Pub¬ 
lication  employ  candidates  for  the  ministry  as  colporteurs  during 
their  vacations. 

Answer :  While  fully  recognizing  the  utility  of  the  colportage  work 
to  the  churches  and  students,  we  also  remember  the  rare  and  peculiar 
qualifications  required  for  this  work.  We  can  therefore  only  remit 
the  request  to  the  favorable  attention  of  the  Committee  of  Publica¬ 
tion.  Adopted.  See  also  1909,  p.  27. 


1877,  p.  440.  The  restrictions  as  to  the  terms  on  which  the  pub- 
993.  Restrictions  as  to  sales  removed 
lications  of  the  Committee  are  sold  are  hereby  removed,  and  the  whole 
subject  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  Executive  Committee. 


Secs.  991-998] 


Publication 


521 


994.  Regulations  for  the  Committee 

1877,  p.  442.  Resolved,  That  the  Assembly  refers  the  recommen¬ 
dations  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication,  found  on  page 
28  of  their  annual  report,  touching  certain  “regulations  for  the  ad¬ 
ministration  of  the  affairs  of  the  Committee,”  to  the  said  Committee 
itself,  recommending  that  they  be  put  into  effect  as  far  as  practicable. 

The  following  are  the  regulations  alluded  to,  as  given  in  the 
Appendix : 

That  the  Secretary  and  Treasurer  each  be  required  to  give  bond 
and  proper  security  for  the  faithful  discharge  of  the  duty;  that  the 
Treasurer  only  shall  receive  all  moneys  belonging  to  the  Committee, 
keeping  separate  accounts  of  each  fund;  that  all  moneys,  as  soon 
as  they  are  received,  shall  be  deposited  in  bank  to  the  credit  of 
each  fund;  that  no  money  shall  be  paid  out  except  upon  the  check 
of  the  Secretary,  countersigned  by  the  Treasurer;  that  no  money 
shall  be  borrowed'  except  by  authority  of  an  express  vote  of  the 
Committee;  and  that  all  obligations  of  the  Committee,  as  well  as  all 
debts  contracted  in  its  behalf,  shall  be  listed  and  reported  to  the 
Committee  at  its  next  meeting  thereafter. 


995.  The  Manual 

1905,  p.  53.  The  Assembly  approved  the  “Manual  of  Rules  of 
the  Executive  Committee,”  with  such  modifications  on  pages  3,  4 
and  16  as  shall  harmonize  the  Manual  with  the  recent  enactments  of 
the  General  Assembly. 

996.  The  Secretary  made  Treasurer 

1878,  p.  647.  Resolved,  That  the  work  of  the  Treasurer  be 
transferred  to  the  Secretary,  who  shall  be  designated  as  the  Secre¬ 
tary  and  Treasurer  of  Publication. 

’  997.  The  Secretary  to  visit  Synods  and  Presbyteries 

1879,  p.  48.  We  recommend  that  the  efficient  Secretary  and 
Treasurer  of  Publication  visit  the  Synods  and  Presbyteries,  as  far 
as  practicable,  to  give  detailed  information  concerning  the  operations 
of  the  Committee,  to  r,emove  the  difficulties  which  now  hinder  the 
success  of  this  work  among  the  people,  and  thus  to  enlist  their  hearty 
sympathies,  their  prayers,  and  their  liberal  gifts  in  its  behalf. 

998.  Provision  for  gratuitous  distribution 

1880,  p.  205.  With  the  improved  condition  and  brightening  pros¬ 
pects  of  the  Executive  Committee,  it  is  recommended  that  one-tenth 
of  the  receipts  from  donations  be  applied  to  gratuitous  distribution, 
at  the  discretion  of  the.  Committee;  but  it  is  expressly  to  be  under¬ 
stood  that  nothing  be  allowed  to  interfere  with  the  speediest  possible 
payment  of  the  debt. 


522 


Publication 


[Book  IV 


1881,  p.  386.  The  Assembly  authorized  this  year  fifteen  per  cent, 
of  receipts  from  donations  to  be  used  in  gratuitous  distributions. 

1884,  p.  215.  Resolved,  That  the  Executive  Committee  be  directed 
to  comply,  as  far  as  possible,  with  the  implied  pledge  made  by  the 
last  Assembly,  viz. :  “If  the  churches  continue  to  contribute  to  this 
cause  as  hitherto,  that  as  large  an  amount  as  $4,000  per  year — 
equivalent  in  books  at  catalogue  prices  to  about  $7,000 — may  be 
devoted  to  this  object,  and  distributed  according  to  the  plan  of  the 
Committee,  to  our  feeble  churches,  mission  fields  and  Sabbath 
Schools;  and  we  request  that  notice  be  given  in  the  papers  of  the 
Church  when  this  literature  will  be  ready  for  distribution,  and  how 
application  should  be  made  in  order  to  obtain  it.” 

999.  A  copy  of  every  book  published  to  be  donated  to  members  of 

the  Executive  Committee 

1892,  p.  444.  As  the  members  of  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Publication  do  a  great  deal  of  gratuitous  work,  in  carefully  examin¬ 
ing  manuscripts  presented  for  publication,  we  recommend  that,  as  a 
token  of  our  appreciation  of  such  service,  one  copy  of  each  book 
hereafter  published  by  our  Committee  be  presented  to  each  member 
of  said  Committee.  Adopted. 

1000.  No  donations  of  books  to  Seminaries  but  of  Assembly 

Minutes 

1912,  p.  41.  Overtures  from  Central  Texas  Presbytery,  from 
Eastern  Texas  Presbytery,  and  from  Western  Texas  Presbytery,  all 
asking  for  donations  of  books  and  tracts  to  the  Theological  Semi¬ 
naries.  It  is  recommended  that  these  be  answered  in  the  negative 
because  of  the  large  cost  involved. 

1913,  p.  70.  That  from  year  to  year  the  Committee  of  Publica¬ 
tion  present  to  the  Libraries  of  each  of  our  Theological  Seminaries 
a  complete  set  of  the  annual  reports  of  our  several  Executive  Com¬ 
mittees,  together  with  the  Minutes  of  the  General  Assembly,  bound 
in  one  substantial  volume. 

1915,  p.  45.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Mississippi,  asking 
that  copies  of  the  Minutes  of  the  Assembly  be  sent  to  members  of  the 
graduating  classes  in  our  theological  seminaries. 

We  recommend  that  this  overture  be  answered  in  the  affirmative, 
and  the  Stated  Clerk  be  instructed  to  secure  the  names  and  addresses 
of  these  graduates  and  to  send  to  them  free  copies  of  the  Minutes. 

1001.  The  business  capital  and  its  proceeds  not  to  be  used  in 

benevolence 

1895,  p.  416.  The  Assembly  approved  the  following  statement 
of  the  Executive  Committee:  “The  safe  conduct  of  the  business  will 
not  for  the  present  admit  of  the  use  of  our  business  capital  or  of 
the  small  profits  of  the  business  in  the  benevolent  features  of  the 


Secs.  999-1005] 


Publication 


523 


work.”  It  recommended  that  if  a  reduction  had  to  be  made  in  the 
benevolent  work,  it  be  in  the  department  of  colportage  rather  than 
in  the  donation  work. 

1002,.  Property  in  Richmond 

1914,  p.  66.  The  old  property,  which  in  former  reports  has  been 
listed  at  its  net  cost — $47,974.05 — has  been  sold  for  $158,473.50. 

A  new  lot  has  been  purchased  on  Sixth  street,  between  Main  and 
Franklin  streets,  at  a  cost  of  $32,500.00,  and  a  new  five-story,  fire¬ 
proof  building  is  now  being  constructed  which  will  cost  $80,000.00, 
exclusive  of  furnishings.  The  Committee  expects  to  move  into  the 
new  plant  by  September  1st,  1914. 

The  total  sales  of  books  and  periodicals  last  year  amounted  to 
$227,475.50,  making  a  net  profit  of  $11,307.26. 

1920,  p.  75.  The  original  signed  certificate  of  the  Presbyterian 
Committee  of  Publication,  of  Richmond,  Va.,  was  submitted  to  us. 
This  was  audited  by  E.  A.  Leitch,  of  Richmond.  The  only  criticism 
we  would  make  is  that  they  have  charged  off  a  depreciation  of  furni¬ 
ture  and  fixtures,  $500.00,  when  the  whole  furniture  and  fixtures 
amount  to  $1,585.53.  This  is  charging  off  nearly  33  per  cent.,  when 
the  United  States  government  only  allows  10  per  cent,  to  be  charged 
off  for  depreciation  of  this  kind  of  property. 

1003.  Cheaper  publications 

1894,  p.  416.  Resolved,  That  the  Executive  Committee  consider 
the  practicability  of  issuing  less  expensive  editions  of  the  various 
works  published,  larger  and  smaller,  in  order  to  bring  them  within 
reach  of  larger  numbers  of  our  people. 

1004.  Consolidation  with  other  Boards,  inexpedient 

1886,  p.  47.  To  the  overture  of  the  Presbytery  of  Palmyra,  asking 
the  Assembly  to  appoint  a  committee  to  confer  with  a  like  com¬ 
mittee  to  be  appointed  by  the  Northern  branch  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  to  institute  measures  looking  to  a  union  or  consolidation 
of  the  Board  of  Publication  and  the  Committee  of  Publication,  this 
is  recommended  as  the  answer:  It  is  inexpedient. 

1915,  p.  45.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Concord,  asking 
for  the  union  of  our  Sabbath  School  and  Publication  Work  with  that 
of  other  Churches. 

We  recommend  that,  believing  that  the  control  and  direction  of 
our  Sabbath  School  and  Publication  Work  should  be  entirely  in  our 
own  hands,  and  is  now  being  conducted  in  a  most  satisfactory  way, 
this  overture  be  answered  in  the  negative. 

1005.  Proposed  consolidation  of  the  Committees  of  Publication  and 

Education 

1880,  p.  215.  The  report  of  the  Committee  on  Bills  and  Over- 


524 


Publication 


[Book  IV 


tures:  An  overture  asking  for  the  consolidation  of  the  Committees  of 
Publication  and  Education,  was  referred  to  the  next  General  Assembly 
in  connection  with  the  subject  of  Reform  and  Retrenchment. 

1881,  p.  367.  The  Assembly  adopted  the  majority  report  on 
Retrenchment  and  Reform,  which  provided  that  the  five  Executive 
Committees  be  continued  as  at  present. 

1006.  Consolidation  of  Sabbath  School  extension  and  Home  Mis¬ 
sions  declined 

1911,  p.  65.  We  recommend  that  the  overture  from  the  Presby¬ 
tery  of  Macon,  asking  the  consolidation  of  Sabbath  School  Exten¬ 
sion  and  Home  Missions,  be  answered  in  the  negative,  for  the 
reason  that  it  is  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly  that  the  Sabbath 
School  Extension  Work  more  properly  belongs  to  the  Publication 
department  of  the  work  of  the  Church,  and  this  work  has  been  and 
is  being  so  well  performed  that  any  change  seems  wholly  unneces¬ 
sary. 

1007.  Name  of  Committee  not  to  be  changed 

1913,  p.  70a.  Overture  from  West  Lexington  Presbytery,  Ken¬ 
tucky,  requesting  that  the  name  of  the  Assembly’s  Committee  be 
changed  from  “the  Committee  of  Publication  and  Sabbath  School 
Work”  to  “the  Committee  of  Sabbath  School  Work  and  Publication.” 
Your  Committee  recommends  that  for  legal  and  other  reasons  this 
overture  be  answered  in  the  negative. 

1008.  The  Kennedy  bequest  for  Bibles  and  tracts 

1873,  p.  337.  It  was  ordered  that  the  bequest  of  Judge  Kennedy,, 
which  is  to  be  spent  in  procuring  Bibles  and  tracts,  be  paid  over 
to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication. 

1009.  The  Treasurer  to  show  an  itemized  statement 

1885,  p.  419.  The  Committee  recommend  that  the  Treasurer,  at 
the  end  of  each  year,  show  in  his  ledger  an  itemized  statement  cover¬ 
ing  the  amounts  received  and  disbursed  under  each  subject  from 
which  money  is  received,  and  on  account  of  which  money  is  dis¬ 
tributed.  Adopted. 

1010.  Salary  of  the  Secretary 

1884,  p.  216.  Resolved,  That  the  salary  of  the  Secretary  be 
placed  at  $3,000  per  annum. 

1011.  Religious  literature  for  freedmen 

1866,  p.  26.  The  Assembly  would  enjoin  the  publication,  with 
funds  given  especially  for  that  object,  of  works  designed  for  the  use 
of  freedmen. 


Secs.  1005-1015] 


Publication 


525 

1867,  p.  197.  The  Committee  says:  “The  sum  of  $422.25  has 
been  given  for  the  benefit  of  our  colored  brethren,  either  for  general 
distribution  or  for  Sabbath  School  uses.  Every  application  made 
for  their  benefit  has  been  granted.  .  .  .  The  means  requisite  to 
stereotype  and  print  large  editions  of  such  works  (the  preparation 
of  which  was  ordered  by  the  last  Assembly),  we  have  not  had;  but 
under  our  auspices  a  Primer,  a  First  Book,  and  a  Spelling  Book 
have  been  prepared,  well  adapted  to  the  end  desired,  and  will  be 
published  as  soon  as  we  have  the  funds  in  hand  to  meet  the  expense. 

1875,  p.  43.  Two  Catechisms,  prepared  by  Mr.  Samuel  B. 
Schieffelin,  of  New  York,  a  ruling  elder  of  the  Reformjed  Church, 
have,  after  careful  examination  by  the  Committee,  been  approved  for 
publication,  and  will  in.  a  short  time  be  added  to  our  Sabbath  School 
facilities.  We  notice  with  pleasure  the  fact  that  Mr.  Schieffelin  has 
authorized,  at  his  own  expense,  the  gratiutous  distribution  among  the 
freedmen  of  as  many  copies  of  these  Catechisms  as  can  be  judiciously 
disposed  of.  The  titles  of  these  two  books  are  “Milk  for  Babes’’  and 
“Children’s  Bread.” 

1012.  Literature  for  the  Indians 

1882,  p.  550.  An  overture  has  been  placed  in  our  hands,  asking 
that  some  measure  be  adopted  so  that  the  urgent  need  of  the  Chicka¬ 
saw  and  Choctaw  churches  and  people  may  be  supplied  with  books 
in  their  own  language.  It  is  recommended  that  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  confer  with  the  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  and  the  mis¬ 
sionaries  among  these  tribes,  and  that  this  urgent  call  be  attended 
to  as  soon  as  deemed  practicable,  with  a  proper  regard  for  other 
claims.  Adopted. 

1013.  Date  for  Publication  collection 

1885,  p.  416.  We  can  recommend  nothing  as  a  remedy  for  the 
inconvenience  this  Committee  suffers  for  want  of  money  on  account 
of  the  collection  coming  in  so  near  the  close  of  the  ecclesiastical  year, 
but  that  this  Assembly  do  now  say  to  all  contributors  to  the  cause  of 
Christ,  “This  they  must  do,  and  not  leave  the  other  undone.” 
Adopted. 

1014.  Assembly s  new  financial  plan  aided 

1912,  p.  39.  The  promotion  of  the  General  Assembly’s  new  finan¬ 
cial  plan  has  been  assisted  in  a  vigorous  campaign  of  education, 
conducted  by  the  circulation  of  literature  and  pamphlets  at  a  con¬ 
siderable  cost. 

1015.  Book  of  Church  Order 

1921,  p.  80d.  The  following  resolution  on  revising  the  Book  of 
Church  Order  was  referred  to  the  Executive  Committee  on  Publica¬ 
tion  : 

We  recommend  the  revising  and  publication  of  a  new  Book  of 


526 


Publication 


[Book  IV 


Church  Order,  as  it  now  stands  amended,  at  the  earliest  date  prac¬ 
ticable,  and  that  the  members  of  Session  and  Diaconate  of  our 
churches  be  urged  to  secure  copies  of  same  when  published. 

1016.  The  Secretaries 

1911,  p.  80.  The  following  have  served  the  Church  as  Secretary 
of  Publication  by  election  of  the  Assembly  since  the  organization  of 
the  work. 

Rev.  William  Brown,  D.  D.,  from  1861  to  1863.  Rev.  John  Ley- 
burn,  D.  D.,  from  1863  to  1865.  Rev.  E.  T.  Baird,  D.  D.}  from 
1865  to  1876.  Rev.  J.  K.  Hazen,  D.  D.,  from  1877  to  time  of  his 
death  in  1902.  Mr.  R.  E.  Magill,  from  1903  to  date. 

t  . 

1017.  Summaries  of  the  work 

1911,  p.  89ff.  An  outline  of  the  work  of  the  Committee  since  the 
beginning  of  this  department. 

1922,  p.  35.  The  annual  report  of  the  Executive  Committee  [pp. 
129-141  of  Minutes]  gives  a  review  of  the  past  twenty  years’  work. 

There  has  been  substantial  improvement  and  progress  in  every 
department  of  the  work,  and  we  call  attention  to  the  following  out¬ 
standing  features  of  the  past  year’s  work  in  this  department: 

1.  The  total  sale  of  books  and  periodicals  amounted  to  $489,353. 

2.  In  addition  to  the  above,  books,  Bibles,  tracts,  Sunday  School 
periodicals,  etc.,  have  been  contributed  to  pastors,  churches  and  Sun¬ 
day  Schools  to  the  amount  of  $54,693. 

3.  The  periodical  circulation  has  grown  to  the  enormous  number 
of  13,894.743. 

4.  During  the  year  the  Committtee  has  printed  50,000  Life  and 
Service  Hymns,  65,000  Shorter  Catechisms,  101,140  Introductions 
to  Shorter  Catechism,  412,890  Rally  Day  programs,  60,000  Family 
Altar  leaflets,  together  with  thousands  of  tracts  and  booklets  con¬ 
cerning  every  department  of  the  Church’s  work,  1,583  Bibles  and 
4,877  Testaments  for  the  recitation  of  the  Catechisms  were  awarded, 
a  larger  number  than  in  any  year  in  the  past. 

5.  The  total  Sunday  School  enrollment  is  396,850,  an  increase  of 
about  15,000. 

6.  Thirteen  thousand,  five  hundred  and  forty  Sunday  School 
pupils  joined  the  Church  on  profession  of  faith — over  50  per  cent, 
of  the  total  number  so  joining. 

7.  The  total  contributions  through  our  Sabbath  Schools  were 
$740,788,  of  w|hich  $222,368  were  to  the  benevolent  causes  of  the 
Church. 

8.  The  number  of  persons  engaged  in  field  work  in  connection  with 
our  Sabbath  School  Department  is  63,  an  increase  of  14  over  last 
year. 

9.  The  Committee  continues  its  efforts  to  encourage  authorship 
among  our  own  ministers. 

10.  The  Young  People’s  Societies  of  our  Church  reported  a  total 


Secs.  1016-1018] 


Sabbath  Schools 


527 


membership  of  51,692,  together  with  contributions  to  all  causes  of 
$74,069. 

11.  The  work  among  the  young  peoplei  of  our  Church  has  been 
promoted  in  a  most  earnest  and  effective  way  and  there  are  signs 
of  continued  progress.  The  employment  of  Rev.  Wesley  Baker  as 
Field  Director  for  the  whole  Church  will  increase  the  efficiency  of 
this  Department  by  the  promotion  of  Sabbath  School  Institutes  and 
Schools  of  Methods  within  the  bounds  of  our  Assembly.  The  rapid 
development  of  the  Young  People’s  Conference  mpvement,  including 
the  General  Conference  at  Montreat  and  Synodical  Conferences  ini 
every  Synod  except  one,  has  meant  much  to  the  spiritual  development 
of  our  young  people.  The  Efficiency  Charts  published  by  our  Com¬ 
mittee  for  every  department  of  our  work  are  acknowledged  to  be  the 
best  of  their  kind  in  this  country. 

1922,  p.  37.  In  nominating  again  for  three  years  Mr.  R.  E.  Magill 
as  Executive  Secretary,  your  Committee  would  take  knowledge  of  the 
fine  services  of  Mr.  Magill  and  record  with  gratitude  to  God  the 
splendid  success  and  progress  that  has  marked  his  career  as  Execu¬ 
tive  Secretary.  We  would  nominate  for  three  years  as  members  of 
the  Executive  Committee  the  following:  Rev.  T.  H.  Rice,  D.  D.,  to 
succeed  himself.  Mr.  James  W.  Gordon,  of  Richmond,  Va.,  to 
succeed  Mr.  John  S.  Munce.  Mr.  D.  K.  Kellogg,  to  succeed  Mr.  M. 
M.  Gilliam,  deceased.  Rev.  A.  M.  Frazer,  D.  D.,  of  Staunton,  Vir¬ 
ginia,  and  Rev.  William  McC.  White,  D.  D.,  of  Raleigh,  North 
Carolina,  to  succeed  Mr.  A.  S.  Johnstone  and  Rev.  H.  J.  Williams, 
of  Richmond,  Virginia,  whose  terms  of  office  have  expired. 

The  Committee  would  record  the  faithful  and  efficient  work  of 
Mr.  Magill,  Dr.  R.  A.  Lapsley,  and  Dr.  Gilbert  Glass,  together  with 
their  splendid  corps  of  workers,  which  merits  the  esteem  and  com¬ 
mendation  of  the  whole  Assembly. 

II.  SABBATH  SCHOOLS 

1018.  What  is  the  Sunday  School? 

1875,  p.  42.  Resolved ,  1,  That  the  Sunday  School  is  but  the 
more  formal  organization  of  catechetical  classes,  which  have  been 
known  to  the  Church  in  all  ages,  and  should  be  so  conducted  as  to 
secure  a  thorough  drill  and  training  in  the  Scriptures,  and  in  the 
hymnology  and  standards  of  the  Church. 

2.  That  the  pastor  and  elders  of  the  Church,  with  the  help  of  such 
others  as  they  may  select  and,  approve,  are  the  divinely  appointed 
catechists  or  teachers,  and  the  work  should  devolve  upon  them  in 
all  well  regulated  congregations. 

3.  That  the  obligation  of  family  training  by  the  parent  is  in 
nowise  modified  by  the  Sunday  School,  nor  in  any  way  transferred 
to  it;  but  the  additional  obligation  rests  upon  the  parent  to  sustain 
Church  officers  in  this  peculiar  form  of  their  work,  and  co-operate, 
as  far  as  possible,  in  it.  The  one  is  a  family  and  the  other  a  pas¬ 
toral  function,  and  each  is  supplemental  to  the  other. 


528 


Sabbath  Schools 


[Book  IV 


1880,  p.  214.  The  Sabbath  School  is  not  something  apart  from 
the  Church,  but  the  Church,  old  and  young,  studying  the  Bible. 
Also  1881  (p.  380). 

1870,  p.  512.  There  exists  in  the  minds  of  many  parents  a  dis¬ 
position  to  evade  their  personal  obligations  to  their  children,  and 
practically  to  make  the  Sabbath  School  a  sort  of  substitute  for  the 
instruction  of  the  family.  This  is  a  very  great  error,  and  one  that 
cannot  be  too  strongly  condemned.  And  it  will  be  a  sad  day  for 
the  Church,  and  fatal  as  well  to  the  usefulness  of  the  Sabbath  School, 
when  such  a  disposition  and  practice  come  to  be  general.  The  Sab¬ 
bath  School  is  simply  an  assistant  to  the  parent  in  the  religious  in¬ 
struction  of  his  child.  It  is  not  adapted,  and  never  was  intended, 
to  do  the  parent’s  work.  The  parent,  therefore,  cannot  delegate  to 
it  his  responsibilities. 

Also  1872,  p.  175. 

.1019.  Parents  should  go  with  their  children  to  Sabbath  School 

1883,  p.  55.  We  w7ould  most  earnestly  urge  upon  parents  .the 
serious  consideration  of  their  duty  to  go  with  their  children  to  the  . 
Sabbath  School  whenever  it  is  possible  for  them  to  do  so,  even  at 
the  cost  of  some  inconvenience  or  sacrifice  of  personal  comfort,  thus 
teaching  their  children,  both  by  their  precept  and  example,  to  love 
and  profit  by  the  privileges  here  afforded  them. 

L: 

i  1020.  Schools  should  embrace  adults 

1885,  p.  408.  Resolved,  That  the  ministers  and  Sessions  be  en¬ 
couraged  to  so  enlarge  the  Sabbath  School  and  Bible-class  instruc¬ 
tion  as  to  embrace,  as  far  as  practicable,  the  adult  portion  of  the 
congregations,  and  train  them  for  useful  officers  and  workers  in  the 
Church. 

1886,  p.  45.  Sessions  should  use  all  diligence  to'  secure  the  at¬ 
tendance  of  older  persons  on  the  Sunday  School,  that  the  school  may 
be  what  it  ought  to  be,  the  Church  studying  the  Word  of  God. 

1021.  What  the  Sabbath  School  should  embrace 

1896,  P-  615.  The  Sabbath  School  is  not  intended  for  children 
only,  but  is  a  valuable  and  very  important  means  of  developing  Chris¬ 
tian  life,  as  well  as  bringing  souls  to  Christ.  Every  school  should 
have  a  teachers’  meeting  for  the  study,  not  only  of  the  lessen,  but 
also  of  the  school  itself;  should  have  a  normal  class  for  training 
teachers;  should  have  a  home  department,  in  which  should  be  en¬ 
rolled  every  person,  old;  and  young,  who  cannot  personally  attend  the 
school. 

P.  589.  The  Assembly  recommended  that  a  home-class  depart¬ 
ment  be  established  in  connection  with  each  Sabbath  School  under 
our  care. 

1888,  p.  419.  The  Sabbath  School  is  nothing  more  nor  less  than 
the  church,  the  whole  church  studying  the  Word  of  God. 


Secs.  1018-1025] 


Sabbath  Schools 


529 


1022.  Separate  rooms  in  the  Sabbath  School 

1888,  p.  419.  Wherever  it  is  practicable  separate  class-rooms 
should  be  provided  for  the  very  young  children,  and  also  for  the 
advanced  classes. 

1023.  Home  Department 

1899,  p.  438.  The  Assembly  directs  that  there  be  added  to  the 
blanks  for  Sunday  School  Reports  this  question:  “How  many  of  the 
scholars  reported  belong  to  the  Home  Department?” 

1901,  p.  36.  Concerning  an  overture  asking  the  Assembly  to 
direct  the  Assembly’s  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  to  print 
a  column  in  the  Sessional  report  on  Sabbath  School  blanks  for  re¬ 
ports  on  the  Home  Class  Department  of  the  Sabbath  School,  your 
committee  recommends  the  following  answer: 

That  such  a  column  is  not  needed,  for  the  reason  that  the  mem¬ 
bers  of  the  Home  Class  should  be  enrolled  as  a  part  of  the  Sabbath 
School  membership. 

1903,  pp.  496,  503.  That  the  Sessions  see  that  their  schools  have 
properly  organized  home  departments  for  promoting  the  home  study 
of  the  Bible. 

It  is  recommended  that  the  request  asking  that  suitable  blanks  be 
provided  for  reporting  the  Home  Department  of  the  Sabbath  School 
work,  be  not  granted. 

1906,  p.  22.  In  answer  to  overtures  touching  the  enrollment  in 
statistical  report  of  the  Home  Department  and  Cradle  Roll  we 
recommend  that  the  overture  be  answered  in  the  affirmative.  (Not 
in  separate  column.)  (1910,  p.  37.) 

1024.  Thorough  organization  recommended 

1912,  p.  40.  Sessions  and  Sunday  School  officers  are  strongly  en¬ 
couraged  to  organize  their  Intermediate,  Senior,  and  Adult  Depart¬ 
ments  more  thoroughly. 

1025.  Attendance  of  children  upon  public  worship 

1875,  p.  42.  Those  having  charge  of  the  Sunday  School  work 
ought  so  to  regulate  the  hours  of  instruction  as  to  interfere  the  least 
possible  with  the  children’s  attendance  on  the  public  ordinances  of 
religion  on  the  one  hand,  and  with  family  instruction  at  home  on 
the  other,  both  of  which  ought  to  be  attended  to  by  all  on  every  Lord’s 
day. 

1882,  p.  533.  Your  Committee  recommend  that  the  Assembly  call 
attention  to  the  importance  of  training  our  children  to  attend  the 
regular  services  of  the  sanctuary.  We  fear  that  there  is  a  growing 
idea  that  the  Sabbath  School  is  an  all-sufficient  agency  for  the  in¬ 
struction  and  conversion  of  our  youth.  We  invoke  the  aid  of  parents 
and  teachers  in  securing  an  attendance  upon  the  public  worship  of 
God  and  the  ministrations  of  the  sanctuary,  and  lift  up  our  solemn 


530  Sabbath  Schools  [Book  I\ 

remonstrance  against  our  children  being  permitted  to  withdraw  from 
them. 

1913,  p.  70.  The  Executive  Committee  is  directed  to  investigate 
and  report  its  findings  with  recommendations  to  the  next  General 
Assembly  on  the  subject  of  Church  Attendance  by  the  children  and 
young  people  of  our  congregations ;  Sunday  iSchool  officers  and 
teachers  are  urged  to  emphasize  the  duty  and  privilege  of  attendance 
on  the  worship  of  the  sanctuary,  and  pastors  are  exhorted  to  lay 
this  matter  on  the  consciences  of  parents  and  to  keep  the  needs  of 
children  in  view  in  the  public  exercises  of  God’s  house. 

1914,  p.  67.  The  Assembly  of  1913  directed  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Work  to  investigate  and 
report  its  findings  to  this  Assembly  on  the  subject  of  “Church  At¬ 
tendance  by  the  Children  and  Young  People  of  Our  Congregations.” 
This  Committee  has  prepared  a  special  report  in  leaflet  form  cover¬ 
ing  this  important  question,  and  we  take  pleasure  in  recommending 
that  this  leaflet  be,  given  the  widest  circulation;  and  that  this  Assem¬ 
bly  heartily  endorse  the  recommendations  of  the  Committee  touching 
this  matter,  to  wit: 

1.  That  those  who  are  responsible  for  the  direct  conduct  of  our 
Sunday  Schools  and  Young  People’s  Societies  be  solemnly  exhorted 
to  use  every  proper  means  to  induce  the  children  and  young  people 
to  form  the  habit  of  church  attendance. 

2.  That  our  pastors  be  urged  to  give  the  most;  serious  attention 
to  this  vital  matter,  to  the  end  that  the  children  may  be  fully  in¬ 
structed  and  mightily  drawn  to  the  house  of  God. 

3.  That  our  theological  seminaries  be  respectfully  requested  to 
give  special  attention  to  the  training  of  their  students  in  the  art  of 
speaking  attractively  to  children. 

4.  That  parents  be  charged  in  the  sight  of  God  to  organize  their 
family  life  and  to  govern  their  children  so  that  the  courts  of  God’s 
house  may  be  filled  with  their  sweet  voices  in  rejoicing  and  praise. 

1026.  Schools  must  he  under  the  control  of  the  Sessions 

1870,  p.  512.  Resolved,  That  the  Presbyteries  be  directed  to  urge 
it  upon  all  their  churches,  wherever  it  is  practicable,  to  establish 
schools  directly  under  the  control  of  the  church  Sessions. 

1872,  p.  174.  Resolved ,  That  the  injunction  be  emphatically 
reiterated,  that  Presbyteries  act  efficiently  in  bringing  all  our  church 
schools  directly  under  the  control  of  the  church  Session,  so  that 
the  superintendent  and  teachers  shall  hold  their  positions  only  by 
their  appointment  and  consent;  that  all  the  operations  and  interests 
of  the  school  be  under  their  guidance. 

1874,  p.  511.  Resolved,  That  the  supervision  and  control  of 
Sessions  over  Sabbath  Schools,  so  often  pressed  upon  the  attention 
of  churches,  should  be  exercised,  even  in  the  minutest  details,  so  far 
as  to  enable  Sessions  promptly  to  correct  any  evils  that  may  arise, 
and  make  any  necessary  changes  for  the  wellbeing  of  the  Sabbath 
School. 


Secs.  1025-1029] 


Sabbath  Schools 


531 


See  also  1880,  p.  214;  1871,  p.  27. 

1871,  p.  28.  Overture,  that  .the  General  Assembly  will  define 
precisely  what  is  to  be  understood  by  a  Sabbath  School  being  under 
the  control  of  the  church  Session,  in  order  that  the  direction  given 
to  Presbyteries  in  the  third  article,  page  512,  of  Minutes  of  the 
General  Assembly  for  1870,  may  be  clearly  understood  and  uni¬ 
formly  interpreted. 

Answer :  This  Assembly  deems  that  the  Assembly  of  1870  intends 
that  the  church  Session  shall  select  the  superintendent,  who  shall 
nominate,  with  their  approbation,  the  teachers,  ordain  the  methods 
of  instruction,  and  direct  the  selection  of  books. 

1915,  p.  44.  Presbyteries  are  directed  to  be  very  careful!  to  see 
that  all  of  our  Sabbath  Schools  are  under  the  control  of  the  Session. 

1027.  Presbyterianism  to  be  distinctly  taught  in  Sunday  Schools 

1877,  p.  437.  Resolved ,  That  in  the  conduct  of  the  Sabbath 
Schools,  no  matter  what  system  of  lessons  may  be  used,  it  is  earnestly 
enjoined  upon  our  church  Sessions  to  see  to  it  that  not  only  the 
great  truths  of  the  gospel,  about  which  all  evangelical  denominations 
are  agreed,  but  also  the  distinctive  doctrines  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  are  faithfully  taught. 

1870,  p.  512;  1872,  p.  174,  and  elsewhere,  it  is  enjoined  that  the 
Catechisms,  Confession  of  Faith,  and  Form  of  Government  be  made 
prominent  objects  of  study. 

1028.  Catechism  on  Chart  of  Efficiency 

1917,  p.  42.  In  answer  to  overture  from  Winchester  Presbytery, 
asking  that  instruction  in  the  Catechism  and  the  Sabbath  be  included 
in  the  Sabbath  School  chart  of  the  “Standard  of  Efficiency,”  we 
answer  that  the  first  of  these,  the  Catechism,  is  included  in  Section 
IV,  “Graded  Organization  and  Instruction,”  as  interpreted  by  the 
Manual  of  Graded  Instruction,  1917  Edition,  and  that  the  latter  is 
provided  for  in  Section  IX-D,  “Use  of  Our  Own  Literature,”  in 
which  our  editors  take  advantage  of  every  opportunity  to  enforce  this 
important  teaching  of  the  Bible;  but  to  give  it  greater  emphasis,  we 
suggest  to  the  Committee  of  Publication  that  the  Catechism  be  given 
a  space  in  the  next  edition  of  the  chart. 

1029.  Supplemental  and  graded  lessons  on  the  Standards 

1889,  p.  603.  With  a  view  to  providing  facilities  for  more  sys¬ 
tematic  and  thorough  instruction  in  our  Sabbath  Schools,  it  is  recom¬ 
mended  to  our  Committee  of  Publication  to  prepare,  or  have  pre¬ 
pared,  a  graded  course  of  lessons  in  the  Catechisms,  Confession  of 
Faith,  and  Form  of  Government,  to  be  taught  in  connection  with  the 
International  Scripture  Lessons. 

1895,  p.  419.  Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  appoint  a 
committee  of  five,  which  shall  include  our  Secretary  of  Publication, 
to  prepare  a  scheme  of  graded  lessons  for  use  in  our  Sabbath  Schools, 


532 


Sabbath  Schools 


[Book  IV 


which  shall  be  supplemental  to  the  International  Lessons,  and  which 
shall  develop  more  fully  our  denominational  doctrines  and  principles 
of  government;  said  committee  to  be  continued  from  year  to  year  at 
the  will  of  subsequent  Assemblies. 

1896,  p.  589.  On  the  report  of  this  committee  the  Assembly 
resolved : 

1.  That  without  setting  aside  or  disturbing  the  International  Les¬ 
sons  as  now  used  in  our  Sunday  Schools,  the  General  Assembly 
direct  the  ad  interim  committee,  appointed  by  this  General  Assembly 
at  Dallas,  to  proceed  at  once  to  prepare  a  supplemental  course  of 
study  for  use  in  all  the  grades  of  our  Sunday  Schools,  in  which  shall 
be  developed  more  fully  our  denominational  doctrines  and  principles 
of  government,  and  embracing  the  course  of  study  outlined  in  their 
report. 

2.  That  as  soon  as  these  lessons  are  prepared  and  issued,  the 
Presbyteries  encourage  our  young  people  in  the  study  of  the  said 
system  of  graded  lessons  by  giving  a  certificate  to  all  who  will  finish 
the  course  and  stand  a  satisfactory  examination  upon  the  same,  and 
a  diploma  to  those  who  complete  a  normal  course;  said  diplomas 
and  certificates  to  be  given  by  the  Presbyteries  or  church  Sessions, 
as  the  former  may  prescribe. 

1897,  p.  57.  This  course  of  lessons,  as  prepared,  was  com¬ 
mended  to  the  use  of  our  schools. 

1896,  p.  603.  Overture  asking  the  Assembly  to  order  to  be  pub¬ 
lished  in  the  Earnest  Worker  one  lesson  every  quarter  on  the  dis¬ 
tinctive  Calvinistic  doctrines  of  the  church. 

Answer :  It  is  not  expedient  to  publish  an  extra  lesson  in  the 
Earnest  Worker,  but  the  petition  of  the  overture  can  best  be  accom¬ 
plished  by  supplemental  lessons. 

1030.  Graded  Sabbath  School  Lessons 

1911,  p.  65.  In  answer  to  the  overture  of  the  Synod  of  Texas, 
concerning  preparation  of  a  system  of  graded  Sabbath  School  lessons 
by  our  Committee  of  Publication,  your  committee  would  recommend 
that  the  Assembly  answer  that  the  committee  is  now  endeavoring  to 
carry  out  such  a  suggestion,  and  is  at  work  preparing  graded  lesson 
work  on  the  basis  of  the  uniform  lessons,  and  has  already  issued  an 
intermediate  quarterly,  b®ginning  with  April.  The  committee  con¬ 
templates  further  work  along  this  line. 

1912,  p.  40.  The  Assembly  sent  out  to  all  pastors,  Church  Ses¬ 
sions  and  Sabbath  School  superintendents  the  pastoral  letter  sub¬ 
mitted  as  a  part  of  this,  report,  setting  forth  the  views  of  the  Assem¬ 
bly  concerning  the  International  Graded  Lessons,  and  urging  our 
people  to  confine  themselves  to  the  use  of  the  Uniform  Lesson 
Courses  as  presented  in  our  oWn  periodical  literature. 

1913,  p.  70a.  The  efforts  of  the  Executive  Committee  to  adapt 
the  treatment  of  the  International  Uniform  Lessons  to  the  varying 
needs  of  pupils  are  commended,  and  it  was  encouraged  to  perfect  as 
soon  as  possible  its  plans  for  the  further  improvement  of  the  same. 

For  such  schools  as  wish  to  use  a  series  of  graded  lessons  our 


Secs.  1029-1031] 


Sabbath  Schools 


r*  'i  7 

Committee  now  provides  a  complete  set  of  helps  prepared  by  editors 
of  our  own  selection,  which  meet  the  requirements  of  educational 
experts  and  at  the  same  time  they  are  free  from  doctrinal  errors 
which  mar  many  publications  of  a  similar  character.  They  are  com¬ 
mended  to  our  schools  as  the  only  complete  and  satisfactory  helps 
now  available  for  schools  which  desire  a  special  lesson  for  each 
department.  The  Assembly  particularly  warns  our  Sessions  of  the 
great  danger  in  using  graded  or  other  lesson  helps  not  prepared  by 
men  of  our  own  faith. 

1918,  p.  47.  Sessions  and  pastors  are  again  enjoined  to  see  that 
the  splendid  course  of  Uniform  Lesson  Helps  published  by  our  Com¬ 
mittee  and  edited  by  approved  writers  of  our  own  Church'  are  used  in 
our  schools  to  the  exclusion  of  periodicals  of  doubtful  or  harmful 
character. 

Our  own  course  of  Departmental  Graded  Lesson  helps,  which  will 
on  October  1st  be  complete  for  all  grades  and  departments  should 
be  adopted  in  all  our  schools  which  prefer  to  use  a  separate  lesson 
for  each  department;  and  the  Assembly  would  again  warn  our  Ses¬ 
sions  against  the  danger  of  putting  into  the  hands  of  our  young  peo¬ 
ple  publications  not  edited  by  writers  of  our  own  selection. 

1031.  Sabbath  observance  to  be  taught  in  Sabbath  Schools 

1921,  p.  73.  From  the  Presbytery  of  Arkansas  requesting  this 
Committee  to  insert  at  least  two  lessons  yearly  on  Sabbath  Observance 
in  the  regular  lesson  courses.  We  recommend  that  this  be  answered 
in  the  affirmative,  and  call  attention  to  the  fact  that  the  International 
Committee  has  already  taken  measures  to  do  this  very  thing. 

1922,  p.  36.  From  the  Session  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church 
of  Roanoke,  Virginia,  in  regard  to  printing  Shorter  Catechism  ques¬ 
tions  in  the  graded  lessons  of  the  Sabbath  School. 

That  while  we  feel  the  great  need  of  having  the  Catechism  taught 
in  our  Sunday  Schools  and  the  publication  of  at  least  one  question 
weekly  in  the  graded  literature  used,  yet  because  of  the  prohibitive 
cost  of  publication,  we  recommend  that  the  overture  be  answered  in 
the  negative.  We  would  also  call  their  attention  to  the  answer  of 
the  resolution  of  the  Editorial  Advisory  Committee  of  the  Committee 
of  Publication  and  Sabbath  Schools. 

In  answer  to  the  Editorial  Advisory  Committee  of  the  Committee  of 
Publication  and  Sabbath  Schools  relating  to  Uniform  and  Depart¬ 
mental  (or  Group)  lesson  and  lesson  helps,  to  suggested  changes, 
additions  and  enlargements  to  our  literature, 

We  recommend  the  following:  In  view  of  certain  serious  conse¬ 
quences  likely  to  be  involved  in  any  attempt  to  bring  our  Church 
to  the  adoption  of  the  Department  Graded  Lessons,  at  present  almost 
universally  in  use  among  us,  the  Assembly  instructs  the  Executive 
Committee  of  Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Work  to  adhere  to 
the  preparation  and  publication  of  the  lesson  helps  at  present  being 
furnished  the  Church,  and  that  the  Committee  of  Publication  and 
Sabbath  School  Work  be  instructed,  by  this  Assembly  10  study  thor¬ 
oughly  the  whole  question  of  lesson  systems  and  lesson  helps  and 


534  Sabbath  Schools  [Book  IV 

report  its  findings  and  any  recommendations  which  may  seem  wise 
to  the  next  General  Assembly. 

In  answer  to  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Upper  Missouri, 
protesting  against  a  tendency  on  the  part  of  our  Publication  and 
Sabbath  School  Committee  to  place  in  the  Sabbath  Schools  of  the 
Church  literature  which  tends  to  drift  away  from  the  Bible  text 
itself,  we  would  call  their  attention  to  the  answer  of  the  resolution 
of  the  Advisory  Editorial  Committee  of  the  Executive  Committee  of 
the  Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Work,  recommending  that  this 
be  corrected  as  soon  as  possible. 

1032.  Catechism  on  church  polity 

1891,  p.  247.  The  Committee  of  Publication  was  directed  to 
take  into  consideration  the  expediency  of  securing  the  preparation 
and  publication  of  a  brief  catechism  on  the  polity  of  our  church, 
suitable  for  use  in  our  Sabbath  Schools,  and  especially  in  those 
schools  established  in  the  more  destitute  parts  of  our  country,  where 
the  principles  of.  our  church  government  are  unknown.  It  is  recom¬ 
mended  that  such  catechism  shall  contain  the  Scripture  references 
which  inculcate  the  principles  therein  taught. 

1033.  Department  Quarterlies  and  supplemental  work 

That  our  Sabbath  Schools  use  the  quarterlies  prepared  for 
each  department  by  our  Committee  of  Publication  in  their  respective 
departments  and  urge  the  use  of  the  supplemental  work  as  suggested 
therein. 

1034.  Who  should  be  teachers 

1873,  p.  323.  Resolved,  That  Presbyteries  be  recommended  to 
urge  upon  Sessions  to  secure,  as  far  as  possible,  exclusively  the  ser¬ 
vices  of  pious  teachers. 

1035.  Standard  of  Efficiency 
• 

1912,  p.  39.  “The  standard  of  efficiency”  as  suggested,  in  the 
report  of  the  Executive  Committee  is  commended  to  every  school  in 
our  Church.  This  standard  is  not  too  high  and  can  be  easily  reached 
by  every  school  by  adopting  a  progressive  policy  and  working  with 
a  determined  effort  to  reach  the  goal. 

1913,  p.  70.  Presbyteries  are  urged  to  give  constant  and  earnest 
attention  to  utilizing  the  Sabbath  School  as  a  missionary  agency,  and 
to  perfecting  the  efficiency  of  the  schools  already  established  within 
their  bounds. 

1916,  p.  44.  We  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following  Ten- 
Point  Standard  in  order  that  we  may  conform  to  the  practice  of  the 
Sunday  School  forces  of  America: 

1.  Cradle  Roll  and  Home  Department. 

2.  Organized  Class  in  both  Secondary  and  Adult  Divisions. 


Secs.  1031-1037] 


Sabbath  Schools 


535 


3.  Teacher  Training  Class. 

4.  Graded  Organization  and  Instruction. 

5.  Missionary  Instruction  and  Offering. 

6.  Temperance  Instruction. 

7.  Definite  Decision  for  Christ  Urged. 

8.  Workers’  Conference  Regularly  Held. 

9.  Full  Denominational  Requirements. 

10.  Full  Sunday  School  Association  Requirements. 

1917,  p.  41.  The  Standard  of  Efficiency  approved  by  the  last 
Assembly  has  greatly  stimulated  many  of  our  schools  to  improve  the 
form  of  their  organization  and  vitalize  the  instruction  of  their 
workers,  and  all  our  schools  are  urged  to  keep  before  them  the  goal 
set  by  the  Standard  and  strive  to  become^  100  per  cent,  efficient. 

1918,  p.  48.  In  answer  to  overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  of 
Mecklenburg  and  East  Hanover,  asking  the  General  Assembly  to 
instruct  the  Committee  on  Publication  to  include  in  its  standards  of 
efficiency  for  the  Sunday  School  a  definite  and1  ample  credit  for  a 
systematic  plan  of  memorizing  the  Bible,  catechisms  and  hymns,  the 
Committee  recommends  that  the  overture  be  answered  in  the  affirma¬ 
tive. 

1036.  Use  our  own  literature 

1912,  p.  40.  The  Assembly  renewed  its  oft-repeated  commenda¬ 
tion  of  our  own  literature  for  the  use  of  our  Sabbath  Schools  and 
called  the  attention  of  our  people  especially  to  the  careful  adaption 
of  our  lesson  literature  to  the  fullest  requirements  of  the  best  graded 
schools;  and  the  Committee’s  plan  for  graded  uniform  lessons,  as 
outlined  in  the  pamphlet  presented  to  this  Assembly,  was  commended 
and  the  Committee  urged  to  complete  this  system  as  speedily  as 
possible. 

1913,  p.  70.  The  General  Assembly  specially  commended  to  our 
people  our  series  of  Uniform  Lesson  Helps  as  presented  in  our  graded 
system  of  Quarterlies,  and  earnestly  urged  the  more  perfect  grading 
of  our  schools  by  the  intelligent  use  of  our  entire  Quarterly  series. 

1915,  p.  44.  In  view  of  the  partial  use  of  other  literature  than 
our  own  by  some  of  the  Sabbath  Schools,  we  recommend  that  Presby¬ 
teries  be  directed  to  urge  upon  the  Sessions  to  use  the  Sabbath 
School  literature  of  our  Church  as  far  as  possible. 

1919,  p.  63.  The  “Lesson  Periodicals  and  Story  Papers  for 
Children  and  Young  People”  issued  by  the  Richmond  Committee 
are  commended  to  all  our  Sessions  and  Sunday  Schools  as  particu¬ 
larly  adapted  to  the  needs  of  our  Church.  While  the  great  majority 
of  our  schools  are  using  our  own  literature  exclusively,  in  many 
cases  they  are  not  securing  such  a  complete  set  of  graded  helps  as  is 
necessary  for  the  best  work. 

1037.  Against  the  use  of  the  syndicate  treatment  of  the  Inter¬ 
national  Graded  Lessons 

1912,  p.  41.  Pastoral  letter  to  the  pastors,  Sessions,  and  Sabbath 


536 


Sabbath  Schools 


[Book  IV 


School  superintendents  of  our  Churches. — It  has  come  to  our  knowl¬ 
edge  through  the  annual  report  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Pub¬ 
lication,  as  well  as  from  other  sources,  that  there  is  a  growing  per¬ 
plexity  in  the  minds  of  many  of  our  people  as  to  the  best  course  of 
study  to  be  used  in  our  Sabbath  Schools.  Attention  is  called  to  the 
fact  that  the  only  course  of  lessons  having  the  sanction  of  our  Assem¬ 
bly  is  the  uniform  course  of  International  Lessons,  together  with 
supplemental  material,  such  as  the  Catechisms,  instruction  in  Bible 
History,  Bible  Geography,  Bible  Literature,  Bible  Doctrine,  Church 
History,  and  the  Missionary  Activities  of  our  own  Church.  The 
Lesson  Periodicals  and  Helps  prepared  and  issued  by  our  Publica¬ 
tion  Committee  have  presented  this  uniform  course  of  lessons  with 
an  adapted  treatment  receiving  an  increasing  acceptance,  and  our 
schools  have  made  remarkable  progress  both  in  enrollment  and  in 
the  effectiveness  of  their  work,  while  using  this  system  of  lessons. 

Quite  recently  a  persistent  and  adroit  effort  has  been  started  by 
prominent  Workers  in  the  Sunday  School  world  to  displace  the 
Uniform  Course  of  Lessons  with  what  is  known  as  the  International 
Graded  Lessons.  This  agitation  has  become  so  widespread,  and 
such  exaggerated  claims  have  been  made  as  to  the  progressiveness 
and  superiority  of  this  new  course  of  Graded  Lessons,  that  here 
and  there  the  Sabbath  Schools  of  some  of  our  churches  have  been 
persuaded  to  introduce  the  new  course  of  study  and  to  use  lesson 
helps  not  published  by  our  Publication  Committee  or  endorsed  by 
our  Assembly.  There  are  so  many  grave  objections  to  the  new 
course  of  lessons,  and  particularly  to  the  treatment  of  the  course  now 
available,  that  we  feel  constrained  to  warn  pastors,  Sessions  and 
superintendents  against  the  \ise  of  the  system,  and  we  especially  pro¬ 
test  against  the  introduction  of  the  course  as  treated  in  the  helps 
known  as  “The  Westminster  Graded  Sunday  School  Lessons.” 

The  course  of  lessons  now  being  so  industriously  exploited  by 
interested  publishers  and  inter-denominational  Sunday  School  work¬ 
ers  is  open  to  the  following  fundamental  objections: 

First — They  fail  to  emphasize  sufficiently  the  redemptive  element, 
and  the  supernatural  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit  in  regeneration;  and 
some  of  the  leading  advocates  of  the  system  openly  avow  that  a  child 
can  be  brought  into  saving  relations  with  Jesus  Christ  by  a  process 
of  education. 

Second — The  graded  course  in  general  use  contains  much  ma¬ 
terial  not  taken  from  the  Bible,  such  as  Nature  Study  Lessons,  bio¬ 
graphical  studies  of  such  characters  as  Judas  Maccabeus,  Francis  of 
Assisi,  Roger  Williams,  Frances  Willard  and  others,  thus  prac¬ 
tically  claiming  that  such  material  is  of  equal  value  with  the  Word 
of  God  for  the  purpose  of  religious  education. 

Third— The  treatment  of  the  course  of  lessons  under  considera¬ 
tion  indicates  plainly  a  bias  toward  the  theories  of  the  school  of 
radical  criticism,  and  authorities  freely  quoted,  such  as  Kent  and 
Driver,  openly  cast  doubt  on  the  inspiration  of  portions  of  God’s 
Word.  Quotations  directly  attacking  the  inspiration  of  the  Bible 
are  for  the  most  part  carefully  omitted  in  most  of  the  helps  offered 


Sec.  1037] 


Sabbath  Schools 


537 

for  the  use  of  pupils  and  teachers,  but  reference  to  the  complete 
works  from  which  citations  are  made  clearly  shows  the  radical  views 
of  the  authors  quoted  with  approval. 

Fourth — The  theory  of  the  development  of  child  life  upon  which 
the  new  graded  course  is  based  calls  for  dividing  the  school  into 
seventeen  separate  grades  and  teaching  at  one  time  a  different  les¬ 
son  to  each  grade.  The  claim  is  made  in  effect  that  at  each  year  of 
the  pupil’s  life  the  presentation  of  a  different  phase  of  truth  is  re¬ 
quired,  and  they  undertake  to  say  what  special  passage  of  Scripture 
is  best  suited  to  present  the  particular  truth  that  the  fixed  year  in 
the  child’s  life  is  supposed  to  need. 

The  use  of  such  a  minute  classification  is  impossible  in  the  aver¬ 
age  school,  and  is  contrary  to  the  conclusions  Qf  the  best  educational 
authorities. 

Fifth — The  cost  of  the  material  for  such  a  minute  classification  or 
subdivision  is  a  serious  obstacle  to  the  introduction  of  such  a  course 
of  lessons  in  the  large  majority  of  our  schools,  and  any  system,  of  re¬ 
ligious  instruction  of  real  merit  should  be  available  for  schools  of 
every  class  and  condition. 

The  criticisms  directed  against  the  first  course  of  graded  lessons 
was  so  vigorous  and  widespread  that  a  second  or  modified  course  was 
prepared  which  eliminated  all  extra  Biblical  matter;  but  a  satisfactory 
treatment  of  this  course  is  not  available,  and  our  conviction  is  that 
it  is  utterly  impracticable  to  attempt  to  use  seventeen  distinct  lessons 
at  one  time  in  our  schools;  and  in  addition  the  large  cost  for  a  sat¬ 
isfactory  series  of  lesson  helps  will  make  the  use  of  such  a  system 
impossible  for  a  great  majority  of  our  schools.  The  principles  that 
underlie  gradation  are  recognized  as  applicable  in  proper  measure 
to  the  course  of  religious  instruction.  The  Uniform  Course  of  Inter¬ 
national  Lessons  conducts  the  pupil  in  an  orderly  manner  through 
the  whole  Bible,  leaving  no  important  areas  of  God’s  revelation  un¬ 
touched.  Proper  adaptation  of  the  truths  of  the  Uniform  Lessons 
has  been  found  easily  possible,  and  the  carefully  graded  series  of 
lesson  helps  prepared  by  trained  and  scholarly  workers  in  our  own 
Church  and  published  by  our  Publication  Committee,  will  meet  the 
demands  of  the  most  progressive  school,  and  yet  be  possible  of  use 
in  the  small  school  with  limited  equipment  and  untrained  but  con¬ 
secrated  workers. 

We  therefore  exhort  our  pastors,  Sessions  and  superintendents  to 
see  to  it  that  only  the  lesson  courses  and  helps  provided  by  our  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  of  Publication  are  used  in  the  schools  of  our  Church, 
feeling  assured  that  the  use  of  these  helps  will  exalt  the  Bible  to 
its  proper  place  as  the  one  infallible  rule  of  Faith  and  Duty,  and 
establish  and  strengthen  the  faith  of  our  people  in  the  great  doc¬ 
trines  of  our  Church. 

To  the  end  that  the  will  of  the  Assembly  may  be  made  known  to 
all  our  people,  we  earnestly  request  that  this  pastoral  letter  be  read 
by  all  the  pastors  to  their  congregations,  and  by  the  superintend¬ 
ents  to  their  schools  at  as  early  a  date  as  possible. 

1922,  p.  37.  We  would  urge  our  Committee  to  closely  guard  and 


538 


Sabbath  Schools 


[Book  IV 


supervise  all  courses  of  study,  books  and  literature  used  in  Sab¬ 
bath  School  Institutes  and  Conferences,  so  that  the  “faith  of  our 
fathers”  be  not  disturbed  by  the  introduction  of  so-called  destruct¬ 
ive  modernist  views.  We  would  further  instruct  our  Committee  not 
to  handle  the  Shorter  Bible.  Your  Committee  would  recommend  to 
the  churches  the  use  of  literature  and  supplies  furnished  by  our 
own  Committee  of  Publication  and  to  avoid  the  use  of  literature  of 
questionable  orthodoxy  furnished  by  houses  of  which  we  know  little. 

1038.  Co-operate  with  other  Presbyteries  and  Reformed  Sabbath 

School  agencies 

1913,  p.  70.  The  Assembly  approved  the  action  of  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  in  co-operating  with  other  Presbyterian  and  Reformed 
Sabbath  School  agencies  in  the  United  States  and  Canada  in  the 
effort  to  produce  a  series  of  Graded  Lessons  that  will  be  true  in  all 
their  parts  to  the  standards  of  our  Church  and  to  a  sound  philoso¬ 
phy  of  education,  and  adapted  to  the  needs  of  all  our  schools,  and  re¬ 
corded  its  appreciation  of  the  aggressive  action  of  our  Executive 

Committee  in  its  effort  to  protect  our  schools  from  false  doctrine. 

* 

1039.  Salvation  of  the  pupils  the  primary  aim  of  the  Sabbath  School 

1913,  p.  70a.  Sessions  are  encouraged  to  give  earnest  heed  to  the 
fact  that  the  salvation  of  the  soul  of  every  pupil  is  the  primary  aim 
of  the  Sabbath  School  and  should  engage  their  chief  attention;  the 
purely  educational  features  of  the  school  should  be  made  secondary 
to  its  evangelistic  purpose;  while  at  the  same  time  these  educational 
features  are  made  as  perfect  as  possible. 

1916,  p.  44.  Unceasing  and  devoted  labor  and  prayer  on  the 
part  of  the  teacher,  officer,  and  pastor  for  the  conversion  at  the 
earliest  moment  of  the  pupils  under  their  care  and  guidance. 

1917,  p.  41.  The  Presbyterial  Reports  indicate  that  in  many 
churches,  some  of  them  with  large  membership,  there  were  no  addi¬ 
tions  on  profession  of  faith.  Wei  believe  that  the  real  facts  are  not 
revealed  by  these  reports,  and  the  Assembly  again  enjoins  church 
Sessions  to  see  that  the  evangelistic  purpose  of  the  Sunday  School 
is  always  emphasized  and  that  full  and  accurate  reports  are  made 
annually  to  the  Presbytery  as  to  conversion  of  pupils  and  their  ad¬ 
mission  to  the  church. 

1040.  A  Standing  Committee  on  Sabbath  Schools  in  the  Assembly — 

Annual  reports,  to  be  made  by  Presbyteries 

1868,  p.  269.  Resolved,  1,  That  Presbyteries  be  enjoined  to  send 
up  annually  special  reports  on  the  extent  and  character  of  the  Sab¬ 
bath  School  work  within  their  bounds. 

2.  That  there  be  added  to  the  Standing  Committees  of  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  a  Committee  on  Sabbath  Schools. 


Secs.  1037-1045] 


Sabbath  Schools 


539 


1041.  Presbyterial  committees 

1870,  p.  512.  Resolved,  That  those  Presbyteries  which  have  not 
already  done  so  be  directed  to  appoint  executive  committees  to  take 
the  oversight  of  the  Sabbath  School  work  in  their  bounds. 

1880,  p.  214.  Resolved,  That  our  Presbyteries  appoint  each  a 
Superintendent  of  Sabbath  Schools,  or  a  Permanent  Committee, 
whose  special  duty  it  shall  be  to  promote  the  Sabbath  School  work. 

1042.  Presbyterial  and  Synodical  Superintendents  of  Sabbath  Schools 

% 

1887,  p.  241.  Each  Presbytery  is  advised  to  appoint  a  standing 
superintendent  of  Sabbath  Schools,  whose  business  it  shall  be,  by 
correspondence,  and,  it  mlay  be  by  visitation,  to  ascertain  the  con¬ 
dition  of  the  schools,  stimulate  the  diligence  of  those  in  charge  of 
them,  collect  the  statistics,  and  with  the  assistance  of  such  com¬ 
mittee  as  the  Presbytery  may  appoint,  prepare  the  reports  for  the 
General  Assembly. 

1921,  p.  74.  We  respectfully  recommend  that  each  Synod  con¬ 
sider  earnestly  the  advisability  of  securing  a  Synodical  Superintend¬ 
ent  for  Sabbath  School  and  Young  People’s  Work  in  order  to  develop 
in  a  more  intensive  way  these  fundamentally  important  enterprises 
within  its  bounds. 

See  1922,  p.  37. 

1043.  The  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  to  have  general 

oversight  of  Sunday  School  work 

1878,  p.  651.  Your  committee  recommend  tnat  the  general  over¬ 
sight  of  all  the  Sabbath  School  interests  of  our  Church,  and  the 
advancement  of  the  work  in  all  practicable  ways,  be  laid  upon  the 
Executive  Committee  of  Publication. 

1044.  Presbyterial  Sabbath  School  and  Publication  Committees 

1896,  p.  609.  The  Assembly  recommended  that  the  Presbyteries 
combine  their  Sabbath  School  and  Publication  Committees. 

1903,  p.  504.  That  the  Assembly’s  Standing  Committees  of  Pub¬ 
lication  and  of  Sabbath  Schools  and  Young  People’s  Societies  be 
consolidated  into  one  committee,  to  be  called  the  Standing  Commit¬ 
tee  of  Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Work;  that  the  Synods  and 
Presbyteries  be  requested  to  make  a  similar  change  in  the  interests 
of  simplicity  and  effectiveness  of  organization. 

1045.  The  “ Children’s  Friend” 

1861,  p.  9.  On  motion  of  R.  Mclnnis,  the  question  of  establish¬ 
ing  a  Sunday  School  paper  was  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Pub¬ 
lication. 

P.  40.  Resolved,  That  the  (Executive)  Committee  be  instructed 


540 


Sabbath  Schools 


[Book  IV 


to  publish,  as  soon  as  convenient,  a  suitable  Sabbath  School  paper. 

1863,  p.  173.  The  Executive  Committee  say:  “The  first  copy 
of  the  Children’s  Friend  appeared  in  August,  1862.  It  began  with 
a  circulation  of  about  3,000,  which  has  reached  10,000.  dhe  Com¬ 
mittee  has  been  unable  to  procure  engravings  to  embellish  its  pages.'’ 
Its  circulation  rose  in  1865  to  12,000,  but  owing  to  the  state  of  the 
country,  had  fallen  to  3,000,  when  its  publication  was  discontin¬ 
ued,  in  consequence  of  the  Committee’s  suspending  all  operations 
after  the  burning  of  Richmond. 

1865,  p.  374.  Resolved,  That  the  Committee  be  further  instructed 
to  recommence,  as  soon  as  practicable,  and  under  such  arrangements 
as  they  may  think  best,  the  publication  of  a  newspaper  for  the  use 
of  our  children  and  Sabbath  Schools. 

1866,  p.  65.  The  publication  of  the  Children’s  Friend  was  re¬ 
sumed  January  1st,  1866,  Rev.  William  Brown,  D.  D.,  temporary 
editor.  By  November  of  that  year  its  circulation  was  10,500.  In 
July,  it  was  changed  from  a  monthly  to  a  semi-monthly  paper,  with¬ 
out  any  change  in  price.  The  Committee  had  the  formal  co-opera¬ 
tion  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Sunday  School  Society  of  Rich¬ 
mond,  in  the  prosecution  of  this  work,  which  aided  much  in  gain¬ 
ing  a  circulation.  This  arrangement  ceased  with  the  expiration 
of  the  year. 

1872,  p.  171.  The  application  of  the  missionaries  in  Brazil  to 
have  one  page  or  more  of  the  Children’s  Friend  printed  in  Portu¬ 
guese,  in  a  sufficient  number  of  copies  to  meet  the  wants  of  the 
mission,  is  referred  by  the  Executive  Committee  to  the  General  As¬ 
sembly  for  its  direction.  This  committee  recommended  that  the 
Assembly  authorize  the  Executive  Committee  to  comply  with  this 
request.  Adopted. 

1885,  p.  416.  Overture  from  Presbytery  of  Columbia,  which 
asks  this  General  Assembly  “to  instruct  the  Executive  Committee 
of  Publication  to  have  the  Sabbath  School  lessons  printed  in  the 
Children’s  Friend,  as  heretofore  was  the  custom.”  Answered  in 
the  affirmative. 

This  custom  was  authorized  by  the  Assembly  of  1870,  in  order 
to  facilitate  the  introduction  of  the  plan  of  uniform  instruction 
into  our  Sabbath  Schools  upon  the  graded  system  (p.  534).  The 
use  of  the  International  series  was  authorized  in  1875.  The  pub¬ 
lication  of  such  lessons  in  the  Children’ s  Friend  was  discontinued 
after  five  or  six  years,  but  later  resumed  again  at  the  solicitation  of 
many  Presbyteries. 

1889;  p.  604.  The  Presbytery  of  Paris  asks  this  General  As¬ 
sembly  to  take  steps  toward  providing  an  illustrated  weekly  paper 
for  the  intermediate  classes  in  our  Sunday  Schools. 

We  refer  this  matter  to  the  Executive  Committee,  that  it  may  re¬ 
port  upon  it  to  the  next  General  Assembly. 

1890,  p.  82.  With  reference  to  this  the  Executive  Committee 
reported  that  on  investigation  they  reached  the  conclusion  that  the 
wishes  of  our  patrons,  as  expressed  to  us  through  the  action  of  the 
General  Assembly  and  in  other  ways,  would  best  be  met  by  the 


Secs.  1045-1046] 


Sabbath  Schools 


541 


issue  of  four  numbers  of  the  Children's  Friend  each  month,  instead 
of  two,  as  has  been  done  hitherto.  This  would  meet  the  desire  of 
many  to  have  a  paper  for  distribution  for  each  Sabbath  day,  ex¬ 
cept  when  a  fifth  Sabbath  occurs  in  any  month.  In  attempting  to 
meet  the  overture  referred  to  above,  we  had  this  difficulty:  the 
Children’s  Friend,  in  its  contents,  hitherto  has,  in  our  view,  been 
rather  adapted  to  the  intermediate  than  to  any  other  classes  in  our 
Sabbath  Schools.  It  seemed  best,  therefore,  to  make,  if  possible, 
provision  for  both  primary  and  intermediate  scholars.  As  it  did 
not  seem  to  us  practicable  to  issue  a  separate  paper,  we  have  con¬ 
cluded  to  have  one  department  suited  to  the  primary  and  one  suited 
to  the  intermediate  scholars. 

P.  41.  The  action  of  the  Committee  in  adapting  the  Childrens 
I'riend  to  the  use  of  the  primary  and  intermediate  scholars  was 
approved. 

1900,  p.  635.  It  was  recommended  that  a  column  of  The  Chil¬ 
dren’s  Friend  (published  by  our  Committee  of  Publication)  be  de¬ 
voted  to  the  topics  and  interests  of  the  Young  People’s  Societies, 
and  in  simpler  language  than  the  matter  now  printed  therein  ap¬ 
pears,  and  so  call  the  attention  of  a  wider  circle  of  our  young  peo¬ 
ple  to  this  very  important  department  of  Christian  labor,  to  the 
end  of  a  more  abundant  fruitage  for  good. 

1901,  p.  49.  Attention  is  called  to  the  fact  that  the  Children’s 
Friend,  published  by  our  Committee  of  Publication,  devotes  suit¬ 
able  space  to  the  topics  and  interests  of  the  Young  People’s  Socie¬ 
ties,  in  accordance  with  the  recommendation  of  the  last  Assembly. 

1902,  p.  285.  The  Assembly  decided  to  omit  from  The  Chil¬ 
dren’s  Friend  the  Sunday  School  lessons.  They  were  restored  the 
following  year  (1903,- p.  466.) 

1046.  The  “ Earnest  Worker” 

1870,  p.  534.  Resolved,  That  the  matter  of  a  Sabbath  School 
journal  for  teachers,  be  referred  to  the  Committee,  the  Assembly 
expressing  its  approval  of  the  idea  of  publishing  a  Sabbath  School 
journal  whenever,  in  the  judgment  of  the  Committee,  the  enterprise 
can  be  successfully  carried  out. 

The  publication  of  the  Earnest  Worker  in  the  Sabhctith-school  and  in 
the  Family  was  begun  in  October,  1870,  Rev.  S.  J.  Baird,  D.  D.,  pre¬ 
paring  the  expositions  and  questions  on  the  lessons. 

1871,  p.  22.  Resolved,  That  the  Earnest  Worker  be  sent,  with¬ 
out  charge,  for  one  year  to  each  minister  who  is  engaged  regularly 
in  preaching  the  gospel. 

1872,  p.  171.  Resolved,  That  the  Committee  be  advised  to  add 
a  brief  abstract  of  religious  news  to  the  columns  of  the  Earnest 
Worker  for  the  benefit  of  those  whose  means  do  not  allow  them  to 
take  any  other  religious  paper. 

1875,  p.  43.  Since  the  meeting  of  the  Assembly  last  a  plan  of 
business  operations  has  been  unanimously  agreed  upon  in  refer- 


542 


Sabbath  Schools 


[Book  IV 


ence  to  our  own  Publishing  House  and  that  of  the  Reformed  Church 
in  America.  This  plan  will  take  effect  during  the  approaching 
summer,  provided  the  proposed  scheme  of  co-operation,  now  pend¬ 
ing  before  the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church  and  our  own 
Assembly,  should  meet  the  approval  of  those  bodies.  Both  churches 
will  have  the  same  Sabbath  School  paper,  and  into  this  new  paper 
the  Children’s  Friend  is  to  be  merged.  The  Earnest  Worker  and 
the  Sower  and  Gospel  Fidd  are  to  become  one  paper,  for  circula-. 
tion  among  both  denominations.  This  scheme  carries  with  it  nec¬ 
essarily  the  publication  of  the  International  series  of  Sabbath  les¬ 
sons.  The  Assembly  recognizes  in  the  plan  of  co-operation  be¬ 
tween  our  Reformed  brethren  and  ourselves,  and  in  the  publication 
of  the  International  series,  a  happy  solution  of  the  difficulties  that 
have  surrounded  our  periodicals  for  a  year  or  two  past. 

1876,  p.  222.  This  Assembly  learns  with  gratification  that  the 
plan  of  co-operation,  touching  the  publishing  interests,  between  the 
Reformed  and  our  own  Church,  has  been  in  part  consummated  with 
mutual  advantage;  and  while  recognizing  the  fact  that  it  takes  time 
to  carry  out  such  a  plan,  the  hope  is  hereby  expressed  that  meas¬ 
ures  will  be  adopted  for  its  full  consummation  as  soon  as  possible. 

The  Gospel  Sower  took  the  place  of  the  Earnest  Worker  for  the  year 
1876.  This  publication  was  jointly  issued  by  the  Board  of  Publication 
of  the  Reformed  Church  in  America  and  this  Committee,  under  the 
plan  of  co-operation  adopted  by  the  chief  judicatories  of  the  two 
churches.  Its  circulation  was  over  8,000  oopies.  But  this  joint 
periodical  not  exactly  meeting  the  wants'  of  either  Church,  it  was 
deemed  best  to  discontinue  it;  and  the  Earnest  Worker  was  revived 
on  the  first  of  January,  1877. 

1877,  p.  440.  That  the  Earnest  Worker  shall  hereafter  be  pub¬ 
lished  monthly,  and  devoted  exclusively  to  the  exposition  of  Scrip¬ 
ture  lessons  and  other  subjects  promotive  of  Sabbath  School  work. 

1889,  p.  604.  We  commend  the  determination  of  the  Committee 
to  limit  advertisements  in  its  pages  to  those  of  our  publications,  and 
such  as  have  been  approved  and  recommended  by  the  Executive 
Committee. 

P.  638.  For  The  Earnest  Worker  additional  editorial  help  has 
been  secured,  by  which  we  have  been  enabled  to  add  a  Practical 
and  illustrative  department  to  our  Lesson  Comments,  and  a  Teach¬ 
er’s  department.  These  departments  have  been  placed  in  the  hands 
of  brethren  thoroughly  qualified  for  the  work,  Rev.  W.  A.  Camp¬ 
bell,  D.  D.,  and  Rev.  E.  C.  Gordon,  D.  D. 

1905,  p.  51.  The  Earnest  Worker  was  enlarged  from  a  32  to 
a  40  page  form,  with  a  promised  enlargement  at  the  first  of  July 
to  a  48  page  form. 

1916,  p.  46.  Overture  from  East  Mississippi  Presbytery,  ask¬ 
ing  the  insertion  of  lessons  on  Sabbath  observance  in  the  yearly 
lessons : 

We  recommend  that  this  be  answered  in  the  negative,  but,  at 
the  same  time,  asking  our  Committee,  wherever  possible,  to  call  at¬ 
tention  in  the  various  publications  to  the  Sabbath  obligations. 


Secs .  1046-1051] 


Sabbath  Schools 


543 


1917,  p.  41.  The  Assembly  approved  the  action  of  the  Commit¬ 
tee  in  providing  space  in  the  Earnest  Worker  for  definite  notices 
concerning  the  objects  of  beneficence  each  month,  and  directed  that 
a  similar  course  be  pursued  in  the  publications  that  are  put  in 
the  hands  of  younger  classes,  if  suitable  material  is  available. 

1047.  Editor  authorized 

*» 

1903,  p.  503.  The  Executive  Committee  was  authorized,  as  soon 
as  the  way  be1  clear,  to  elect  an  editor  to  have  charge  of  the  editorial 
department. 

1048.  Editorial  Staff  and  Secretary  commended 

1912,  p.  39.  In  our  Publication  department  the  amount  and 
character  of  the  work  done  in  the  past  year  is  very  commendable 
and  reflects  great  credit  upon  the  editorial  staff  and  the  Secretary. 

1049.  An  infant  paper 

1876,  p.  222.  Inasmuch  as  information  has  been  received  by 
the  Standing  Committee,  from  the  Secretary,  that  many  persons 
have  expressed  a  desire  for  the  publication  of  an  infants’  paper, 
this  Assembly  authorizes  the  Executive  Committee  to  issue  such  a 
paper  as  soon  as  a  sufficient  number  of  subscribers  can  be  secured 
to  meet  the  expenses  of  its  publication,  and  recommends  that  speci¬ 
men  copies  be  sent  out  among  the  churches  and  Sunday  Schools, 
to  bring  it  into  notice  and  secure  patronage. 

1050.  Pearls  for  the  Little  Ones,  and  other  papers 

1893,  p.  66.  At  the  beginning  of  this  year  the  issue  of  a  weekly 
paper  for  the  smaller  children  of  our  Sabbath  Schools,  Pearls  for 
the  Little  Ones,  was  begun.  It  has  been  favorably  received.  (P.  21.) 

1895,  p.  447.  A  Primary  Quarterly  has  been  added  to  the  list 
of  our  Sabbath  School  papers;  also  a  series  of  Bible  Picture  Les¬ 
sons  for  the  little  ones.  The  total  issue  per  annum;  of  all  the  Sab¬ 
bath  School  periodicals  in  1897  was  nearly  4,500,000  copies,  yield¬ 
ing  a  royalty  to  the  Committee. of  more  than  $4,000.  The  Assem¬ 
bly,  in  1895,  (p.  416),  recommended  that  the  annual  report  should 
show  the  circulation  of  the  various  publications,  such  as  the  Ear¬ 
nest  Worker,  Children’s  Friend,  etc. 

1051.  Another  paper — “Onward” 

1885,  p.  416.  Overture  from  Presbytery  of  Eastern  Texas,  which 
asks  this  Assembly  to  “instruct  the  Executive  Committee  of  Pub¬ 
lication  to  issue  another  Sabbath  School  paper,  of  good  quality 
and  low  price.”  Answered  in  the  negative. 

1903,  p.  495.  An  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Upper  Mis- 


544 


Sabbath  Schools 


[Book  IV 


souri  asks  the  Assembly  to  direct  the  Committee  of  Publication  to 
publish  a  paper  for  the  aid  of  our  young  people  and  larger  pupils 
of  our  Sabbath  Schools.  We  recommend  that  the  overture  be  not 
granted. 

1907,  p.  40.  The  Assembly  formally  expressed  its  gratification 
at  the  consummation  of  plans  for  publishing  a  high-grade  paper 
for  young  people,  and  all  pastors  and  Sessions  were  urged  to  lib¬ 
erally  patronize  this  paper. 

P.  41.  It  was  decided  not  to  make  this  paper  ( Onward )  an 
organ  for  the  benevolent  causes  of  the  church. 

1052.  Presbyterian  Church  Newspaper 

1908,  p.  50.  The  Assembly  declined  to  undertake  the  publica¬ 
tion  of  such  a  periodical. 

1919,  p.  62.  From  the  Presbytery  of  Greenbrier,  asking  that 
the  Assembly  take  such  action  as  may  be  necessary  looking  to  the 
publication  of  a  religious  newspaper,  published  daily  except  Sun¬ 
day.  Realizing  the  impracticability  of  such  an  enterprise,  we  rec¬ 
ommend  that  it  be  answered  in  the  negative. 

1053.  Year  Book 

1906,  p.  22.  In  answer  to  an  overture  asking  for  the  publica¬ 
tion  of  a  year  book,  it  was  recommended  that  it  be  answered  in  the 
affirmative  and  that  the  Committee  of  Publication  be  instructed  to 
prepare  the  same. 

1907,  p.  41.  The  Assembly .  recommended  the  continuance  of  the 
publication  of  the  Year  Book,  and  that  the  Executive  Committee 
be  authorized  to  place  a  price  upon  this  publication  which  shall 
cover  the  cost  of  its  publication,  and  that  the  Stated  Clerk  be  re¬ 
quested  to  furnish  the  Executive  Committee  full  data  concerning 
all  official  actions  of  the  General  Assembly. 

1909,  p.  25.  Your  Committee  endorses  the  recommendation  of 
the  Executive  Committee  to  discontinue  the  publication  of  the  Church 
Year  Book,  for  the  reason  that  “the  Church  does  not  appreciate  the 
value  of  the  book,”  and  its  free  distribution  is  too  great  a  tax  upon 
the  resources  of  the  Committee. 

1054.  Missionary  Literature 

1910,  p.  36.  The  Committee  of  Publication  was  directed  to 
prepare  and  circulate  Missionary  literature  for  Sabbath  Schools 
and  Young  People’s  Societies. 

1055.  The  International  Lessons 

1873,  p.  309.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Arkansas,  ask¬ 
ing  the  Committee  of  Publication  to  adopt  the  International  text 
for  Sabbath  School  lessons  for  1874.  The  whole  subject  was  re- 


Secs.  1051-1055] 


Sabbath  Schools 


545 


ferred  to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication,  to  act  as  they 
think  best. 

1874,  p.  512.  In  response  to  overtures  from  the  Synod  of  Ala¬ 
bama,  and  from  the  Presbyteries  of  South  Alabama  and  Central 
Texas,  all  of  the  same  purport,  asking  for  the  incorporation  of  the 
text  of  the  “International  Lessons,”  in  the  Earnest  Worker,  and  in 
view  of  the  reference  of  the  same  subject  to  this  Assembly,  made 
by  the  Committee  of  Publication  in  their  last  annual  report,  w/e 
recommend  the  following  action: 

Resolved,  That  the  Assembly  respectfully  decline  the  request  of 
the  overtures,  and  direct  the  Committee  of  Publication  to  pursue 
the  course  hitherto  followed  in  the  selection  and  exposition  of  the 
Sabbath  Schools  lessons. 

1875,  p.  64.  The  Executive  Committee  report  that  there  has 
been  a  great  falling  off  in  the  circulation  of  the  two  papers,  caused 
chiefly  by  the  refusal  of  the  last  Assembly  to  order  the  Committee 
to  adopt  the  International  course  of  lessons. 

When  the  Assembly  and  the  Reformed  Church  adopted  a  plan 
of  joint  publications  for  Sabbath  Schools,  the  latter  was  using  this 
series  in  the  Gospel  Sower  and  her  other  papers,  and  the  plan  car¬ 
ried  with  it  the  provision  that  the  Assembly  would  accede  to  the 
policy  of  the  Reformed  Church,  and  also  adopt  this  series  for  her 
schools.  This  was  agreed  to  (p.  43). — A. 

1899,  p.  439.  A  request  was  made  that  the  International  Lessons 
be  given  up,  and  that  a  system  be  prepared  suitable  to  our  church. 

Answered  in  the  negative. 

1900,  p.  637.  In  answer  to  an  overture,  the  Assembly  appoints 
a  committee  of  five,  with  Rev.  E.  C.  Murray,  D.  D.,  as  chair¬ 
man,  and  including  the  Secretary  of  the  Assembly’s  Committee  of 
Publication,  to  consider  the  best  methods  of  securing  the  end  con¬ 
templated,  and,  if  possible,  to  submit  to  the  next  Assembly  for  ap¬ 
proval  a  comprehensive,  progressive  and  graded  system  of  Bible 
Study. 

1901,  p.  50.  Three  reports  were  presented,  and  all  were  referred 
to  the  next  Assembly. 

1902,  p.  276.  Two  main  questions  were  considered,  viz.:  First, 
Is  it  possible  to  introduce  into  our  Sabbath  Schools  a  graded  sys¬ 
tem  of  instruction?  Second,  Is  the  present  International  System  of 
Lessons  satisfactory,  and  shall  it  be  continued?  There  was  but 
one  mind  in  the  ad  interim  committee  respecting  the  first  of  these 
points.  All'  favored  a  graded  course  of  instruction.  Regarding 
the  second  point  the  majority  report  advocates  the  retention  of  the 
International  Lessons,  and  sets  forth  various  reasons  therefor,  but 
argues  for  a  more  strict  and  extended  system  of  grading,  while  both 
minority  reports  recommend  that  the  Assembly  endeavor,  by  what¬ 
ever  means  may  be  necessary,  to  have  the  present  International 
Lessons  so  changed  as  to  make  them  a  comprehensive,  progressive 
and  graded  system. 

It  is  the  judgment  of  your  committee,  that  while  there  is  a  dif- 


546  Sabbath  Schools  [Book  IV 

ference  of  opinion  in  the  details  of  the  reports,  notwithstanding 
there  is  substantial  agreement  on  the  main  questions. 

1056.  Advanced  course 

4*.^  ■  * 

1903,  pp.  495,  542.  A  memorial  from  the  Executive  Commit¬ 
tee  of  the  Western  Section  of  the  Alliances  of  the  Reformed 
Churches,  touching  an  advanced  course  of  Sabbath  School  Lessons, 
was  referred  to  the  committee;  and  carefully  considered.  The  As¬ 
sembly  adopted  the  plan  set  forth  in  the  memorial. 

1057.  Lessons  on  the  Sabbath  and  on  Missions 

1907,  p.  42.  In  response  to  an  overture  requesting  that  a  spe¬ 
cial  lesson  on  the  Sabbath,  similar  to  the  special  lessons  on  Temper¬ 
ance  and  Missions,  be  provided  for  in  the  regular  course  of  in¬ 
struction,  the  Assembly  expressed  its  sympathy  with  the  objects  of 
this  overture,  but  believed  the  conditions  sought  to  be  remedied  by 
this  action  desired  could  be  better  met  by  the  systematic  study  of 
the  Word  of  God  than  by  special  lessons  devoted  to  such  special 
topics. 

1906,  p.  21.  The  Executive  Committee  was  authorized  to  sub¬ 
stitute  two  special  missionary  lessons  for  two  of  the  temperance  les¬ 
sons  during  the  year. 

1909,  p.  27.  Central  Mississippi  Presbytery  asked  that  as  many 
as  twelve  supplemental  lessons  on  missions  be  given  annually  in 
our  Sabbath  School  lesson  papers.  We  recommend  that  it  be  an¬ 
swered  in  the  negative,  and  respectfully  refer  the  Presbytery  to 
the  “Supplemental  Graded  Course,”  where  may  be  found  a  large 
number  of  lessons  on  missions  adapted  to  all  the  departments  of 
our  Sabbath  Schools. 

% 

1058.  Sunday  School  Missionary  Aims 

1914,  p.  67.  The  Executive  Committee  has  been  emphasizing 
the  importance  of  promoting  missionary  education  in  the  Sabbath 
Schools,  and  they  have  submitted  the  following  “Sunday  School  Mis- 
sicnary  Aims  for  1914”: 

1.  A  missionary  superintendent  and,  committee. 

2.  Officers  and  teachers  developed  in  missionary  leadership. 

3.  A  missionary  impression  every  Sunday  through  Bible  read¬ 
ing,  prayer,  song  or  formal  program. 

4.  Graded  missionary  material  used  in  every  department. 

5.  Missionary  literature  regularly  circulated. 

6.  The  school  trained  in  intercession. 

7.  The  school  instructed  in  Christian  stewardship  and  contribut¬ 
ing  systematically  to  missions. 

8.  The  school  engaged  in  some  form  of  Evangelism  and  Social 
Service. 


Secs.  1055-1061] 


Sabbath  Schools 


547 


9.  The  school  a  recruiting  agency  for  Christian  leaders  in  So¬ 
cial  Service  and  Missions. 

10.  The  school  actively  participating  in  Home  and  Foreign  Mis¬ 
sionary  Campaigns. 

1059.  Authorized  Version  in  Sabbath  School  Exercises 

1903,  p.  503.  In  answer  to  an  overture  asking  that  the  Assem¬ 
bly  direct  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  to  use  the  lan¬ 
guage  of  the  Authorized  Version  in  their  selections .  of  Scriptures 
for  optional  forms  for  Sabbath  School  exercises,  we  recommend 
that  the  matter  be  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  Committee. 

1904,  p.  50.  Your  Committee,  after  investigation,  believes  that 
there  is  an  error;  that  a  substitute  was  moved  for  the  recommenda¬ 
tion,  “leaving  this  matter  to  the  Committee,”  to  the  effect  that  “the 
Committee  be  instructed  to  use  only  the  Authorized  Version  in  such 
optional  forms,”  which  substitute  prevailed.  We  recommend  that 
such  is  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly.  Adopted. 

1060.  Catechism  and  doctrinal  questions  on  the  lessons 

1894,  p.  225.  The  Executive  Committee  is  requested,  in  the 
preparation  of  the  questions  and  comments  on  the  lessons,  to  indi¬ 
cate  and  enforce  more  clearly  the  doctrines  of  our  church,  and  to 
incorporate  the  questions  in  the  Shorter  Catechism  which  are  ger- 
main  to  the  lesson  in  hand. 

1901,  p.  20.  Overture  asking  that  the  General  Assembly  au¬ 
thorize  the  Committee  of  Publication  to  return  to  the  old  system  of 
completing  the  Catechism  in  two  years  instead  of  one;  your  com¬ 
mittee  recommends  that  this  overture  be  answered  in  the  affirma¬ 
tive,  and  that  the  change  asked  be  ordered. 

1061.  The  Missionary  Survey 

1911,  p.  70g.  In  view  of  the  loss  entailed  by  the  publication 
of  The  Missionary  and  The  Home  Mission  Herald,  these  maga¬ 
zines  are  to  be  combined  into  one  magazine  that  will  represent  not 
only  these  causes,  but  all  the  causes  of  the  Church,  and  that  it  be 
published  by  the  Committee  on  Publication. 

1912,  p.  39.  The  new  Church  publication,  The  Missionary  Sur¬ 
vey,  authorized  to  be  published  by  the  last  General  Assembly,  has 
been  successfully  launched  and  is  being  ably  edited  by  Mr.  W.  C. 
Smith,  a  ruling  elder.  This  splendid  new  publication  is  cordially 
commended  to  the  favor  of  the  people,  -and  we  urge  pastors,  Ses¬ 
sions,  and  the  missionary  organizations  to  aid  in  the  effort  to  place 
this  publication  in  every  home  in  our  Church. 

1915,  p.  46.  We  especially  recommend  the  Missionary  Survey 
to  our  Sabbath  Schools  as  an  excellent  text-book  for  missionary  in¬ 
struction,  and  ask  that  an*  effort  be  made  to  increase  its  subscrip¬ 
tion  through  the  Sabbath  Schools. 


548 


Sabbath  Schools 


[Book  IV 


1916,  p.  45.  We  recommend  that  the  Missionary  Survey  be 
placed  in  every  home  in  our  Church,  and  that  the  pastors  make  spe¬ 
cial  effort  to  interest  the  members  of  their  churches  to  this  end. 

1062.  Responsive  readings  in  the  Sunday  School 

1893,  p.  35.  Overture  respecting  the  responsive  readings  in  the 
exercises  for  Children’s  Day  Missionary  Festival.  Answer 

1.  These  programs  of  exercises  for  the  observance  of  Children’s 
Day  are  prepared  by  the  Secretaries  of  the  Executive  Committee 
of  Foreign  Missions  by  direction  of  the  Assembly,  though  the  form 
thereof  is  not  submitted  to  the  Assembly;  and  their  use  is  not  oblig¬ 
atory,  but  is  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  Sessions. 

2.  The  New  Testament  recognizes  the  simplest  form  of  worship, 
and  this  the  Presbyterian  Church  seeks  to  maintain.  Responsive 
readings  in  the  exercises  prepared  for  our|  Sabbath  Schools  in  the 
Missionary  Festival  for  Children’s  Day,  and  in  The  Earnest  Worker 
for  ordinary  use  in  the  school,  in  which  instruction  and  missionary 
intelligence  are  given,  as  by  question  and  answer,  are  not  unsuited 
to  the  purpose,  nor,  as  used  in  our  Sunday  Schools,-  inconsistent 
with  the  spirit  of  our  mode  of  worship. 

1916,  p.  71.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Concord,  touching  responsive  readings  in  the  opening  of  the  Sab¬ 
bath  Schools,  etc.: 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  sees  no  danger  of  introducing 
ritualism  by  responsive  readings  in  the  Sabbath  School. 

1063.  Contributions  of  Sabbath  Schools  for  benevolent  causes 

1871,  p.  27.  Resolved,  That  collections  be  taken  up  in  Sabbath 
Schools  for  all  the  benevolent  schemes  of  the  Church,  on  such  days 
as  are  ordered  by  the  Synods,  to  the  end  that  the  children  may  have 
their  minds  trained  to  sustain  those  great  objects  of  the  Church’s  ag¬ 
gressive  work. 

1872,  p.  174.  Resolved,  That  the  children  of  the  Sabbath  Schools 
be  encouraged  to  contribute  to  all  the  benevolent  schemes  of  the 
Church,  in  the  order  and  at  the  times  designated  by  the  General 
Assembly,  i.  e.,  on  each  alternate  month;  and  that  pastors  and  super¬ 
intendents  be  careful  to  explain  to  them,  at  the  time,  the  object  to 
which  they  are  invited  to  contribute;  so  that  they  may  be  trained  to 
an  intelligent  giving  to  these  objects  of  the  Church  in  her  aggress¬ 
ive  work. 

See  also  1870,  p.  512,  and  1877,  p.  434. 

1884,  p.  230.  Resolved,  That  Presbyteries  request  Sessions,  as 
far  as  practicable,  to  presient  all  the  causes  of  the  Assembly  to  those 
schools  under  their  care,  and  that  at  least  one  collection  for  each 
cause  be  taken  up  during  the  ytear. 

1885,  p.  408.  As  very  few  schools  talce  up  collections  for  all  the 
objects,  as  enjoined  by  last  Assembly,  and  some  object  to  the  in- 


Secs.  1061-1065] 


Sabbath  Schools 


549 


junction,  we  recommend  that  the  matter  be  left  to  the  discretion  of 
Sessions. 

1917,  p.  41.  We  note  with  gratitude  the  increased  interest  on 
the  part  of  our  Sunday  Schools  in  the  benevolent  causes  of  the 
Assembly,  and  we  take  occasion  to  further  heartily  commend  our 
great  causes  to  the  full  consideration  of  all  our  Sunday  Schools. 

1064.  Collections  for  the  Assembly’ s  causes  in  Sunday  Schools 

♦ 

1892,  p.  448.  The  attention  of  our  schools  is  called  to  the  order 
of  a  previous  Assembly  to  the  effect  that  the  schools  be  trained  to 
take  up  collections  for  the  various  causes  of  benevolence  under  the 
care  of  the  Assembly.  (See  1888,  p.  419,  et  passim.) 

1899,  pp.  418,  419.  The  Assembly  declined  to  require  that  Sun¬ 
day  School  reports  be  so  itemized  as  to  show  to  what  causes  they 
had  contributed. 

1908,  p.  52.  The  Assembly  believes  that  the  children  in  our  Sab¬ 
bath  Schools  should  be  trained  in  their  interest  in,  and  their  gifts 
to,  all  the  benevolent  causes  of  our  church,  and  it  therefore  in¬ 
structs  the  Committee  of  Publication  to  add  to  the  present  blanks 
used  in  making  Sabbath  School  reports,  spaces  for  the  other  be¬ 
nevolent  causes  of  our  church  in  addition  to  those  now  on  the  re¬ 
port,  and  that  pastors  and  Sabbath  School  superintendents  be  urged 
to  train  the  children  in  their  interest  in,  and  liberality  to,  these 
causes. 

1912,  p.  41.  Sabbath  Schools  are  enjoined  to  contribute  to  all 
the  benevolent  causes  commended  by  the  Church  Courts. 

1065.  Sabbath  School  Extension 

1908,  p.  52.  We  recommend  that  the  offering  taken  in  the 
churches  and  Sabbath  Schools  in  March  and  October  be  desig¬ 
nated  the  offering  for  Sabbath  School  Extension  and  Publication, 
instead  of  Sabbath  School  Missions  and  Publication,  as  now. 

1911,  p.  64.  That  the  first  Sabbath  in  October  be  continued  as 
the  day  for  annual  contributions  in  Sabbath  Schools  to  the  Sab¬ 
bath  School  Extension  Work. 

That  the  General  Assembly  adopt  the  recommendations  of  the 
Assembly’s  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  for 
this  cause,  i.  e.,  that  $30,000  be  raised  for  Extension  Work  during 
this  year. 

1913,  p.  70.  The  churches  and  schools  of  the  Assembly  are 
asked  to  raise  as  the  minimum  for  the  Extension  Work  of  the 
Publication  Committee  the  sum  of  $37,500. 

1914,  p.  67.  Your  Committee,  recognizing  the  fact  that  Sabbath 
School  extension  means  Church  extension,  and,  believing  that  our 
Church  is  not  willing  to  take  a  backward  step  with  regard  to  this 
important  cause,  would  recommend  that  the  churches  and  Sabbath 
Schools  of  our  Assembly  be  asked  to  raise,  as  the  minimum  for 
the  extension  work  of  this  Committee,  the  sum  of  $37,000.00  for  the 


550 


Sabbath  Schools 


[Book  IV 


years  1913-14  and  1915-16;  and  we  further  recommend  that  the 
churches  be  asked  to  provide,  as  soon  as  possible,  the  sum  of  $75,- 
000.00  per  year  for  the  adequate  development  of  this  work. 

1915,  p.  44.  The  sum  of  $48,000  was  approved  by  the  Assem¬ 
bly  for  this  cause. 

1916,  p.  45.  The  same  amount  was  approved. 

1917,  p.  41.  The  amount  asked  for  1918-19  was  $52,800. 

1918,  p.  45.  A  summary  of  the  visible  results  of  the  fifteen  years’ 
activity  of  the  Sunday  School  Extension  Department  of  the  Com¬ 
mittee  is  most  encouraging,  and  should  persuade  the  .  Church  to 
make  a  yet  larger  investment  in  this  most  fruitful  field  of  effort 
which  lies  at  the  very  foundation  of  our  growth  as  a  Church  or¬ 
ganization. 

1921,  p.  74.  That  the  exceedingly  great  importance  of  our  Young 
People’s  Work  be  called  to  the  attention  of  all  Synods  and  Presby¬ 
teries  and  local  churches,  and  that  they  be  requested  and  urged  to 
do  everything  possible  to  give  the  very  best  training  to  our  young 
people,  that  the  Church  of  tomorrow  may  be  stronger  and  better 
than  the  Church  of  today. 

1918,  p.  47.  We  recommend  that  $75,000.00  be  raised  during 
1919-20  for  the  work  of  Sunday  School  Extension,  and  that  Pres¬ 
byteries,  Church  Sessions  and  Pastors  make  a  sustained  effort  to 
educate  our  people  as  to  the  importance  of  this  work  and  secure 
from  every  Church,  Sunday  School  and  Society  an  offering  for 
this  cause. 

1919,  p.  63.  The  Sunday  School  as  an  evangelistic  agency  is 
commended  to  the  loyalty,  liberality  and  co-operation  of  our  peo¬ 
ple,  and  all  churches,  Sunday  Schools,  Women’s  Societies  and  Young 
People’s  Societies  are  urged  to  contribute  the  amount  of  $80,000, 
apportioned  by  the  General  Assembly  to  the  Publication  Committee 
for  Sunday  School  Extension. 

1920,  p.  63.  Following  the  action  of  the  Systematic  Beneficence 
Committee,  we  recomjnend  that  the  quota  of  Sabbath  School  Ex¬ 
tension  for  192 1-’22  be  $90,000,  or  2  per  cent,  of  $4,500,000. 

1916,  p.  44.  Each  Presbytery  is  urged  to  employ,  if  practicable, 
a  man  who  shall  devote  his  entire  time  to  the  work  of*  Sabbath 
School  Extension,  where  support  can  be  found  for  such  a  worker; 
but  where  this  is  not  possible,  it  is  suggested  that  a  worker  be  em¬ 
ployed  who  can  do  the  work  of  an  Evangelist  and  Sunday  School 
Missionary. 

1919,  p.  62.  From  the  Presbytery  of  Congaree,  to  enlarge  the 
Committee  on  Sunday  School  Extension  so  that  there  may  be  in 
each  Synod  at  least  one  Sunday  School  expert  giving  his  time  to 
developing  our  Sunday  Schools,  etc.  Believing  that  what  is  asked 
in  this  overture  is  already  in  the  power  of  the  Assembly’s  Commit¬ 
tee  to  grant,  we  recommend  that  it  be  answered  in  the  negative. 

1921,  p.  73.  From  the  Presbytery  of  West  Lexington  request¬ 
ing  the  Assembly  to  enlarge  the  force  of  Sabbath  School  workers  by 
the  addition  of  some  lay  workers  who  shall  go  among  the  churches 
to  teach  the  most  effective  methods  of  Sabbath  School  Work.  We 


Secs.  1065-1066] 


Sabbath  Schools 


551 


recommend  that  this  request  be  approved  in  principle,  and  call  at¬ 
tention  to  the  fact  that  our  Committee  is  already  making  use  of 
many  lay  workers. 

1066.  Bible  Day 

1907,  p.  41.  The  Assembly  recommended  the  universal  celebra¬ 
tion  of  Bible  Day — the  first  Sabbath  in  December. 

1910,  p.  51.  The  first  Sabbath  of  September  was  recommended 
as  Bibje  Day. 

1067.  Children’s  Day  or  Sabbath  School  Day,  or  Rally  Day — First 

Sabbath  in  October 

1900,  p.  633.  We  recommend  that  the  first  Sunday  in  October 
of  each  year  be  observed  by  all  the  Sunday  Schools  of  our  church 
as  the  day  when  special  effort  shall  be  made  to  bring  all  the  forces 
of  the  individual  churches  to  the  support  of  their  schools,  and  when 
definite  plans  shall  be  presented  for  reaching  the  children  and  young 
people  of  the  community,  who  are  not  in  any  Sunday  School. 

1901,  p.  49.  While  the  Assembly  sanctions  a  proper  observance 
of  Children’s  Day,  it  would  respectfully  request  all  churches  under 
its  care  to  avoid,  as  far  as  possible,  all  exercises  in  which  the  prom¬ 
inent  feature  is  mere  display,  or  which,  by  the  introduction  of  the 
spectacular,  may  lead  to  the  desecration  of  God’s  house  and  His 
holy  day. 

1905,  p.  53.  Special  attention  is  called  to  Sabbath  School  Day, 
the  first  Sabbath  in  October,  and  pastors  and  churches  are  urged  to 
make  it  an  occasion  with  the  following  ends  in  view: 

(a)  To  bring  every  member  of  the  Church  into  vital  touch  with 
the  Sabbath  School,  and  enlist  them  in  some  of  its  activities. 

(b)  To  reach  and  enroll  the  children  and  young  people  in  the 
vicinity  who  are  not  members  of  any  Sabbath  School. 

(c)  To  plan  for  better  methods  of  work  and  a  specific  endeavor 
to  quicken  the  spiritual  life  of  the  members  of  the  school. 

(d)  To  make  a  generous  offering  for  the  support  of  the  Sabbath 
School  mission  work  of  the  Assembly. 

1912,  p.  5.  Last  Sabbath  in  September. 

1913,  p.  39.  According  to  the  repeated  request  of  the  Executive 
Committee  of  Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Work,  the  first  Sun¬ 
day  in  October  is  adopted  as  Sunday  School  Rally  Day. 

1918,  p.  48.  In  answer  to  an  overture  from,  the  Presbytery  of 
Paris,  asking  that  Rally  Day  be  changed  to  the  last  Sabbath  in 
September,  the  Assembly  answers  that  the  first  Sunday  in  October 
was  established  in  1900  as  the  most  suitable  date  for  Rally  Day 
in  the  schools  of  our  Assembly,  and  various  attemtps  to  change  the 
date  have  proven  unsatisfactory  to  our  schools  and  detrimental  to 
the  cause  of  Sunday  School  Extension.  We  therefore  answer  this 
overture  in  the  negative  and  direct  that  the  first  Sunday  in  October 
remain  as  our  Rally  Day*  date. 


552 


Sabbath  Schools 


/ 


[Book  IV 


1608.  Union  Sunday  Schools 

1879,  p.  59.  As  many  Presbyteries  report  Union  Sabbath  Schools 
in  their  bounds,  and  do  not  give  the  number  of  the  children  of  our 
Church  who  are  in  such  schools,  it  is  earnestly  recommended  that 
the  number  of  such  scholars  shall  be  "reported,  and  that,  as  soon  as 
possible,  schools  distinctively  Presbyterian  shall  be  organized  and 
such  children  gathered  into  them. 

1884,  p.  230.  That  Presbyteries  urge  upon  Sessions  the  impor¬ 
tance  of  establishing  and  maintaining  schools  under  their  own 
care,  and  where  it  is  not  practicable  to  do  this,  to  encourage  their 
elders  and  members  to  unite  with  other  Christians  in  forming  schools 
for  the  religious  instruction  of  children  and  others  who  may  desire 
to  be  taught. 

1881,  p.  380.  Resolved,  That  the  Presbyteries  earnestly  discour¬ 
age  Sessions  from  co-operating  with  Union  schools,  wherever  it  is 
at  all  practicable  to  have  schools  of  their  own. 


1069.  Sabbath  School  Institutes  and  Conventions 

1873,  p.  323.  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended •  to  the  Pres¬ 
byteries  to  call  Conventions  once  a  year  of  Sabbath  Schools  within 
their  bounds,  composed  of  persons  appointed  by  the  Sessions  from 
the  schools,  under  such  regulations  as  the  Presbytery  may  deem 
expedient. 

1886,  p.  45.  Presbyteries  are  earnestly  and  affectionately  rec¬ 
ommended  to  devote  one  day  during  the  fall  or  spring  meeting  of 
Presbytery,  as  to  them  may  seem  best,  for  holding  a  Sunday  SchooJ 
Convention,  or  Institute,  under  a  program  previously  prepared  by  the 
Presbyterial  committee. 

1893,  p.  50.  The  Assembly  recommends  that  Sabbath  School 
Conventions  be  encouraged,  and  that  mission  schools  be  organized 
wherever  the  way  may  be  opened. 

1896,  p.  616.  We  urge  upon  Presbyteries  to  encourage  the  hold¬ 
ing  of  Sabbath  School  Conferences  and  Teachers’  Institutes. 

1900,  p.  633.  We  recommend  that  there  shall  be  held  in  con¬ 
nection  with,  or  under  the  direction  of  the  Presbytery,  at  least 
one  Sunday  School  Institute  each  year,  in  the  bounds  of  every  Pres¬ 
bytery,  to  which  delegates  shall  be  sent  from  each  church  and  Sab¬ 
bath  School,  and  that  special  prominence  be  given,  in  such  Insti¬ 
tutes  to  training  teachers  for  better  methods  of  work,  and  inspir¬ 
ing  a  more  intelligent  interest  in  the  cause  of  Systematic  Benefi¬ 
cence  commended  by  our  church. 

1912,  p.  41.  Presbyterial  and  Synodical  chairmen  of  Sabbath 
Schools  and  Young  People’s  Societies  are  urged  to  arrange  for  at 
least  one  Sabbath  School  Institute,  each  year. 

1918,  p.  47.  That  the  Presbyterial  Committees  of  Sunday  School 


Sabbath  Schools 


553 


Secs.  1067-1071] 


work  be  requested  to  arrange  for  Sunday  School  Institutes  and 
Conferences  where  our  workers  may  be  instructed  in  modern  meth¬ 
ods  of  organization  and  activities,  and  where  possible  delegates 
should  be  sent  to  our  Summer  Conferences  at  Montreat,  N.  C.,  Kerr- 
ville,  Texas,  Jackson,  Miss.,  and  Lewisburg,  W.  Va. 

1919,  p.  63.  Presbyteries  and  Synods  are  urged  to  utilize  the 
resources  of  the  Publication  Committee  and  the  Department  of  Sun¬ 
day  Schools  and  Young  People’s  Work  in  the  holding  of  confer¬ 
ences  and  institutes  for  the  promotion  of  efficiency  within  their 
bounds. 

1920,  p.  62.  An  overture  asking  that  our  Committee  on  Sab¬ 
bath  School  Work  be  requested  to  arrange  to  hold,  in  conjunction 
with  the  Presbyterial  Committees,  at  least  one  Sabbath  School  In¬ 
stitute  within  the  bounds  of  every  Presbytery  during  the  coming 
year.  We  recommend  that  this  overture  be  answered  in  the  affirm¬ 
ative.  See  also  1922,  p.  37. 

1070.  Vacation  Bible  School  and  Organized  Adult  Bible  Class 

1913,  p.  70.  Our  pastors  and  Sessions  are  urged  to  study  and 
put  to  a  thorough  test  the  possibilities  of  the  organized  Adult  Bible 
Class  and  of  the  Vacation  Bible  School. 

1915,  p.  44.  Presbyteries  are  urged  to  push  the  organization  of 
Adult  Bible  Classes,  in  view  of  the  large  endeavor  being  now  put 
forth  for  the  turning  of  adult  life  to  the  study  of  the  Bible. 


1071.  Teachers'  Meetings 

1873,  p.  323.  Resolved,  That  Presbyteries  enjoin  upon  church 
Sessions  to  have  in  each  school  regular  and  stated  meetings  of  super¬ 
intendents  and  teachers  held,  and  where  practicable,  that  the  pas¬ 
tors  and  Sessions  meet  with  them  for  prayer  and  conference,  in  or¬ 
der  that  greater  efficiency  may  be  secured  in  the  prosecution  of  this 
work,  and  a  deeper  sense  of  responsibility  awakened  in  looking  to 
the  conversion  of  the  children  and  youth  as  the  great  object  of 
Sabbath  School  instruction. 

1886,  p.  45.  Presbyteries  are  recommended  to  urge  upon  Ses¬ 
sions  to  see  that,  where  practicable,  teachers’  meetings  are  held 
weekly  for  the  study  of  the  lesson;  that  teachers’  prayer  meetings 
are  held  weekly  for  a  short  service  before  the  opening  of  the  school, 
and  that  the  Bible  readings  accompanying  the  lessons  are  used  at 
family  worship. 

Also  1874,  p.  512;  1880,  p.  214. 

1888,  p.  418.  Your  committee  recommend  that  the  Pres¬ 
byteries  urge  upon  the  Sessions  to  see  that  preparatory  weekly  meet¬ 
ings  are  held;  for  the  study  of  the  Sabbath  School  lesson,  so  that 
the  teaching  in  all  our  schools  shall  be  conducted,  as  far  as  possi¬ 
ble,  by  competent  persons.  Approved. 

1893,  p.  50.  Your  committee  recommend  that  teachers’  meet¬ 
ings  for  study  of  the  lesson  and  for  conference  be  held  in  all  our 


554 


Sabbath  Schools 


[Book  IV 

» 

schools  as  far  as  practicable,  believing  that  greater  efficiency  and 
more  uniformity  in  teaching  the  word  of  God  will  be  thereby  secured. 

1072.  Memorial  to  Dr.  A.  L.  Phillips 

1915,  p.  44.  We  would  record  our  unfeigned  sorrow  at  the 
death  of  our  Superintendent,  Rev.  A.  L.  Phillips,  D.  D.  In  every 
department  of  our  work  his  boundless  energy,  cheerful  good  sense, 
and  consecrated  gifts  made  themselves  felt;  and,  while  his  taking 
away  at  this  juncture  seems  strange,  we  can  but  feel  that  his  works 
do  follow  him,  and  our  Sabbath  School  and  Young.  People’s  Work 
can  never  go  backward.  A  fitting  tribute  of  esteem  will  be  spoken 
by  his  friends  and  fellow-laborers,  the  Rev.  F.  T.  McFaden,  D.  D., 
and  Mr.  R.  E.  Magill. 

1915,  p.  42.  The  Assembly  entered  upon  a  memorial  service  of 
the  late  Rev.  A.  L.  Phillips,  D.  D.  Addresses  were  delivered  by 
Mr.  R.  E.  Magill  and  Rev.  F.  T.  McFaden,  D.  D.  Short  addresses 
were  made  by  members  of  the  Assembly.  The  Assembly  was  then 
led  in  prayer  by  Rev.  D.  H.  Ogden,  D.  D. 

1915,  p.  37.  We  endorse  the  raising  among  the  Sunday  Schools 
and  Young  People’s  Societies  of  the  Church  of  an  A.  L.  Phillips 
Memorial  Fund  of  $50,000  for  the  purposes  of  the  School,  to  be 
raised  and  administered  by  the  Board  of  Managers. 

1916,  p.  46.  The  Publication  Committee  is  authorized  and  di¬ 
rected  to  continue  its  co-operation  in  the  effort  to  raise  the  A.  L. 
Phillips  Memorial  Fund  for  the  enlargement  of  the  work  of  the 
Assembly’s  Training  School. 

1073.  Teacher  Training 

1916,  p.  45.  In  view  of  the  importance  of  thoroughly  trained 
teachers,  the  Assembly  urges  the  organization  of  Teacher  Train¬ 
ing  Classes  wherever  possible  and  the  enrollment  of  individuals  in 
the  Correspondence  Course  in  Teacher  Training  offered  by  the  Pub¬ 
lication  Committee.  The  use  of  our  own  Teacher  Training  text¬ 
books  is  urged  on  all  our  workers. 

1917,  p.  41.  We  hail  with  pleasure  the  new  course  in  Teacher’s 
Training  now  offered  by  the  Publication  Committee.  The  compre¬ 
hensive  course  of  instruction  it  offers  will  prepare  graduates  for 
greater  efficiency  in  the  work  of  teaching,  and  the  study  of  the  new 
course  is  strongly  urged  upon  the  workers  in  our  Sunday  Schools. 

1918,  p.  47.  That  our  teachers  and  officers  may  become  more  ef¬ 
ficient,  they  are  urged  to  take  the  training  provided  in  the  new 
Teacher  Training  Course,  “Trained  Workers,”  and  where  study 
classes  cannot  be  organized,  individual  workers  should  take  the  cor¬ 
respondence  course  provided  by  our  Committee. 

1919,  p.  63.  The  new  Teacher  Training  Course,  “Trained  Work¬ 
ers,”  is  commended  to  all  our  Sunday  Schools  as  a  valuable  and 
helpful  study  and  reading  course,  and  that  they  be  urged  to  form 


Secs.  1071-1078] 


Sabbath  Schools 


555 


classes  for  the  training  of  officers  and  teachers  without  delay  where 
this  has  not  already  been  done. 

1075.  Libraries 

1864,  p.  265.  Resolved,  That  the  Executive  Committee  be  in¬ 
structed  to  make  early  preparation  for  supplying  our  Sabbath  School 
libraries  with  suitable  books  for  children,  and  thus  to  meet  a  want 
which  begins  already  to  be  felt. 

1076.  Circulating  libraries 

1900,  p.  609.  The  Standing  Committee  of  Publication  reported 
recommending  that  the  Assembly  answer  in  the  negative  an  over¬ 
ture  asking  the  institution  of  circulating[  libraries. 

1901,  p.  20.  The  question  of  establishing  a  circulating  library 
for  the  use  of  our  ministers  was  referred  to  the  Executive  Committee. 

1906,  p.  20.  The  attention  of  the  weaker  churches  was  called 
to  the  circulating  libraries,  which  enable  all  to  secure  good  reading 
at  small  cost. 

1077.  The  Hymn  Books 

1861,  p.  31.  In  response  to  an  overture  a  committee  of  five  was 
appointed  to  revise  and  prepare  for  the  use  of  our  church  a  suit¬ 
able  Hymn  Book,  and  report  the  same  to  the  next  Assembly. 

This  book  was  published  in  1866. 

In  1869  a  movement  was  started  to  publish  a  Hymn  and  Tune 
Book.  (For  details  see  Alexander’s  Digest,  1910,  p.  373.) 

In  1882  the  Assembly  authorized  the  placing  of  our  imprimatur 
on  Dr.  Robinson’s  Psalms,  Hymns  and  Spiritual  Songs. 

In  1898  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  was  directed  to 
purchase  from  Dr.  R.  P.  Kerr  the  copyright  and  plates  of  the  Hymns 
of  the  Ages. 

In  1898  it  was  decided  to  prepare  a  new  Psalms  and  Hymns. 

0 

1078.  Supplement  to  Hymn  Book 

1911,  p.  65.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  East  Hanover  Pres¬ 
bytery  on  a  new  edition  of  the  Psalms  and  Hymns,  the  committee 
recommends  that  this  be  answered  in  the  negative,  and  that  the 
supplement  of  32  pages  be  granted.  That  the  Committee  of  Pub¬ 
lication  be  instructed  to  publish  this. 

1913,  p.  70a.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  North  Alabama, 
asking  that  a  committee  be  appointed  by  the  Assembly  to  revise  the 
tunes  in  the  Assembly  Hymn  Book.  Your  Committee  recommends 
that  the  attention  of  this  Presbytery  be  called  to  the  fact  that  pro¬ 
vision  has  already  been  made  for  changes  of  tunes  along  the  lines 
suggested  by  this  overture.  See  Minutes  of  General  Assembly,  1911. 

1917,  p.  43.  In  answer  to  Overture  from  the  Presbyterian  Min¬ 
isters’  Association  of  Atlanta,  touching  the  issue  of  a  new  hymn 


556 


Sabbath  Schools 


[Book  IV 


book,  the  following  answer  was  adopted:  That  the  entire  question 
of  the  issuance  of  a  new  hymn  book  be  left  to  the  judgment  of  the 
Executive  Committee  of  Publication. 

1079.  Sunday  School  Hymn  Books 

In  1870  the  preparation  of  a,  Sunday  School  Hymn  Book  was 
proposed.  From  time  to  time  the  following  books  have  been  issued 
by  our  Committee:  The  Voice  of  Praise  (1872),  Songs  of  the 
Covenant  (1892),  Standard  Songs  (1907),  Assembly  Songs  (1911), 
Life  and  Service  Hymns  (1918). 

1916,  p.  45.  The  request  of  the  Committee  for  authority  to  com¬ 
pile  and  issue  a  new  book  on  the  same  general  line  that  was  followed 
in  Assembly  Songs  was  granted,  also  the  request  for  syndication  with 
one  of  the  Presbyterian  or  Reformed  Churches  on  one  of  their  Stand¬ 
ard  Hymn  Books  for  Church  Service. 

1080.  Book  of  Prayers 

1911,  p.  32.  In  response  to  the  suggestion  of  the  Permanent  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Sabbath  and  Family  Religion  that  the  Publication  Commit¬ 
tee  be  directed  to  publish  a  book  containing  short  prayers  for  each  day 
of  the  year,  we  recommend: 

1.  That  a  small  and  popular  priced  volume  containing  sugges¬ 
tions  for  short  forms  of  prayers  for  family  worship,  be  published 
by  the  Publication  Committee  as  soon  as  material  can  be  assembled. 

2.  We  call  the  attention  of  pastors,  Sessions,  and  the  Church  at 
large  to  the  helpful  suggestions  now  being  published  by  the  Pub¬ 
lication  Committee  in  the  Home  Department  Quarterly,  designed  to 
stimulate  systematic  study  of  the  Bible,  and  to  promote  family  wor¬ 
ship  through  the  use  of  short  forms  of  prayers  printed  for  each  day 
of  the  month. 

3.  We  recommend  that  our  pastors  and  Sessions  commend  to  all 
families  not  now  observing  family  worship  the  use  of  the  helps 
offered  in  the  Home  Department  Quarterly,  and  that  the  Publica¬ 
tion  Committee  be  requested  to  incorporate  similar  helps  in  the  Ear¬ 
nest  Worker. 

1081.  Pastors  should  preach  to  the  children 

1871,  p.  27.  Resolved,  That  all  the  Presbyteries  be  enjoined 
to  urge  greater  fidelity  upon  the  part  of  pastors  in  preaching  to 
the  children  of  their  respective  charges. 

1893,  p.  50.  The  Assembly  was  asked  to  interpret  the  meaning 
of  the  question  in  the  Assembly’s  Form  of  Sessional  Report: 
“Does  vour  pastor  preach  regularly  to  the  children  of  the  Sabbath 
School?” 

Answer:  The  question  seems  simply  to  mean  what  it  says,  viz.: 
“Does  your  pastor  preach  sermons  specially  adapted  to  the  chil¬ 
dren  at  regularly  recurring  periods?” 

1897,  p.  57.  The  Assembly  recommends  that  Sessions  and  par- 


Secs.  1078-1084] 


Sabbath  Schools 


557 


ents  be  urged  to  see  that  the  children  of  the  church  attend  regularly 
upon  the  preaching  of  the  word  and  other  services  of  the  sanctuary, 
and  that  pastors  preach  specially  to  the  children. 

1082.  The  Pastor  in  the  Sabbath  School 

1901,  p.  49.  The  pastor  has  an  ex  officio  primacy  as  teacher  of 
the  Sabbath  School,  and  should  be  recognized  and  honored  as  such 
by  the  whole  school.  But  as  the  superintendent  is  principally 
charged  with  ruling  and  not  with  teaching  the  school,  the  pastor 
is  not  ex  officio  superintendent,  but  exercises  just  authority  over  the 
school  as  a  member  of  the  Session. 

1083.  Mission  schools 

1868,  p.  269.  Resolved,  That  our  Presbyteries  be  enjoined  to 
see  that  mission  schools,  under  the  care  of  churches,  be  established 
in  all  cases  when  it  is  practicable.  Repeated,  1871  (p.  27). 

•  1912,  p.  40.  Each  Session  is  urged  to  establish  as  many  Mission 
Sunday  Schools  as  possible  and  make  earnest  efforts  to  raise  their 
apportionments  for  the  Assembly’s  work  of  Sunday  School  Extension. 

1916,  p.  44.  The  sustaining  of  mission  schools  in  the  vicinity  of 
our  churches,  to  reach  those  who  are  deprived  for  any  reason  of  the 
advantages  of  the  regular  Church  schools. 

1918,  p.  47.  Our  churches  are  urged  to  establish  outpost  Mission 
Sunday  Schools,  using  members  who  need  definite  duties  to  develop 
their  Christian  life  and  thus  meet  the  duty  of  giving  the  gospel  to 
neglected  people  at  our  very  doors. 

1084.  Sensational  methods  and  literature 

1875,  p.  42.  We  note  with  pleasure  the  reaction  setting  in  against 
the  false  theories  and  methods  so  prevalent  in  Sunday  School  work; 
and  we  would  record  our  solemn  testimony  against  all  that  is  purely 
sentimental,  sensational,  or  formalistic,  as  well  in  the  music  and  liter¬ 
ature,  as  in  those  devices  which  are  invented  merely  to  popularize  the 
Sunday  School  work.  The  child,  once  intoxicated  with  these  things, 
will,  in  maturer  life  need  to  drink  yet  deeper  draughts  at  the  same 
fountain.  We  are  firmly  of  the  opinion  that  fidelity  and  concentra¬ 
tion  on  the  part  of  pastors  and  Sessions  will,  in  the  end,  secure  a  far 
higher  success  than  can  be  hoped  for  by  the  most  enthusiastic  use  of 
mixed  methods  and  unconsecrated  appliances. 

1882,  p.  550.  We  recommend  the  adoption  and  use  of  the 
Earnest  Worker,  Children’s  Friend,  and  Lesson  Quarterly  in  all 
our  Sunday  Schools  and  families,  in  preference  to  those  cheap  un¬ 
authorized  and  unreliable  Sunday  School  publications  which  are  so 
often  and  so  persistently  thrust  upon  us. 

1880,  p.  215.  Presbyteries  should  instruct  Sessions  to  use  our 
own  Standards  and  literature,  and  thus  shut  out  so-called  helps 


558 


Sabbath  Schools 


[Book  IV 


whose  doctrines  are  often  false,  and  for  which  no  one  is  responsible. 

See  also  1884,  p.  230;  1888,  p.  418;  1895,  p.  419;  1904,  p.  48. 

In  answer  to  overtures  in  regard  to  the  publication  of  Easter 
cards,  the  Assembly  disapproved  the  use  of  Easter  cards  and  like 
literature  in  our  Sunday  Schools. 

1917,  p.  40.  The  Assembly  again  enjoins  the  Sessions  and  pas¬ 
tors  to  supervise  very  carefully  the  periodicals  used  in  their  Sabbath 
Schools,  and  to  see  that  they  do  not  place  in  the  hands  of  our  young 
people  story  papers  of  a  colorless  or  doubtful  character. 

1085.  Social  and  religious  activities  for  Sunday  School  pupils 

1916,  p.  45.  The  introduction  of  social,  recreational,  and  spirit¬ 
ual  activities  into  the  week-day  life  of  the  organized  classes;  also  a 
studied  and  persistent  and  prayerful  effort  to  turn  the  pupils  of  the 
Sabbath  School  into  the  services  and  activities  of  the  Church. 

1086.  Christmas  and  Easter  Lessons  not  approved 

1913,  p.  70a.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  North  Mississippi, 
asking  that  the  Committee  of  Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Work 
be  instructed  not  to  publish  Christmas  and  Easter  Lessons,  but  in 
their  place  the  regular  International  Lessons.  Your  Committee 
recommends  that  the  attention  of  the  Editor-in-Chief  of  our  Sabbath 
School  publications  be  called  to  the  action  of  the  Assemblies  of  1899 
and  1903,  which  already  give  the  instruction  requested  by  the  over¬ 
ture. 

1916,  p.  44.  We  discourage  in  every  respect  the  growing  tendency 
of  celebrating  special  days  in  the  Sabbath  School  other  than  those 
recommended  by  the  Assembly. 

1921,  p.  73-.  We  recommend  that  the  question  of  religious  exer¬ 
cises  for  Easter  Sabbath  in  general  be  referred  to  each  Session. 

1087.  Scholars  should  use  their  Bibles 

1886,  p.  46.  The  Assembly  would  suggest  that  superintendents 
and  teachers  shall  insist  upon  the  scholars  using  their  Bibles  in  the 
preparation  of  the  lesson,  and  bringing  them  to  the  class.  (See  1884, 
p.  230.) 

1889,  p.  603.  While  recognizing  the  necessity  and  the  value  of 
helps  in  the  study  of  the  Sabbath  School  lessons,  the  Assembly  would 
at  the  same  time  urge  the  use  of  the  Bible  itself  in  the  teaching  of 
the  lessons. 

Your  committee  feel  it  their  duty  to  ask  the  Assembly  to  use  all 
its  influence  and  power  to  induce  our  teachers  .and  scholars  to  take 
their  Bibles  with  them  to  the  Sabbath  Schools  and  the  house  of  God, 
and  to  study  the  blessed  word  with  the  Book  in  their  hands,  as  the 
Book  of  God  in  its  entirety,  and  not  in  fragments  and  scraps,  or  by 
any  substitute.  Adopted. 

1893,  p.  50.  We  recommend  that  each  scholar  who  can  read  be 
furnished  with  a  copy  of  the  Bible,  to  be  used  in  the  class  during  the 
recitations. 


Secs.  1084-1090] 


Sabbath  Schools 


559 


1088.  Bibles  for  Children  who  repeat  the  Shorter  Catechism 

1891,  p.  251.  We  approve  the  action  of  the  Executive  Committee 
to  induce  the  children  to  commit  the  Shorter  Catechism,  by  promis¬ 
ing  as  a  reward  a  Bible  to  every  child  who  will  repeat  perfectly, 
from  memory,  the  whole  Shorter  Catechism. 

1892,  p.  444.  The  Executive  Committee  was  instructed  to  give 
a  Bible,  or  some  suitable  book  on  Presbyterian  history,  to  every  child 
who  shall  commit  to  memory  and  recite  perfectly  the  Shorter  Cate¬ 
chism,  and  a  New  Testament,  or  some  suitable  book  on  Presbyterian 
history,  to  every  child  who  shall  commit  to  memory  and  recite  per¬ 
fectly  the  Introduction  to  the  Shorter  Catechism. 

1908,  p.  51.  Concerning  the  supplying  of  those  schools  desiring 
the  American  Revision  of  the  Bible  and  Testaments  as  rewards  for 
memorizing  the  Catechism,  we  recommend  that  it  be  answered  in 
the  affirmative. 

1089.  What  should  be  embodied  in  a  Sabbath  School  report 

1869,  p.  379.  The  items  to  be  reported  are  recommended  to  be 
the  number  of  schools,  teachers,  scholars,  the  amount  of  contributions 
and  for  what  purpose,  the  number  added  to  the  Church  from  the 
Sabbath  Schools,  and  their  plans  of  working. 

1871,  p.  27.  Resolved,  That  the  following  questions  be  added  to 
the  blanks  furnished  churches  and  Presbyteries  to  make  their 
reports,  for  the  purpose  of  gathering  more  information  about  the 
management  and  conduct  of  the  schools:  • 

(a)  Is  your  school  under  the  supervision  and  control  of  the  pastor 
and  Session? 

(b)  Do  your  pastor  and  elders  attend  upon  the  services  of  the 
Sabbath  School?  and  does  your  pastor  preach  regularly  to  the  chil¬ 
dren  of  the  Sabbath  School? 

(c)  Are  the  Confession  of  Faith,  Catechism  and  Form  of  Church 
Government,  taught  in  every  school? 

(d)  Are  the  Children’s  Friend  and  Earnest  Worker  taken  in  all 
your  schools? 

1887,  p.  242.  Question  ( b )  was  so  changed  as  to  read:  “Does 
your  pastor  preach  frequently  to  the  children  ?” 

1090.  Blanks  for  Sunday  School  statistics 

1896,  p.  590.  The  Assembly  ordered  a  change  in  the  blank  in 
use  by  adopting  a  form  suggested  by  the  Presbytery  of  Nashville, 
which  form  is  referred  to,  but  its  nature  and  scope  not  given  in 
the  Minutes. 

1897,  p.  25.  The  Assembly  ordered  the  Committee  of  Publica¬ 
tion  to  correct  a  discrepancy  between  the  Sabbath  School  blank  and 
that  used  in  the  statistical  reports.  The  Presbytery  of  Nashville 
asked  for  a  column  in  this  blank  for  “Number  of  copies  of  Sunday 
School  literature  taken.”  Declined,  because  the  form  adopted  last 


560  Sabbath  Schools  [Book  IV 

year  already  has  twenty-three  columns  for  statistics  and  fifteen 
printed  questions,  which  is  sufficient  for  the  present. 

P.  26.  The  Presbytery  of  Winchester  asked  for  a  careful  revision 
of  all  blanks.  In  response,  a  revision  was  made,  which  recommended 
as  to  Sabbath  School  reports  that  they  shall  embrace:  (a),  Number 
of  schools;  ( b ),  Number  on  roll — officers  and  teachers,  scholars;  ( c ), 
Average  attendance — officers  and  teachers,  scholars;  ( d ),  Scholars 
admitted  to  communion;  ( e ),  Contributions  of  the  school;  for  your 
own  school;  other  objects. 


Questions 

1.  Is  your  school  under  the  supervision  of  the  Session,  and  do  its 
members  attend  and  take  part  in  the  services? 

2.  Do  the  scholars  generally  attend  public  worship? 

3.  Are  the  Standards  of  our  church  taught? 

4.  Do  the  scholars  memorize  the  Scriptures  and  the  Catechisms  ? 

5.  Are  the  publications  of  our  church  used  in  your  school,  and  to 
what  extent? 

6.  Has  there  been  any  special  religious  interest  during  the  year? 

7.  Have  you  teachers’  meetings? 

The  Assembly  ordered  that  this  blank  should  supersede  all  for¬ 
merly  in  use. 

1904,  p.  49.  Your  Committee  recommends,  1.  That  in  view  of 
the  defects,  inaccuracies  and  omissions  in  both  the  reports  on  Sab¬ 
bath  Schools  and  Young  People’s  Societies,  rendering  it  impossible 
to  submit  to  your  body  a  fair  report,  the  Clerks  of  Presbyteries  be 
urged  to  secure  uniform  blanks  furnished  by  the  Executive  Commit¬ 
tee,  and  that  the  General  Superintendent  be  instructed  to  reduce  to  as 
few  a  number  as  possible  the  questions  on  said  blanks. 

1915,  p.  45.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Atlanta,  asking  for 
an  additional  column  in  the  Sabbath  School  report  blanks  for  “Mis¬ 
cellaneous”  benevolences. 

We  recommend  that  the  same  be  answered  in  the  affirmative. 

1916,  p.  44.  In  the  Presbyterial  Statistical  Report  of  the  Sab¬ 
bath  School  the  column  now  marked  “Other  than  Benevolences”  is  to 
be  consolidated  with  the  one  beaded  “Miscellaneous.” 

1917,  p.  41.  Some  Stated  Clerks  have  failed  to  fill  out  the  ques¬ 
tionnaire  on  the  reverse  side  of  the  statistical  table.  We  therefore 
urge  that  the  attention  of  all  Clerks  be  called  to  the  importance  of 
this  matter,  and  that  they  be  urged  to  answer  all  questions  in  full. 

1091.  The  Assembly  to  devote  an  ei’ening  to  the  Sunday  School 

cause 

1885,  p.  408.  Resolved,  That  the  Assembly  be  requested  to  take 
special  order  to  devote  one  night  of  this  session  to  this  important 
work,  and  henceforth  put  it  on  a  level  in  this  respect  with  the  other 
great  enterprises  of  the  Church. 


Secs.  1090-1094] 


Sabbath  Schools 


561 


1092.  Adult  scholars  to  be  reported 

1880,  p.  215.  Overture  that  inasmuch  as  there  are  in  our  Sun¬ 
day  Schools  many  adult  scholars,  that  the  word  “scholars”  be  sub¬ 
stituted  for  “children”  in  the  column  of  statistics  headed  “No.  of 
children  in  Sunday  Schools  and  Bible  classes.”  Granted. 

1093.  Sunday  Schools  for  colored  people 

1873,  p.  323.  Resolved,  That  Presbyteries  be  recommended  to 
have  established,  under  the  direct  supervision  of  the  churches,  Sun¬ 
day  Schools  for  the  colored  population;  in  all  instances  to  be  con¬ 
ducted  by  superintendents  appointed  by  the  Session. 

See  1874,  p.  512;  1877,  p.  434. 

1876,  p.  237.  It  is  required  that  separate  reports  of  all  such 
schools  be  sent  up  for  information  to  the  General  Assembly. 

1094.  General  Superintendent  of  Sunday  Schools 

1891,  p.  246.  In  answer  to  an  overture  the  Assembly  decided 
that,  on  account  of  the  expense,  the  way  was  not  clear  at  present  for 
the  employment  of  a  Superintendent  of  Sunday  Schools. 

1892,  p.  476.  The  same  action  was  taken. 

1894,  p.  225.  An  ad  interim  committee  was  appointed  to  con¬ 
sider  the  matter  and  report  to  the  next  Assembly. 

1895,  p.  419.  The  report  of  this  committee  was  considered  by 
the  Standing  Committee  on  Sabbath  Schools.  It  called  attention  to 
the  fact  that  900  churches  have  made  no  Sunday  School  report,  and 
that  there  are  3,000,000  white  children  and  young  people  in  the 
territory  of  our  Assembly  not  in  any  Protestant  Sabbath  School,  that 
aggressive  missionary  work  on  the  part  of  our  Sabbath  Schools  is 
confined  to  a  comparatively  small  number  of  churches  and  a  few  of 
the  Presbyteries,  and  that  our  Sabbath  Schools  as  a  missionary  agency 
should  be  stimulated. 

On  the  recommendation  of  the  Standing  Committee,  the  Assembly 
overtured  the  Presbyteries  to  express  themselves  as  to  whether  in 
their  judgment  the  time  has  not  arrived  for  the  Assembly  to  employ 
a  General  Secretary  of  Sabbath  Schools. 

1896,  p.  589.  A  majority  of  the  Presbyteries  voted  against  hav¬ 
ing  a  Sunday  School  Secretary. 

It  was  ordered  that  the  Committee  of  Publication  be  directed  to 
employ  a  suitable  man  who  shall  devote  his  whole  time  to  the 
pushing  and  development  of  the  Sunday  School  and  colportage  work, 
especially  as  a  missionary  agency. 

P.  604.  It  is  ordered  that  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publica¬ 
tion  be  directed  to  provide  for  the  salary  of  the  Special  Superinten¬ 
dent  of  Sabbath  Schools  and  Colportage;  and  to  aid  in  his  support 
the  Committee  is  authorized  to  appoint  a  rally  day,  and  ask  a  col¬ 
lection  in  our  Sabbath  Schools  each  year. 

1897,  p.  25.  On  the  subject  of  a  Superintendent  of  Sabbath 


562  Sabbath  Schools  [Book  IV 

Schools,  in  view  of  statements  in  the  report  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee,  it  was  resolved  that  no  action  be  had  at  present. 

TTie  statements  alluded  do  recite  the  efforts  of  the  committee  to  se¬ 
cure  a  suitable  man,  and,  their  failure;  the  failure  of  the  churches  to 
respond  financially  on  the  rally  day,  which  was  in  October;  and  the 
expressed  disapprobation  of  many  of  the  Presbyteries  of  the  appoint¬ 
ment  of  such  an  official. — A. 

t 

1900,  p.  633.  We  recommend  that  the  matter  of  employing  a  man 
who  shall  devote  his  entire  time  to  the  development  of  our  Sunday 
School,  Young  People’s  Society  and  colportage  work,  the  salary  and 
expenses  of  this  office  to  be  paid  from  the  Sunday  School  Day  col¬ 
lections,  be  submitted  to  the  Presbyteries  for  approval  at  Fall  Meet¬ 
ing,  and  if  a  majority  of  the  Presbyteries  approve  of  the  institution 
of  said  office,  the  Committee  of  Publication  be,  and  is  hereby,  au¬ 
thorized  to  place  such  a  man  in  the  field,  provided  sufficient  funds 
are  raised  by  the  Sunday  Schools  and  Young  People’s  Societies  to 
meet  expenses  of  such  office. 

See  also  1901,  p.  47. 

1902,  pp.  276,  277.  It  was  reported  to  the  Assembly  that  Rev. 
A.  L.  Phillips,  D.  D.,  had  been  chosen  Superintendent.  The  choice 
was  approved  by  the  Assembly. 

1903,  p.  479.  It  was  decided  not  to  combine  the  office  of  Secre¬ 
tary  of  Publication  with  that  of  General  Superintendent  of  Sabbath 
Schools  and  Young  People’s  Societies. 

1903,  p.  495.  An  overture  asking  that  the  Young  People’s  work 
be  taken  from  the  General  Superintendent  and  left  to  the  individual 
churches.  Answered  in  the  negative. 

1904,  p.  49.  The  work  of  the  year,  as  outlined  by  the  General 
Superintendent  in  his  report,  contemplates  several  features — 

1st.  Organization  of  Synodical  and  Presbyterial  Committees. 

2nd.  Education,  by  means  of  correspondence;  the  religious  publi¬ 
cations;  Sabbath  School  Institutes,  etc. 

3d.  District  Organization.  The  territory  is  divided  into  three 
districts,  with  a  District  Superintendent  over  each  district.  Twenty- 
one  field  workers  have  been  employed,  some  for  all  their  time,  others 
for  the  summer  months  only. 

1905,  p.  52.  Under  the  able  leadership  of  our  General  Superin¬ 
tendent  of  Sabbath  Schools,  this  work  has  been  positive  and  ag¬ 
gressive.  Following  the  policy  outlined  to  the  Assembly  in  1904 
and  approved  by  that  body,  the  energies  of  the  work  have  been 
devoted  to  the  perfection  of  Presbyterial,  Synodical  and  District 
organization,  and  in  conducting  an  educational  plan  looking  to  an 
improvement  in  the  quality  of  work  done  by  our  Sabbath  Schools. 

In  this  connection  we  would  call  attention  to  the  splendid  service 
rendered  by  Revs.  Wm.  Megginson  and  A.  O.  Browne,  District 
Superintendents  of  Sabbath  School  Work  for  Districts  No.  2  and 
No.  3,  respectively. 

One  hundred  and  seventy-six  Institutes  have  been  held  by  the 
superintendents.  Teacher  training  has  been  emphasized,  so  that  47 


Secs.  1094-1095] 


Sabbath  Schools 


563 


classes  in  12  Synods  have  been  organized,  with  an  enrollment  cf  651 
teachers.  We  would  commend  this  as  a  work  of  vital  importance. 

1916,  p.  47.  We  desire  to  express  our  great  gratification  at  the 
appointment  of  Rev.  Gilbert  Glass,  D.  D.,  to  undertake  the  super  in¬ 
tendency  of  Sabbath  Schools  and  Young  People’s  Work,  left  vacant 
by  the  death  of  our  beloved  Dr.  Phillips. 

1920,  p.  63.  In  view  of  the  importance  of  the  work,  we  are  con¬ 
vinced  that  the  Superintendents  of  the  Sabbath  School  Department 
and  the  Editorial  Department  should  be  elected  by  the  Assembly,  and 
for  a  term  of  three  years,  rather  than  by  the  Executive  Committee 
annually.  We  therefore  recommend  that  the  Executive  Committee 
of  Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Work  be  instructed  to  nominate 
to  the  Assembly  of  1921  men  for  these  offices,  to  be  elected  for  a 
term  of  three  years. 

1095.  Sunday  School  Policy 

1905,  p.  54.  We  recommend  the  adoption  for  the  ensuing  year 
of  the  policy  outlined  by  the  General  Superintendent  of  Sabbath 
Schools  and  Young  People’s  Societies,  which  policy  is  as  follows: 

(1)  The  development  of  the  district  work  as  rapidly  as  the  funds 
in  hand  permit. 

(2)  Vigorous  effort  to  organize  Teacher  Training  Classes  in  every 
school. 

(3)  Systematic  effort  to  develop  the  missionary  interest  of  the 
young  throughout  the  Sunday  School. 

(4)  The  universal  celebration  of  Sabbath  School  Day,  first  Sun¬ 
day  in  October,  with  large  collections  for  Sabbath  School  missions. 

(5)  Special  effort  to  enlarge  our  schools  by  the  organization  of 
Cradle  Rolls,  Home  Departments  and  Young  Men’s  and  Young 
Women’s  Bible  Classes  during  the  month  of  October,  1905;  and 
special  effort  under  the  direction  of  the  superintendents  and  pastors 
in  connection  with  each  communion  season,  to  bring  pupils  to  a  sav¬ 
ing  knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ. 

(6)  Assembly’s  plans  for  Young  People’s  Societies  again  com¬ 
mended  to  the  churches. 

(7)  The  more  effective  organization  of  Synodical  and  Presby- 
terial  Committees. 

1906,  p.  22.  In  order  to  give  definiteness  to  the  departments  of 
Sabbath  School  work  for  the  year,  the  following  policy  is  recom¬ 
mended  for  adoption: 

(a)  The  development  of  the  organization  as  now  planned;  (b) 
the  vigorous  prosecution  of  the  work  of  teacher  training;  (c)  the 
introduction  of  our  graded  supplemental  lessons  into  every  school; 
( d )  the  organization  of  a  missionary  department  in  every  school;  (e) 
the  planting  of  Sabbath  Schools  in  all  spiritually  destitute  regions; 
(/)  the  making  of  an  adequate  effort  to  organize  the  Covenanters, 
the  Miriams  and  the  Presbyterian  Brotherhood  in  every  church;  ( g ) 
special  efforts  on  the  part  of  the  Executive  Committee,  pastors  and 
superintendents  to  provide  liberally  for  the  support  of  Sabbath 


564  Sabbath  Schools  [Book  IV 

School  missions;  ( h )  the  constant  use  of  all  biblical  methods  of 
bringing  our  children  and  youth  into  captivity  to  Christ. 

1907,  p.  40.  We  recommend  the  approval  of  the  following  policy 
for  our  Sunday  School  work  as  submitted  by  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  : 

( 1 )  A  Sunday  School  in  each  church  open  twelve  months  in  the 
year. 

(2)  The  vigorous  development  of  the  organization  and  work  of 
the  Presbyterial  Committees. 

(3)  The  establishment  of  a  Teacher  Training  Class  in  every 
Sunday  School. 

(4)  The  introduction  of  Graded  Supplemental  Lessons  into  every 
Sunday  School. 

(5)  The  development  of  the  missionary  spirit  and  activity  of 
every  Sunday  School  by  the  organization  of  a  Missionary  Depart¬ 
ment. 

(6)  The  extension  of  Sunday  Schools  into  every  available  spirit¬ 
ually  destitute  neighborhood  within  our  bounds. 

(7)  The  universal  celebration  of  Bible  Day  the  first  Sabbath  in 
December,  and  the  holding  of  Institutes  and  Conferences  in  the 
interests  of  Bible  and  Christian  literature  extension. 

(8)  Adequate  effort  on  the  part  of  all  concerned  to  increase  the 
offerings  from  the  Sunday  Schools  and  churches  for  a  large  exten¬ 
sion  of  the  work  of  Sabbath  School  Missions. 

(9)  The  wise  use  of  communion  seasons  for  bringing  the  children 
and  youth  of  the  churches  to  salvation  through  faith  in  Jesus  Christ. 

1910,  p.  36.  That  the  following  policy  be  emphasized  by  the 
Sabbath  School  Department  for  the  following  year,  and  approved: 

1.  Organization;  2.  Home  Department;  3.  Organized  Adult  Bible 
Classes;  4.  Missions;  5.  Teacher  Training;  6.  Extension;  7.  Young 
People’s  Societies. 

1912,  p.  41.  Each  Presbytery  is  as  soon  as  possible  to 
place  a  Sunday  School  Missionary  within  its  bounds  to  do  general 
Sunday  School  work  and  Young  People’s  Society  work. 

1916,  p.  45.  Attention  without  endorsing  is  again  called  to  the  ' 
plan  of  so  organizing  and  directing  the  different  departments  of  the 
Sabbath  School  that  they  will  perform  all  the  functions  of  the  Young 
People’s  Society. 

1096.  Expenses  of  Sabbath  School  should  be  provided  by  the 

Church 

1916,  p.  44.  The  churches  should  seek  to  provide  for  the  cur¬ 
rent  expenses  of  the  Sabbath  Schools,  in  order  that  the  offering  may 
go  to  the  benevolent  causes  of  the  Church,  thus  educating  the  chil¬ 
dren  in  the  causes  of  the  Church  and  training  them  in  the  principle 
of  giving. 

1097.  Community  Surveys  for  Sunday  School 

1916,  p.  44.  All  schools  are  urged  to  make  Community  Surveys, 


Secs.  1097-1099] 


Sabbath  Schools 


565 


for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  those  not  connected  with  a  Sunday 
School,  this  to  be  followed  by  definite  individual  effort  to  secure  such 
persons. 

1098.  Activities  of  Church  and  Sunday  School  to  be  taught  in 

Schools  and  Colleges 

1916,  p.  45.  The  movement  initiated  by  our  Committee  to  have 
courses  of  study  concerning  the  activities  of  the  Church  and  Sunday 
School  introduced  in  the  schools  and  colleges  of  the  South  gives 
promise  of  sending  back  to  their  homes  leaders  who  will  be  helpful 
factors  in  making  more  efficient  the  work  of  their  home  churches; 
therefore,  the  Assembly  commends  to  all  our  Church  schools  the 
introduction  of  the  courses  of  study  now  available  and  in  course  of 
preparation. 

1920,  p.  63.  Recognizing  the  urgent  need  of  trained  leadership 
in  the  Sabbath  School  and  Young  People’s  Work  of  our  local 
'Churches,  and  in  consideration  of  the  fact  that  many  of  our  promis¬ 
ing  young  people  are  receiving  their  education  in  colleges  under  the 
control  and  support  of  the  Church,  we  recommend  to  our  Church 
schools  and  colleges  a  careful  study  of  the  advisability  of  their  includ¬ 
ing  courses  in  religious  education  in  their  curricula.  These  courses  to 
include  studies  in  Child  Study,  Religious  Pedagogy,  Bible  Study,  and 
Organization  and  Methods  in  Sabbath  School  and  Young  People’s 
Work. 

1099.  u Sunday  School”  Assembly 

1919,  p.  63.  The  next  General  Assembly  is  to  be  recognized  as 
a  “Sunday  School  Assembly,”  and  the  Publication  Committee  is 
directed  to  take  such  steps  as  may  be  necessary  to  carry  out  this 
idea  and  emphasize  the  importance  of  the  Sunday  School  as  a 
teaching  and  evangelizing  agency  of  the  Church. 

1920,  14.  This  having  been  appointed  to  be  “A  Sunday  School 
Assembly,”  Secretary  R.  E.  Magill  presented  a  program  for  popular 
meetings  for  the  Assembly.  The  report  was  adopted,  and  is  as 
follows : 


SPECIAL  MEETINGS 

Thursday,  May  20,  8.00  P.  M. — 

Subject — “The  Task  of  the  Church  in  Religious  Education.” 
Speakers — Rev.  Gilbert  Glass,  D.  D.,  Rev.  W.  L.  Lingle, 
D.  D. 

Friday,  May  21,  8.00  P.  M — 

Subject — “The  Sabbath  School  Extension  Task  of  Our 
Church.”  Illustrated  by  stereopticon  views. 
Speakers — R.  E.  Magill  and  Rev.  W.  E.  Hudson. 
Saturday,  May  22,  8.00  P.  M. — 

Subject — “Endowment  Fund  for  Ministerial  Relief.” 

Program  in  charge  of  Henry  H.  Sweets,  D.  D.,  Secretary. 


566 


Young  People's  Societies 


[Book  IV 


Monday,  May  24,  11.00  A.  M. — 

Address — On  Evangelism. 

Speaker — Rev.  John  McNeill,  D.  D.,  Birmingham,  Ala. 
Tuesday,  May  25,  8.00  P.  M. — 

Subject — “Assembly’s  Home  Missions.” 

Program  in  charge  of  S.  L.  Morris,  D.  D.,  Secretary. 
Wednesday,  May  26,  8.00  P.  M. — 

Subject — “Foreign  Missions.” 

Program  in  charge  of  Egbert  W.  Smith,  D.  D.,  Secretary. 
III.  YOUNG  PEOPLE’S  SOCIETIES 

1100.  Formation  of  Young  People’s  Societies — Westminster  League 

1892,  p.  435.  (1),  The  Assembly  would  encourage  the  formation 

of  such  societies  by  our  church  Sessions  and  under  their  immediate 
care  (Rules  of  Discipline,  Chap.  II.,  Sec.  11.,  Par.  147),  and  advise 
that  Sessions  have  a  wise  oversight  of  the  literature  read  by  them; 
(2),  In  view  of  the  importance  of  wise  and  carefully  considered 
action  in  this  matter,  the  Assembly  appoints  an  ad  interim  commit¬ 
tee  to  consider  the  whole  matter  contained  in  these  overtures,  and  to 
report  to  the  next  Assembly. 

1893,  p.  16.  This  committee  made  a  report  which  was  referred 
to  a  committee  of  five. 

P.  34.  This  committee  submitted  majority  and  minority  reports. 

P.  46.  On  the  consideration  of  these  reports,  the  following  action 
was  taken. 

Resolved,  That  the  report  of  the  ad  interim  Committee  on  Young 
People’s  Societies  be  published  in  the  Appendix  to  the  Minutes  of 
the  Assembly,  and  that  the  majority  and  minority  reports  of  the 
special  committee  of  this  Assembly  be  referred  to  a  special  committee 
of  five,  to  report  to  the  next  General  Assembly. 

The  report  of  the  ad  interim  committee  may  be  found  in  the  Sup¬ 
plement  to  Alexander’s  Digest,  pp.  1071 

1894,  pp.  186,  191,  238.  The  report  of  the  special  committee 
(ad  interim )  was  finally  adopted. 

1895,  pp.  42 Iff.  A  Form  of  Government  for  such  Societies  was 
adopted. 

1896,  p.  574.  In  answer  to  an  overture  asking -that  provision  be 
made  for  annual  reports  from  the  churches  of  the  work  and  con¬ 
dition  of  Westminster  Leagues,  or  Young  People’s  Societies,  and 
that  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  be  instructed  to  pre¬ 
pare  and  send  to  the  Presbyteries  suitable  blanks  for  this  purpose, 
it  was  ordered  that  the  overture  be  granted,  and  the  Assembly’s 
Executive  Committee  of  Publication  be  directed  to  prepare  a  blank 
for  the  purpose  indicated,  to  be  sent  to  the  Stated  Clerks  of  Presby¬ 
teries. 

P.  609.  Answer  to  an  overture  asking  the  Assembly  to  direct 
the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  to  have  prepared  for  the 


Sec.  1099] 


Young  People’s  Societies 


567 


use  of  the  Westminster  Leagues,  or  Young  People’s  Societies  of  our 
church,  a  series  of  topics  for  study,  with  such  suggestions  as  may 
add  to  their  usefulness,  and  to  furnish  them  at  such  a  cost  as  will 
secure  for  them  general  circulation.  Ordered  that  the  Assembly  give 
the  direction  requested. 

1897,  p.  53.  Resolved,  1,  That  hereafter  a  committee,  to  be 
known  as  Standing  Committee  on,  Sabbath  Schools  and  on  West¬ 
minster  Leagues,  be  appointed  as  one  of  the  Standing  Committees 
of  the  Assembly,  to  which  committee  shall  be  referred  all  papers 
concerning  Sunday  Schools,  Young  People’s  Societies  and  West¬ 
minster  Leagues. 

2,  That  the  Assembly’s  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  be 
instructed  to  prepare,  or  have  prepared,  blank  forms  of  reports  for 
Westminster  Leagues,  from  Session  to  Presbytery,  and  from  Presby¬ 
tery  to  Assembly. 

P.  57.  Your  committeee  would  recommend  that  a  change  be 
made  in  Section  II.  of  the  Constitution  of  the  Westminster  League, 
which  is  as  follows:  “2.  While  the  Assembly  does  not  forbid  affilia¬ 
tion  for  certain  purposes  between  societies  of  our  churches  and  those 
of  other  evangelical  bodies,  yet  it  enjoins  upon  Sessions  to  maintain 
a  careful  oversight  of  the  nature  and  influence  of  such  association, 
and,  in  the  exercise  of  their  discretion,  to  guard  their  young  people 
against  influences  and  teachings  which  are  inconsistent  with  the 
principles  of  our  own  church.  The  Assembly  would  utter  a  special 
warning  against  the  danger  to  which  young  and  inexperienced  per¬ 
sons  are  exposed  from  attendance  upon  large  and  promiscuous  con¬ 
ventions  which  are  not  under  ecclesiastical  control.”  The  language 
is  vague  and  indefinite.  It  is  recommended  that  the  entire  Section 
be  stricken  out,  and  that  the  remaining  Sections  be  numbered  2,  3,  4 
and  5,  so  as  to  make  the  Constitution  consistent  with  itself.  Adopted. 

A  dissent  to  this  last  action,  signed  by  Francis  R.  Beattie  and 
twenty-one  others,  was  admitted  to  record. 

1898,  p.  239.  1.  We  recommend  to  our  Sessions  and  ministers 

the  importance  of  giving  to  our  young  people  encouragement  and 
help  in  the  organization  of  societies  calculated  to  train  and  develop 
them  in  every  good  work;  and  in  all  cases  where  societies  have  been 
organized  antagonistic  or  in  any  way  unfriendly  to  our  system  of 
doctrine  or  government,  we  recommend,  not  the  destruction  of  such 
organizations,  but  an  earnest  effort  to  bring  them  into  active  sympa¬ 
thy  with  the  true  spirit  of  Presbyterianism. 

2.  The  Presbytery  .of  Arkansas  having  overtured  the  Assembly  to 
instruct  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  to  enlarge  the  Con¬ 
stitution  and  By-laws  of  the  Westminster  League  so  that  a  congre¬ 
gation  of  young  people  can  be  organized  thereby  with  all  the  com¬ 
mittees  and  officers  necessary  to  an  active  and  efficient  society,  as 
the  present  Constitution  is  regarded  as  wholly  inadequate,  we  recom¬ 
mend  the  following  reply:  The  Assembly  does  not  deem  it  wise  to 
make  any  change  in  the  form  of  government  of  the  Westminster 
League 


568 


Young  People’s  Societies 


[Book  IV 


1101.  Change  in  Form  of  Government  of  Westminster  League 

1902,  p.  278.  The  following  amendment  to  the  Form  of  Gov¬ 
ernment  of  the  Westminster  League  was  adopted: 

“The  addition  to  the  end  of  Art.  II.  of  the  following:  ‘Such  as 
the  study  of  the  Bible;  of  prayer;  of  the  religious  uses  of  money; 
of  missions;  of  personal  religious  work;  the  singing  of  sacred  songs; 
the  visitations  of  strangers  and  sick  people;  bringing  new  pupils  to 
the  Sabbath  School;  the  distribution  of  wholesome  literature.’ 

“Let  Art.  III.  be  amended  so  as  to  include  the  following  items: 

“  ‘Divide  the  members  into  two  branches,  one  for  males  and  one 
for  females,  holding  their  meetings  separate,  except  as  hereinafter 
provided.” 

“Let  it  adopt  the  ‘Covenanters’  as  the  name  of  its  male  branch. 
Let  each  company  be  sub-divided  into  bands,  that  each  band  may 
have  a  special  work,  and  each  individual  may  be  reached. 

“Let  the  General  Superintendent  select  a  name  for  the  female 
branch  of  which  a  chapter  may  be  formed  in  each  congregation.  Let 
the  chapter  be  divided  into  circles  for  special  and  individual  work. 

“Let  there  be  joint  meetings  of  these  branches  on  the  4th  of 

December  (our  denomination’s  birthday),  and  on  the  .  of 

June  (six  months  after,  and  just  before  vacation),  at  which  there 
may  be  special  features  in  addition  to  reports  presented,  through  the 
secretary  of  the  joint  meeting,  concerning  work  done  by  each  branch, 
#ith  a  suitable  brief  address.” 

That  the  Committee  of  Publication  prepare  blanks  for  the  Young 
People’s  Societies,  separate  and  distinct  from  all  other  societies,  em¬ 
bracing  all  subjects  approved  and  recommended  by  the  Assembly. 

That  the  Synods  and  Presbyteries  make  suitable  provision  for 
holding  conventions  of  young  people  where  denominational  fellow¬ 
ship  and  loyalty  may  be  developed  by  our  own  ministers  and  other 
proper  persons. 

That  the  Committee  of  Publication  be  directed  to  provide  for  sale, 
abundant  literature  for  every  phase  of  the  young  people’s  work. 

1906,  p.  23.  It  was  resolved  (a)  That  for  all  societies  composed 
of  both  sexes  and  whose  purpose  is  the  cultivation  of  efficiency  in 
Christian  service  the  churches  continue  to  use  the  name  “Westmins¬ 
ter  League;”  that  where  Sessions  prefer  to  keep  the  sexes  separate, 
societies  for  boys  under  sixteen  years  of  age  be  called  “Covenanter 
Companies,”  and  societies  for  girls  and  young  women  be  called 
“Miriam  Chapters.” 

(b)  That  reports  from  Sessions  on  Young  People’s  Societies  em¬ 
brace  “Westminster  League,”.  Covenanters,  Miriams  and  Presbyte¬ 
rian  Brotherhoods,  in  separate  items. 

( c )  That  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  be  authorized 
to  revise  the  Constitution  and  By-laws  of  the  Westminster  League 
so  as  to  meet  the  present  requirements  of  young  people’s  work,  keep¬ 
ing  in  view  the  principles  governing  such  work  hitherto  adopted. 

(d)  That  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  be  directed  to 
prosecute  the  young  people’s  work  with  the  utmost  vigor. 


Secs.  1101-1103]  Young  People's  Societies 


569 


1102.  Young  People's  Societies  on  denominational  lines 

1908,  p.  50.  Overture  calling  for  the  organization  of  our  “Young 
People’s  Societies  on  denominational  lines,  that  their  activity  may 
be  guided  into  channels  most  helpful  to  the  church.”  We  would 
answer  the  overture  in  the  affirmative,  and  again  call  attention  to  the 
former  action  of  the  Assemblies  of  1894,  1895  and  1906,  announcing 
the  principles,  and  suggesting  methods  of  work  for  such  societies. 
We  would  further  urge  the  Sessions  of  churches  to  use  fully  the  ex¬ 
cellent  resources  of  the  Young  People’s  department  of  the  Executive 
Committee  of  Publication,  to  organize  and  nurture  their  young  people 
in  Westminster  Leagues  and  Christian  Endeavor  Societies,  organized 
along  Presbyterian  lines,  for  both  sexes,  in  Covenanter  Companies 
for  boys  only,  and  in  Miriam  Chapters  for  girls  only,  and  in  Brother¬ 
hoods  for  men. 

1103.  Importance  of  Young  People's  Societies 

1911,  p.  66.  1.  We  note  with  regret  the  difficulty  the  committee 

has  had  in  securing  information  for  making  up  its  report  of  Young 
People’s  Societies  and  Brotherhoods.  These  interests  are  vital  to 
our  Church. .  Therefore,  we  urge  upon  our  pastors  and  Sessions  to 
furnish  this  information  with  greater  fullness  in  Sessional  Reports. 

2.  Recognizing  the  importance  of  Young  People’s  Organizations 
in  the  development  of  the  spiritual  life  and  strengthening  the  agencies 
of  the  Church  for  service,  we  would  recommend  to  our  pastors  and 
Sessions  their  organization  wherever  and  in  whatever  form  they  may 
find  practicable. 

1912,  p.  39.  We  regretfully  call  the  attention  of  the  General 
Assembly  to  the  large  number  of  Presbyteries  and  Synods  that  have 
no  definite  progressive  plans  for  advancing  the  Sabbath  School  and 
Young  People’s  Work  during  the  interim  of  the  meetings  of  these 
courts.  This  lack  of  efficiency  seems  to  be  due  to  three  causes, 
to-wit:  Short  time  of  service  by  the  chairman,  which  is  often  caused 
by  removals;  failure  to  understand  what  may  be  done  through 
effective  organization;  and  lack  of  a  definite  plan  or  program. 
There  is  a  lack  of  organized  Adult  Bible  Classes  in  our  Sabbath 
Schools  which  is  a  serious  defect,  and  the  committee  urges  that  the 
attention  of  the  Assembly  be  called  to  this  fact  with  a  hope  that 
conditions  may  be  bettered. 

1912,  p.  41.  Sessions  should  review  carefully  the  whole  work 
among  young  people  in  order  to  organize  them  for  training  for 
efficient  service. 

Synods  and  Presbyteries  are  requested  to  give  particular  attention 
to  the  selection  and  work  of  their  committees  on  Sunday  Schools  and 
Young  People’s  Societies,  in  order  to  secure  better  organization  and 
larger  fruits. 

1912,  p.  .41.  The  work  of  organizing  Young  People’s  Societies 
has  made  some  progress  during  the  year,  but  the  progress  made  does 
not  reveal  a  greatly  increased  appreciation  on  the  part  of  Presbyteries 


570 


Young  People’s  Societies 


[Book  IV 


or  Church  Sessions  of  the  value  of  such  work  in  training  our  young 
people  for  active  service  and  develoring  their  gifts  of  leadership. 

1104.  Manual  for  Young  People’s  Societies 

1915,  p.  79.  We  recommend  that  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Work  be  instructed  to  consider  the 
advisability  of  preparing  a  manual  giving  a  uniform  standard  as  to 
name,  age,  and  object  of  all  young  people’s  societies,  missionary  and 
devotional;  and,,  if  deemed  wise,  to  issue  the  same. 

1105.  Christian  Endeavor 

1899,  p.  421.  The  Assembly  declined  to  appoint  a  trustee  to  rep¬ 
resent  our  church  in  the  United  Society  of  Christian  Endeavor. 

1916,  p.  63.  There  have  come  into  the  hands  of  your  Committee 
an  overture  from  the  Synod  of  Texas,  requesting  the  Assembly  to 
adopt  the  name  Christian  Endeavor  for  the  Young  People’s  Societies 
of  the  Church,  and  an  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  El  Paso,  re¬ 
questing  that  the  identity  and  organic  life  and  administrative  relation 
of  our  Young  People’s  Societies  be  preserved  and  continued,  and  that 
any  action  on  the  overture  from  the  Synod  of  Texas  shall  not  nullify 
the  denominational  responsibility  of  our  Young  People’s  Societies. 

1916,  p.  65.  We  recommend  (1)  that  the  Assembly  approve  the 
work  of  the  Young  People’s  Societies  as  covering  a  sphere  of  activity 
occupied  by  no  other  organization  within  the  Church. 

(2)  That  Sessions  be  urged  to  undertake  the  formation  of  such 
Societies  where  they  do  not  now  exist,  and  to  officially  supervise  their 
work  as  well  as  sympathetically  stimulate  the  interest  of  their  young 
people. 

(3)  In  response  to  the  overture  from  the  Synod  of  Texas,  we 
recommend  that,  while  the  Assembly  does  not  see  its  way  clear  to 
adopt  the  name  Christian  Endeavor  at  this  time  for  all  its  Young 
People’s  Societies,  inasmuch  as  this  organization,  known  as  the 
United  Society  of  Christian  Endeavor,  embodies  the  essential  prin¬ 
ciples  of  absolute  Sessional  control,  is  so  adaptable  to  the  princples 
that  must  govern  such  work  in  a  Presbyerian  Church,  and  has  been 
so  greatly  owned  of  God  in  its  service  throughout  the  world,  this 
Assembly  does  most  cordially  and  earnestly  commend  the  Christian 
Endeavor  to  all  of  its  pastors  and  Sessions,  urging  them,  wherever 
they  do  not  now  exist,  to  establish  a  Young  People’s  Society  of 
Christian  Endeavor. 

(4)  That  the  above  recommendations,  1  and  2,  be  regarded  as 
the  answer  of  this  Assembly  to  the  overture  of  the  Presbytery  of 
El  Paso. 

1917,  p.  61.  We  note  with  interest  that  the  first  year  of  recog¬ 
nized  Christian  Endeavor  work  among  our  young  people  has  been 
marked  by  the  assignment  to  them  for  support  of  Dr.  and  Mrs. 
Stixrud,  of  the  African  force,  and  that  the  indications  are  that  they 
will  soon  be  asking  for  others. 


Secs.  1103-1106]  Young  People's  Societies 


571 


1918,  p.  47.  The  training  of  our  young  people  for  efficient  Chris¬ 
tian  service  should  have  a  larger  place  in  the  plans  of  the  Church, 
and  we  note  with  pleasure  the  marked  increase  in  the  number  of 
Christian  Endeavor  and  other  Societies  reported  in  our  Churches; 
and  these  forms  of  organization  and  activity  are  again  commended  to 
our  Sessions  as  providing  an  effective  method  for  developing  the 
spiritual  life  of  our  young  people. 

1919,  p.  61.  We  note  with  pleasure  the  indications  of  the  pro¬ 
gressive  policy  in  Young  People’s  Work,  as  shown  in  the  proposed 
Standard  of  Efficiency  for  Southern  Presbyterian  Christian  Endeavor 
Societies  and  the  proposed  “Young  People’s  Council”  for  the  local 
church. 

1919,  p.  63.  The  Southern  Presbyterian  Christian  Endeavor 
Standard  proposed  by  the  General  Superintendent  in  the  annual  re¬ 
port  is  approved  and  adopted  as  authoritative  for  Senior  and  Inter¬ 
mediate  Christian  Endeavor  Societies,  and  the  Department  of  Young 
People’s  Work  is  directed  to  issue  such  literature  as  may  be  neces¬ 
sary  to  promote  its  use  and  effectiveness. 

The  plan  proposed  for  a  “Young  People’s  Council”  in  the  local 
church  is  approved  as  outlined  in  the  annual  course,  and  commended 
to  the  Sessions  of  our  churches. 

1922,  p.  51.  In  answer  to  the  overture  of  the  West  Lexington  Pres- 
byterial,  asking  that  a  movement  be  inaugurated  for  the  larger  train¬ 
ing  of  our  young  people  in  the  history  and  wiork  of  our  Church  and 
especially  in  making  them  familiar  with  the  Progressive  Program,  we 
recommend  the  following: 

That  the  publishers  of  Onward,  in  addition  to  the -splendid  help 
they  have  given  in  the  Young  People’s  Department,  be  asked,  in  the 
presentation  of  the  Prayer  Meeting  topics,  to  provide  definite  and 
concrete  material  concerning  the  work  of  our  own  Church. 

And  that  this  material  be  so  arranged  that  Prayer  Meeting  leaders 
and  Program  Committees  can  make  use  of  them  in  preparing  pro¬ 
grams  for  each  meeting  of  the  Society. 

That  our  Church  papers,  viz. :  The  Christian  Observer,  The 
Presbyterian  of  the  South,  and  The  Presbyterian  Standard,  be 
requested  to  follow  the  same  course  in  the  treatment  of  the  weekly 
topic  of  the  Young  People’s  Societies. 

1106.  Blanks  to  include  all  church  societies. 

1900,  p.  635.  1.  In  response  to  an  overture  asking  that  the 

blank  forms  for  statistical  reports  on  Young  People’s  Societies  be 
so  changed  as  to  embrace  all  church  societies  under  the  super¬ 
vision  of  Sessions,  we  recommend  that  the  request  be  granted,  and 
that  the  Committee  of  Publication  be  directed  to  prepare  a  com¬ 
bined  blank,  or  separate  blanks,  for  such  information,  as  economy 
in  printing  may  dictate. 

2.  We  recommend  that  the  overture  asking  for  a  separate  col¬ 
umn  in  Minutes  for  statistics  on  Young  People’s  Societies,  be 
granted,  and  that  such  reports  be  incorporated  in  the  additional 


572 


Young  People's  Societies 


[Book  IV 

tables  to  be  published  in  the  Assembly  Minutes,  as  provided  for 
in  our  report.  Adopted. 

1915,  p.  59.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  St.  Louis,  asking 
that  the  reports  on  the  Sabbath  School  and  Church  Societies  pro¬ 
vide  a  column  for  contributions  other  than  benevolent. 

We  recommend  that  it  be  answered  in  the  affirmative. 

1107.  Summer  Conferences 

1907,  p.  39.  Two  conferences,  one  at  Asheville,  N.  C.,  and  the 
other  at  Siloam  Springs,  Ark.,  were  held  last  summer  in  the  in¬ 
terest  of  the  Young  People’s  Movement,  and  conferences  will  be 
held  at  both  places  this  year. 

These  conferences  have  been  fruitful  of  much  good  in  arousing 
the  zeal  and  interest  of  the  young  people  within  the  range  of  their 
influence. 


1108.  Covenanters 

1903,  p.  524.  Eighty-nine  Covenanter  Companies  have  been  or¬ 
ganized  since  March  27,  1896,  when  Company  No.  1  was  formed  in 
the  Second  Church,  Richmond,  Va.  In  spite  of  earnest  efforts  to 
secure  reports  from  them  all  only  thirty-one  have  reported.  These 
have  589  members,  110  honorary  members;  have  added  183  new 
members  in  last  year;  have  dropped  7#  members;  have  had  75 
members  to  join  the  church,  and  contain  228  church  members;  have 
had  196  business  meetings,  with  an  average  attendance  of  308; 
222  missionary  meetings,  with  average  attendance  of  315;  have 
contributed  to  Home  Missions,  $288;  to  Foreign  Missions,  $313; 
to  all  other  purposes,  $225.  Twenty  new  companies  were  organized 
in  the  last  year. 

1109.  Presbyterian  Brotherhood 

1906,  p.  21.  Because  of  the  vast  importance  of  men’s  work 
in  the  church,  we  recommend  that  the  Executive  Committee  be 
authorized  to  prepare  a  Constitution,  and  to  take  all  necessary 
steps  to  the  organization  of  associations  in  the  churches,  of  men 
Over  sixteen  years  of  age,  to  be  known  as  “The  Presbyterian  Broth¬ 
erhood. 

1907,  p.  39.  In  accordance  with  the  instructions  of  the  last  As¬ 
sembly  the  Executive  Committee  has  prepared  a  Constitution  and 
provided  literature  necessary  for  the  organization  of  the  Presbyte¬ 
rian  Brotherhood.  This  work  has  been  done  with  care  and  only 
after  a  study  of  similar  organizations  in  other  churches.  Special 
attention,  however,  should  be  called  to  the  fact  that  the  Consti¬ 
tution  is  intended  merely  as  a  manual  of  suggestions  for  the  or¬ 
ganization  of  these  Brotherhoods,  and  that  the  plans  and  policies 
as  developed  by  the  local  Brotherhoods,  established  under  the 
authority  qf  the  Sessions,  are  more  likely  to  meet  the  needs  of  the 


Secs.  1106-1112]  Young  People's  Societies 


573 


men  than  any  plans  adopted  for  them  by  an^  outside  parties 
whatsoever. 

It  should  be  distinctly  understood  that  any  organization  of  men 
in  any  of  our  churches  that  is  in  sympathy  with  the  purposes  of 
the  Brotherhood  may  be  chartered  without  surrendering  its  name 
or  special  work. 

P.  41.  The  Assembly  authorized  its  Executive  Committee  to 
arrange  for  the  holding  of  a  convention  for  men  of  the  Southern 
Presbyterian  Church  to  discuss  and  confer  about  the  men’s  work 
in  the  church,  the  expense  of  such  convention  to  be  provided  for 
by  the  Brotherhoods  or  individuals  interested  in  the  work. 

1110.  Superintendent  of  Brotherhood  and  Covenanter  Work 

1908,  p.  51.  The  Assembly  authorized  the  employment  of  a 
Superintendent  for  this  work. 

1909,  p.  27.  The  appointment  of  Mr.  R.  W.  Davis,  as  Super¬ 
intendent  of  Covenanter  and  Brotherhood  Work,  was  approved, 
and  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  was  directed  to  se¬ 
cure,  if  possible,  his  financial  support  without  interference  with 
other  regular  collections. 

1910,  p.  36.  Owing  to  failure  to  secure  a  special  fund  for  the 
expense  of  this  work,  the  labors  of  Mr.  Davis  in  this  connection 
were  given  up. 

1111.  Committee  on  Young  People’s  Work  in  each  Presbytery 

and  Synod 

1919,  p.  62.  Request  from  the  Southern  Presbyterian  Christian 
Endeavorers  of  Georgia  and  South  Carolina,  requesting  that  each 
Presbytery  and  Synod  appoint  a  Committee  on  Young  People’s 
Work,  to  deceive  and  forward  statistical  information,  to  promote  the 
efficiency  of  existing  Societies,  and  to  procure  the  formation  of  new 
Societies.  We  call  attention  to  the  fact  that  such  committees  have 
already  been  appointed  in  some  Presbyteries  and  Synods,  and  recom¬ 
mend  that  other  Presbyteries  and  Synods  follow  this  plan. 

1112.  Women’s  Societies  ( Woman’s  Auxiliary) 

1904,  p.  55.  In  answer  to  an  overture  asking  the  appointment 
of  a  Standing  Committee  on  Women’s  Societies,  and  that  blanks  be 
prepared  for  Sessions  and  Presbyteries,  the  Committee  recommended 
that  the  Committee  be  appointed,  and  that  the  Committee  of  Publi¬ 
cation  be  instructed  to  prepare  a  blank  for  reports  on  Women’s 
Societies  for  the  use  of  Church  Sessions  and  Presbyteries. 

1911,  p.  66.  We  note  with  gratitude  thel  steady  growth  in  the 
number  of  societies  and  membership,  as  well  as  largely  increasing 
contributions,  and  we  rejoice  in  the  zeal  manifested  by  the  noble 
women  of  our  Church  for  the  extension  of  the  Gospel  both  at  home 
and  abroad. 


574 


Young  Peopie’s  Societies 


[Book  IV 


We  would  urge  the  organization  of  Synodical  Conferences,  along 
the  lines  heretofore  approved  (Assembly  Minutes  1910,  p.  47),  for 
the  co-ordination  and  stimulation  of  the  work  of  the  Presbyterial 
Unions,  and  particularly  in  the  arranging  of  consecutive  meetings 
of  the  Presbyterial  Unions  in  a  Synod  so  as  to  avoid  conflict  in 
dates  and  secure  speakers  for  all. 

We  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  report  of  the  Aid-Interim  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Women’s  Missionary  Unions,  as  follows: 

“The  right  of  a  Presbytery  to  control  a  Woman’s  Missionary 
Union  inheres  in  the  very  genius  of  Presbyterian  law,  and  the 
definite  warrant  for  such  right  is  found  in  our  form,  of  government. 
Chapter  5,  Paragraphs  60,  62,  and  77,  where  it  is  stated  respec¬ 
tively  that  Church  courts  ‘have  power  to  establish  rules  for  the  ex¬ 
tension  of  the  Church’;  that  these  courts  ‘possess  all  the  adminis¬ 
trative  authority  necessary  to  give  effect  to  the  power’;  that  ‘the 
Session  exercises  jurisdiction  over  a  single  church,  the  Presbytery 
over  what  is  common  to  the  ministers,  Sessions  and  churches  within 
a  prescribed  district’;  and  that  ‘the  Presbytery  has  power  to  con¬ 
cert  measures  for  the  enlargement  of  the  Church  within  its  bounds; 
in  general  to  order  whatever  pertains  to  the  spiritual  welfare  of 
the  churches  under  its  care.’ 

“While  the  Session,  therefore,  has  control  of  the  individual  so¬ 
ciety  within  the  local  church,  when  a  number  of  such  societies  in 
different  congregations  within  a  given  Presbytery  band  together  for 
common  work,  they  naturally  and  necessarily,  according  to  our  law, 
come  under  the  supervision  and  control  of  said  Presbytery. 

“The  same  principles  would  apply  to  the  formation  and  control 
of  Women’s  Synodical  Missionary  Unions.  The  Assembly,  there¬ 
fore,  in  its  frequent  approval  of  Women’s  Missionary  Unions  un¬ 
der  the  control  of  Presbyteries  and  its  approval  of  Synodical  Unions 
in  1910  (Minutes,  p.  47),  appears  to  your  committee  to  be  safely 
within  the  spirit  and  letter  of  our  constitution. 

“As  to  the  manner  of  such  supervision,  it  should  be  indirectly 
through  the  Session  having  control  of  the  local  society,  and  directly, 
through  ‘review  and  control,’  of  the  Unions  themselves,  by  requir¬ 
ing  their  constitutions  and  an  annual  report  of  theiq  proceedings  to 
be  submitted  to  the  Presbytery  for  approval,  and  by  further  re¬ 
quiring  that  their  contributions  should  be  sent  through  the  regular 
channels  of  the  Church. 

“A  Woman’s  Missionary  Union  is  not  an  organization  apart  from 
and  outside  of  the  Church,  but  is  a  hand  of  the  Church  itself  at 
work  for  a  specific  purpose,  and  as  such  is  entitled  to  the  fullest 
supervision,  sympathy  and  support  of  the  Church.” 

1912,  p.  23.  In  answer  to  overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  of  Lex¬ 
ington,  Winchester,  and  Mississippi,  asking  that  a  secretary  for 
women’s  work  be  not  appointed,  and  from  the  Synodical  unions  of 
Missouri  and  Virginia,  and  four  other  Synodical  and  forty-one 
Presbyterial  unions  endorsed  by  the  Synod  of  Missouri,  and  from 
the  Presbyteries  of  Columbia,  Atlanta,  Knoxville,  and  Suwanee, 


Sec.  1112] 


Young  People’s  Societies 


575 


asking  that  such  secretary  be  appointed,  we  recommend  the  fol¬ 
lowing  : 

That  the  four  Executive  Committees  be  directed  to  select  a  woman 
possessing  suitable  gifts,  who  under  their  direction,  shall  give  her 
whole  time  to  the  work  of  organizing  our  women  into  Synodical  and 
Presbyterial  unions  and  local  societies  under  control  of  Synods, 
Presbyteries,  and  Sessions,  respectively;  co-ordinating  Women's  and 
Young  People’s  Societies  as  now  organized;  stimulating  interest  by 
gathering  and  disseminating  needed  information  in  order  that  this 
mighty  auxiliary  in  our  Church’s  life  and  growth  may  become  even 
more  fruitful  of  good  than  in  the  past. 

1913,  p.  70c.  In  compliance  with  this  mandate,  the  Executive 
Secretaries  of  the  four  Executive  Committees  were  appointed  by 
their  respective  Committees  to  act  as  a  Supervisory  Committee  and 
organize  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary  and  select  a  Superintendent. 

The  Supervisory  Committee  met  at  Montreat,  N.  C.,  in  August, 
1912,  and  after  conference  with  the  Presidents  of  Synodical  Unions 
and  ther  leading  workers  among  the  women  of  the  Church,  a  de¬ 
partment  of  Woman’s  Work  was  established  and  designated  as  the 
Woman’s  Auxiliary.  Mrs.  W.  C.  Winsborough  was  elected  Super¬ 
intendent,  and  headquarters  were  located  at  Kansas  City,  Mo. 

An  advisory  body,  known  as  the  Woman’s  Council,  was  created, 
which  is  composed  of  the  Presidents  of  the  Synodicals. 

A  few  principles  for  the  guidance  of  the  Auxiliary  and  its  offi¬ 
cers  were  formulated,  and  the  organization  began  its  work  with 
the  cordial  sympathy  and  co-operation  of  the  four  executive  agencies 
of  the  Assembly  and  the  earnest  support  of  leaders  of  Woman’s 
Work  in  the  Church. 

The  Superintendent  has  shown  rare  skill  and  executive  ability  in 
directing  the  work  of  the  Auxiliary  through  the  trying  days  of  or¬ 
ganizing  a  new  department  of  work,  and  the  results  accomplished 
during  the  seven  months  are  highly  encouraging  and  indicate  that 
the  organization  is  projected  upon  lines  which  promise  to  promote 
greater  efficiency  in  the  work  of  the  women  of  the  Church. 

1913,  p.  70e.  1.  The  Assembly  desires  to  express  its  apprecia¬ 

tion  of  the  faithful  and  efficient  services  of  Mrs.  W.  C.  Winsborough, 
Superintendent  of  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary,  and  its  approval  of  the 
Auxiliary  and  its  work. 

2.  The  Assembly  would  urge  pastors  and  Sessions  to  induce  their 
Woman’s  Societies  to  connect  themselves  with  the  Presbyterials,  and 
Presbyteries  to  induce  the  Presbyterials  to  unite  in  Synodicals. 

3.  The  Assembly  urges  that  Woman’s  Societies  be  encouraged  to 
contribute  to  all  four  of  the  Assembly’s  causes,  on  the  basis  of  the 
percentage  adopted  by  the  Assembly,  so  far  as  this  can  be  done 
without  reducing  the  contributions  which  have  hitherto  been  given 
to  any  of  these  causes. 

4.  The  Assembly  enjoins  upon  each  Presbytery  and  Synod  to 
appoint  a  Permanent  Committee  on  Woman’s  Work  to  serve  as  a 
link  between  the  Woman’s  Societies  and  these  bodies,  and  to  rep¬ 
resent  the  interests  of  the  local  work  of  Presbytery  and  Synod. 


576 


Young  Peofle’s  Societies 


[Book  IV 


1915,  p.  45.  Overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  of  El  Paso  and 
East  Alabama,  asking  for  an  additional  column  under  the  report 
of  Woman’s  Societies  for  contributions  that  are  not  missionary  or 
benevolent.  We  recommend  that  these  overtures  be  answered  in 
the  affirmative. 

1915,  p.  79.  1.  We  recommend  that  the  women  be  asked,  as  far 

as  compatible  with  their  obligations,  to  adjust  themselves  to  the 
present  financial  system  of  our  Church. 

2.  That  the  local  Sessions  be  instructed  to  decide  the  avenues 
and  methods  of  giving  in  the  local  societies. 

3.  As  to  whether  the  moneys  contributed  by  the  women  through 
the  envelopes  shall  be  credited  to  the  gifts  of  the  societies  and  sep¬ 
arate  account  be  kept  of  same  are  matters  clearly  within  the  control 
of  the  Session,  and  therefore  the  Assembly  does  not  see  its  way  clear 
to  declare  itself  upon  this  point. 

4.  That  the  Assembly  transmit  this  preamble  and  these  resolu¬ 
tions  to  the  various  Sessions  and  to  the.  Woman’s  Auxiliary,  with  the 
advice  that  this  be  the  goal  toward  which  they  are  urged  to  move. 

5.  At  the  request  of  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary,  we  recommend  that 
each  Presbytery  and  Synod  appoint,  if  the  way  be  clear,  a  Perma¬ 
nent  Committee  on  Woman’s  Work,  to  be  the  avenue  of  intercourse 
and  counsel  beween  the  Presbytery  and  Synod  and  the  Woman’s- 
Work. 

6.  We  recommend  that  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication 
and  Sabbath  School  Work  be  instructed  to  consider  the  advisability 
of  preparing  a  manual  giving  a  uniform  standard  as  to  name,  age,, 
and  object  of  all  young  people’s  societies,  missionary  and  devotional;, 
and,  if  deemed  wise,  to  issue  the  same. 

7.  That  each  Session  be  urged  to  bring  its  local  societies  into 
touch  and  membership  in  the  Presbyterials  and  Synodicals. 

1916,  p.  64.  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  approve  the  plan  of 
organization  embodied  in  the  constitution  of  the  Women’s  Auxiliaries 
and  the  adoption  of  a  uniform  name  for  the  various  constituent  bodies,, 
namely  “Local  Women’s  Auxiliary,”  “Presbyterial  Women’s  Auxil¬ 
iary,”  “Synodical  Women’s  Auxiliary,”  “Women’s  Advisory  Com¬ 
mittee.” 

1919,  p.  33.  1.  That  this  Assembly  express  its  hearty  approval 

of  the  splendid  financial,  educational  and  spiritual  work  of  the  Aux¬ 
iliary  during  the  past  year. 

2.  That  the  Assembly  recommend  the  “Woman’s  Auxiliary  Circle 
Plan”  as  a  practical  and  workable  method,  with  such  modifications 
as  local  conditions  may  justify,  for  every  church  to  consider  in  the 
organization  of  its  women’s  work. 

3.  That  the  Assembly  call  the  attention  of  pastors  and  Sessions 
to  the  importance  of  having  their  local  Women’s  Societies  aligned 
with  the  Auxiliary  by  active  connection  with  their  respective  Pres¬ 
byterials. 

4.  That  the  Assembly  recommend  to  the  Women’s  Societies  that 
only  such  contributions  as  come  through  the  channels  of  the  women’s 


Sec.  1112] 


Young  People’s  Societies 


577 


organizations  of  the  churches,  and  not  through  the  regular  church 
envelopes,  should  be  reported  as  the  gifts  of  the  Women’s  Auxil¬ 
iaries  or  Societies. 

5.  That  the  Synods  and  Presbyteries  strive  to  bring  about  closer 
relations  with  their  respective  Synodical  and  Presbyterial  Auxil¬ 
iaries;  and  that  the  Committees  on  Women’s!  Work  in  Synods  and 
Presbyteries  advise  and  keep  in  touch  with  these  Auxiliaries. 

Woman’s  Auxiliary 

1922,  p.  49.  We  wish  first  of  all  to  express  the  warm  congratu¬ 
lations  and  earnest  felicitation  of  this  Assembly,  on  the  tenth  birth¬ 
day  of  the  Auxiliary,  which  happy  occasion  is  now  being  celebrated 
throughout  the  bounds  of  our  Church. 

Our  Church  has  just  and  abundant  cause  for  pride  in  the  wonder¬ 
ful  and  rapidly  growing  accomplishments  of  our  Auxiliary  during 
this  decade. 

Authorized  by  the  General  Assembly  in  1912  to  begin  its  work, 
yet  looked  upon  in  many  quarters  with  fear  and  misgiving,  it  is 
now  acclaimed  everywhere  with  enthusiasm. 

In  1912,  its  membership  was  24,000  and  the  gifts  $384,000.  For 
the  year  just  closed  the  reported  membership  is  89,000  and  the  gifts 
$1,144,000. 

We  call  attention  to  the  great  success  which  has  followed  the 
establishment  of  the  Auxiliary  Circle  plan,  yet  notwithstanding  the 
rapid  increase  in  Auxiliaries,  there  are  still  more  than  50  per  cent, 
of  our  women  outside  the  Auxiliary.  We  therefore  urge  the  adop¬ 
tion  by  every  church  of  this  plan  as  soon  as  practicable. 

A  large  record  of  accomplishments  is  reported  by  the  Auxiliary, 
in  the  supply  of  free  literature  for  the  monthly  programs,  the  Sum¬ 
mer  Conferences  for  Young  People,  the  three  Conferences  for  Col¬ 
ored  Women,  the  establishment  of  the  Tuscaloosa  Industrial  School 
for  Colored  Girls,  and  the  willing  and  effective  co-operation  with 
the  Assembly’s  Committees  in  all  of  their  plans  and  efforts. 

The  Statistical  Report  shows  a  total  of  2,108  Societies,  with  a 
combined  membership  of  89,000,  and  total  gifts  to  all  causes  of 
$1,143,318,  which  were  distributed  as  follows: 


Foreign  Missions  .  $  246,939 

Assembly’s  Home  Missions  . . .  74,663 

Synod’s  Home  Missions  . + .  34,576 

Presbytery’s  Home  Missions  . . . , .  53,865 

Congregational  Home  Missions  . . .  47,715 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief .  50,806 

Sunday  School  Extension  and  Publication .  12,609 

Educational  Institutions  . +. . . .  64,319 

Bible  Cause  . „ .  4,844 

Orphans’  Homes  . +. . * .  76,263 


Total  Benevolences  . - .  $  666,599 


578 


Young  People’s  Societies 


[Book  IV 


Miscellaneous  . . $  242,572 

Current  Expenses  and  Contingent  Fund  .  234,147 —  476,719 

Grand  Total  for  All  Causes  .  $1,143,318 

We  recommend: 


1.  That  the  action  of  the  Assembly  of  1920  be  reaffirmed,  to  wit: 
that  the  members  of  the  Women’s  Societies  make  their  regular  con¬ 
tributions  through  the  regular  collections  of  the  Church. 

2.  That  additional  and  sacrificial  offerings  (over  and  above  the 
individual  gifts  through  the  Church)  be  made  through  the  Societies, 
and  that  only  such  gifts  be  reported  by  the  Societies. 

3  .That  each  Auxiliary  accept  a  definite  part  of  the  Church’s  quota, 
as  the  basis  of  its  annual  budget,  adding  to  this  such  sums  as  may 
be  desirable  for  the  support  of  Presbyterial  and  Synodical  Auxil¬ 
iaries,  and  other  legitimate  objects. 

4.  We  call  special  attention  to  the  following  section  of  the  Consti¬ 
tution  for  the  local  Woman’s  Auxiliary:  No  funds  shall  be  given  to 
causes  outside  the  denomination  until  the  budget  of  the  local  church 
for  the  year  has  been  paid. 

5.  We  reaffirm  the  recommendation  of  the  Stewardship  Com¬ 
mittee,  asking  for  a  close  co-operation  between  Synodical  managers 
and  officers  of  Synodical  Auxiliaries. 

See  annual  report,  Minutes  of  1922,  pp.  141  ff. 

1922,  p.  51.  “This  General  Assembly  extends  to  Miss  Jennie 
Hanna  its  warmest  appreciation  of,  and  thanks  for,  her  untiring  and 
most  efficient  labors  in  the  early  organization  of  Presbyterials  and  in 
the  creation  of  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary.” 

1113.  Stated  Clerk  to  tabulate  reports 

1909,  p.  26.  We  recommend  that  all  the  statistical  reports  from 
the  Presbyteries  relating  to  Sunday  School  work  and  that  of  our 
Young  People’s  Societies  and  Brotherhoods  be  referred  to  the  Stated 
Clerk  of  the  Assembly  for  tabulation  and  publication  in  the  Ap¬ 
pendix  to  the  Minutes. 

1114.  Publication  Committee  to  co-operate  with  publishing  agencies 

of  other  churches 

1911,  p.  42.  The  publishing  agency  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 
the  United  States  is  hereby  authorized  to  co-operate  with  the  pub¬ 
lishing  agencies  of  the  other  Churches  of  the  Council  of  Reformed 
Churches  in  the  publishing,  purchasing  and  distributing  of  liter¬ 
ature  and  supplies. 


1115.  Preserving  Church  records 

1914,  p.  34.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Knoxville,  asking 
the  Assembly  to  make  provisions  for  the  better  preservation  of  the 
records  of  churches  and  Church  courts. 


Secs.  1112-1119]  Young  People’s  Societies 


579 


Answer :  The  Assembly  refers  this  question  to  the  Executive 

Committee  of  Publication  and  Sunday  School  Work,  with  the  re¬ 
quest  that  they  report  on  it  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  Assembly. 

1116.  Revision  of  Digest 

1920,  p.  62.  From  Rev.  Thos.  H.  Law,  D.  D.,  Stated  Clerk,, 
asking  that  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  be  authorized 
and  recommended  to  consider  and  arrange  for,  if  the  measure  appear 
feasible,  the  preparation  and  publication  of  another  revision  of  or 
supplement  to  Alexander’s  Digest.  We  recommend  that  the  over¬ 
ture  be  answered  in  the  affirmative. 

1117.  Use  of  cigarettes 

1920,  p.  62.  The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  United  States  urges  its  pastors,  missionaries,  and  teachers  in 
the  Church  educational  institutions  to  discourage  the  rapidly  grow¬ 
ing  habit  of  smoking,  especially  of  cigarettes,  by  our  young  people. 

1118.  Offerings  for  War  Work  to  he  put  under  “Miscellaneous” 

1918,  p.  48.  In  answer  to  the  overture  asking  that  a  column  be 
added  to  statistical  reports  for  offerings  to  War  Work,  we  recom¬ 
mend  that  the  Committee  of  Publication  be  requested  to  provide  a 
special  space  in  Sessional  report  blanks  for  gifts  for  our  own  War 
Work  Committee,  and  that  clerks  of  Presbyteries  be  directed  to  add 
as  a  footnote  on  the  Presbyterial  Summary  blank  the  total  of  such 
gifts,  and  that  the  grand  total  be  printed  in  the  Assembly  Minutes 
Summary. 

It  is  ordered  that  all  contributions  for  Red  Cross  and  Y.  M.  C.  A. 
work  which  pass  through  the  hands  of  the  Treasurer  of  a  Church 
shall  be  included  in  the  column  for  miscellaneous. 

1119.  Boy  Scouts 

1921,  p.  73.  From  the  Presbytery  of  Knoxville,  asking  the  As¬ 
sembly  to  endorse  the  Boy  Scout  program.  We  recommend  that  the 
Assembly  endorse  the  ideals  of  the  Scout  movement  and  commend 
it  to  the  churches  as  a  useful  agency  in  the  development  of  our 
boys  when  under  the  control  of  the  Session. 


CHAPTER  VI 


PERMANENT  COMMITTEE  ON  SYSTEMATIC  BENEFI¬ 
CENCE  AND  STEWARDSHIP 

1120.  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence 

1909,  pp.  60,  61.  In  response  to  overtures  (1)  that  the  Assem¬ 
bly  consider  the  advisability  of  consolidating;  some  of  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committees  in  the  interest  of  economy,  (2)  that  the  number  of 
collections  be  reduced,  (3)  that  the  Assembly’s  Standing  Committee 
on  Systematic  Beneficence  be  made  a  Permanent  Committee  with 
enlarged  duties,  the  Assembly  decided  that  an  ad  interim  committee 
of  seven,  consisting  of  four  elders  and  three  ministers,  be  appointed 
to  consider,  and  if  there  should  appear  to  (be  need,  report  to  the 
next  Assembly,  plans  by  which  the  work  of  our  Executive  Com¬ 
mittees  may  be  more  thoroughly  co-ordinated,  and,  that  this  ad  interim 
committee  invite  members  of  the  various  Executive  Committees  to 
confer  with  them,  and  that  they  be  authorized,  likewise,  to  call 
into  conference  such  other  ministers  and  laymen  as  may  seem  advis¬ 
able. 

This  committee  consisted  of  Rev.  J.  W.'  Bachman,  D.  D.,  Rev. 
W.  R.  Dobyns,  D.  D.,  Rev.  R.  O.  Flinn,  D.  D.,  Messrs.  W.  T. 
Hardie,  John  S.  Munce,  John  Stites  and  G.  W.  Watts. 

1910,  pp.  21,  22.  The  report  of  this  committee  was  adopted  and 
is  as  follows: 

Your  Committee  has  held  three  meetings,  at  which  examination 
has  been  made  of  the  work  and  needs  of  all  the  departments  of  our 
Church.  At  one  of  these  meetings  representatives  from  each  of  the 
Executive  Committees  were  present,  except  two — namely,  the  Evan¬ 
gelistic  Committee  and  the  Committee  on  Schools  and  Colleges.  The 
Secretaries  of  these  Committees  were  seen  by  representatives  of  the 
ad  interim  committee  at  another  time. 

Your  Committee  has  also  followed  instructions  and  has  sought  in 
conference  and  by  correspondence  the  views  of  ministers  and  lay¬ 
men  in  various  parts  of  the  Church. 

Many  matters  have  been  brought  to  the  attention  of  the  Com¬ 
mittee,  and  while  all  have  been  considered,  your  Committee  has 
confined  its  recommendations  to  the  matters  contained]  in  the  over¬ 
tures  and  instructions  mentioned  above,  in  accordance  with  which 
is  submitted  the  following: 

1.  (a)  That  the  number  of  Executive  Committees  be  reduced 

to  four,  namely — Executive  Committee  on  Foreign  Missions,  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  on  Home  Missions,  Executive  Committee  on  Minis¬ 
terial  Education  and  Relief,  Executive  Committee  on  Publication 
and  Sabbath  Schools. 

(b)  In  accordance  with  the  foregoing  arrangements  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  on  Home  Missions  shall  include  as  departments  the 


Sec.  1120] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


581 


work  of  Colored  Evangelization  and  that  of  the  Committee  on  Evan¬ 
gelistic  Work. 

(c)  The  Committee  on  Ministerial  Education  and  Relief  shall  in¬ 
clude  as  departments  the  work  of  the  Committee  on  Schools  and 
Colleges  and  the  work  of  Assembly’s  Home  and  School. 

(d)  The  Executive  Committees  on  Foreign  Missions,  and  Pub¬ 
lication  and  Sabbath  Schools  shall  remain  as  at  present. 

(e)  In  consolidating  these  Committees  due  regard  shall  be  paid 
to  proper  legal  preservation  of  the  property,  funds,  and  trusts  now 
held  by  these  bodies. 

2.  (a)  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly’s  Standing  Committee 
on  Systematic  Beneficence  be  made  a  Permanent  Committee,  with 
enlarged  duties. 

(b)  That  the  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  be  composed 
of  14  members,  7  ministers  and  7  laymen,  one  member  from  each 
Synod  chosen  by  the  Assembly,  seven  for  one  year  and  seven  for 
two  years,  and  that  their  successors  thereafter  be  elected  for  2  years. 

(c)  That  the  time  and  place  of  the  first  meeting  of  this)  Com¬ 
mittee  shall  be  designated  by  the  Assembly,  at  which  time  the 
Committee  shall  be  organized  and  shall  elect  its  own  officers. 

(d)  That  7  shall  constitute  a  quorom,  provided  that  notice  has 
been  mailed  to  each  member  twenty  days  previous  to  the  date  of 
meeting. 

(e)  That  the  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  shall  meet 
at  least  once  each  year  for  conference  with  the  Secretaries  of  the 
Assembly’s  Executive  Committees,  at  which  meeting  the  needs  of 
the  entire  church  and  the  management  of  the  several  Committees 
shall  be  considered  and  discussed. 

(f)  That  the  various  Executive  Committees  of  the  Assembly  shall 
submit  by  the  22nd  of  April  each  year  to  the  Committee  on  Sys¬ 
tematic  Beneficence  their  annual  reports,  together  with  estimated 
requirements  for  the  ensuing  year,  the  reasons  therefor  and  suggested 
method  of  securing  same. 

(g)  That  the  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  shall  meet 
prior  to  the  convening  of  the  General  Assembly  and  carefully  con¬ 
sider  the  annual  reports  of  the  several  Executive  Committees  and 
the  Assembly’s  beneficences  in  general.  And  that  they  shall  sub¬ 
mit  to  the  Assembly  these  reports  of  the  Executive  Committees  with 
recommendations  thereon. 

(h)  That  the  Secretaries  and  members  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  shall  be  elected  by  the  General  Assembly,  and  the  Committee 
on  Systematic  Beneficence  shall  submit  nominations  for  the  same. 

3.  That  with  regard  to  the  method  of  raising  funds  for  the  As¬ 
sembly’s  causes  we  recommend: 

(a)  That  the  stated  beneficences  of  the  Church  be  separated  from 
its  current  expenses  and  local  work  of  charity. 

(b)  That,  instead  of  depending  on  special  Sabbath  collections 
for  the  benevolent  causes,  each  Session  appoint  a  Beneficence  or 
Missionary  Committee  with  a  separate  Treasurer. 


582 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


(c)  That  a  canvass  be  made  by  this  Committee  of  every  mem¬ 
ber  of  the  congregation  for  subscription  to  these  causes,  to  be  paid 
at  stated  periods,  weekly  if  possible,  through  duplex  envelopes,  or 
some  other  system  approved  by  the  Session. 

(d)  Whether  there  shall  be  one  canvass  for  all  the  causes,  or 
two  canvasses,  one  for  work  at  home  and  the  other  for  work  abroad, 
shall  be  left  to  the  judgment  of  the  Session  of  each  church. 

4.  That  as  some  churches  may  not  be  able  to  immediately  inaug¬ 
urate  this  plan  we  recommend:  * 

(a)  That  the  number  of  special  collections  ordered  by  the  As¬ 
sembly  be  reduced  to  eight,  as  follows: 

Two  for  Foreign  Missions. 

TWo  for  Home  Missions. 

Two  for  Ministerial  Education  and  Relief. 

One  for  Sabbath  School  Missions  and  Publication. 

One  for  Bible  Cause. 

(b)  Each  collection  shall  be  given  a  specified  month,  the  month 
to  be  determined  by  the  Assembly  upon  the  recommendation  of  the 
Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence. 

(c)  The  collections  shall  be  taken  in  the  months  assigned  to 
them  and  remitted  promptly  to  the  Treasurer. 

5.  That  the  foregoing  recommendations  (3  and  4)  are  not  to 
be  interpreted  as  in  any  way  interfering  with  the  liberty  of  repre¬ 
sentatives  of  Executive  Committees  in  the  prosecution  of  their  in¬ 
spirational  or  educational  work  during  any  time  of  the  year. 

6.  That  the  Standing  Committees  on  Systematic  Beneficence  in 
Presbyteries  and  Synods  should  be  changed  to  Permanent  Com¬ 
mittees,  corresponding  to  the  Assembly’s  Committee. 

P.  23.  The  following  resolutions,  completing  the  report  of  the 
ad  interim  Committee,  were  adopted: 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Benefi¬ 
cence  be  instructed  to  meet  in  Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  on  the  earliest 
day  convenient  for  the  largest  number  of  the  Committee,  and  that 
Rev.  J.  W.  Bachman,  D.  D.,  be  authorized  to  call  this  meeting  and 
to  preside  until  a  permanent  organization  is  effected. 

2.  That  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  be  directed, 
after  due  conference  with  the  Secretaries  and  such  members  of  the 
Committees  of  Colored  Evangelization  and  Evangelistic  Work  as 
may  seem  desirable,  to  formulate  a  detailed  plan  for  the  consolida¬ 
tion  of  these  Committees  as  ordered  by  the  Assembly,  and  that  they 
be  directed  to  submit  these  plans  to  the  Permanent  Committee  on 
Systematic  Beneficence  at  their  meeting  in  Chattanooga. 

3.  That  the  Executive  Committee  on  Ministerial  Education  and 
Relief  be  directed,  after  due  conference  with  the  Secretary  of  Schools 
and  Colleges,  and  such  members  of  the  Committee  of  Schools  and 
Colleges  as  may  seem  desirable,  and  after  conference  with  Mr.  S. 
W.  Somerville  and  such  members  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the 
Home  and  School  as  may  seem  desirable,  to  formulate  detailed  plans 
for  the  consolidation  of  these  Committees  as  ordered  by  the  Assem- 


Sec.  1120] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


583 


bly,  and  to  submit  these  plans  to  the  Committee  on  Systematic 
Beneficence  at  their  meeting  in  Chattanooga. 

4.  That  the  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  be  directed  to 
receive  these  plans  from  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions 
and  from  the  Executive  Committee  of  Ministerial  Education  and 
Relief,  perfect  them  if  necessary,,  and  ;after  approving  of  them  to 
order  the  consolidations  provided  for  by  this  Assembly  at  the  earliest 
date  which  in  their  judgment  seems  practicable. 

5.  That  the  Executive  Committees  of  Home  Missions  and  Min¬ 
isterial  Education  and  Relief,  with  the  advice  and  Consent  of  the 
Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence,  be  empowered  to 
enlarge  their  Committees  and  add  new  members  to  them  if  they 
find  it  necessary  in  their  work  of  Consolidation,  these  new  mem¬ 
bers  to  hold  office  until  the  next  Assembly. 

6.  That  those  members  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  System¬ 
atic  Beneficence  who  are  present  at  this  Assembly  be  constituted  a 
committee  to  bring  in  a  report  to  this  Assembly  specifying  the 
months  in  which  the  eight  collections  ordered  by  this  Assembly  shall 
be  taken. 

7.  That  the  Executive  Committee  of  Ministerial  Education  and 
Relief  be  directed  to  take  the  necessary  legal  steps  to  have  its r  name 
changed  to  that  of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief. 

8.  That  the  expenses  of  the  Permanent  Committee  be  paid  by  the 
Assembly. 

P.  31.  It  was  decided  that  the  present  collections  and  the  dates 
of  the  collections  for  the  various  causes  remain  as  at  present  until 
April  1,  1911. 

P.  37.  The  following  were  appointed  members  of  the  Permanent 
Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence. 

For  the  term  of  two  years:  Rev.  J.  W.  Bachman,  D.  D.,  Tennes¬ 
see;  Rev.  W.  R.  Dobyns,  D.  D.,  Missouri;  Rev.  R.  O.  Flinn,  Geor¬ 
gia;  Elders  W.  T.  Hardie,  Louisiana;  John  S.  Munce,  Virginia; 
John  Stites,  Kentucky;  G.  W.  Watts,  North  Carolina. 

For  the  term  of  one  year:  Rev.  Thos.  P.  Hay,  D.  D.,  Florida; 
Rev.  T.  S.  Clyce,  D.  D.,  Texas;  Rev.  J.  C.  Williams,  Arkansas; 
Rev.  J.  W.  Moseley,  Jr.,  Oklahoma;  Elder  D.  S.  Henderson,  South 
Carolina;  Elder  J.  L.  Dean,  Alabama;  Elder  W.  C.'  Smith,  Mis¬ 
sissippi. 

P.  62.  Alternates: 

Elder  John  Frye,  Birmingham,  Ala. 

J.  E.  Latham,  D.  D.,  Batesville,  Ark. 

Rev.  L.  R.  Lynn,  Jacksonville,  Fla. 

Elder  J.  R.  Dobyns,  Jackson,  Miss. 

Rev.  E.  Hotchkin,  Durant,  Okla. 

Elder  T.  B.  Fraser,  Sumter,  S.  C. 

Rev.  Robert  Hill,  D.  D.,  Dallas,  Tex. 

The  committee  was  empowered  to  fill  any  vacancies  that  may 
occur  by  death  or  resignation. 

P.  55.  Resolved,  That  the  members  of  the  ad  interim  Committee 
on  the  Co-ordination  of  Executive  Committees,  which  were  charged 


584 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


with  the  duty  of  reporting  to  this  Assembly  the  months  in  which  the 
eight  collections  named  by  that  report  are  to  be  taken  up,  be  dis¬ 
charged  from  that  duty  at  this  Assembly,  and  that  it  be  referred  to 
the  new  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  with  in¬ 
struction  to  name  these  months  at  their  first  regular  meeing  and 
publish  the  same  as  soon  thereafter  as  possible. 

P.  69.  The  Assembly  requests  the  Committee  on  Systematic  Benefi¬ 
cence  to  examine  into  the  present  method  of  making  the  apportion¬ 
ments  to  the  Presbyteries  for  the  benevolent  causes  and  Assembly 
expenses,  and  see  if  a  more  equitable  method  cannot  be  devised. 


1121.  First  Meeting  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic 

Beneficence 


Wednesday,  August  10th,  1910.  10  A.  M. 

The  members  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Benefi¬ 
cence  appointed  by  the  General  Assembly  at  Lewisburg,  W.  Va.,  May, 
1910  (See  Minutes,  pp.  20-24),  having  been  duly  notified  of  their  elec¬ 
tion  and'  having  officially  accepted  the  same,  were  at  the  order  of  Rev. 
J.  W.  Bachman  called  to  meet  at  Montreat,  N.  C.,  August  10th,  1910, 
this  place  being  selected  instead  of  Chattanooga,  as  directed  by  the 
Assembly. 

At  the  appointed  time  eleven  members  assembled  and,  being  called 
to  order  by  Rev.  J.  W.  (Bachman,  Temporary  Chairman,  were  led  in 
prayer  by  Rev.  W.  R.  Dobyns. 

There  were  present:  — 


Rev.  J.  W.  Bachman . 

Rev.  W.  R.  Dobyns . 

Rev.  Thos.  P.  Hay.. . 

Rev.  T.  S.  Clyce . . 

Rev.  J.  W.  Moseley,  Jr. 

Rev.  R.  O.  Flinn . 

Mr.  Jno.  S.  Mtjnce . 

JVIr.  W.  T.  Hardie . 

Mr.  D.  S.  Henderson.... 

Mr.  J.  L.  Dean . 

Mr.  W.  C.  Smith . 

The  absent  were:  — 

Rev.  J.  C.  Williams . 

Mr.  John  Stites . 

Mr.  Geo.  W.  Watts . 


Chattanooga,  Tenn 

. St.  Joseph,  Mo. 

. Gainesville,  Fla. 

. Sherman.  Texas 

. Durant,  Okla. 

. Atlanta,  Ga. 

. Richmond,  Va. 

....New  Orleans,  La. 

. Aiken,  S.  C. 

. Opelika,  Ala. 

. Ridgeland,  Miss. 

. DeQueen,  Ark. 

. Louisville,  Ky. 

. Durham,  N.  C. 


ORGANIZATION. 

Seven  being  a  quorum  and  eleven  being  present,  an  organization  was 
effected,  Rev.  J.  W.  Bachman  being  chosen  as  permannt  chairman, 
Rev.  W.  R.  Dobyns  as  vice-chairman,  and  Rev.  R.  O.  Flinn  as  secretary. 

Communications  were  read  from  Judge  John  Stites  and  Mr.  G.  W. 
Watts,  presenting  excuses  for  absence.  |By  motion  their  excuses  were 
sustained.  Rev.  J.  E.  Latham  appeared  as  a  representative  of  Rev. 
J.  C.  Williams,  of  DeQueen,  Ark.,  ready  to  sit  as  an  alternate,  Mr. 
Williams  having  wired  him  at  the  last  moment,  requesting  him  to 
represent  him  on  account  of  his  own  providential  detention. 

The  resignation  of  Judge  Stites,  which  was  tendered  in  order  to 
allow  ,Mr.  Jas.  Quarles  (who  also  appeared  as  his  alternate)  to  be 
seated,  was  not  accepted.  Mr.  Quarles  was  invited,  however,  to  sit 
with  the  Committee  as  a  visitor  during  the  conference  held  between 
those  interested  in  the  consolidation  of,  the  Committee  on  Schools  and’ 
Colleges,  and  of  The  Assembly’s  Home  and  School,  with  the  Committee 
on  Ministerial  Education  and  Relief. 


Sec.  1121] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


585 


SEATING  OF  ALTERNATES. 

In  regard  to  the  legality  of  allowing  Mr.  Jas.  Quarles,  of  Kentucky, 
to  sit  as  an  alternate  to  Judge  Stites,  and  of  Rev.  J.  E.  Latham,  of 
Arkansas,  to  sit  as  an  alternate  to  Rev.  j.  C.  Williams,  the  following 
resolution  was  adopted: 

“It  is  the  sense  of  this  Committee,  after  consideration  of  the  Assem¬ 
bly  Minutes,  that  those  members  of  this  Committee  who  have  been 
elected  by  the  General  Assembly  and  have  accepted,  are  permanent 
members  and  have  no  alternates,  and  their  places  can  only  be  filled 
by  the  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  in  case  of -their  death  or 
resignation." 


INSTRUCTIONS  TO  SECRETARY. 

It  was  ordered  that  all  the  actions  of  the  General  Assembly  at  Lewis-  . 
burg,  W.  Va.,  relative  to  the  appointment  and  duties  of  the  Committee 
on  Systematic  Beneficence,  should  be  inscribed  upon  our  Minutes. 

The  secretary  was  instructed  to  purchase  a  suitable  book  for  keep¬ 
ing  the  official  records  of  the  Committee. 

REPORT  OF  HOME  MISSIONS  COMMITTEE  ON  CONSOLIDATION 

READ. 

The  reports  submitted  by  the  Executive  Committees  of  Home  Mis¬ 
sions,  and  of  Ministerial  Education  and  Relief,  giving  detailed  plans 
for  the  consolidation  of  these  respective  Committees,  with  such  others 
as  were  ordered  by  the  Assembly  (page  23),  were  read’  for  information. 

FIXING  ORDERS  OF'  THE  DAY. 

Conference  with  the  Secretaries  and  members  of  the  Assembly's 
Executive  Committees  on  Home  Missions,  Colored  Evangelization,  and 
the  Permanent  Committee  on  Evangelism  was  made  the  first  order  of 
the  day  for  3  P.  M.,  and  the  conference  with,'  the  Secretaries  and 
members  of  the  Executive  Committees  of  Ministerial  Education  and 
Relief,  Schools  and  Colleges,  and  the  Trustees  of  the  Assembly’s  Home 
and  School  for  4:30  P.  M. 

Rev.  J.  W.  Bachman  reported  that  the  Executive  Commission  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church,  U.  S.  A.,  desired  to  meet  with  us  and  that 
he  had  arranged  for  a  meeting  at  7:30  P.  M.  This  action  was  approved. 

CONFERENCES  WITH  SECRETARIES. 

In  accordance  with  the  order  of  the  day,  the  Committee  recon¬ 
vened  for  conference  with  the  Secretaries  and  members  of  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committees  on  Home  Missions,  Colored  Evangelization  and  the 
Permanent  Committee  on  Evangelistic  Work.  The  following  were 
present: — Rev.  S.  L.  Morris,  Rev.  W.  L.  Lingle  and  Rev.  J.  G.  Snedecor. 

At  4:30  P.  M.  a  conference  was  held  with  the  members  of  the 
Executive  Committees  on  Ministerial  Education  and  Relief,  Schools 
and  Colleges  and  the  Trustees  of  the  Fredericksburg  Home  and  School 
— (Rev.  H.  H.  Sweets,  Rev.  W.  E.  Boggs,  Rev.  W.  L.  Lingle  and  Mr. 
Jas.  Quarles  being  present.  After  a  full  conference  with  the  repre¬ 
sentatives  of  the  Commitees  affected  by  the  consolidations  ordered  by 
the  Assembly,  the  Committee  adjourned  until  9  A.  M.  Thursday. 

COMMITTEE  ON  METHOD  OF  PROCEDURE. 

By  motion,  the  chairman  appointed  a  committee,  consisting  of  Mr. 
John  S.  Munce,  Rev.  Thos.  P.  Hay  and  Mr.  J.  L.  Dean,  to  formulate 
and  suggest  to  the  Committee  on  Systematic  (Beneficence  a  method  of 
procedure  and  lines  of  work. 

This  Committee  reported  as  follows: 


586  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

“An  examination  of  the  Assembly’s  Minutes  shows  that  the  follow¬ 
ing  items  of  work  are  given  to  your  Committee:  — 

DUTIES  ASSIGNED  TO  PERMANENT  COMMITTEE  ON  SYSTE¬ 
MATIC  BENEFICENCE. 

1.  To  perfect  and  approve  the  plans  for  the  consolidation  of  the 
Executive  Committees; 

2.  To  name  the  months  for  each  of  the  eight  collections  for  the 
Assemblyfs  causes; 

3.  To  hold  an  annual  conference  with  the  Secretaries  of  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committees  in  order  to  discuss:  — 

(a)  The  needs  of  the  entire  Church: 

(b)  The  management  of  the  Executive  Committees. 

4.  To  hold  a  meeting  before  the  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly:  — 

(a)  To  consider  the  annual  reports  of  the  Executive  Committees  of 
the  Assembly  and  make  reports  to  the  Assembly  thereon; 

(b)  To  consider  the  Assembly’s  beneficences  in  general  and  report 
to  the  Assembly  thereon; 

(c)  To  nominate  to  the  Assembly  the  Secretaries  and  members  of 
the  Executive  Committees. 

5.  To  secure  the  general  adoption  of  the  Assembly’s  plan  of  raising 
funds  by  a  personal  every  member  canvass  as  the  best  means  of  in¬ 
creasing  revenues  needed  for  the  prosecution  of  the  Assembly’s  benefi¬ 
cent  work. 

6.  To  examine  into  the  present  methods  of  making  appropriations 
by  the  Presbyteries  for  the  benevolent  causes  and  the  Assembly’s  ex¬ 
penses,  and  to1 2 3 4  see  if  a  more  equitable  method  cannot  be  devised. 
(.Page  69.) 

Of  these  matters,  items  1  and  2  have  been  disposed  of  at  this  meet¬ 
ing  of  the  Committee.  Item  6  has  been  referred  to  a  sub-committee 
for  investigation  and  report  to  the  full  Committee  at  its  next  meet¬ 
ing.  Items  3,  4  and  5  cover  the  permanent  work  of  the  Committee 
that  shall  continue  from  year  to  year. 

1.  CONSOLIDATION  OF  THE  EXECUTIVE  COMMITTEES. 

A.  Home  Missions,  Colored  Evangelization  and  Evangelistic  Work. 

The  paper  submitted  by  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions, 
suggesting  the  detail  plan  for  consolidation,  was  taken  up  seriatim, 
perfected  and  adopted  in  the  following  resolution:  — 

“The  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  (Beneficence,  having  re¬ 
ceived,  in  accordance  with  the  instructions  of  the  General  Assembly 
(page  23),  the  detail  plan  for  the  consolidation  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Colored  Evangelization  and  the  Permanent  Committee  on 
Evangelistic  Work  with  the  Executive  Committee  on  Home  Missions, 
hereby  approves  said  plan  as  perfected,  and  orders  that  same  shall  be¬ 
come  effective  October  1st,  1910.” 

The  secretary  was  directed  to  notify  the  respective  Committees  of 
this  action. 

The  plan  as  perfected  and  adopted  is  as  follows: 

1.  The  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  shall  be  enlarged  by 
the  addition  of  four  new  members. 

2.  Rev.  J.  E.  Thacker,  Rev.  Charles  R.  Nisbet,  Mr.  John  J.  Eagan 
and  Judge  J.  H.  Miller  shall  be  members  of  the  Committee  to  fill  these 
four  new  places. 

3.  A  quorum  of  the  Committee  shall  consist  of  eight  members. 

4.  Rev.  S.  L.  Morris,  Rev.  Homer  McMillan  and  Rev.  J.  G.  Snedecor 
shall  be  co-ordinate  Secretaries  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home 
Missions  until  the  meeting  of  the  next  General  Assembly,  and  their 
duties  are  defined  as  follows: 

(a)  Rev.  S.  L.  Morris  shall  have  charge  of  the  administration  of 
the  office,  and  the  general  superintendence  of  the  whole  work. 


Sec.  1121] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


587 


(b)  Rev.  Homer  McMillan  shall  have  charge  of  the  field  work  In 
securing  funds. 

(1.)  It  shall  be  his  duty,  with  the  advice  of  the  Committee  on  Pub¬ 
licity,  to  present  the  cause  in  person,  to  direct  the  labors  of  such  as¬ 
sistants  as  he  may  have  in  this  department,  to  create  and  distribute 
Home  Missionary  literature,  and  in  general  to  conduct  a  constant  Home 
Mission  educational  campaign  throughout  the  whole  Church. 

(2.)  It  shall  also  be  his  duty,  in  connection  with  another  sub-com¬ 
mittee  associated  with  him,  to  make  special  study  of  the  mountain 
work,  the  mill  work,  and  city  missions,  and  to  bring  in  to  the  whole 
Committee  such  recommendations  concerning  work  in  these  depart¬ 
ments  as  he  and'  his  Committee  shall  think  wise. 

(c)  The  salary  of  Rev.  J.  G.  Snedecor  shall  be  at  the  rate  of  $2,500 
per  year  until  the  next  meeting  of  the  Assembly. 

(d)  Rev  J.  G.  Snedecor,  in  connection  with  a  sub-committee  asso¬ 
ciated  with  him,  shall  have  charge  of  the  work  among  the  colored 
people  and  the  work  among  foreigners. 

(1.)  It  shall  be  his  special  duty  to  superintend  the  work  of  Still¬ 
man  Institute,  with  his  residence  at  Tuscaloosa. 

(2.)  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  Dr.  Snedecor  and  his  sub-committee  to 
make  a  special  study  of  the  work  among  the  colored  people  and  the 
foreigners,  and  to  bring  before  the  whole  Committee  from  time  to 
time  recommendations  concerning  work  they  think  ought  to  be  done. 

(3.)  It  shall  also  be  the  duty  of  Dr.  Snedecor  to  present  the  cause  of 
Home  Missions  in  the  Church  at  large  as  he  shall  have  time  and  op¬ 
portunity.  This  he  shall  do  under  the  direction  of  the  Committee  on 
Publicity. 

5.  While  special  assignments  are  made  to  the  Secretaries,  it  is  un¬ 
derstood  that  they  are  to  be  interested  in  every  department  of  the 
work,  and  that  they  are  to  be  ready  to  undertake  any  work  that  may 
be  assigned  them  by  the  Committee  from  time  to  time. 

6.  Rev.  J.  E.  Thacker  shall  be  general  Evangelist.  It  shall  be  his 
special  duty,  under  the  direction  of  a  sub-committee  associated  with 
him,  to  conduct  general  evangelistic  meetings  for  reaching  the  masses 
of  the  unsaved,  and  stir  up,  as  far  as  possible,  a  spirit  of  evangelism 
throughout  the  entire  Church. 

(a)  After  the  consolidation  is  effected,  all  money  collected  by  Dr. 
Thacker  in  his  meetings  shall  be  forwarded  to  the  Treasurer  of  Home 
Missions  and  kept  as  a  separate  account. 

(b)  The  arrangements  which  the  Committee  on  Evangelistic  Work 
have  made  with  Dr.  Thacker  as  to  salary  and  plans  for  evangelistic 
campaigns  shall  remain  as  they  are  until  the  next  meeting  of  the 
Assembly. 

7.  The  arrangements  made  by  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Evan¬ 
gelistic  Work,  with  Rev.  R.  A.  Walton,  and  approved  by  the  Lewis- 
burg  Assembly,  shall  be  continued  until  the  meeting  of  the  next  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly. 

8.  It  shall  be  the  policy  of  the  Committee  of  Home  Missions  to  ap¬ 
point  sub-committees  to  have  charge  of  specific  departments  of  the 
work,  in  order  that,  the  work  being  thus  subdivided,  matters  pertain¬ 
ing  to  each  department  may  be  carefully  considered  by  the  sub-com¬ 
mittee  before  being  presented  to  the  whole  Committee. 

(a)  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  these  several  committees  to  make  them¬ 
selves  familiar  with  the  whole  field  of  work  covered  by  their  respective 
departments,  not  only  with  the  work  that  they  are  doing,  but  with 
th°  work  that  is  undone;  and  to  bring  into  the  full  Committee  well 
digested  written  reports  concerning  this  work,  and  to  make  recom¬ 
mendations  concerning  work  which  they  believe  the  Committee  of 
Home  Missions  ought  to  do. 

(b)  This  assignment  of  special  work  shall  not  in  any  way  relieve 
any  member  of  the  Committee  of  Home  Missions  from  the  duty  of 
making  himself  familiar  with  the  whole  work  of  the  Committee  of 
Home  Missions,  or  from  the  duty  of  doing  all  that  is  in  his  power  to 
further  the  interests  of  every  department  of  the  work. 


588  .Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

(c)  The  number  and  names  of  these  sub-committees  are  to  be  left 
to  the  discretion  of  the  Committee  of  Home  Missions. 

9.  It  shall  be  the  policy  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Mis¬ 
sions  to  use  all  its  influence  in  urging  the  churches  to  adopt  the  new 
system  of  collections  ordered  by  the  Assembly. 

10.  If  necessary,  the  charter  of  this  Committee  shall  be  amended  to 
conform  to  the  changes  made  by  this  consolidation. 

11.  If  the  way  be  clear,  all  property  now  held  by  the  General  As¬ 
sembly’s  Executive  Committee  of  Colored  Evangelization,  the  Trustees 
of  Stillman  Institute,  and  that  held  for  them  by  the  Trustees  of  the 
General  Assembly,  shall  be  deeded  to  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Home  Missions  and  held  by  them  for  the  Assembly. 

12.  After  the  consolidation  is  effected,  all  money  collected  for  the 
work  of  Colored  Evangelization  shall  be  forwarded  to  the  Treasurer 
of  Home  Missions  and  kept  in  a  separate  account. 

B.  Education  and  Relief,  Schools  and  Colleges,  and  Home  and 

School. 

The  plan  of  consolidation  submitted  by  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Ministerial  Education  and  Relief  was  taken  up  seriatim,  perfected  and 
adopted  in  the  following  resolution: 

The  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence,  having  re¬ 
ceived,  in  accordance  with  the  instructions  of  the  General  Assembly 
(page  23),  the  detail  plan  for  the  consolidation  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittees  of  Ministerial  Education  and  Relief,  Schools  and  Colleges  and 
the  Assembly’s  Home  and  School  into  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief,  hereby  approves  said  plan 
as  perfected  and  orders  that  same  shall  become  effective  October  1,  1910. 

The  secretary  was  directed  to  notify  the  respective  Committees  of 
this  action. 

The  plan,  as  perfected  and  adopted,  is  as  follows: 

1.  According  to  the  direction  of  the  General  Assembly,  the  necessary 
legal  steps  shall  be  taken  to  change  the  name  of  the  existing  Com¬ 
mittee  to  The  Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and’  Min¬ 
isterial  Relief  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States,  with 
such  amendments  to  the  charter  as  may  be  necessary  to  carry  out  the 
purposes  in  view. 

2.  The  Committee  shall  be  enlarged  by  the  addition  of  Rev.  W.  L. 
Lingle,  Rev.  F.  H.  Gaines  and  Mr.  K.  G.  Matheson,  of  Atlanta,  Ga.; 
Rev.  Russell  Cecil,  Judge  Geo.  L.  Christian  and  Mr.  Geo.  R.  Cannon, 
of  Richmond,  Va.,  who  shall  hold  office  until  the  meeting  of  the  next 
General  Assembly. 

3.  The  Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial 
Relief  shall  seek  to  carry  out  the  directions  of  the  General  Assembly 
with  regard  to  every  department  of  the  work  as  far  as  possible,  every 
part  of  the  same  being  under  the  direct  control  of  the  General  As¬ 
sembly. 

4.  Rev.  H.  H.  Sweets  and  Rev.  W.  E.  Boggs  shall  be  co-ordinate 
Secretaries  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and 
Ministerial  Relief  until  the  meeting  of  the  next  General  Assembly. 

5.  Rev.  H.  H.  Sweets  shall  have  charge  of  the  administration  of  the 
office  and  the  general  superintendence  of  the  work. 

6.  Rev.  W.  E.  Boggs  shall  continue  in  charge  of  the  School  and  Col¬ 
lege  work,  laying  special  emphasis  upon  the  raising  of  the  Student 
Loan  Fund  and  doing  such  other  work  in  connection  with  our  schools 
and  colleges  as  the  Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and 
Ministerial  Relief  may  direct. 

7.  Rev.  W.  L.  Lingle,  Rev.  F.  H.  Gaines  and  Mr.  K.  G.  Matheson 
shall  constitute  a  sub-committee  on  Schools  and  Colleges. 

8.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Department  of  Schools 
and  Colleges  to  submit  to  this  sub-committee  written  reports  of  his 
work  and’  policies,  with  such  recommendations  as  he  wishes  to  sub¬ 
mit  to  the  whole  Committee.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  sub-committee 


Sec.  1121] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


589 


to  study  these  reports  and  recommendations  and  submit  them  to  the 
whole  Committee,  with  such  recommendations  as  may  seem  wise  to 
them. 

9.  The  salary  of  the  Secretaries  shall  remain  as  at  present  until  the 
meeting  of  the  next  General  Assembly. 

10.  The  property  and  trust  funds  now  held  by  the  trustees  of  the 
Assembly’s  Home  and  School  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  shall  be  trans¬ 
ferred  to  the  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Re¬ 
lief  at  Louisville,  Ky.,  provided  such  transfer  can  be  effected  legally 
and  without  in  any  way  imperiling  the  property  and  trusts.  If  this 
transfer  is  found  to  be  legally  impossible,  we  direct  that  the  property 
and  trusts  in  Virginia  continue  to  be  held  by  the  present  Virginia 
corporation,  but  the  support,  management  and  operation  of  the  As¬ 
sembly’s  Home  and  School  shall  be  transferred  to  the  Committee  on 
Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  at  Louisville,  Ky. 

11.  A  committee,  consisting  of  Rev.  Russell  Cecil,  Judge  Geo.  L. 
Christian,  Rev.  H.  H.  Sweets  and  Mr.  Jas.  Quarles,  was  appointed  to 
carry  out  these  instructions  and  report  to  Rev.  J.  W.  Bachman,  the 
chairman  of  the  .Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence. 

12.  Mr.  S.  W.  Somerville  shall  be  retained  as  superintendent  of  the 
Home  and  School  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  until  the  meeting  of  the 
next  Assembly,  and  matters  of  detail  in  regard  to  local  management 
shall  be  referred  to  a  sub-committee,  consisting  of  Rev.  Russell  Cecil, 
Judge  Geo.  L.  Christian  and  Mr.  Geo.  R.  Cannon. 

13.  The  offices  of  Treasurers  of  Schools  and  Colleges  and  of  the  Home 
and  School  shall  be  combined  with  that  of  Christian  Education  and 
Ministerial  Relief,  and  all  funds  forwarded  to  Mr.  John  Stites,  of 
Louisville,  Ky. 

14.  All  funds  now  held  to  the  credit  of  Ministerial  Education  and 
Relief,  Schools  and  Colleges,  and  the  Assembly’s  Home  and  School 
shall  be  held  separate,  and’  for  the  exclusive  use  for  which  they  were 
given.  .  The  Treasurer  shall  be  directed  in  the  future  to  hold  any 
funds  given  specifically  for  any  cause  for  the  exclusive  use  for  which 
they  were  given. 

2.  MONTHS  FOR  SPECIAL  COLLECTIONS. 

A  conference  was  held  with  Revs.  S.  L.  Morris,  J.  O.  Reavis,  W.  E. 
Boggs  and  H.  H.  Sweets,  concerning  the  assignment  of  months  for 
sp  cial  collections,  after  which  the  Committee  ordered  the  following 


schedule: 

Foreign  Missions  . May  and  October. 

Home  Missions  . June  and  November. 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief . April  and  December. 

Sabbath  School  Extension  and  Publication . March. 

(Bible  Cause  . September. 


3.  ANNUAL  CONFERENCE  WITH  SECRETARIES. 

(1.)  The  annual  conference  with  the  Secretaries  shall  be  held  each 
year  in  the  month  of  January. 

(a)  These  m?etings  shall  be  held  in  rotation  at  the  offices  of  the 
Executive  Committees,  and  if  possible  at  the  regular  time  of  meeting 
of  that  Executive  Committee  at  whose  office  it  is  held'. 

(b)  The  first  meeting  shall  be  held  in  January,  1911,  in  the  office 
of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions,  Nashville,  Tenn. 

(c)  All  the  Secretaries  shall  be  present  at  this  meeting,  and  each 
Secretary  shall  bring  written  reports,  giving  the  organization  of  his 
Committee,  the  present  condition  of  the  work  under  his  charge,  and 
the  outline  of  any  suggestions  or  special  plans  he  may  have  for  its 
enlarg  ment  or  by  which  he  expects  to  secure  greater  efficiency. 

(2.)  In  order  that  the  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  may  be 
thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  work  of  the  Executive  Committees, 


590  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

the  following  sub-committees  shall  he  appointed  to  consider  in  detail 
the  various  phases  of  their  work  and  report  upon  same: 

t 

Committee  No.  1,  on  Work. 

The  duty  of  this  committee  shall  be  to  consider  the  scope  of  the 
work  committed  to  each  Executive  Committee  and  of  the  plans  pro¬ 
jected  by  them  for  its  accomplishment;  to  ascertain  whether  in  their 
judgment  proper  and  systematic  efforts,- are  being  made  by  each  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  to  cover  the  whole  field’  which  has  been  assigned  to 
it  by  the  Assembly. 

Committee  No.  2,  on  Methods. 

The  duty  of  this  committee  shall  be  to  ascertain  whether,  according 
to  their  judgment,  the  methods  adopted  and  the  system  employed  by 
‘each  Committee  for  the  prosecution  of  its  work  are  such  as  to  secure 
the  highest  possible  efficiency. 

Committee  No.  3,  on  Publicity. 

The  duty  of  this  committee  shall  be  to  consider  the  way  in  which 
the  work  of  the  various  Executive  Committees  is  kept  before  the 
Church.  It  shall  ascertain  what  is  being  done  by  each  Committee 
along  educational  and  inspirational  lines,  and  what  methods  are  being 
employed  for  the  raising  of  funds. 

Committee  No.  4,  on  Business. 

The  duty  of  this  committee  shall  be  to  carefully  consider  the  general 
business  management  of  each  Committee,  including  the  care  and  hand¬ 
ling  of  funds,  the  character  of  its  investments,  the  system,  economy 
and  efficiency  of  its  office  work  and  all  other  such  administrative 
details. 


Committee  No.  5,  on  Every  Member  Canvass  Plan. 

The  duty  of  this  committee  shall  be: 

(a)  To  prepare  brief  statements  showing  how  this  plan  may  be 
applied  or  put  in  operation  in  every  congregation. 

(b)  To  furnish  the  Church  papers  with  detailed  information  con¬ 
cerning  this  plan. 

(c)  To  correspond  with  Chairmen  of  Committees  on  Systematic 
Beneficence  in  Synods  and  Presbyteries,  regarding  the  financial  plan 
of  the  Assembly,  the  needs  of  the  benevolent  causes,  and  the  best 
methods  of  prosecuting  their  work. 

(d)  And  in  any  other  way  that  may  seem  wise  prosecute  the  work 
of  publicity  committed  to  them. 

These  sub-committees,  just  named,  shall  have  authority  to  ask  the 
Secretaries  of  the  various  Committees  at  any  time  for  any  informa¬ 
tion  regarding  the  work  of  their  respective  Committees. 

4.  ANNUAL  SPRING  MEETING  OF  PERMANENT  COMMITTEE 

ON  SYSTEMATIC  BENEFICENCE. 

1.  The  time  for  the  yearly  spring  meeting,  in  which  the  annual  re¬ 
ports  of  the  Executive  Committee  to  the  General  Assembly  shall  be 
considered  and  the  report  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic 
Beneficence  shall  be  framed,  shall  be  the  Tuesday  preceding  the  As¬ 
sembly  at  its  place  of  meeting  and  at  an  hour  to  be  fixed  by  the 
chairman. 

2.  Every  member  of  the  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  is 
expected  to  give  faithful  study  and  careful  attention  to  each  of  the 
reports  mailed  to  him  by  the  four  Executive  Committees  on  or  before 


Sec.  1121] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


591 


April  22nd,  that  all  may  be  thoroughly  familiar  with  the  same  before 
their  attendan.ee  upon  the  spring  meeting  of  the  Permanent  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Systematic  Beneficence. 

3.  Every  member  of  each  of  the  sub-committees  before  named  shall, 
in  his  study  of  the  yearly  reports  of  the  Executive  Committees,  give 
careful  attention  to  all  that  bears  upon  the  special  detail  committed 
to  him. 

4.  The  reports  of  all  the  Executive  Committees  shall  be  considered 
before  recommendations  on  the  report  of  any  one  Executive  Commit¬ 
tee  shall  be  sent  to  the  General  Assembly. 

5.  Before  any  recommendation  shall  be  made  concerning  the  amounts 
asked  of  the  Assembly  by  any  Committee  for  the  prosecution  of  its 
work,  the  needs  of  all  the  benevolent  causes,  as  a  whole,  shall  be  care¬ 
fully  weighed,  together  with  any  new  or  special  causes  which  have 
come  to  light.  Thus  the  specific  claims  of  each  cause  shall  be  con¬ 
sidered  in  relation  to  the  needs  of  all,  and  the  claims  of  all  in  the 
light  of  the  needs  of  each. 

6.  Each  Executive  Committee  shall  be  requested  to  enclose  with  the 
annual  report,  submitted  on  April  22nd  to  each  member  of  the  Per¬ 
manent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence,  the  names  of  all  the 
members  of  their  Committee,  the  time  of  the  expiration  of  their  office, 
together  with  a  record  of  the  attendance  of  ea>ch  upon  the  meetings 
of  the  Committee  during  the  year. 

* 

5.  METHODS  TO  BE  EMPLOYED  IN  THE  INAUGURATION  OF 
THE  EVERY  MEMBER  CANVASS  PLAN. 

1.  The  interests  of  the  Every  Member  Canvass  Plan  shall  be 
especially  entrusted  to  a  sub-committee,  whose  duties  have  been  defined 
above. 

2.  Each  member  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Benefi¬ 
cence  shall,  if  possible,  attend  the  meetings  of  all  the  Synods  and 
Presbyteries;  or,  if  prevented  from  so  doing,  shall  take  such  steps  as 
may  enable  him  to  secure  the  carrying  out  of  the  Assembles  recom¬ 
mendation  that  Permanent  Committees  on  Systematic  Beneficence  be 
established  in  all  the  Synods  and  Presbyteries. 

Each  member  shall  also  endeavor  to  secure  the  adoption;  of  the 
Assembly’s  Every  Member  Canvass  Plan  in  the  individual  churches 
as  far  as  he  may  be  able,  by  fully  explaining  this  plan  and  its  ad¬ 
vantages. 

3.  The  Executive  Committee  of  Sabbath  School  Extension  and  Pub¬ 
lication  shall  be  requested  to: 

(a)  Publish  leaflets  prepared  by  the  Committee  on  The  Every  Mem¬ 
ber  Canvass  Plan,  and  also  all  necessary  forms,  blanks,  envelopes,  etc., 
to  illustrate  to  the  churches  the  various  ways  in  which  this  plan  may 
be  applied. 

(b)  Furthermore,  they  shall  be  requested  to  diligently  employ  all, 
available  means  to  bring  this  plan  to  the  attention  of  pastors,  officers 
and  congregations. 

4.  The  Secretaries  and  members  of  the  various  Executive  Commit¬ 
tees  shall  be  requested  to  use  every  available  means  to  spread  informa¬ 
tion  concerning  The  Every  Member  Canvass  Plan  through  their  in¬ 
dividual  publications  and  literature  and  when  personally  appealing 
for  support  for  their  cause. 

6.  SPECIAL  COMMITTEE  ON  APPORTIONMENTS. 

In  accordance  with  the  action  of  the  Assembly  (page  69,  Assem¬ 
bly’s  Minutes),  in  which  “The  Assembly  requests  the  Committee  on 
Systematic  Beneficence  to  examine  into  the  present  method  of  mak¬ 
ing  the  apportionments  to  the  Presbyteries  for  the  benevolent  causes 
and  the  Assembly’s  expenses  and  see  if  a  more  equitable  method 
cannot  be  devised,”  a  committee,  consisting  of  Rev.  T.  P.  Hay,  Rev. 
W.  R.  Dobyns  and  Mr.  W.  C.  Smith,  was  appointed,  to  which  this 


592 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


matter  was  committed  for  consideration,  to  report  upon  same  to  the 
Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  at  its  next  meeting. 

EXPENSES  OF  COMMITTEE  MEMBERS. 

0 

It  was  ordered  that  the  expenses  of  the  members  of  this  Committee 
be  certified  to  by  the  secretary  and  forwarded  for  payment  to  Rev. 
Thos.  H.  Law,  Spartanburg,  S.  C.,  the  Stated  Clerk  and  Treasurer  of 
the  General  Assembly. 

MAILING  OF  ANNUAL  REPORTS. 

With  reference  to  paragraph  f,  page  22,  of  General  Assembly  Minutes, 
1910,  it  was  moved  that  the  Secretaries  of  the  various  Executive  Com¬ 
mittees  be  requested  to  mail  a  copy  of  their  annual  reports  direct  to 
each  of  the  fourteen  members  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Syste¬ 
matic  Beneficence,  together  with  their  estimated  requirements'  for  the 
ensuing  year  and  their  suggested  methods  of  securing  same,  immedi¬ 
ately  upon  their  preparation  and  not  later  than  April  22nd  of  each 
year. 

MINUTES  TO  (BE  PRINTED. 

By  order  of  the  Committee,  the  secretary  was  instructed  to  have 
the  full  Minutes  of  this  meeting  printed  in  pamphlet  form  to  the 
number  of  not  less  than  fifty  copies,  and  to  furnish  each  member  of 
the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  with  a  copy  of 
the  same. 


LETTER  FURNISHED  PRESS. 

A  paper,  having  been  prepared  for  publication,  was;  adopted  as 
amended,  and  the  chairman  was  instructed  to  furnish  same  to  the 
press.  It  is  as  follows: 

The  Assembly’s  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence 
held  a  meeting  at  Montreat,  N.  C.,  August  10th-12th,  1910,  to  act  upon 
matters  referred  to  it  by  the  Lewisburg  General  Assembly.  In  obe¬ 
dience  to  the  Assembly’s  direction,  the  consolidation  of  the  following 
Executive  Committees  was  ordered  to  take  effect  October  1st,  next, 
namely — the  Executive  Committee  on  Colored  Evangelization  and'  the 
Permanent  Committee  on  Evangelistic  Work,  with  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Home  Missions;  the  Committee  on  Schools  and  Colleges, 
and  the  Assembly’s  Home  and  School,  with  the  Committee  on  Chris¬ 
tian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief. 

The  Assembly  also  directed,  with  reference  to  the  method  of  rais¬ 
ing  funds  for  the  Assembly’s  causes,  that  the  stated  beneficences  be 
separated  from  the  current  expenses  and  local  work  of  charity;  and 
that,  instead  of  depending  on  special  Sabbath  collections  for  the  be¬ 
nevolent  causes,  each  Session  should  appoint  a  beneficence  or  mission¬ 
ary  committee  with  a  separate  Treasurer;  that  a  canvass  should  be 
made  by  this  committee  of  every  member  of  the  congregation  for  sub¬ 
scriptions  to  these  causes  to  be  paid  at  stated  periods,  weekly  if  possi¬ 
ble,  through  the  duplex  envelope  or  some  other  system  approved  by 
the  Session. 

The  number  of  canvasses — (whether  there  shall  be  one  for  all;  or 
two — that  is  one  for  current  expenses,  and  another  for  benevolences; 
or  three — that  is  one  for  current  expenses,  one  for  all  benevolent 
work  in  America,  and  another  for  all  benevolent  work  abroad),  and 
all  other  details  are  left  to  the  judgment  of  the  officers  of  each  church. 

As  some  churches  may  not  be  able  to  immediately  inaugurate  this 
plan,  it  was  so  arranged  that  the  old  system  of  special  collections 
might  be  temporarily  continued,  but  that  the  number  of  these  special 
collections  was  to  be  reduced  to  eight,  as  follows: 

Two  for  Foreign  Missions. 


Sec.  1121] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


593 


Two  for  Home  Missions. 

Two  for  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief. 

One  for  Sunday  Schools  and  Publication. 

One  for  the  Bible  Cause. 

Each  of  these  collections  was  to  be  given  a  special  month,  which 
month,  by  the  Assembly’s  instructions,  was  to  be  decided  by  the 
Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence. 

Accordingly,  the  following  assignments  were  made: 


Foreign  Missions  . May  and  October. 

Home  Missions  . . . June  and  November. 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief . April  and  December. 

Publication  and  Sabbath  Schools . March. 

American  Bible  Society  . September 


In  view  of  the  above  statement  concerning  the  consolidation  of  the 
Committees  and  the  proposed  plan  for  collections  for  the  benevolent 
<iauses,  we  desire  to  call  the  most  careful  attention  of  the  ministers, 
-officers  and’  members  of  the  Church  to  the  following  facts: 

1.  This  consolidation  has  not  changed  the  number  and  personnel 
of  the  Secretaries  for  this  year,  but.  simply  changed  the  official  relation 
of  those  affected  by  this  action. 

2.  It  has  concentrated  our  machinery  and  reduced  operating  ex¬ 
penses. 

3.  It  has  opened  the  way  for  greater  efficiency. 

4.  It  has  proposed  a  new  and  better  financial  system;  and,  pending 
the  general  inauguration  of  this,  it  has  reduced  the  number  of  official 
-collections  to  eight,  which  are  named  for  the  benefit  of  those  who 
cannot  immediately  fall  in  with  the  more  approved  plan. 

5.  On  the  other  hand',  it  has  greatly  reduced  the  opportunity  with 
those  who  retain  the  old  method,  and  restricted  the  time  for  gathering 
funds  for  the  different  causes. 

6.  And  finally,  all  these  causes  remain  the  same  in  their  urgent 
needs. 

In  view,  therefore,  of  these  facts,  we  most  earnestly  request  each 
church  through  its  officers  and  members,  to  support  the  work  of  our 
Executive  Committees  in  the  most  hearty  and  efficient  manner,  by 
putting  into  effect  as  speedily  as  possible  such  a  systematic  plan  as 
is  proposed,  by  which  each  one  of  our  282,000  members  may  be  en¬ 
listed  in  actively  promoting  the  whole  work  committed  to  us  of  God. 
And  the  plan  recommended  by  the  Assembly  at  Lewisburg  is  com¬ 
mended  to  all  as  most  practical  and  workable. 

This  plan,  however,  is  not  the  Budget  Plan,  as  it  has  erroneously 
been  called.  You  will  observe  that  nothing  is  said  about  a  budget. 
Its  special  feature  is  the  strong  insistence  laid  upon  a  thorough  can¬ 
vass  of  every  member  of  every  church  in  behalf  of  their  most  liberal 
support  for  all  the  causes  of  the  Assembly.  The  plan  might,  there¬ 
fore,  most  properly  be  termed  The  Every  Member  Canvass  Plan. 

What  the  Assembly  does  urge  is  that  every  church  adopt  this  plan, 
so  that  every  memb°r  may  be  reached  and  urged  to  embrace  this  op¬ 
portunity  to  contribute  to  each  cause. 

Concerning  the  greatly  reduced  number  of  special  collections  which 
are  still  retained,  as  a  temporary  measure  and  assigned  to  special 
months,  we  will  state  that  their  number  has  been  thus  reduced  in  re¬ 
sponse  to  the  requests  for  the  same  which  have  come  from  all  over 
the  Church.  Those  who  made  these  requests  in  all  instances,  how¬ 
ever,  stated  they  did  not  feel  that  too  much  was  being  given,  but  that 
too  many  calls  were  being  made.  We,  therefore,  lay  upon  your  hearts 
the  urgent  need  of  prompt  and  sympathetic  action  by  every  church 
and  every  member  of  the  same,  lest  the  causes  thus  consolidated  shall 
suffer. 

The  Every  Member  Canvass  Plan,  which  has  been  ordered  by  the 
Assembly  and  heartily  endorsed  by  all  the  Executive  Committees,  we, 
as  members  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence, 
unanimously  desire  to  make  effective,  as  through  it  we  believe  our 


594 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


Church  may  best  discharge  her  obligation  to  her  Lord.  It  is  for  this 
reason  therefore,  that  we  issue  this  earnest  appeal  for  a  most  en¬ 
thusiastic  co-operation  all  along  the  line. 

APPOINTMENT  OF  COMMITTEES. 

The  Committees  on  Methods  of  Procedure  and’  Lines  of  Work,  hav¬ 
ing  been  requested  to  nominate  members  for  the  five  sub-committees, 
reported  as  follows: 


Committee  No.  1,  on  Work. 

Rev.  Thos.  P.  Hay . Florida 

Mr.  John  Stites  . Kentucky 

Mr.  A.  M.  Scales . Greensboro,  N.  C. 

Committee  No.  on  Methods 

Rev.  T.  S.  Clyce  . 

Mr.  D.  S.  Henderson 

Committee  No.  3,  on  Publicity. 


Rev.  W.  R.  Dobyns . Missouri 

Rev.  J.  W.  Moseley,  Jr . Oklahoma 

Mr.  J.  L.  Dean  . Alabama 


. Texas 

South  Carolina 


Committee  No.  4,  on  Business. 


Mr.  John  Munce  . 

(Mr.  Geo.  W.  Watts  (resigned) 

Mr.  W.  T.  Hardie . 

Mr.  A.  M.  Scales . 


. Virginia 

. North  Carolina) 

. Louisiana 

Greensboro,  N.  C. 


Committee  No.  5,  on  Every  Member  Canvass  Plan. 


Rev.  R.  O.  Flinn . Georgia 

Rev.  J.  C.  Williams  . . . Arkansas 

Mr.  W.  C.  Smith  . Mississippi 


Special  Committee  on  Method  of  Making  Apportionments  to  Pres¬ 
byteries. 

Rev.  Thos.  P.  Hay, 

Rev.  W.  R.  Dobyns, 

Mr.  W.  C.  Smith. 

There  being  no  further  matters  to  be  considered  at  this  meeting, 
the  Minutes  were  read  and  approved,  and  by  motion  the  Committee 
adjourned  to  meet  at  the  call  of  the  chairman-,  or  in  Nashville,  Tenn., 
at  the  Maxwell  House,  at  10  A.  M.,  Wednesday,  January  11,  1911. 

MEMBERS  OF  PERMANENT  COMMITTEE  ON  SYSTEMATIC 

BENEFICENCE. 

Chairman,  ReIv.  J.  W.  Bachman  (1912),  Chattanooga,  Tenn. 
Vice-Chairman,  Rev.  W.  R.  Dobyns  (1912)  St.  Joseph,  Mo. 

Secretary,  Rev.  R.  O.  Flinn  (1912),  Atlanta,  Ga. 

Rev.  Thos.  P.  Hay  (1911),  Gainesville,  Fla. 

Rev.  T.  S.  Clyce  (1911),  Sherman,  Tex. 

Rev.  J.  C.  Williams  (1911),  DeQueen,  Ark. 

Rev.  J.  W.  Moseley,  Jr.  (1011),  Durant,  Okla. 

Mr.  Jno.  S.  Munce  (1912),  Richmond,  Va. 

Mr.  John  Stites  (1912),  Louisville,  Ky. 

Mr.  Geo.  W.  Watts  (1912),  Durham,  N.  C.  (resigned). 

Mr.  W.  T.  Hardie  (1912),  New  Orleans,  La. 


Sec.  1121] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


595 


Mb.  D.  S.  Henderson  (1911),  Aiken,  S.  C. 
Mr.  J.  L.  Dean  (1911),  Opelika,  Ala. 

Mb.  W.  C.  Smith  (1911),  Ridgeland',  Miss. 
Mb.  A.  M.  Scales  (1912),  Greensboro,  N.  C. 


The  following  paper  was  presented  at  the  January  meeting. 

Nashville,  Tenn.,  January  11,  1911. 
To  The  Permanent  Committee  of  Systematic  Beneficence : 

The  Secretaries  of  the  Executive  Committees  of  the  Southern  Pres¬ 
byterian  Church  submit  by  unanimous  vote  the  following  suggestions 
for  your  consideration: 

First. — That  the  Systematic  Beneficence  Committee  shall  take  into 
consideration  the  needs  of  all  the  benevolent  causes  of  the  Church  and 
recommend  to  the  Assembly  the  minimum  amount  needed  for  the  work 
for  the  following  year  on  basis  of  present  organization.  These  mini¬ 
mum  amounts  added  together  shall  constitute  the  call  of  the  Assembly 
for  the  year  for  benevolences.  The  ultimate  goal  of  each  cause  shall 
likewise  be  stated,  in  order  that  the  maximum  need  may  be  kept 
clearly  before  the  Church. 

Second. — After  these  minimum  amounts  have  been  approved  by  the 
Assembly  the  Systematic  Beneficence  Committee  shall  apportion  and 
recommend  to  the  Synods  the  quota  to  be  raised'  according  to  the 
relative  strength  of  each. 

Third. — The  Synodical  Committee  of  Systematic  Beneficence  shall 
apportion  and  recommend  to  the  Presbyteries  the  amounts  to  be  raised 

by  each  Presbytery  for  the  benevolent  causes  of  the  Assembly. 

Fourth. — The  Presbyterial  Committees  of  Systematic  (Beneficence 
shall  apportion  and  recommend  to  the  Churches  the  amount  to  be 
raised  by  each  for  benevolences. 

Fifth. — Each  Church  in  the  Presbytery  shall  have  suggested  its 
minimum  obligation  to  the  various  benevolent  causes  and  requested 
to  raise  the  amount  suggested  for  each  cause,  according  to  the  recom¬ 
mendations  of  the  General  Assembly. 

Sixth. — In  accordance  with  the  action  of  th©  General  Assembly  of 
May,  1910,  we  recommend: 

(o)  That  the  stated'  beneficences  of  the  Church  shall  be  separate 
from  the  current  expenses  and  local  work  of  charity; 

(&)  That  instead  of  depending  on  special  Sabbath  collections  for 
benevolent  causes  each  Session  appoint  a  Beneficence,  or  Missionary 
Committee,  with  a  separate  treasurer; 

(c)  That  a  canvass  be  made  by  such  Committee,  of  every  member 
of  the  congregation  for  subscriptions  to  these  causes  to  be  paid  at 
stated  periods,  weekly,  if  possible,  through  Duplex  Envelopes,  or  some 
other  system  approved  by  the  Session; 

(d)  Whether  there  shall  be  one  canvass  for  all  the  causes,  or  two 
canvasses — one  for  work  at  home  and  another  for  work  abroad — shall 
be  left  to  the  judgment  of  the  Session  of  each  church. 

Seventh. — It  is  the  sense  of  the  Secretaries  that  the  new  plan  for 
benevolences  shall  not  be  construed  as  interfering  with  any  pledges 
of  individuals.  Churches,  or  Church  Organizations  for  the  support  of 
special  benevolent  objects. 

The  members  of  the  Systematic  Beneficence  Committee  heartily  con¬ 
curred  in  the  above  suggestions. 

The  resignation  of  Mr.  G.  W.  Watts  as  a  member  of  the  Commit¬ 
tee,  was  accepted',  and  Mr.  A.  M.  Scales,  of  Greensboro,  N.  C.,  was 
elected  in  his  place.  Mr.  Scales  was  made  the  third  member  of  Com¬ 
mittee  No.  1,  on  Work,  and  a  member  of  Committee  No.  4,  on  Business, 
In  place  of  Mr.  Watts. 


596  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

1122.  First  annual  report  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  System¬ 
atic  Beneficence 

1911,  p.  70.  The  following  report  was  adopted. 

The  Lewisburg  Assembly  transformed  this  committee  into  a 
permanent  one,  composed  of  one  representative  from  each  Synod,  so 
elected  that  the  terms  of  service  of  seven  expire  each  year. 

After  the  appointment  of  the  committee  there  were  the  following 

duties  assigned: 

(1)  To  complete  an  organization. 

At  Montreat,  N.  C.,  August  10th  last,  the  committee  met  and  or¬ 
ganized  as  follows: 

J.  W.  Bachman,  Chairman;  W.  R.  Dobyns,  Vice-Chairman;  R.  O. 
Flinn,  Secretary. 

The  following  committees  were  appointed: 

On  Publicity — W.  R.  Dobyns,  J.  W.  Moseley,  Jr.,  J.  L.  Dean. 

On  Business — Jno.  S.  Munce,  A.  M.  Scales,  W.  T.  Hardie. 

On  Every-Member-Canvass  Plan — R.  O.  Flinn,  J.  C.  Williams, 
W.  C.  Smith. 

On  Work — T.  P.  Hay,  John  Stites. 

On  Methods — T.  S.  Clyce,  D.  S.  Henderson. 

(2)  To  fill  vacancies  in  this  committee  occasioned  by  death  or 
resignation. 

Mr.  G.  W.  Watts,  member  from  North  Carolina,  having  resigned, 
Mr.  A.  M.  Scales  was  elected  to  succeed  him. 

(3)  In  reference  to  Overture  from  certain  ministers  and  ruling 
elders,  concerning  a  change  in  the  ecclesiastical  year,  so  as  to  co¬ 
incide  with  the  calendar  year,  the  Assembly  refers  this  matter1  to  the 
Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  for  further  con¬ 
sideration,  and  to  report  to  the  next  General  Assembly. 

(4)  “To  examine  into  the  present  method  of  making  appointments, 
to  the  Presbyteries  for  the  benevolent  causes  and  the  Assembly  ex¬ 
penses,  and  see  if  a  more  equitable  method  can  not  be  devisd.” 

Ans. — Although  your  committee  has  given  this  question  much 
careful  thought  and  has  gathered  considerable  material  bearing  upon 
the  problems  involved,  we  have  been  unable  as  yet  to  reach  a  sat¬ 
isfactory  solution.  We  would  therefore  request  that  we  be  allowed 
time  for  iuither  consideration  that  we  may  report  more  intelligently 
to  the  next  General  Assembly.  Further,  we  respectfully  recom¬ 
mend  that  pending  this  report  the  plan  already  in  operation  be  con¬ 
tinued  of  making  apportionments  upon  the  per  capita  basis. 

(5)  To  receive  from  the  Executive  CommitteQs  interested  the 
plans  for  consolidation,  as  ordered  by  the  Assembly,  and  after  per¬ 
fecting  them,  to  put  the  consolidation  into  effect. 

At  the  Montreat  meeting  the  committees  were  consulted  at  length, 
and  the  order  of  the  Assembly  carried  out  by  ordering  a  consolida¬ 
tion,  effective  October  1,  1910.  These  plans  are  herewith  sub- 


Sec.  1122] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


597 


mitted,  marked  (Appendix)  “Exhibit  A,”  and  made  a  part  of  this 
report. 

(6)  To  designate  the  months  for  the  collections  ordered  by  the 
Assembly. 

At  the  same  meeting  the  following  were  designated:  Foreign  Mis¬ 
sions,  May  and  October;  Home  Missions,  June  and  November;  Ed¬ 
ucation  and  Relief,  April  and  December;  Publication  and  Sabbath 
Schools,  March;  Bible  Cause,  September. 

And  that  the  same  months  be  designated  for  similar  offerings  in 
the  Sabbath  Schools,  except  that  the  last  Sabbath  in  September  be 
set  apart  for  an  offering  to  the  Sabbath  School  extension  work  of 
the  Publication  Committee. 

(7)  To  meet  for  conference  with  the  Secretaries  at  least  once  a 
year,  when  “the  needs  of  the  entire  Church  and  the  management  of 
the  several  committees  shall  be  considered  and  discussed.” 

In  accordance  with  this  order,  a  meeting  was  held  at  Nashville, 
January  10-12,  1911,  when  the  fullest  conference  was  had  with  the 
Secretaries,  and  the  management  of  each  committee  examined  as 
thoroughly  as  opportunity  permitted.  The  results  of  this  conference 
are  embodied  in  (Appendix)  “Exhibit  B.” 

Nashville  being  the  location  of  the  Foreign  Mission  Committee, 
naturally  their  affairs  received  more  detailed  consideration  than  the 
others.  The  committee  purposes  holding  this  annual  conference  with 
the  Secretaries  at  the  headquarters  of  the  Executive  Committees  suc¬ 
cessively,  thus  affording  opportunity  for  the  more  careful  examina¬ 
tion  of  all  departments  directed  by  the  Assembly. 

(8)  To  “meet  prior  to  the  convening  of  the  General  Assembly 
and  carefully  consider  the  annual  reports  of  the  several  Executive 
Committees  and  the  Assembly’s  beneficences  in  general,”  and  “sub¬ 
mit  to  the  Assembly  these  reports  of  the  Executive  Committees,  with 
recommendations  thereon.” 

Ans. — Your  committee  has  endeavored  to  discharge  this  duty. 

(9)  To  “submit  nominations”  of  Secretaries  and  members  of  Ex¬ 
ecutive  Committees  to  be  elected  by  the  General  Assembly. 

'Ans. —  (Appendix)  “Exhibit  D.” 

We  further  recommend: 

(1)  That  as  time  and  means  permit,  the  committee  shall  be  au¬ 
thorized  to  encourage  the  adoption  of  the  Assembly’s  plan  by  such 
personal  visitation,  correspondence,  and  the  publication  of  literature 
as  may  seem  necessary. 

(2)  That  the  following  questions  be  added  to  the  question  blanks 
on  Systematic  Beneficence  sent  to  the  Churches: 

(a)  Do  you  conduct  an  annual  Every-Member- Canvass  for  Benev¬ 
olences  ? 

(b)  Give  the  name  of  the  Chairman  of  your  Every-Member-Can- 
vass  Committee. 

That  the  following  questions  be  added  to  the  question  blanks  sent 
to  the  Presbyteries: 


598*  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

(a)  Give  the  names  of  the  members  of  your  Presbyterial  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Systematic  Beneficence. 

(b)  How  many  churches  are  reported  as  making  an  annual  Every- 
Member-Canvass  for  Benevolences? 

(3)  We  call  the  Assembly’s  attention  to  the  recommendation  of 
the  Secretaries  of  the  Assembly,  the  Chairman  of  the  Laymen’s  Mis¬ 
sionary  Movement,  received  and  approved  by  the  Assembly’s  Per¬ 
manent  Committee  of  Systematic  Beneficence  at  its  meeting  in  Nash¬ 
ville,  Tenn.,  in  which  they  suggest  the  method  of  distributing  the 
amounts  approved  by  the  Assembly  for  the  support  of  the  work  of 
the  four  Executive  Committees,  and  recommend  that  the  Assembly 
approve  the  same. 

(4)  In  accordance  with  this  plan,  should  the  Assembly  be  pleased 
to  approve  it,  we  recommend  that  the  Assembly  authorize  the  fol¬ 
lowing  amounts  as  representing  the  minimum'  amount  needed  for  the 
ensuing  year: 

Foreign  Missions  . _ . * _ _ $550,000.00=60% 

Home  Missions  . . . . . 190,000.00=21% 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial 

Relief  . .  129,000.00=14% 

Publication  and  Sabbath  Schools  .  '30,000.00=  4% 

(5)  As  the  Assembly  commends  the  American  Bible  Society  to 
its  churches  and  includes  their  gifts  to  the  same  in  the  published 
tables  of  annual  reports,  we  recommend  that  the  Assembly  call  for 
$10,000.00  (ten  thousand  dollars.),  1%  for  this  cause,  making  a 
total  for  the  five  causes  of  $909,000.00,  or  about  $3.25  (three  and 
a  quarter  dollars)  per  capita. 

(6)  In  further  accordance  with  the  proposed  plan,  we  recommend 
that  these  amounts  be  distributed  among  Synods  as  follows  (see  As¬ 
sembly  Minutes,  1911,  p.  70b). 

(7)  The  schedule  in  items  4  and  5  apply  only  to  the  Assembly’s 
Causes  and  Bible  Society.  When  Local  Home  Missions  and  other 
local  causes  are  considered  in  connection  with  the  Assembly’s  Causes, 
the  amounts  and  percentages  should  be  changed  accordingly. 

(8)  We  are  able  to  report  that  with  but  few  exceptions  the  Every- 
Member-Canvass  Plan  has  met  with  almost  universal  approval,  and 
most  of  the  Presbyteries  and  Synods  have  already  reorganized  their 
Committees  on  Systematic  Beneficence  in  accordance  with  the  in¬ 
structions  of  the  Assembly. 

Your  committee  respectfully  requests  that  an  appropriation  of 
six  hundred  dollars  ($600.00)  be  made  for  the  ensuing  year  to  cover 
the  clerical  and  other  expenses  incident  to  the  work  of  the  com¬ 
mittee,  in  addition  to  the  actual  traveling  and  hotel  expenses  of  the 
committee  while  attending  the  commitee  meeings. 


Sec.  1122] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


599 


EXHIBIT  A 

Plans  for  the  Consolidation  of  the  Executive  Committees  of  Home 
Missions,  Colored  Evangelization  and  the  Permanent  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Evangelistic  Work 

1.  The  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  shall  be  enlarged 
by  the  addition  of  four  new  members. 

2.  Rev.  J.  E.  Thacker,  Rev.  Charles  R.  Nisbet,  Mr.  John  J. 
Eagan  and  Judge  J.  H.  Miller  shall  be  members  of  the  committee 
to  fill  these  four  new  places. 

3.  A  quorum  of  the  committee  shall  consist  of  eight  members. 

4.  Rev.  S.  L.  Morris,  Rev.  Homer  McMillan  and  Rev.  J.  G. 
Snedecor  shall  be  co-ordinate  secretaries  of  the  Executive  Committee 
of  Home  Missions  until  the  meeting  of  the  next  General  Assembly, 
and  their  duties  are  defined  as  follows: 

(a)  Rev.  S.  L.  Morris  shall  have  charge  of  the  administration  of 
the  office,  and  the  general  superintendence  of  the  whole  work. 

(b)  Rev.  Homer  McMillan  shall  have  charge  of  the  field  work 
in  securing  funds. 

1.  It  shall  be  his  duty,,  with  the  advice  of  the  Committee  on  Pub¬ 
licity,  to  present  the  cause  in  person,  to  direct  the  labors  of  such 
assistants  as  he  may  have  in  his  department,  to  create  and  distribute 
Home  Missionary  literature,  and  in  general  to  conduct  a  constant 
Home  Mission  educational  campaign  throughout  the  whole  Church. 

2.  It  shall  also  be  his  duty,  in  connection  with  another  sub-com¬ 
mittee  associated  with  him,  to  make  special  study  of  the  mountain 
work,  the  mill  work,  and  city  missions,  and  to  bring  in  to  the  whole 
committee  such  recommendations  concerning  work  in  these  depart¬ 
ments  as  he  and  his  committee  shall  think  wise. 

(c)  The  salary  of  Rev.  J.  G.  Snedecor  shall  be  at  the  rate  of 
$2,500  per  year  until  the  next  meeting  of  the  Assembly. 

(d)  Rev.  J.  G.  Snedecor,  in  connection  with  a  sub-committee  as¬ 
sociated  with  him,  shall  have  charge  of  the  work  among  the  colored 
people  and  the  work  among  foreigners. 

1.  It  shall  be  his  special  duty  to  superintend  the  work  of  Still¬ 
man  Institute,  with  his  residence  at  Tuscaloosa. 

2.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  Dr.  Snedecor  and  his  sub-committee  to 
make  a  special  study  of  the  work  among  the  colored  people  and  the 
foreigners,  and  to  bring  before  the  whole  committee  from  time  to 
time  recommendations  concerning  work  they  think  ought  to  be  done. 

3.  It  shall  also  be  the  duty  of  Dr.  Snedecor  to  present  the  cause 
of  Home  Missions  in  the  Church  at  large  as  he  shall  have  time 
and  opportunity.  This  he  shall  do  under  the  direction  of  the 
Committee  of  Publicity. 

4.  While  special  assignment  are  made  to  the  Secretaries,  it  is 
understood  that  they  are  to  be  interested  in  every  department  of  the 
work,  and  that  they  are  to  be  ready  to  undertake  any  work  that  may 
be  assigned  them  by  the  committee  from  time  to  time. 

5.  Rev.  J.  E.  Thacker  shall  be  general  evangelist.  It  shall  be 


600 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


his  special  duty,  under  the  direction  of  a  sub-committee  associated 
with  him,  to  conduct  general  evangelistic  meetings  for  reaching  the 
masses  of  the  unsaved,  and  stir  up,  as  far  as  possible,  a  spirit  of 
evangelism  throughout  the  entire  Church. 

(a)  After  the  consolidation  is  effected,  all  money  collected  by 
Dr.  Thacker  in  his  meetings  shall  be  forwarded  to  the  Treasurer  of 
Home  Missions  and  kept  as  a  separate  account. 

(b)  The  arrangements  which  the  Committee  on  Evangelistic 
Work  have  made  with  Dr.  Thacker  as  to  salary  and  plans  for 
evangelistic  campaigns  shall  remain  as  they  are  until  the  next  meet¬ 
ing  of  the  Assembly. 

6.  The  arrangements  made  by  the  Permanent  Committee  on 
Evangelistic  Work,  with  R.  A.  Walton,  and  approved  by  the 
Lewisburg  Assembly,  shall  be  continued  until  the  meeting  of  the 
next  General  Assembly. 

7.  It  shall  be  the  policy  of  the  Committee  of  Home  Missions  to 
appoint  sub-committees  to  have  charge  of  specific  departments  of 
the  work,  in  order  that  the  work  being  thus-sub-divided,  matters 
pertaining  to  each  department  may  be  carefully  considered  by  the 
sub-committee  before  being  presented  to  the  whole  committee. 

(a)  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  these  several  committees  to  make 
themselves  familiar  with  the  whole  field  of  work  covered  by  their 
respective  departments,  not  only  with  the  work  that  they  are  doing, 
but  /with  the  work  that  is  undone;  and  to  bring  in  to  the  full  com¬ 
mittee  well  digested  written  reports  concerning  this  work,  and  to 
make  recommendations  concerning  work  which  they  believe  the  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Home  Missions  ought  to  do. 

(b)  This  assignment  of  special  work  shall  not  in  any  way  relieve 
any  member  of  the  Committee  of  Home  Missions  from  the  duty  of 
making  himself  familiar  with  the  whole  work  of  the  Committee  of 
Home  Missions,  or  from  the  duty  of  doing  all  that  is  in  his  power 
to  further  the  interests  of  every  department  of  the  work. 

(c)  The  number  and  names  of  these  sub-committees  are  to  be 
left  to  the  discretion  of  the  Committee  of  Home  Missions. 

8.  It  shall  be  the  policy  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home 
Missions  to  use  all  its  influence  in  urging  the  churches  to  adopt  the 
new  system  of  collections  ordered  by  the  Assembly. 

9.  If  necessary,  the  charter  of  this  committee  shall  be  amended 
to  conform  to  the  changes  made  by  this  consolidation. 

10.  If  the  way  be  clear,  all  property  now  held  by  the  General 
Assembly’s  Executive  Committee  of  Colored  Evangelization,  the 
Trustees  of  Stillman  Institute,  and  that  held  for  them  by  the  Trus¬ 
tees  of  the  General  Assembly,  shall  be  deeded  to  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Home  Missions  and  held  by  them  for  the  Assembly. 

11.  After  the  consolidation  is  effected,  all  money  collected  for 
the  work  of  Colored  Evangelization  shall  be  forwarded  to  the  Treas¬ 
urer  of  Home  Missions  and  kept  in  a  separate  account. 


Sec.  1122] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


601 


Plans  for  the  Consolidation  of  the  Executive  Committees  of  Minis¬ 
terial  Education  and  Relief,  Schools  and  Colleges,  and  Home 
and  Schools  into  the  Executive  Committee  of  Christian 
Education  and  Ministerial  Relief 

1.  According  to  the  direction  of  the  General  Assembly,  the  neces¬ 
sary  legal  steps  shall  be  taken  to  change  the  name  of  the  existing 
committee  to  The  Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and 
Ministerial  Relief  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States, 
with  such  amendments  to  the  charter  as  may  be  necessary  to  carry 
out  the  purposes  in  view. 

2.  The  committee  shall  be  enlarged  bv  the  addition  of  Rev.  W. 
L.  Lingle,  Rev.  F.  H.  Gaines  and  Mr.  K.  G.  Matheson,  of  Atlanta, 
Ga.;  Rev.  Russell  Cecil,  Judge  Geo.  L.  Christian  and  Mr.  Geo.  R. 
Cannon,  of  Richmond,  Va.,  who  shall  hoM  office  until  the  meeting 
of  the  next  General  Assembly. 

3.  The  Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  Minis¬ 
terial  Relief  shall  seek  to  carry  out  the  directions  of  the  General 
Assembly  with  regard  to  every  department  of  the  work  as  far  as 
possible,  every  part  of  the  same  being  under  the  direct  control  of  the 
General  Assembly. 

4.  Rev.  H.  H.  Sweets  and  Rev.  W.  E.  Boggs  shall  be  co-ordinate 
Secretaries  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and 
Ministerial  Relief  until  the  meeting  of  the  next  General  Assembly. 

5.  Rev.  H.  H.  Sweets  shall  have  charge  of  the  administration  of 
the  office  and  the  general  superintendence  of  the  work. 

6.  Rev.  W.  E.  Boggs  shall  continue  in  charge  of  the  School  and 
College  work,  laying  special  emphasis  upon  the  raising  of  The  Stu¬ 
dent  Loan  Fund  and  doing  such  other  work  in  connection  with  our 
Schools  and  Colleges  as  the  Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Edu¬ 
cation  and  Ministerial  Relief  may  direct. 

7.  Rev.  W.  L.  Lingle,  Rev.  F.  H.  Gaines  and  Mr.  K.  G.  Mathe¬ 
son  shall  constitute  a  sub-committee  on  schools  and  Colleges. 

8.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Department  of 
Schools  and  Colleges  to  submit  to  this  sub-committee  written  reports 
of  his  work  and  policies,  with  such  recommendations  as  he  wishes 
to  submit  to  the  whole  committee.  It  shall  be  the  dutv  of  the  sub- 
committee  to  study  these  reports  and  recommendations  and  submit 
them  to  the  whole  committee  wdth  such  recommendation  as  may  seem 
wise  to  them. 

9.  The  salary  of  the  Secretaries  shall  remain  as  at  present  until 
the  meeting  of  the  next  General  Assembly. 

10.  The  property  and  trust  funds  now  held  by  the  trustees  of  the 
Assembly’s  Home  and  School  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  shall  be  trans¬ 
ferred  to  the  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial 
Relief  at  Louisville,  Ky.,  provided  such  transfer  can  be  effected 
legally  and  without  in  any  way  imperiling  the  property  and  trusts. 
If  this  transfer  is  found  to  be  legally  impossible,  we  direct  that  the 
property  and  trusts  in  Virginia  continue  to  be  held  by  the  present 
Virginia  corporation,  but  the  support,  management  and  operation  of 


602 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


the  Assembly’s  Home  and  School  shall  be  transferred  to  the  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  at  Louis¬ 
ville,  Ky. 

11.  A  committee,  consisting  of  Rev.  Russell  Cecil,  Judge  Geo. 
L.  Christian,  Rev.  H.  H.  Sweets  and  Mr.  Jas.  Quarles,  was  ap¬ 
pointed  to  carry  out  these  instructions  and  report  to  Rev.  J.  W. 
Bachman,  the  chairman  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic 
Beneficence. 

12.  Mr.  S.  W.  Somerville  shall  be  retained  as  superintendent  of 
the  Home  and  School  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  until  the  meeting  of  the 
next  Assembly,  and  matters  of  detail  in  regard  to  local  management 
shall  be  referred  to  a  sub-committee,  consisting  of  Rev.  Russell 
Cecil,  Judge  Geo.  L.  Christian  and  Mr.  Geo.  R.  Cannon. 

13.  The  offices  of  treasurers  of  Schools  and  Colleges  and  of  the 
Home  and  School  shall  be  combined  with  that  of  Christian  Educa¬ 
tion  and  Ministerial  Relief,  and  all  funds  forwarded  to  Mr.  John 
Stites,  of  Louisville,  Ky. 

14.  All  funds  now  held  to  the  credit  of  Ministerial  Education  and 
Relief,  Schools  and  Colleges,  and  the  Assembly’s  Home  and  School 
shall  be  held  separate,  and  for  the  exclusive  use  for  which  they 
were  given.  The  Treasurer  shall  be  directed  in  the  future  to  hold 
any  funds  given  specifically  for  any  cause  for  the  exclusive  use  for 
which  they  were  given. 

Exhibit  B 

At  the  Nashville  meeting,  as  indicated  under  the  seventh  head 
of  this  report,  consideration  was  given  to  the  management  of  the 
several  committees. 

A  statement  had  been  procured  of  the  business  organization  of 
each  committee,  with  list  of  employees,  their  duties  and  salaries;  these 
statements  are  printed  as  a  supplement  to  the  Minutes  of  the  Mon¬ 
treat  meeting,  pages  46  to  60. 

A  letter  was  sent  to  each  of  the  Executive  Committees  regarding 
their  method  of  keeping  accounts  and  handling  funds. 

These  replies  would  seem  to  show  that  on  the  whole  the  business 
of  the  Church  is  reasonably  well  organized  and  administered,  except 
in  some  details  noticed  hereafter,  but  only  a  thorough  and  exhaus¬ 
tive  examination  at  each  office  would  determine  all  these  matters. 
Your  committee  feel  that  suggestions  for  economies  and  betterments 
in  administration  can  be  made  from  time  to  time  as  they  get  better 
acquainted  with  the  detailed  work  of  each  committee.  The  accounts 
of  all  the  committees,  except  one,  are  audited  by  public  accountants 
employed  with  the  approval  and  consent  of  the  auditors  appointed 
by  the  Assembly,  and  we  have  recommended  to  this  one  the  adoption 
of  the  same  plan.  We  recommended  to  each  of  the  committees: 

( 1 )  That  they  have  as  much  of  their  printing,  publishing  and  dis¬ 
tributing  of  special  literature  done  through  the  Executive  Committee 
of  Publication  as  they  find  economical  and  practicable. 

(2)  That  the  Executive  Committees  include  as  part  of  their 
Treasurer’s  report  to  the  General  Assembly  the  following: 


Sec.  1122] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


603 


(a)  A  complete  list  of  special  funds  or  trusts  in  their  hands,  as 
separate  and  distinct  from  funds  contributed  to  the  general  causes. 
In  this  should  be  included: 

List  of  real  estate,  and  location. 

Funds  for  permanent  investment,  the  interest  only  of  which  can 
be  used. 

Gifts  for  specific  purposes  that  are  held  awaiting  expenditure. 

Gifts  to  the  general  cause,  on  which  annuities  are  paid. 

Any  other  funds  or  trusts  that  may  be  in  their  hands,  other  than 
gifts  for  current  or  general  expenses,  with  a  brief  statement  of  con¬ 
ditions  of  the  trusts. 

Also  an  itemized  list  of  income  derived  from  funds  in  the  hands 
of  the  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly,  or  other  person  or  persons, 
whether  such  income  is  for  a  special  purpose  or  for  general  use  of 
the  cause. 

(b)  A  detailed  list  of  the  investment  of  these  funds. 

(c)  Total  receipts  by  months  from  Church  and  Presbyterial 
Treasurers  and  other  annual  collections,  not  including  collections 
from  invested  funds. 

From  careful  observation,  your  committee  concludes  there  is  great 
need  of  more  adequate  education  of  our  people  along  the  definite 
lines  of  our  work.  We  are  depending  largely  upon  the  Missionary 
and  the  Home  Mission  Herald,  and  tracts  and  leaflets  to  accomplish 
this  purpose,  none  of  which  are  circulated  in  anything  like  all  the 
churches.  The  Missionary  is  operated  at  a  loss  of  $1,166.41  ex¬ 
clusive  of  salaries.  The  Home  Mission  Herald  is  self-sustaining 
exclusive  of  salaries.  We  believe  there  should  be  a  speedy  develop¬ 
ment  of  means  more  adequate  for  this  purpose  and  calculated  to 
reach  every  member  of  the  Church.  Our  judgment  in  this  is  em¬ 
bodied  in  the  recommendations  below. 

General  Recommendations 

1.  That  the  Assembly  instruct  Presbyteries  and  Synods  to  see  that 
collections  for  benevolent  causes  are  forwarded,  monthly,  if  possible, 
to  the  respective  committees,  since  delay  of  such  remittances  often 
causes  embarrassment  to  the  committees. 

2.  That  in  view  of  the  loss  entailed  by  the  publication  of  The 
Missionary  and  The  Home  Mission  Herald,  that  these  magazines 
be  combined  into  one  magazine  that  will  represent  not  only  these 
causes,  but  all  the  causes  of  the  Church  and  that  it  be  published  by 
the  Committee  on  Publication. 

3.  Your  committee  have  observed  the  workings  of  the  different 
departments,  and  are  impressed  with  the  fact  that  there  is  great  lack 
of  a  systematic  scheme  for  education  of  our  people  in  the  scope, 
purposes  and  accomplishments  of  these  agencies.  We  believe  there 
is  need  of  increased  effort  for  acquainting  and  inspiring  the  Church 
as  to  our  general  work.  We  think  that  some  means  should  be  de¬ 
vised  to  accomplish  this  end  in  some  way  commensurate  with  our 


604  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

material  and  opportunities.  After  consideration,  we  commend  to 
your  consideration  the  following: 

(a)  The  establishment  of  a  central  Bureau  of  Education  and 
Information  looking  to  the  inspiration  of  our  entire  Church  with 
reference  to  all  its  work. 

vbj  That  -this  agency  should  be  a  committee  composed  of  two 
members  from  each  of  the  Executive  Committees  and  one  from  the 
Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement. 

(c)  The  Assembly  to  elect  a  suitable  person  as  educational  Sec¬ 
retary,  who  shall  be  the  executive  officer  of  this  agency,  and  the 
Editor  of  such  publications,  leaflets  and  other  literature  as  may  be 
from  time  to  time  issued. 

[1911,  p.  62.  The  Assembly  reconsidered  its  action  previously 
taken  on  item  No.  3,  “b  and  c,”  of  the  general  recommendations  of 
the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  by  the  adop¬ 
tion  of  the  following :  That  these  items  be  referred  back  to  the 
Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  for  further  con¬ 
sideration  with  the  Executive  Committees,  and  that  they  be  directed 
to  report  back  with  recommendations  to  the  General  Assembly  of 
1912.] 

(d)  The  scope  of  this  agency  shall  include  all  branches  of  the 
Church’s  work  in  cooperation  with  the  different  committees  to  assist 
in  the  accomplishment  of  the  purposes  of  each.  The  Secretary  shall 
be  furnished  with  such  office  help  as  may  be  necessary,  and  all  the 
expenses  shall  be  prorated  amongst  the  four  Executive  Committees. 

(e)  All  publications  to  issue  from  our  own  Committee  of  Publi¬ 
cation  at  Richmond. 

(f)  This  to  involve  the  consolidation  of  the  Missionary  and  the 
Home  Mission  Herald,  and  the  issuing  under  one  direction  of  such 
leaflets  and  smaller  literature  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  purposes 
contemplated. 

(g)  This  is  not  to  include  the  literature  issued  by  our  Publication 
Committee,  denominated  by  the  general  term  “Sabbath  School  Liter¬ 
ature.” 

You  will  observe  that  practically  no  extra  expense  will  be  entailed 
in  this  matter,  since  it  will  take  the  place  of  similar  imperfect  agencies 
in  each  committee,  and  the  clerical  help  will  likely  be  reduced  and 
the  Educational  Secretary’s  salary  would  not  exceed  amounts  now 
being  paid  for  similar  work,  as  carried  on  by  the  committee.  The 
headquarters  of  this  agency  could  be  at  one  of  the  different  locations 
of  departments  and  rent  would  be  a  very  small  matter. 

Exhibit  D 

The  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  respectfully 
submits  to  the  General  Assembly  the  following  recommendations  re¬ 
garding  the  election  of  Secretaries  and  nominations  for  Secretaries 
and  members  of  Executive  Committees: 

1.  That  in  view  of  the  consolidation  and  reorganization  affecting 
the  Executive  Committees,  we  recommend  that  in  electing  successors 


Sec.  1122] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


60S 


to  the  Secretaries  whose  terms  expire  this  year,  that  they  be  elected 
at  this  time  for  one  year  only. 

2.  That  next  year,  when  electing  Secretaries,  their  terms  of  ser¬ 
vice  shall  be  so  arranged  that  Secretaries  of  not  more  than  two 
Causes  shall  be  elected  in  any  one  year. 

1911,  p.  49.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  the  Synod  of  Arkan¬ 
sas  asking  the  following  questions:  to-wit: 

1.  Was  the  action  of  the  Assembly’s  Permanent  Committee  on 
-Systematic  Beneficence  in  excluding  from  its  sessions  at  Montreat, 
N.  C.,  the  Rev.  J.  E.  Latham  as  the  regular  appointed  alternate  of 
the  Rev.  J.  C.  Williams  legal  and  lawful? 

2.  If  not  legal  and  lawful,  does  the  exclusion  of  a  constituent 
present  in  its  legally  appointed  representative,  invalidate  the)  whole 
proceedings  of  that  meeting  of  the  committee  at  Montreat  ? 

3.  If  that  action  was  lawful  and  legal  and  the  interpretation  of 
of  the  word  “Alternate”  as  given  by  the  Beneficence  Committee  be 
correct,  then  in  view  of  the  fact  of  the  peculiar  constituent  member¬ 
ship  of  this  committee,  it  being  composed  of  one  member  from  each 
Synod,  and  further,  in  view  of  the  large  powers  committed  to  its 
Lands  and  the  importance  of  the  whole  Church  being  represented  at 
Its  meetings,  we  ask  that  the  Assembly  take  such  steps  as  will  insure 
the  appointment  of  an  alternate  who  shall  be  empowered  to  sit  in 
-the  sessions  of  this  committee  if  the  principal  be  absent. 

We  recommend  the  following  answers: 

1.  To  question  No.  1  that  the  action  of  the  committee  in  exclud¬ 
ing  the  representative  from  Arkansas  was  irregular. 

2.  To  question  No.  2,  that  this  irregularity  does  not  invalidate 
the  action  of  said  committee. 

[3.  The  following  was  put  in  our  hands  to  harmonize  with  the 
-•action  taken  above. 

That  in  the  future,  when  a  vacancy  shall  occur,  the  Synod  to  be 
represented  shall  submit  nominations  for  principal  and  alternate. 
That  the  committee  shall  consist  of  14  members,  with  accredited 
alternates  (one  from  each  Synod).  That  no  members  of  the  Assem¬ 
bly’s  Executive  Committee  shall  serve  on  this  committee,  and  that 
no  member  be  eligible  to  succeed  himself  for  more  than  two  con¬ 
secutive  terms.] 

We  submit  the  following  as  a  substitute  for  the  above  as  Section 
No.  3. 

3.  As  to  the  number  of  members,  method  of  their  appointment,  and 
certain  rules  governing  alternates,  eligibility,  and  terms  of  service 
on  the  Permanent  Committee  of  Systematic  Beneficence. 

(a)  This  committee  shall  consist  of  one  member1  from  each  Synod, 
fourteen  in  all,  of  whom  seven  shall  be  ministers  and  seven  laymen. 

(b)  The  method  of  appointing  the  members  of  this  committee 
^adopted  by  the  General  Assembly  of  1910,  is  hereby  repealed  and 
the  following  method  substituted  therefore,  to-wit: 

This  and  each  succeeding  General  Assembly  shall  appoint  seven 
members  and  an  alternate  to  each,  for  a  term  of  two  years,  and  an 


606  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

alternate  to  the  seven  members  of  the  committee  who  are  now  without 
alternates. 

(c)  The  law  and  precedents  governing  the  seating  of  alternates 
in  the  General  Assembly,  shall  obtain  in  this  Committee. 

(d)  That  there  shall  be  one  and  only  one  member  from  each  of 
the  Executive  Committees  and  he  shall  not  be  one  of  the  Secretaries 
of  the  Assembly. 

(e)  No  member  of  this  committee  shall  be  appointed  for  more 
than  two  terms  consecutively. 

(f)  All  rules  governing  this  committee  adopted  by  the  General 
Assembly  of  1910  not  in  conflict  with  the  above,  are  and  shall  re¬ 
main  in  force. 

Winchester  Presbytery  overtures  the  Assembly: 

1.  To  allow  each  Synod  to, nominate  the  member  which  shall 
represent  it  on  the  Assembly’s  Permanent  Committee  of  Systematic 
Beneficence. 

2.  That  no  member  shall  serve  on  said  Committee  more  than  two* 
terms  in  succession. 

In  answer  to  the  first  request,  we  recommend  that  each  Synod  be 
authorized  to  nominate  two  ministers  and  two  elders  from  whom  the 
Assembly  shall  elect  the  members  to  represent  that  Synod  on  the 
Permanent  Committee  of  Systematic  Beneficence,  and  that  the  sec¬ 
ond  request  be  granted. 

It  was  ordered  that  the  Moderator  appoint  a  select  committee  of 
one  member  from  each  Synod  to  nominate  the  members  of  the  Per¬ 
manent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence. 

The  Moderator  then  appointed  the  following  committee:  J.  A. 
Scott,  C.  J.  Ralston,  S.  R.  Hope,  S.  W.  McGill,  J.  C.  Oehler,  D.  H. 
Rolston,  H.  W.  Burwell,  L.  P.  Ault,  O.  B.(  Beatie,  G.  W.  McGinnis,, 
C.  B.  Goetchius,  Geo.  Eberlein,  L.  P.  Barkdull,  and  D.  A.  Caldwell. 

Rev.  Dr.  J.  W.  Bachman  tendered  to  the  Assembly  his  resignation 
as  a  member  of  the  Assembly’s  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic 
Beneficence. 

1123.  Second  Annual  Report  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on 

Systematic  Beneficence 

1922,  p.  51.  The  report  was  adopted. 

I.  Special  Assignments 

Besides  the  routine  business  the  Louisville  Assembly  ordered, 

That,  “In  view  of  the  importance  that  there  should  be  a  clearer 
grasp  of  the  new  plan  of  Church  Finances  approved  by  the  Assembly 
at  Lewisburg,  on  the  part  of  the  Presbyterial  and  Synodical  Chairmen 
of  Systematic  Beneficence,”  two  conferences  be  held  with  the  Chair¬ 
men  and  members  of  Committees  of  Systematic  Beneficence,  both  of 
the  Presbyteries  and  Synods,  one  at  Montreat,  N.  C.,  July  28-30, 
1911,  and  the  other  at  Kerrville,  Texas,  at  a  date  to  be  determined 
upon. 


££071123]  •'S^^TO'vfATic  BEtkEFrcEtfCE  6<)1 

In  accordance  with  this  order  a  conference  was  held  at  the  ap¬ 
pointed  time  at  Montreat,  at  which  a  large  and  representative  number 
of  members  of  the  Permanent  Committees  of  .Systematic  Beneficence 
of  Presbyteries,  Synods  and  individual  congregations  were  present. 
Every  phase  of  the  Assembly’s  plan  was  thoroughly  discussed,  the  con¬ 
census  of  opinion  being  subsequently  embodied  in  two  pamphlets 
published  by  your  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  at  Richmond 
and  widely  distributed. 

Instead  of  holding  a  conference  as  ordered  at  Kerrville,  on  account 
of  inability  to  secure  a  suitable  date,  it  was  decided  to  hold  special 
conferences  during  the  meetings  of  the  Synods  of  Texas  and  Arkansas; 
this  plan  being  carried  out  with  gratifying  results.  At  all  of  these 
conferences  your  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  was  represented. 

Your  Committee  furthermore  sojught,  through  correspondence  with 
the  Chairmen  of  Committees  on  Systematic  Beneficence  in  the  other 
Synods  and  in  many  of  the  Presbyteries,  to  arrange  for,  or  to  as¬ 
sist  in,  similar  conferences  on  behalf  of  the  Assembly’s  Plan.  As 
time  and  occasion  allowed,  the  Chairman  of  the  Sub-Committee 
on  Every-Member-Canvass  of  your  Permanent  Committee  of  Sys¬ 
tematic  Beneficence  has  visited  various  Synods  and  Presbyteries  in 
behalf  of  the  cause. 

In  submitting  this  report  your  Committee  wishes  to  commend  the 
efficient  service  rendered  by  the  Executive  Secretaries  of  the  Assem¬ 
bly,  who  have  manifestd  a  splendid  spirit  of  co-operation,  and  we 
also  call  attention  to  the  aid  rendered  by  the  representatives  of  the 
Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement,  who  have  thrown  themselves  into 
the  advance  of  the  Assembly’s  plan,  in  behalf  of  all  the  causes  with 
the  same  zeal  which  has  in  the  past  characterized  their  services  in 
behalf  of  Foreign  Missions. 

O 


RECOMMENDATIONS 

1.  In  view  of  the  importance  of  maintaining  the  Assembly’s  finan¬ 
ces,  and  of  a  prompt  and  intelligent  understanding  and  adoption 
of  the  Assembly’s  plan  by  all  the  churches,  your  Committee  would 
respectfully  recommend  that  during  the  coming  year  a  concerted 
effort  be  made  to  present  the  plan  and  the  claims  of  the  causes 
through  such  conferences  as  may  be  arranged,  and  that  the  Pres¬ 
byteries,  Synods,  and  Church  Sessions  be  urged  to  co-operate  with 
the  Assembly’s  Executive  Secretaries  and  the  leaders  of  the  Lay¬ 
men’s  Missionary  Movement  in  this  campaign. 

2.  We  heartily  commend  to  your  favorable  consideration  the  fol¬ 
lowing  resolutions  of  the  Executive  Secretaries  and  representatives 
of  the  Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement. 

(a)  That  the  four  Executive  Committees,  with  the  help  of  the 
Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement,  take  in  hand  the  effort  to  have 
every  church  in  the  Assembly  make  an  every-member-canvass  for 
the  benevolent  causes  of  the  Assembly  during  the  month  of  March, 
1913,  enlisting  the  help  of  at  least  250  workers  in  the  educational 


6Q8  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

campaign  which  will  precede  the  every-member-canvass  in  the 
churches,  and  that  the  goal  of  this  effort  be  the  raising  of  one  million, 
five  hundred  thousand  dollars  for  the  benevolent  work  of  the  Assem¬ 
bly  during  1913-14. 

(b)  That  the  four  Executive  Committees,  with  the  help  of  the 
Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement,  be  authorized  to  raise  as  a  part 
of  this  one  and  one-half  million  dollars,  five  hundred  thousand  dol¬ 
lars  as  a  special  equipment  fund. 

This  special  fund  to  be  pro-rated  among  the  four  Executive  Com¬ 
mittees  according  to  the  basis  recommended  by  the  Assembly. 

(c)  That  the  financial  effort  be  accompanied  by  an  earnest  evan¬ 
gelistic  effort,  on  the  part  of  all  the  pastors  and  members  of  our 
Church  with  the  view  of  deepening  the  spiritual  life  of  the  Church 
and  bringing  the  largest  possible  number  of  souls  to  Christ. 

3.  Overture  from  certain  ministers  and  elders,  requesting  that 
the  General  Assembly  change  its  ecclesiastical  year  so  as  to  make 
it  ocincide  with  the  calendar  year,  and  in  connection  with  this 
change  to  recommend  to  the  Presbyteries  a  plan  for  proper  reports, 
was  recommitted  by  the  Assembly  of  1911. 

(a)  In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  Louisville  Assembly  place  1  this 
overture  in  the  hands  of  your  committee  for  further  consideration 
after  it  had  recommended  that  no  change  be  made,  the  question 
was  carefully  considered  from  every  standpoint,  and  a  wide  corre¬ 
spondence  conducted  both  with  representative  men  and  ministers 
in  our  own  Assembly  and  with  leaders  of  other  denominations. 
Your  Committee  finds  that  though  there  are  a  large  number  of  min¬ 
isters  and  others  who  feel  that  the  suggested  changed  would  prove  a 
benefit,  a  larger  number  are  averse  to  the  change,  and  in  the  opin¬ 
ion  of  your  Committee  the  reasons  against  the  change  outweigh  those 
in  its  favor.  We  therefore  would  reiterate  our  recommendation  that 
the  Church  year  remain  as  at  present. 

(b)  Concerning  the  request  of  those  making  the  overture  that 
the  Assembly  reconfmend  to  the  Presbyteries  that  Permanent  Com¬ 
mittees  instead  of  Standing  Committees  be  appointed  on — 

1.  The  Narrative. 

2.  Systematic  Beneficence. 

3.  Sabbath  School  Extension  and  Publication. 

4.  Church  Societies, 

and  such  other  committees  as  may  be  needed,  we  recommend  that 
this  request  be  granted,  and  such  Presbyteries  as  are  appointing 
Standing  Committees  for  these  causes  be  advised  to  change  them 
into  Permanent  Committees. 

4.  Overture  (p.  23,  Minutes  1911)  “requesting  the  Assembly  to 
reduce  the  number  of  secretaries  to  a  minimum.” 

In  regard  to  this  overture  we  recommend  that  one  Executive  Sec¬ 
retary  be  elected  for  each  cause  to  have  general  supervision  and  di¬ 
rection  of  the  entire  work  of  the  Committee,  and  that  the  Executive 
Committees  elect  all  the  Department  Superintendents,  field  and  other 


Sec.  1123] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


609 


secretaries  or  assistants  that  are  needed.  The  Executive  Secretary 
shall  be  a  member  of  the  Executive  Committee. 

5.  The  establishment  of  a  Bureau  of  Education  and  information 
having  been  approved  by  the  Assembly,  was  referred  back  to  this 
Committee  for  further  consideration  and  the  perfection  of  details. 

Your  Committee  would  report  progress  and  ask  for  further 
time. 

6.  As  to  the  best  method  of  making  the  Assembly’s  assessments 
and  the  distribution  of  apportionments  for  the  Assembly’s  Benevo¬ 
lence, 

Your  Committee  would  call  attention  to  the  fact  that — 

First — In  levying  its  assessments,  the  Assembly  deals  with  Pres¬ 
byteries  and 

Second — In  apportioning  the  benevolent  funds,  the  Assembly  deals 
with  Synods. 

We  recommend,  therefore, 

(a)  That  the  assessments  of  the  Assembly  on  Presbyteries  for 
the  contingent  fund  and  mileage  fund  be  continued  on  the  per 
capita  basis,  and  that  this  be  fixed  each  year  by  the  Assembly’s 
Standing  Committee  on  Audits. 

(b)  That,  in  apportioning  among  the  Synods  the  total  amount 
called  for  by  the  Assembly  for  its  Executive  Committees  and  the 
American  Bible  Society,  the  Systematic  Beneficence  Committee  shall 
make  the  apportionment  upon  a  per  capita  basis,  and  that  the  Synods 
and  Presbyteries  in  the  further  distribution  of  the  amounts  be  left 
to  their  own  discretion. 

II.  ROUTINE  BUSINESS - MEETING  HELD 

1.  Your  Committee,  in  accordance  with  instructions,  held  a  meet¬ 
ing  in  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Feb.  9-12,  1912,  with  the  Assembly’s  Secretaries, 
at  which  time  the  needs  of  the  entire  Church  were  carefully  con¬ 
sidered. 

2.  Your  Committee  convened  again  prior  to  this  meeting  of  the 
Assembly  in  Bristol  for  the  purpose  of  examining  the  annual  reports 
of  the  several  Executive  Committees. 


GENERAL  RECOMMENDATION  UPON  REPORTS  OF 

EXECUTIVE  COMMITTEES 

1.  In  line  with  the  order  of  the  Assembly  that  the  general  reports 
of  the  Executive  Committees  be  in  the  hands  of  the  members  of  the 
Systematic  Beneficence  Committee  by  April  22,  we  recommend  that 
the  Assembly  order  that  copies  of  the  same  be  sent  by  this  date  to 
alternates  as  well  as  to  the  principals  of  this  Committee,  and  that 
with  these  reports  there  be  a  statement  showing  the  attendance  of 
members  of  the  Executive  Committees  for  the  year.  Your  Com- 
mitee  would  note  that  some  of  these  reports  were  late  this  year  in 
reaching  us. 


610 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


2.  That  the  Assembly  again  direct 

(a)  All  the  Executive  Committees  to  include  in  their  annual  re¬ 
ports,  statements  of  their  total  receipts  from  churches  and  individuals 
by  months,  not  including  reports  from  invested  funds,  and  we  again 
direct  the  attention  of  Church  Treasurers  to  the  importance  of  making 
monthly  remittances  of  funds  in  their  hands  for  the  benevolent 
causes  instead  of  retaining  the  same  until  the  end  of  the  fiscal  year. 

(b)  The  Auditing  Committees  of  the  Executive  Committees  to  see 
that  the  bond  of  the  Treasurer  has  been  renewed,  and  is  in  the  hands 
of  the  Chairman  of  the  Executive  Committee,  and  to  report  this 
annually  to  the  Assembly  with  the  name  of  the  company  issuing 
the  bond,  and  its  amount,  and  further  to  personally  examine  and 
verify  the  securities  held  by  the  Treasurer  against  all  Trust  Funds; 
and  report  annually  to  the  Assembly  that  this  has  been  done. 

3.  That  the  Prayer  Calendars  heretofore  issued  separately  by  the 
Home  and  Foreign  Missions  Committees  be  combined,  and  only  one 
Calendar  covering  the  work  of  the  four  committees  be  issued. 


RECOMMENDATIONS  ON  FOREIGN  MISSIONS 

The  progress  made  in  reorganizing  office  work  and  system  of 
accounts  in  the  Foreign  Missions  office,  as  indicated  in  their  report 
and  shown  by  the  public  auditors’  reports,  is  very  gratifying,  and 
we  urge  every  attention  to  perfection  of  office  records  and  details  in 
view  of  the  growth  and  extension  of  the  work.  To  this  end  we 
recommend- 

(a)  That  the  Assembly  direct  the  Foreign  Missions  Committee  to 
have  its  Treasurer  prepare  a  detailed  statement  showing  how  the 
Special  Donation  Fund  amounting  to  $74,743  has  been  expended; 
this  statement  to  show  the  Mission  Station,  the  object  and  the  amount, 
and  that  similar  statements  be  made  in  connection  with  all  future 
gifts  to  this  fund,  and  these  statements  shall  be  carefully  kept  ond 
constitute  a  part  of  the  permanent  records  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Foreign  Missions. 

(b)  That  the  Assembly  direct  the  Foreign  Missions  Committee  to 
have  prepared  as  soon  as  practicable  a  detailed  statement  showing  the 
material  equipment  of  each  mission  station,  including  all  real  estate 
holdings,  buildings,  furnishings,  and  other  equipment,  with  the  co  ts 
of  these  several  items,  and  that  similar  detailed  statements  be  pre¬ 
pared  as  to  the  material  equipment  of  each  station,  and  that  these 
statements  shall  be  carefully  kept  and  constitute  part  of  the  perma¬ 
nent  records  of  the  Foreign  Missions  office. 

(c)  That  the  Assembly  direct  the  Foreign  Missions  Committee 
to  include  in  its  annual  report  a  statement  from  each  Mission  Treas¬ 
urer,  showing  in  condensed  form:  (1)  Total  receipts  of  the  mission 
•and  from  what  sources;  (2)  Total  expenditures  of  the  mission  made 
under  appropriations,  Classes  A,  B,  and  C  of  the  Executive  Commit¬ 
tee  Manual. 


Sec.  1123] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


611 


(d)  The  Foreign  Missions  Committee  published  in  The  Mission¬ 
ary  the  list  of  individual  supporters  of  missionaries,  but  having  failed 
to  publish  the  special  and  individual  gifts  or  shares  in  The  Mis¬ 
sionary  or  Missionary  Survey  during  the  past  year  as  directed  by 
the  last  Assembly,  we  recommend  that  the  Foreign  Missions  Com¬ 
mittee  be  directed  to  publish  this  in  the  Missionary  Survey  as  soon* 
as  possible,  and  not  less  frequently  than  once  yearly  hereafter. 

RECOMMENDATIONS  ON  ASSEMBLY’S  HOME  MISSIONS 

That  the  Assembly  direct  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home 
Missions  to  include  in  its  annual  report — 

(a)  An  itemized  statement  showing  in  condensed  form  the  amounts 
expended  in  each  different  department  under  the  following  heads: 
Class  A — Salaries  of  Ministers  and  Missionaries.  Class  B — Salaries, 
of  helpers,  traveling  expenses,  rents,  and  other  current  expenses. 
Class  C — Equipment,  whether  temporary  or  permanent,  including 
furnishings,  etc. 

(b)  The  action  of  the  Home  Mission  Council  suggesting  the 
observance  of  “Home  Mission  Week”  in  November,  1912,  was  .set 
before  us  by  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  and  we 
recommend  that  the  Committee  take  steps  to  enlist  all  our  churches 
in  an  adequate  observance  of  the  period  designated. 

(c)  That  the  Assembly  grant  to  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Home  Missions  the  entire  control  of  the  work  among  foreigners 
and  charge  them  with  the  sole  responsibility  of  administration  up  to 
the  point  of  complete  organization  of  a  church  of  immigrants  not 
speaking  the  English  language. 

RECOMMENDATIONS  ON  CHRISTIAN  EDUCATION  AND 

MINISTERIAL  RELIEF 

(a)  That  we  cordially  approve  the  recommendations  of  the  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief,  that  the  thanks 
of  the  Assembly  be  given  to  Mr.  John  Stites,  treasurer  of  this  Com¬ 
mittee,  for  his  valuable  services  rendered  without  compensation;  (b) 
As  it  appears  that  the  work  of  this  committee  has  been  embarrassed 
by  a  scale  of  apportionments  for  undesignated  funds  published  in 
advance,  we  recommend  that  in  future  all  such  undesignated  funds 
shall  be  distributed  by  the  Committee  when  and  as  the  needs  of  its 
several  departments  are  ascertained. 

RECOMMENDATIONS  ON  PUBLICATION  AND  SABBATH 

SCHOOL  EXTENSION 

(a)  We-  recommend  that  the  Assembly  again  urge  the  churches 
in  the  Synods  west  of  the  Mississippi  to  give  the  branch  at  Texarkana 
their  undivided  patronage,  that  it  may  be  placed  on  a  self-sustaining 
basis. 


612 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


(b)  In  view  of  action  taken  by  Louisville  Assembly  adopting 
conflicting  recommendations  presented  by  Standing  Committee  of 
Sabbath  School  and  Publication  (see  pages  64-65)  and  the  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Systematic  Beneficence  (see  pages  70-76),  we  recommend 
that  the  Rally  Day  of  the  Sabbath  Schools  be  the  last  Sabbath  of 
September. 


MINIMUM  AMOUNTS  RECOMMENDED  FOR  THE  BENEV¬ 
OLENT  WORK  OF  THE  ASSEMBLY  FOR  1912-13 


As  is  shown  below,  the  receipts  for1  the  causes  of  the  Assembly  fell 
below  the  minimum  amounts  asked  for  during  year  just  closed. 

CAUSE  ASKED  FOR  RECEIVED. 

Foreign  Missions  . . . $550,000  $504,802 

Home  Missions  . .+ . . .  190,000  126,287 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief .  129,000  63,324 

Sabbath  School  Missions  and  Publication  .  30,000  22,459 


As  a  result,  all  the  Committees  report  that  their  work  has  been 
impeded,  and  that  for  lack  of  sufficient  funds  they  could  not  meet 
the  obligations  and  opportunities  which  confronted  them.  In  again 
naming  the  following  minimum  amounts  we  wish  to  remind  the 
churches  that  these  represent  a  present  and  pressing  need  and  not  an 
ultimate  goal. 


AMOUNTS  RECOMMENDED  FOR  YEAR  1912-13 


Foreign  Missions  . * . . . $550,000 

Assembly’s  Home  Missions  . . . .  190,000 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  .  129,000 

Sabbath  School  Extension  and  Publication  .  30,000 

American  Bible  Society  . * . . + . . . .  10,000 


$909,000 

For  the  distribution  among  the  Synods  see  Assembly  Minutes, 
1912,  pp.  56  ff. 

In  addition  to  the  minimum  amounts  named  above,  which  are 
necessary  to  maintain  the  work  of  the  Church  without  the  peril  of 
losing  ground,  we  desire  to  call  to  the  attention  of  all,  and  especially 
of  such  as  are  able  to  make  large  gifts  or  bequests,  to 

(a)  The  pressing  debt  of  $104,000.00  upon  our  Committee  of 
Foreign  Missions. 

(b)  The  Semi-Centennial  Fund  of  $100,000.00  so  greatly  needed 
by  the  rapidly  expanding  work  of  Home  Missions,  and 

(c)  The  $183,000.00  still  needed  to  complete  the  $500,000.00 
called  for  by  the  Assembly  of  1910  as  an  endowment  fund  for  Min¬ 
isterial  Relief  to  care  for  our  aged  ministers  in  their  declining 
years. 


613 


Sec.  1123]  Systematic  Beneficence 

NOMINATIONS  FOR  THE  ASSEMBLY’S  SECRETARIES 
AND  MEMBERS  OF  THE  EXECUTIVE  COMMITTEES 

In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  Louisville  Assembly  directed  that 
hereafter  the  Secretaries  of  not  more  than  two  Executive  Committees 
be  elected  at  one  Assembly,  we  recommend  the  election  by  this 
Assembly  as  follows: 

The  Plxecutive  Secretary  of  Publication  and  Sabbath 


bchooi  Work  . . . * . . 1  Year 

The  Executive  Secretary  of  Foreign  Missions  . 2  Years 

The  Executive  Secretary  of  Home  Missions  . 3  Years 

The  Executive  Secretary  of  Christian  Education  and 

Ministerial  Relief  . : . . . . . 3  Years 


And  that  upon  the  expiration  of  these  terms,  election  be  for  terms 

of  three  years. 

« 

FOREIGN  MISSIONS 

Executive  Secretary — Rev.  Egbert  W.  Smith,  D.  D. 

Members  of  Committee — J.  W.  Bachman,  D.  D.,  J.  I.  Vance,  D. 
D.,  C.  R.  Hemphill,  D.  D.,  S.  H.  Chester,  D.  D.,  W.  H.  Raymond, 

C.  A.  Rowland  (1  year),  C.  E.  Diehl  (2  years). 

ASSEMBLY’S  HOME  MISSIONS 

Executive  Secretary — Rev.  S.  L.  Morris,  D.  D. 

Members  of  Committee — J.  H.  Patton,  D.  D.,  M.  McH.  Hull,  A. 
A.  Little,  D.  D.,  M.  M.  Jackson  (3  year),  Homer  McMillan,  H.  K. 
Walker,  (1  year),  J.  K.  Orr  (2  years). 

CHRISTIAN  EDUCATION  AND  'MINISTERIAL  RELIEF 
Executive  Secretary — H.  H.  Sweets,  D.  D., 

Members  of  Committee — J.  S.  Lyons,  D.  D.,  Brainerd  Lemon,  J. 
W.  Adams,  James  Trimble,  W.  W.  Akers. 

PUBLICATION  AND  SABBATH  SCHOOL  WORK 
Executive  Secretary — R.  E.  Magill, 

Members  of  Committee — D.  Clay  Lilly,  D.  D.,  F.  T.  McFaden, 

D.  D.,  George  Bryan,  W.  L.  Lingle,  D.  D.,  Benjamin  Alsop. 

MISCELLANEOUS  RECOMMENDATIONS 

1.  Your  committee  would  call  attention  to  the  fact  that  sections 
of  the  main  report  and  all  of  the  supplementary  report  were  omitted 
from  the  Minutes  of  the  last  Assembly,  and  we,  therefore,  recommend 
that  the  annual  report  of  this  committee  when  received  by  the  Assem¬ 
bly  be  printed  in  full  in  the  Minutes. 

2.  In  response  to  numerous  questions  concerning  the  advisability 


614  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

of  the  Assembly  assigning  certain  months  to  special  causes,  we  recom¬ 
mend  : 

(a)  That  the  months  as  assigned  be  continued. 

(b)  That  the  purpose  of  this  assignment  be  understood,  as  an 
educational  means  in  order  that  the  cause  of  the  month  may  be 
given  due  emphasis,  and  as  serving  the  temporary  purpose  of  assist¬ 
ing  such  churches  as  have  not  been  able  as  yet  to  adopt  the  Assem¬ 
bly’s  Plan,  to  support  the  causes. 

(c)  That  the  Assembly  urge  all  churches  to  abandon  the  old 
method  of  special  collections,  and  inaugurate  the  Assembly’s  Plan, 
and  employ  the  special  months  merely  as  an  educational  means. 

3.  That  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the  Assembly  after  this  year  be 
instructed  to  make  and  print  in  the  Minutes  an  alphabetical  list  of  the 
churches  with  page  references. 

4.  In  view  of  the  superb  work  of  our  Laymen’s  Missionary  Move¬ 
ment  in  behalf  of  Foreign  Missions,  we  recommend  that  the  General 
Assembly  request  the  laymen  to  take  up  similar  service  in  behalf  of 
the  other  departments  of  our  work  and  by  conferences,  conventions, 
institutes,  and  such  other  means  as  they  may  deem  best,  to  arouse 
the  men  of  our  Church  to  an  intelligent  and  enthusiastic  support 
all  along  the  line.  And  to  do  all  in  their  power  to  promote  and 
cause  to  be  worked  the  Assembly’s  Plan. 

5.  A  committee  of  ladies  representing  women’s  organizations  ap¬ 
peared  before  the  Committee  at  its  meeting  in  Atlanta  in  February 
and  asked  consideration  of  plans  regarding  a  secretary  of  women’s 
work.  The  members  of  the  Systematic  Beneficence  Committee 
heartily  approved  of  their  plans,  but  understanding  that  an  overture 
is  coming  direct  to  the  Assembly,  we  make  no  recommendations. 

We  request  the  Assembly  to  appropriate  the  sum  of  $500  for  cleri¬ 
cal  and  incidental  expenses,  beside  the  amount  appropriated  for 
traveling  expenses  of  the  members  of  the  Committee. 

The  first  term  of  the  following  members  of  the  Committee  expires 
with  this  meeting: 

SYNODS  PRINCIPAL  ALTERNATE 

Tennessee  . . Rev.  John  W.  Bachman  Rev.  L.  E.  McNair 

Missouri  . „_Rev.  W.  R.  Dobyns . Rev.  J.  F.  Cannon 

North  Carolina . „.Mr.  A.  M.  Scales  . Dr.  W.  J.  Martin 

Virginia . _Mr.  John  S.  Munce . Dr.  J.  L.  Howe 

Louisiana . Mr.  W.  T.  Hardie . Mr.  J.  A.  Lyon 

Kentucky  . Judge  John  Stites . 

Georgia  . „...JRev.  R.  O.  Flinn . Rev.  D.  H.  Odgen 

There  is  a  vacancy  in  the  position  of  Alternate  for  the  Synod  of 
Alabama  in  addition  to  vacancies  reported  in  list  above. 

MINORITY  REPORT 

To  the  General  Assembly : 

The  undersigned,  members  of  your  Committee  of  Systematic 


Secs.  1123-1125]  Systematic  Beneficence 


615 


Beneficence,  would  beg  leave  to  report  that  they  differ  with  their 
brethren  of  the  majority  in  regard  to  one  secretary  for  the  Foreign 
Mission  work,  and  would  respectfully  ask  this  Assembly  to  make  no 
change  in  the  secretarial  office  of  Foreign  Missions. 

J.  W.  Bachman, 

Wm.  T.  Hardie. 

(The  recommendations  in  the  above  report  touching  Foreign  Mis¬ 
sions,  Home  Missions,  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief 
and  Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Extension  were  referred  to  the 
Standing  Committees  on  these  causes  and  acted  on  in  their  reports; 
and  the  Minority  Report  was  not  adopted.) 

The  following  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Louisville  was 
answered  in  the  affirmative: 

“Louisville  Presbytery,  in  session  at  Frankfort,  Ivy.,  April  30, 
1912,  respectfully  overtures  the  General  Assembly  in  session  at 
Bristol,  Tenn.,  to  request  the  churches  to  call  the  committee  in  charge 
of  finances  in  the  local  church  ‘The  Beneficence’  Instead  of  ‘The 
Missionary  Committee,’  thus  making  this  committee  uniform  with 
the  one  in  the  General  Assembly,  the  Synod,  and  the  Presbytery.” 

1124.  Nominations  for  Permanent  Committees  on  Systematic 

Beneficence 

1912,  p.  51.  The  Select  Committee  appointed  to  make  nomina¬ 
tions  for  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Bieneficence  made 
the  following  report,  which  was  adopted: 

SYNOD  PRINCIPAL  ALTERNATE 

f 

Tennessee  . Rev.  Jas.  I.  Vance,  D.  D....Rev.  L.  E.  McNair,  D.  D. 

Missouri  . Rev.  W.  R.  Dobyns,  D.  D.Rev.  E.  F.  Abbott 

North  Carolina.  ..Wm.  J.  Martin  . 4 . Alfred  M.  Scales 

Virginia  . J.  S.  Munce  . W.  S.  Currell 

Louisiana . W.  T.  Hardie  . J.  A.  Lyon 

Kentucky  . John  Stites  . A.  J.  A.  Alexander,  M.  D. 

Georgia  . Rev.  R.  O.  Flinn,  D.  D...,Rev.  A.  A.  Little,  D.  D. 

Alabama  . S.  J.  Cassells,  alternate  in  place  of  S.  D.  Weakley, 

promoted  to  principal  by  reason  of  the  death  of  J.  L.  Dean. 

1125.  Powers  and  duties  of  the  Committee  on  Systematic  Benefi¬ 
cence  defined 

1912,  p.  37.  Overtures  (duplicates  in  part),  from  the  Presbytery 
of  Tuscaloosa,  asking  the  Assembly  to  define  the  powers  and  duties 
of  the  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence. 

Answer — It  is  the  general  duty  of  this  committee  to  plan  and 
stimulate  the  benevolences  of  the  Church,  but  in  such  a  manner  and 
by  such  methods  as  do  not  embarrass  the  Executive  Committees  in 
the  work  entrusted  to  them.  Changing  the  rule  of  1910,  hereafter 


616 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


it  shall  not  be  the  duty  of  this  Committee  to  nominate  Secretaries  or 
members  of  the  Executive  Committees,  or  to  lay  upon  those  Com¬ 
mittees  any  orders  or  requirements.  It  is  further  the  duty  of  the 
Committee  to  have  its  annual  report  printed  prior  to  the  meeting  of 
the  Assembly,  submit  the  same  as  is  the  custom  of  the  Executive 
Committees,  that  it  may  be  referred  to  a  Standing  Committee  of  the 
Assembly.  The  Standing  Committee  shall  nominate  the  successors 
to  those  members  of  the  Systematic  Beneficence  Committee  whose 
terms  have  expired,  making  their  choice  from  those  persons  who  have 
been  proposed  by  the  Synods,  when  the  Synods  have  made  nomi¬ 
nations. 

1126.  Resignation  of  certain  members  of  the  Committee 

1912,  p.  70e.  Rev.  W.  R.  Dobyns,  D.  D.,  on  behalf  of  himself 
and  others,  presented  the  following  paper  tendering  their  resignations 
as  members  of  the  Assembly’s  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic 
Beneficence: 

The  undersigned,  members  of  the  Assembly’s  Permanent  Commit¬ 
tee  on  Systematic  Beneficence,  believing  the  action  recommended  by 
the  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  and  adopted  by  the  Assembly 
on  May  21  as  subversive  of  one  of  the  main  purposes  for  which  the 
Committee  was  raised,  and  regarding  the  action  as  implying  censure 
on  the  Committee  which  has  in  no  case  gone  beyond  the  positive 
instructions  of  the  Assembly,  hereby  tender  to  you  their  resignation 
from  membership  thereon 

William  R.  Dobyns  (Missouri), 
Thomas  S.  Clyde,  (Texas), 
John  Stites  (Kentucky), 

John  S.  Munce  (Virginia), 

H.  E.  Ravenal  (South  Carolinia), 
Oscar  Newton,  Jr. (Mississippi), 
Wm.  T.  Hardie  (Louisiana). 

The  following  resolution,  expressing  appreciation  of  these  brethren 
and  of  the  services  they  have  rendered,  and  requesting  them  to  with¬ 
draw  their  resignations,  was  adopted. 

Resolved ,  That  this  Assembly  hereby  expresses  its  appreciation  of 
the  valuable  services  rendered  bv  the  Systematic  Beneficence  Com- 

*  s  m 

mittee.  and  intended  in  no  wise  tv.  reflect  on  the)  members  of  the 
Committee  or  its  great  work  by  the  restrictions  placed  on  the  scope 
of  its  jurisdiction,  and  disclaims  any  intention  to  make  any  such 
reflection;  and  earnestly  requests  the  members  who  have  resigned  to 
reconsider  this  action  and  withdraw  their  resignations. 

1127.  Report  of  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence 

1913,  p.  131.  Scope  of  Committee. — In  view  of  the  action  of  the  last 
Assembly,  reducing  the  powers  of  the  [Permanent]  Systematic  Benefi¬ 
cence  Committee  and  charging  it  “to  do  nothing  to  embarrass  the 
Executive  Committees  and  to  lay  upon  them  no  orders  or  require¬ 
ments,”  we  have  been  somewhat  at  a  loss  to  know  what  is  expected  of 
us.  As  a  Committee,  we  have  assumed,  however,  that  the  continu- 


Secs.  1125-1127]  Systematic  Beneficence 


617 


ance  of  the  Committee  by  the  Assembly,  and  the  provision  for  filling 
places  in  the  Committee’s  membership  made  vacant  by  resignation, 
meant  that  the  Assembly  expected  us  to  continue  the  work  originally 
assigned'  us  with  the  exception  of  that  withdrawn.  This  we  have  at¬ 
tempted  to  do,  but  in  such  way  as  not  to  presume. 

The  Chairman  and  Vice-Chairman  of  the  Committee  having  resigned, 
it  devolved  upon  the  Secretary  to  call  the  Committee  together.  This 
he  did,  the  Committee  meeting  at  the  Church  House  of  the  North 
Avenue  Church,  in  Atlanta,  May  10th,  9:30  A.  M.  A  quorum  being 
found  present,  the  Committee  organized  by  the  election  of  Rev.  J.  W. 
Moseley,  Chairman;  Rev.  Jas.  I.  Vance,  Vice-Chairman;  Rev.  R.  O. 
Flinn,  Secretary;  Mr.  Oscar  Newton,  Assistant  Secretary. 

The  resignations  of  the  following  members  were  accepted;  Rev. 
W.  R.  Dobyns,  of  Missouri;  Rev.  T.  S.  Clyce,  of  Texas;  Mr.  Jdhn  S. 
Munce,  of  Virginia,  and  Judge  John  Stites,  of  Kentucky.  The  follow¬ 
ing  were  elected  to  complete  the  membership  of  the  Committee:  Dr. 
James  Lewis  Howe,  alternate  for  the  Synod  of  Virginia;  Rev.  Trigg 
A.  M.  Thomas,  alternate  for  the  Synod  of  Missouri;  Capt.  C.  F.  Huhlein, 
alternate  for  the  Synod  of  Kentucky. 

Inasmuch  as  membership  on  the  Committee  from  the  Synod  of  Texas 
is  to  be  filled  by  this  Assembly,  we  took  no  action  towards  filling  the 
Texas  vacancy. 


I.  Recommendations 

(1)  Recommendations  concerning  the  work  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittees. 

The  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions. —  (a)  Recognizing  that 
the  financial  plans  of  the  Assembly  are  not  incompatible  with  what  is 
known  as  the  “Forward  Movement,”  namely,  the  assumption  by  sep¬ 
arate  churches,  societies  and  individuals  of  definite  responsibility  for 
a  definite  part  of  the  Foreign  Mission  work,  we  recommend  that  the 
Assembly  reaffirm  its  endorsement  of  said  movement  and  commend  it 
afresh  to  individuals,  societies  and  congregations  of  our  Church. 

(b)  In  order  to  remove  an  erroneous  impression  on  the  subject,  we 
recommend  that  the  General  Assembly  declare  that  its  new  financial 
plan  neither  necessitates  nor  contemplates  the  reduction  of  contribu¬ 
tions  heretofore  made  by  societies,  churches  or  individuals  to  any 
cause,  but  rather  the  enlistment  in  behalf  of  the  other  causes  of  our 
people’s* heretofore  unused  means  and  energies. 

(c)  The  Foreign  Mission  Committee  having,  as  a  result  of  investi¬ 
gation  into  actual  cost,  fixed  $1,200.00  as  the  amount  necessary  to  be 
raised  for  the  annual  support  of  each  missionary  sent  out,  in  addition 
to  the  expense  of  travel  and  equipment,  we  recommend  that  those  sup¬ 
porting  missionaries  be  urged  by  the  Assembly  as  soon  as  possible 
to  come  up  to  this  standard. 

(b)  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly,  the  debt  having  been  paid, 
expressly  approve  the  present  policy  of  the  Foreign  Mission  Committee 
of  living  within  its  income. 

(e)  We  recommend  that  the  sum  of  $574,560.00  for  the  work  of  the 
Foreign  Mission  Committee  during  the  present  financial  year  be  ap¬ 
proved'  (being  54%). 

The  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions.-^- (a)  We  rejoice  in 
the  splendid  support  given  this  work  by  the  Church  during  the  year, 
as  evidenced  by  their  increased  offerings.  We  feel,  however,  that  the 
amount  received  falls  far  short  of  the  needs  of  the  work  the  Church 
should  do  in  the  Home  Mission  field.  Especially  demanding  atten¬ 
tion  are  the  rural  communities,  and  we  recommend  that  the  Assem¬ 
bly  encourage  all  efforts  to  secure  the  men  and  means  necessary  for 
a  large  and  vigorous  campaign  for  the  country  Church. 

(b)  Inasmuch  as  there  seems  to  be  some  confusion  as  to  what  was 
intended  by  the  Assembly  in  the  percentage  ratio  suggested,  and  inas¬ 
much  as  the  percentage  recommended  for  Home  Missions  seems  to 


61?. 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


have  been  sub-divided  in  such  way  that  in  certain  cases  but  a  small 
part  of  it  reaches  the  Assembly’s  Committee,  we  would  recall  the 
Assembly’s  plan,  which  provides  that  Synods  and  Presbyteries  shall 
add  the  amounts  needed  for  their  local  work  to  the  Assembly's  appor¬ 
tionments  and  make  apportionments  to  the  churches  within  their 
bounds  on  such  basis. 

(c)  From  communications  received  it  appears  that  the  work  of 
the  Executive  Committee  is  seriously  handicapped  both  in  administra¬ 
tion  and  funds  by  the  division  of  our  work  into  Assembly,  Synodical 
and  local  departments.  While  the  combination  of  these  departments 
would  be  difficult  to  effect  and  might  result  in  temporary  distress  to 
some  interests  involved,  many  seem  to  feel  it  would  contribute  greatly 
to  economy  and  efficiency  if  all  our  Home  Mission  work  could  be 
brought  under  the  direction  of  the  Executive  Committee,  and  said 
Committee  charged  with  initiation  and  given  larger  powers  in  the 
prosecution  of  its  work. 

We  recommend,  therefore,  that  this  matter  be  referred  to  such 
Committee  as  the  Assembly  may  deem  proper,  which  shall  consider 
whether  some  plan  cannot  be  devised  for  articulating  and  unifying 
all  our  Home  Mission  work. 

(d)  We  recommend  that  the  Church  be  asked  to  raise  $287,280  dur¬ 
ing  the  next  year  for  the  work  of  this  Committee  as  outlined  in  its 
annual  report  (being  27%). 

The  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Work. — 
We  recommend — 

(a)  That  the  name  of  this  Committee  be  changed  to  the  “Executive 
Committee  of  Sabbath  School  Work  and  Publication,”  for  the  reason 
that  we  find  a  disinclination  on  the  part  of  some  to  contribute  to  the 
work  of  this  Committee  on  the  ground  that  our  Publication  work  is 
self-sustaining. 

(b)  In  response  to  the  repeated  requests  of  this  Committee  that  the 
first  Sunday  in  October  be  again  adopted  as  Sunday  School  Rally  Day, 
we  recommend  that  the  request  be  granted. 

(c)  That  $37,240  be  appropriated  for  the  work  of  this  Committee 
(being  3%%). 

The  Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Re¬ 
lief. — We  recommend'  that  the  sum  of  $154,280  be  raised  for  Christian 
Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  (being  14%%). 

(2)  Recommendations  concerning: 

Campaign  Committee  on  Evangelism  and  Stewardship. — We  record 
our  high  estimate  of  the  great  value  as  an  educational  agency  of  the 
Presbyterial  Conferences  held  in  connection  with  the  Campaign  of 
Evangelism  and  Stewardship,  and  would  suggest  that  the  Campaign 
Committee  consider  the  advisability  of  continuing  these  conferences. 

We  commend  the  hearty  co-operation  of  the  Executive  Committee  in 
these  conferences  as  evidenced  in  their  assignment  of  a  part  of  their 
secretarial  force  to  this  work. 

We  recommend — 

(a)  That  the  Campaign  Committee  on  Evangelism  and  Steward¬ 
ship  be  continued  for  another  year. 

(b)  That  the  plan  to  raise  $900,000  for  equipment  and  $500,000  for 
reinforcement  be  approved  and  adopted. 

(c)  That  the  Every  Member  Canvass  in  March,  1914,  be  held  and 
its  promotion  and  conduct  be  referred  to  this  Committee  with  power. 

(d)  That  the  distribution  of  funds  to  be  subscribed  for  equipment 
and  reinforcement  be  according  to  the  scheme  submitted  in  the  report 
of  this  Committee. 

(3)  Miscellaneous  recommendations: 

(a)  The  Assembly  of  1912  having  referred  to  this  Committee  the 
advisability  of  creating  the  office  of  Educational  Secretary,  whose 
duties  should  be  in  conjunction  with  the  four  Executive  Committees, 
we  feel  that  inasmuch  as  the:  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions 
has  a  Secretary  of  Education,  and  the  other  Executive  Committees  have 


Sec.  1127] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


619 


publicity  departments,  it  is  not  necessary  to  create  the  additional  office 
and  therefore  we  recommend  that  educational  matters  of  common  inter¬ 
est  to  the  four  Executive  Committees  be  referred  to  the  Committee  on 
Evangelism  and  Stewardship,  composed,  as  it  is,  of  representatives 
from  each  of  these  Committees. 

(b)  We  beg  and  recommend  that  the  order  of  the  last  Assembly  re¬ 
quiring  the  Systematic  Beneficence  Committee  to  have  its  “Annual 
Report  printed’  prior  to  the  meeting  of  the  Assembly”  be  rescinded,  on 
the  ground  that  the  haste  thus  demanded  tends  to  result  in  a  less 
satisfactory  report,  inasmuch  as  some  of  the  information  needed  for 
the  report  is  not  available  at  this  time,  and  the  attendance  of  the 
Executive  Secretaries  so  far  in  advance  of  the  Assembly  is  both  diffi¬ 
cult  and  expensive. 

(c)  We  request  and  recommend  that  when  matters  contained  in 
our  report  are  referred  by  the  Assembly  to  special  or  standing  com¬ 
mittees,  these  committees  be  instructed  to  report  such  matters  back 
to  the  Assembly  in  full,  with  their  findings  on  the  same. 

(d)  We  express  our  gratification  at  the  progress  made  in  organizing 
the  Women’s  Work  of  the  Church,  and  would  recommend — 

First.  That  the  Assembly  urge  upon  the  women’s  societies  the  im¬ 
portance  of  supporting  and  co-operating  with  this  movement. 

Second.  That  the  Assembly  urge  upon  the  churches  that  in  the 
future,  as  they  develop  their  women’s  work,  they  shall  organize  it  in 
harmony  with  the  genius  of  the  Assembly’s  plan,  so  that  due  regard 
shall  be  had  to  the  relative  needs  of  each  of  the  four  Assembly's 
Causes,  but  that  this  shall  not  be  done  in  such  haste  or  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  work  harm  to  the  interests  of  causes  that  are  already 
looking  to  them  for  certain  definite  support. 

(e)  We  would  request  that  the  Assembly  appropriate  the  sum  of 
$500  for  clerical  and  incidental  expenses,  besides  the  amount  appro¬ 
priated*  for  the  traveling  expenses  of  members  in  attendance  upon 
Committee  meetings. 

(f)  Inasmuch  as  the  rule  of  the  Assembly  called  for  the  printing 
of  our  report  prior  to  the  Assembly’s  meeting,  and  inasmuch  as  until 
the  time  of  adjournment  we  have  received  no  Presbyterial  statistical 
reports,  we  have  been  forced  to  omit  the  same,  but  request  that  we 
be  allowed  to  make  a  supplementary  report  and  recommend  that  the 
statistics  as  submitted  be  printed  in  full  in  the  Assembly’s  Minutes, 
containing  as  they  will  information  of  value  to  the  churches. 


II.  Expiration  of  Committee  Membership 
The  first  term  of  the  following  members  of  the  Committee  expires 


with  this  meeting: 

Synod 
Florida 
Arkansas 
Oklahoma 
South  Carolina 
Alabama 
.Mississippi 
Texas 


Principal 

Rev.  J.  F.  McKinnon 
Rev.  J.  C.  Williams 
Rev.  J.  W.  Moseley 
D.  S.  Henderson 
S.  D.  Weakley 
Oscar  Newton 


Alternate 


Rev.  J.  E.  Lathan 
Rev.  E.  Hotchkin 
H.  E.  Ravenel 
S.  J.  Cassels 
W.  C.  Guthrie 


III.  Amounts  NeedeIdI  and  Suggested  Distribution 

1.  Your  Committee  would  recommend  that  the  following  amounts 
be  raised  for  the  four  Assembly’s  Causes  and  American  (Bible  Society: 
Amounts  Recommended  for  year  1913-14 


Foreign  Missions  . $  574,560.00  54% 

Assembly  Home  Missions  .  287,280.00  27% 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief .  154,280.00  14  y2% 

Sunday  School  Work  and  Publication  .  37,240.00  3  y2  % 

Bible  Cause  .  10,640.00  1% 

- 1 - 


$1,064,000.00 


620  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

2.  For  the  distribution  among  the  Synods  see  Assembly  Minutes, 
1913,  pp.  135ff. 

(3)  In  naming  these  five  Causes  and  apportioning  the  amounts 
needed  by  them  among  the  Synods,  we  recommend  that  to  prevent 
any  possible  confusion  the  Assembly  reiterate  its  instructions — 

First,  to  Synods,  that  they  receive  these  amounts  and  add  to  them 
suqh  other  amounts  as  may  be  needed  for  Synodical  causes,  and  dis¬ 
tribute  the  total  amounts  thus  secured  among  their  Presbyteries. 

Second,  to  Presbyteries,  that  they  receive  the  quotas  from  the  Synods 
composed  of  the  call  of  the  Synod  for  its  own  needs,  and  the  call 
of  the  Assembly  for  the  needs  of  its  Executive  Committees,  and  the 
American  Bible  Society,  and  that  they  add  to  these  amounts  such 
additional  sums  as  may  be  needed’  by  the  Presbytery  for  its  work, 
and  that  they  apportion  the  total  thus  secured  among  their  churches* 

1128.  Report  of  Standing  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence 

1913,  p.  36.  The  following  documents'  were  placed  in  our  hands: 
The  Annual  Report  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic 
Beneficence,  all  the  Presbyterial  Statistical  Reports  on  Systematic 
Beneficence,  thirteen  overtures  from  Presbyteries,  one  overture  from 
a  Church  Session,  and  one  overture  from/  an  individual.  Besides, 
we  have  had  access  to  the  minutes  and  files  of  the  Permanent  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Systematic  Beneficence.  All  these  documents  we  have 
examined  with  care. 

First  of  all,  we  wish  to  warmly  commend  the  great  diligence  of 
the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence.  One  who 
has  not  examined  the  minutes  and  files  of  this  Committee  can  scarcely 
conceive  of  the  vast  labor  of  love  which  has  been  performed  by  this 
Committee,  or  of  the  sacrifice  of  time  and  energy  and  money  its  mem¬ 
bers  have  made  in  the  performance  of  their  duties.  Even  those  who 
do  not  agree  with  every  detail  of  the  policy  of  this  Committee  must 
feel  that  through  it  a  great  piece  of  constructive  work  has  been  done 
for  the  Church  during  the  last  three  years. 

Of  the  documents  which  have  been  placed  in  our  hands,  we  will 
take  up  first  the  Annual  Report  of  the  Committee  on  Systematic 
Beneficence.  Inasmuch  as  the  whole  report  was  referred  to  our 
Committee,  we  suppose  that  it  would  be  competent  for  us  to  consider 
and  report  on  every  item  contained  in  it;  but  inasmuch  as  the 
Assembly  has  strong  standing  committees  on  each  of  the  four  causes 
represented  by  the  Executive  Committees,  and  inasmuch  as  it  is 
necessary  for  each  of  these  standing  committees  to  take  into  con¬ 
sideration  everything  affecting  the  cause  represented  by  that  com¬ 
mittee,  we  have  thought  it  wiser,  in  order  to  prevent  confusion,  that 
our  Committee  should  not  consider  those  items  in  the  report  which 
affect  the  work  of  any  one  Executive  Committee  alone,  but  only  those 
items  which  affect  the  work  of  two  or  more  of  these  Committees. 
We  trust  that  the  Assembly  will  approve  of  our  decision  in  this 
matter,  as  we  had  no  precedent  or  instructions  to  go  by.  Turning 
now  to  those  items  in  the  report  in  which  two  or  more  of  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committees  are  concerned,  we  make  the  following  recommenda¬ 
tions  : 


,Sec.  1128] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


621 


CAMPAIGN  ON  EVANGELISM  AND  STEWARDSHIP 

1.  That  the  four  Executive  Committees,  with  the  help  of  the 
Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement,  will  continue  the  Campaign  on 
Evangelism  and  Stewardship,  conducting  such  Presbyterial  con¬ 
ferences  and  such  other  conferences  as  may  seem  wise  to  them. 

2.  That  the  four  Executive  Committees,  with  the  help  of  the  Lay¬ 
men’s  Missionary  Movement,  take  such  part  in  the  Interdenomi¬ 
national  Campaign  on  Evangelism  and  Stewardship  as  may  seem 
wise  to  them. 

3.  That  the  Every-Member- Canvass  be  held  during  or  before 
March,  1914,  under  the  direction  of  the<  four  Executive  Committees, 
with  the  help  of  the  Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement. 

4.  That  the  recommendations  of  the  Permanent  Committee  con¬ 
cerning  the  amounts  to  be  raised  for  the  four  Assembly’s  causes  and 
the  American  Bible  Society  be  approved. 

5.  That  the  recommendation  of  the  Permanent  Committee  as  to 
the  distribution  of  the  amounts  among  the  Synods  be  approved. 

6.  That  the  recommendations  of  the  Permanent  Committee  as  to 
the  percentages  according  to  which  undesignated  contributions  are 
to  be  distributed  among  the  several  causes  be  approved,  namely:  54 
per  cent,  to  Foreign  Missions;  27  per  cent,  to  Assembly’s  Home 
Missions;  14%  per  cent,  to  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Re¬ 
lief,  3%  per  cent,  to  Sunday  School  Work  and  Publication;  and  1 
per  cent,  to  the  Bible  Cause. 

7.  That  the  Assembly  remind  the  Synods  and  Presbyteries  that 
the  amounts  suggested!  for  the  several  Synods  in  the  report  of  the 
Permanent  Committee  are  exclusively  for  the  General  Assembly’s 
causes,  and  that  any  amount  which  a  Synod  or  Presbytery  wishes  to 
raise  for  local  causes  must  be  in  addition  to  the  amounts  suggested 
in  this  report. 

8.  That  the  plan  of  the  Campaign-  Committee  on  Evangelism  and 
Stewardship  to  raise  $500,000  for  equipment  and  $500,000  for  rein¬ 
forcement,  which  has  been  recommended  by  the  Permanent  Commit¬ 
tee,  be  approved;  and  that  the  four  Executive  Committees,  with  the 
help  of  the  Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement,  be  authorized  and 
directed  to  go  forward  with  the  campaign  according  to  the  plan  sub¬ 
mitted  herewith: 

I.  THE  CANVASS  FOR  EQUIPMENT  AND  REINFORCEMENT  AT  HOME 

AND  ABROAD 

It  is  planned  that  a  team  of  four  or  five  missionaries,  or  represen¬ 
tatives  of  mission  work,  visit  every  center  of  Presbyterianism  and 
present  the  work  and  the  opportunities  in  all  the  fields  and  of  all  of 
the  Executive  Committees  in  every  church,  without  making  any  ap¬ 
peal  to  the  church  as  such  to  give.  This  would  be  followed  by  a 
personal  presentation  of  the  opportunity  to  take  part  in  this  great 
work  to  those  who  are  able  to  give  largely.  No  gifts  less  than 
$100.00  a  year  for  three  years  would  be  taken,  and  these  must  be 


622 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


made  above  and  beyond  regular  gifts  to  the  church.  This  work 
is  supplementary  to  the  Every-Member-Canvass,  which  secures  from 
all  the  members,  especially  those  who  are  able  to  give  only  small 
amounts,  gifts  each  week  to  all  the  causes,  but  does  not  as  a  rule 
secure  large  gifts  from  those  of  larger  means.  All  subscriptions  will 
not  only  be  credited  to  the  individual  subscribing,  but  also  to  the 
church  to  which  the  subscriber  belongs. 

In  order  to  prevent  any  unsafe  additions  to  the  annual  expense 
budget  of  any  of  the  Executive  Committee,  the  following  rules  were  ap¬ 
proved  to  guide  those  who  take  part  in  this  campaign: 

1.  The  entire  fund  is  to  be  raised  through  personal  subscriptions 
ffrom  individuals  or  groups  of  individuals,  the  general  rule  being  to 
accept  no  gift  of  less  than  $100.00  per  year  from  an  individual  or 
group. 

2.  That  part  of  the  fund  which  provides  for  the  support  of  ad¬ 
ditional  reinforcements  shall  be  pledged  upon  a  basis  of  continuous 
support,  and  all  such  pledges  must  be  acceptable  to  the  Executive 
Committee  concerned.  The  choosing,  appointment,  assignment  and 
sending  out  of  all  reinforcements  shall  be  entirely  in  the  hands  of 
the  Executive  Committee  concerned  as  heretofore. 

3.  The  remainder  of  the  fund  shall  be  raised  in  subscriptions 
payable  through  three  years  from  April  1st,  1913. 

4.  All  subscriptions  shall  he  made  in  addition  to  and  not  in  re¬ 
duction  of  regular  gifts  heretofore  made  to  various  causes. 

The  following  list  shows  approximately  the  distribution  of  the 
funds  to  be  subscribed: 


Equipment  Fund 

Foreign  Missions . $300,000 

Home  Missions  . 105,000 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  .  70,000 

Sunday  Schools  and  Publication  . 25,000 


Reinforcement  Fund 

-Foreign  Missions — 

Salaries  160  missionaries  at  $1,000  per  first 


year . - . . . , . $160,000 

Outfit  and  traveling  expenses  .  72,000 

Maintenance  and  Home  Development  Fund .  33,000 

Homo  Mission — Men  and  Equipment . . .  90,000 

Christian  Education — Student  Loan  Fund .  35,000 

Sunday  School  Extension  Work  .  10,000 

Missionary  Training  School  . . .  100,000 


$  500,000 


$  500,000 


II.  women’s  work 


$1,000,000 


1.  That  the  Assembly  express  its  gratification  at  the  progress  made 
in  organizing  the  Women’s  Work  of  the  Church. 


Sec.  1128]  Systematic  Beneficence  623 

2.  That  the  Assembly  urge  upon  the  Women’s  Societies  the  im¬ 
portance  of  supporting  and  co-operating  with  this  movement. 

3.  That  the  Assembly  urge  upon  the  churches  that  in  the  future, 
as  they  develop  their  Women’s  Work,  they  shall  organize  it  in  har¬ 
mony  with  the  genius  of  the  Assembly’s  plan,  so  that  due  regard  shall 
be  had  to  the  relative  needs  of  each  of  the  four  Assembly’s  causes; 
but  that  this  shall  not  be  done  in  such  haste  or  in  such  a  manner  as 
to  work  harm  to  the  interest  of  causes  that  are  already  looking  to 
them  for  certain  definite  support. 

4.  That  the  Assembly  grant  the  request  of  our  women,  that  their 
contributions' be  so  handled  as  to  make  it  possible  to  secure  accurate 
statistics  of  their  work,  and  that  the  Assembly  suggest  to  the  Sessions 
of  our  churches  that  they  allow  the  treasurers  of  Women’s  Societies, 
where  they  desire!  it,  to  forward  their  funds  directly  to  the  treasurers 
of  the  Executive  Committees,  only  reporting  the  same  to  the  church’s 
treasurer  of  benevolent  funds  for  record  and  for  report  to  Presbytery. 

hi.  miscellaneous  recommendations 

1.  That  the  Assembly  grant  the  request  of  the  Permanent  Commit¬ 
tee  that  $500.00  be  appropriated  for  clerical  and  incidental  expenses 
connected  with  the  work  of  the  Permanent  Committee,  in  addition  to 
the  amount  appropriated  for  the  traveling  expenses  of  members  in  at¬ 
tendance  upon  Committee  meetings. 

2.  That  the  recommendations  of  the  Permanent  Committee  in  re¬ 
gard,  to  an  Educational  Secretary  be  approved,  with  a  slight  amend¬ 
ment.  It  is  as  follows: 

“The  Assembly  of  1912  having  referred  to  this  Committee  the 
advisability  of  creating  the  office  of  an  Educational  Secretary,  whose 
duties  should  be  in  conjunction  with  the  four  Executive  Committees, 
we  feel  that,  inasmuch  as  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Mis¬ 
sions  has  a  Secretary  of  Education  and  the  other  Executive  Commit¬ 
tees  have  publicity  departments,  it  is  not  necessary  to  create  the  ad¬ 
ditional  office,  and  therefore  we  recommend  that  educational  matters 
of  common  interest  to  the  four  Executive  Committees  be  referred  to 
the  Executive  Committees.” 

3.  That  the  repeated  request  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publi¬ 
cation  and  Sabbath  School  Work,  that  the  first  Sunday  in  October  be 
adopted  as  Sunday  School  Rally  Day,  be  granted. 

4.  That  the  Assembly  suggest  to  church  Sessions  that  they  en¬ 
courage  their  people  in  making  free  will  offerings  for  the  beneficent 
work  of  the  Church  over  and  above  the  Every-Member-Canvass,  and 
that  no  church  in  adopting  the  Assembly’s  plan  exclude  all  appeals 
for  special  offerings. 

IV.  CONCERNING  THE  DUTIES  OF  THE  PERMANENT  COMMITTEE  ON 

SYSTEMATIC  BENEFICENCE 

Overtures  have  been  received  from  the  Presbyteries  of  Mecklen¬ 
burg,  Red  River,  Muhlenburg,  Montgomery,  Dallas,  Wilmington, 


624 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


Concord  and  Paducah,  requesting  the  Assembly  to  restore  in  full 
or  in  part  the  powers  which  were  taken  away  from  this  Com¬ 
mittee  by  the  last  Assembly;  also  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of 
North  Mississippi,  requesting  that  these  powers  be  not  restored;  and 
an  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Atlanta,  requesting  the  As¬ 
sembly  “to  take  the  whole  matter  of  the  Systematic  Beneficence  Com¬ 
mittee  into  consideration  and  to  confer  on  it  such  clearly  defined  power 
as  will  enable  the  Committee  to  do  its  work  most  effectively.,, 

In  answer  to  these  overtures,  we  recommend  that  the  Assembly  do 
now  define,  in  as  clear  and  explicit  language  as  possible,  all  the 
duties  and  powers  belonging  to  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Syste¬ 
matic  Beneficence. 

1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  this  Committee  to  study  with  care  the 
work  of  all  the  Assembly’s  Executive  Committees  and  to  do  all  that 
it  can  by  recommendations  to  the  Assembly  to  co-ordinate,  unify  and 
advance  the  work,  so  as  to  bring  that  work  to  the  very  highest  state 
of  efficiency  and  unity.  It  shall  be  the  special  duty  of  this  Committee 
to  stimulate  the  benevolent  activities  of  the  Church  in  every  possible 
legitimate  way. 

2.  With  these  ends  in  view,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  this  Committee 
to  meet  at  least  once  each  year  for  conference  with  the  Executive  Sec¬ 
retaries  of  the  Assembly,  at  which  meeting  the  work  and 1  needs  of  the 
entire  Church  as  represented  by  the  Executive  Committees  shall  be 
discussed. 

3.  In  order  to  increase  its  knowledge  and  thereby  its  efficiency, 
this  Committee  may  have  access  to  the  books  and  files  of  the  various 
Executive  Committees,  at  the  convenience  of  the  Committees,  but  may 
have  no  power  to  direct  the  work  of  these  Committees  or  Secretaries 
except  by  way  of  suggestion. 

4.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  several  Executive1  Committees  to  sub¬ 
mit  to  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  their 
annual  reports  by  April  22nd  of  each  year,  together  with  estimated 
requirements  for  the  ensuing  year,  the  reasons  therefor,  and  suggested 
methods  for  securing  the  same. 

5.  The  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  shall  meet 
prior  to  the  convening  of  the  General  Assembly,  carefully  consider  the 
annual  reports  of  the  several  Executive  Committees,  and  in  the  light 
of  all  these  reports  and  such  other  information  that  it  may  have,  sub¬ 
mit  to  the  Assembly  its  recommendations  concerning  the  work  of  the 
Executive  Committees  and  the  various  causes  represented  by  them. 

6.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  this  Committee  to  subriiit  its  report  in 
printed  form  to  the  General  Assembly  as  soon  after  the  opening  of  the 
Assembly  as  possible,  but  the  report  must  be  presented  to  each  Execu¬ 
tive  Secretary  before  it  is  finally  adopted  by  the  Committee,  and  each 
Executive  Secretary  must  be  granted  a  hearing  before  the  Committee, 
if  he  so  desires,  before  the  report  is  committed  to  print  or  presented 
to  the  Assembly. 

7.  When  the  report  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic 
Beneficence  is  presented  to  the  General  Assembly,  the  Assembly  may 


Sec.  1128] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


625 


consider  it  directly,  without  reference  to  any  Standing  Committee,  or 
it  may  refer  such  portions  of  the  report  as  have  reference  to  the  sev¬ 
eral  causes  represented  by  the  Executive  Committees,  and  the  re¬ 
mainder  of  the  report,  especially  all  such  items  as  affect  the  work  of 
two  or  more  Executive  Committees,  to  the  Assembly’s  Standing  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Systematic  Beneficence. 

8.  When  the  report  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic 
Beneficence,  or  any  part  of  it,  is  referred  by  the  Assembly  to  any 
Standing  Committee  or  Special  Committee,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  that 
Standing  or  Special  Committee  to  report  back  to  the  Assembly  its 
conclusions  concerning  every  recommendation  made  by  the  Permanent 
Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  in  their  report,  or  in  the  section 
of  the  report  which  was  referred  to  that  Special  or  Standing  Com¬ 
mittee. 

9.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic 
Beneficence,  after  the  most  careful  study  of  the  whole  situation,  to 
nominate  to  the  Assembly  suitable  names  for  members  of  the  several 
Executive  Committees,  it  being  fully  understood  that  this  does  not  take 
away  the  right  of  any  individual  member  of  the  Assembly  to  make 
similar  nominations. 

10.  It  shall  also  be  the  duty  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Sys¬ 
tematic  Beneficence  to  nominate  to  the  Assembly  suitable  men  for 
Executive  Secretaries  of  the  Assembly,  it  being  again  fully  under¬ 
stood  that  this  does  not  take  away  the  right  of  any  individual  member 
of  the  Assembly  to  make  similar  nominations. 

11.  We  recommend  further  that  all  previous  definitions  of  the 
duties  of  this  Committee  which  are  in  conflict  with  the  foregoing  be 
annulled,  the  annullment  to  take  effect  with  the  dissolution  of  this 
Assembly. 

V.  MISCELLANEOUS  OVERTURES 

Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Atlanta,  requesting  the  Assembly 
“to  enlarge  the  description  of  those  moneys  that  are  put  properly  in 
the  column  of  Local  Home  Missions  so  as  to  include  money  given  for 
City  Mission  work,  and  to  provide  a  separate  column  for  ‘Mis¬ 
cellaneous  Beneficence.’  ”  We  recommend  that  it  be  answered  in 
the  negative. 

Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Nashville,  requesting  “that  when 
the  report  of  the  Committee  of  Systematic  Beneficence  be  referred,  it  be 
referred  for  action  and  not  merely  as  information.”  Answer:  The 
*  Assembly  refers  the  Presbytery  to  the  action  of  this  Assembly  as  to 
the  disposition  which  shall  be  made  of  the  Permanent  Committee’s 
report.  • 

Overture  from  Chas.  H.  Maury,  Stated  Clerk  of  Pine  Bluff  Presby¬ 
tery,  requesting  the  Assembly  to  direct  the  Treasurers  of  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committees  to  forward,  as  soon  as  practicable  after  March  31  of 
each  year,  to  the  Stated  Clerks  of  all  the  Presbyteries  a  full  statement 
of  the  contributions  from  their  respective  Presbyteries  to  the  benev¬ 
olent  causes  of  the  Assembly  during  the  year.  Answer:  Inasmuch  as 


626 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


this  involves  a  great  deal  of  clerical  work,  we  recommend  that  the 
whole  matten  be  left  to  the  discretion  of  each  Executive  Committee. 

Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Upper  Missouri,  requesting  the 
Assembly  to  require  all  Treasurers  of  the.  Assembly’s  Executive  Com¬ 
mittees  to  hold  their  books  open  till  April  15th  of  each  year.  Answer: 
We  recommend  that  this  overture  be  answered  in  the  negative. 

Overture  from  the  Session  of  the  church  at  Canton,  Mississippi, 
informs  the  Assembly  that  a  certain  unnamed  Church  Society  has 
used  methods  for  raising  money  which  are  not  in  keeping  with  the 
deliverances  of  the  Assembly  on  this  subject  in  1888  and  1891,  and 
requests  the  Assembly  “to  take  further  action  as  to  what  methods  are 
permissible  in  raising  funds  for  religious  purposes.”  Answer:  The 
practice  of  the  particular  Society  is  a  matter  for  the  Session  of  that 
particular  church  to  handle,  but  the  Assembly  would  again  urge  the 
churches  to  use  only  Scriptural  methods  in  the  raising  of  funds,  and 
would  reaffirm  the  deliverances  of  past  Assemblies  on  this  point. 

VI.  NOMINATIONS 

We  recommend  that  the  following  men  be  elected  members  of  the 
Assembly’s  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  from  the 
Synods  as  specified: 

SYNOD  PRINCIPAL  ALTERNATE 

Alabama  _ S.  D.  Weakley  _ * . S.  J.  Cassells 

Arkansas  - - Rev.  J.  I.  Norris,  D.  D . Rev.  Jno.  Van  Lear,  D.  D. 

Florida  . Rev.  J.  Rbss  Lynn  . Rev.  W.  H.  Dodge,  D.  D. 

Mississippi  - Oscar  Newton  . W.  C.  Guthrie 

Oklahoma  - Rev.  J.  M.  Clark  . . Rev.  E.  Hotchkin 

South  Carolina  ...A.  E.  Spencer  . M.  F.  Ansel 

Texas  . Rev.  R.  E.  Vinson,  D.  D...Rev.  Robt.  Hill,  D.  D. 


VII.  STATISTICS 


Statistical  reports  on  Systematic  Beneficence  from  81  Presbyteries 
have  been  placed  in  our  hands.  We  have  tabulated  these  reports  and 
have  the  following  results: 

No.  of  Congregations.  Amount. 


Foreign  Missions . 1,977 

Assembly’s  Home  Missions . + .  1,685 

Local  Home  Missions  . - . . .  2,033 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  1,748 
Sabbath  School  Extension  and  Publication...  1,567 

Bible  Cause  . . . *  1,202 

Orphans’  Homes  . 1,355 


$  533,598.00 
99,014.00 
289,584.00 
190,563.00 
27,692.00 
8,464,00 
88,869.00 


Total 


$1,237,784.00 


It  has  been  the  custom  for  several  years  for  the  Permanent  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  to  make  up  this  statistical  table. 
We  recommend  that  the  Permanent  Committee  be  allowed  to  revise 


627 


Secs.  1128-1129]  Systematic  Beneficence 

t 

the  table  we  have  presented  before  it  is  printed  in  the  Assembly’s 
Minutes.  * 

1129.  Report  of  Assembly s  Committee  on  Evangelism  and 

Stewardship 

Order  of  the  Assembly. — In  response  to  recommendations  of  the  Sys¬ 
tematic  Beneficence  Committee,  it  was  ordered  by  the  1912  General 
Assembly  that  the  four  Executive  Committees,  with  the  help  of 
the  Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement,  take  in  hand  the  effort  to  have 
every  church  in  the  Assembly  make  an  Every-Member-Canvass  for 
the  benevolent  causes  of  the  Church  during  the  month  of  March, 
1913,  enlisting  the  help  of  at  least  250  workers  in  the  educational 
campaign  which  will  precede  the  Every-Member-Canvass  in  the 
churches,  and  that  the  goal  of  this  effort  be  the  raising  of  one  mil¬ 
lion  five  hundred  thousand  dollars  for  the  benevolent  work  of  the 
Assembly  during  the  year  1913-14. 

That  the  four  Executive  Committees,  with  the  help  of  the  Lay¬ 
men’s  Missionary  Movement,  be  authorized  to  raise  as  a  part  of  this 
one  and  one-half  million  dollars,  five  hundred  thousand  as  a  spe¬ 
cial  equipment  fund,  this  special  fund  to  be  prorated  among  the  four 
Executive  Committees  according  to  the  basis  recommended  by  the 
Assembly. 

That  the  financial  effort  be  accompanied  by  an  earnest  evangel¬ 
istic  effort  on  the  part  of  all  pastors  and  members  of  our  Church 
with  the  view  of  deepening  the  spiritual  life  of  the  Church  and 
bringing  the  largest  possible  number  of  souls  to  Christ. 

Organization. — The  Executive  Committees  of  the  Assembly  and  of 
the  Laymen’s  Movement  appointed  two  men  each  to  be  on  the  Mil¬ 
lion  and  a  Half  Campaign  Committee.  This  name  was  afterwards 
changed  to  the  Assembly’s  Campaign  on  Evangelism  and  Steward¬ 
ship.  A  central  committee  of  five,  representing  each  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  and  the  Laymen’s  Movement,  was  selected,  and  each  man  on 
this  committee  was  appointed  chairman  of  one  of  the  five  sub-com¬ 
mittees  on  Evangelism,  Literature,  Conferences,  Publicity,  and  Finance. 
The  Campaign  Committee  was  organized  as!  follows:  Mr.  J.  P. 
McCallie,  Chattanooga,  was  elected  Chairman  and  Secretary  of  both 
the  Central  and  General  Campaign  Committees;  Rev.  Lacy  I.  Mof- 
fet,  of  China,  Field  Representative;  and  Mr.  Jno.  J.  Eagan,  of  At¬ 
lanta,  Treasurer. 

Sub-committees  as  follows: 

Evangelism — Rev.  R>  O.Flinn,  Rev.  A.  L.  Phillips,  Rev.  Hlenry 
H.  Sweets,  Chas.  A.  Rowland. 

Conferences — Chas.  A.  Rowland,  Rev.  Rutherford  Lapsley,  E.  H. 
Scharringhaus. 

Literature — Rev.  Henry  H.  Sweets,  Rev.  W.  W.  Akers,  Chas.  A. 
Rowland. 

Publicity — R.  E.  Magill,  Rev.  Henry  H.  Sweets,  Rev.  A.  L.  Phillips. 

Finance — Jno.  J.  Eagan,  E.  H.  Scharringhaus,  R.  E.  Magill. 

Equipment — Rev.  Homer  McMillan,  Rev.  Lacy  I.  Moffett,  Chas.  A. 
Rowland,  J.  P.  McCallie. 

The  Educational  Campaign. — The  educational  campaign  planned  and 
carried  out  included  conferences  in  each  Presbytery  possible,  leaflets 
and  other  literature  printed  and  distributed,  and  many  letters  to  pas¬ 
tors,  officers,  and  representatives  at  conferences.  Eighty-nine  confer¬ 
ences  on  Evangelism  and  Stewardship  were  held  in  75  different  Pres¬ 
byteries  in  all  14  Synods  of  the  Assembly.  There  were  12  conference 
leaders  associating  with  them  over  300  conference  speakers.  In  every 
Presbytery  holding  a  conference,  a  conference  committee  was  appointed 
by  the  Presbytery  to  continue  after  the  conference  as  a  Campaign  Com¬ 
mittee.  The  conferences  were  in  four  sessions,  two  nights,  a  morning 


628 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


and  an  afternoon,  the  last  two  given  up*  to  conferences  on  Evangelism 
and  Stewardship,  respectively,  with  the  nights  to  inspirational  ad¬ 
dresses. 

The  attendance  at  the  conferences ,  was  approximately  30,000  for  all 
four  sessions.  About  two  thousand  representatives  of  churches  signed 
cards,  promising  to  make  an  effort  to  have  their  churches  carry  out* 
the  evangelistic  program,  and  about  fifteen  hundred  signed  cards,  prom¬ 
ising  to  make  an  effort  to  have  the  Every-Member-Canvass  conducted 
in  their  churches.  Gharts  were  used  to  show  the  work  of  the  Ex¬ 
ecutive  Committees,  and  also  to  show  what  had  actually  been  ac¬ 
complished  by  the  Presbytery  during  the  past  year  in  Evangelism 
and  Stewardship  of  means.  These  charts  giving  the  facts  about 
each  church  opened  the  eyes  of  many  and  were  most  helpful  in  stir¬ 
ring  up  an  earnest  spirit  to  overcome  the  past  indifference.  There 
were  twelve  different  leaflets,  totaling  over  100,000  copies,  printed 
especially  for  this  campaign  and  distributed  at  the  conferences,  be¬ 
sides  many  other  leaflets  descriptive  of  the  work  of  the  different 
Executive  Committees  and  on  Evangelism  and  Stewardship. 

More  than  12,000  letters  were  written  to  pastors,  clerks  of  Ses¬ 
sions,  chairmen  of  Beneficence  Committees,  representatives  of  churches 
at  conferences,  to  Presbyterial  Committees,  and  to  delegates  at  the 
Memphis  Convention,  asking  for  co-operation  in  aggressive  evangel¬ 
istic  work  and  in  getting  the  Assembly’s  plan  of  beneficence  adopted 
and  the  Every-Member-Canvass  conducted. 

The  Evangelistic  Woi'k. — T\vo  special  leaflets  were  printed  for  this 
part  of  the  campaign:  “The  Greatest  Privilege  in  the  World.”  bv 
Dr.  A.  L.  Phillips,  and  “The  Evangelistic  Pastor, f’  by  Dr.  Egbert  W. 
Smith.  These  leaflets  were  sent  to  all  pastors  and  seminary  stu¬ 
dents.  Letters  were  written  to  every  pastor  in  the  Assembly  setting 
forth  facts  with  reference  to  the  small  increase  in  membership  in 
the  past. 

An  evangelistic  program  for  the  individual  church,  containing  seven 
different  heads,  was  printed  and  distributed.  A  questionnaire  on 
Evangelism  was  constructed,  using  this  program  as  a  basis,  and  great 
interest  was  shown  in  all  the  evangelistic  conferences.  The  morn¬ 
ing  session  given  up  to  the  discussion  on  this  questionnaire  and  evan¬ 
gelistic  program  never  proved  sufficiently  long  to  cover  the  ground. 

The  2,000  representatives  at  the  conferences  who  promised  to  make 
an  effort  to  have  evangelistic  services  conducted  in  their  churches 
have  been  written  to  and  will  be  followed  up. 

To  these  conferences  and  appeals  there  has  been  a  hearty  response 
and  a  general  renewed  effort  at  evangelism  throughout  the  Church. 
Reports  of  many  different  special  evangelistic  services  have  come  in, 
and  it  is  believed  that  the  conferences  are  bearing  fruit  in  this  di¬ 
rection  that  amply  repays  all  the  effort  put  forth. 

The  Simultaneous  Every-Member-Canvass. — The  Simultaneous  Every- 
Member-Canvass  was  planned  for  March,  1913.  Special  literature  and 
letters  were  sent  out  in  preparation  of  this  canvass.  Exhibits  on 
the  canvass  and  the  work  of  the  (Beneficence  Committee  were  held  at 
the  conferences.  A  leaflet,  “How  to  Conduct  an  Every-Member-Can¬ 
vass,”  was  printed  and  widely  distributed.  This  leaflet,  together  with 
samples  of  Duplex  Envelopes,  Pledge  Cards,  and  an  explanatory  let¬ 
ter,  enclosing  blanks  for  report  of  canvass  and  return  postal  to  give 
information  as  to  whether  the  canvass  would  be  held,  was  sent  to 
every  minister  and  every  clerk  of  Session  in  every  church  in  the  As¬ 
sembly.  Complete  reports  have  not  yet  come  in.  Many  have  come 
in,  and  indicate  a  splendid  response  all  over  the  Church.  Many 
churches  that  had  never  before  undertaken  the  canvass  have  done 
so  during  March.  Of  those  churches  reporting  whether  they  will 
undertake  the  canvass  or  not,  88%  are  in  the  affirmative.  Of  these 
22%  are  conducting  the  canvass  for  the  first  time.  These  are  only 
preliminary  reports,  but  they  give  some  indication  of  the  nature  of 
the  final  report.  Those  reports  of  the  results  of  the  canvass  that 


Sf,c.  1129] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


629 


have  come  in  are  most  encouraging,  indicating  an  increase  of  100% 
ovei  last  >ear  s  gifts  to  Assembly's  causes.  It  must  be  remembered, 
too,  that  these  pledges  do  not  include  gifts  of  societies,  organizations 
and  Sunday  Schools,  or  special  donations,  all  of  which  would  largely 
increase  the  above  percentage. 

The  Presbyterian  Committee  of  Publication  reports  that  the  or¬ 
ders  from  the  churches  for  Duplex  Envelopes,  both  at  the  Richmond 
and  Texarkana  offices,  are  double  those  of  any  previous  year.  An 
earnest  effort  is  being  made  to  secure  a  report  from  every  church 
that  has  conducted  an  Every-Member-Canvass  that  the  total  pledged 
for  Assembly’s  causes  may  be  known.  By  the  time  of  the  meeting  of 
the  Assembly  about  800  churches  were  reported  as  having  conducted 
an  Every-Member-Canvass.  These  churches,  however,  have  more  than 
40%  of  the  total  membership. 

The  Canvass  for  Special  Equipment. — The  canvass  for  the  Special 
Equipment  Fund  of  $500,000  was  of  necessity  left  as  the  last  part  of 
this  campaign.  A  Special  Committee  on  Equipment  Canvass  reported 
favorably  on  the  increase  of  the  total  amount  from  $500,000  to  $1,000,- 
000,  so  as  to  include  reinforcement  on  all  mission  fields  at  home  and 
abroad  as  well  as  equipment.  As  an  indication,  of  the  favor  with 
which  this  proposition  was  met,  an  expense  funcl  with  which  to  con¬ 
duct  the  canvass  for  one  year  has  been  raised,  so  that  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committees  may  not  be  handicapped  by  increased  burdens. 

The  Canvass  for  Equipment  and  Reinforcement  at  Home  and  Abroad. 
— It  is  planned  that  a  team  of  four  or  five  missionaries  or  repre¬ 
sentatives  of  mission  work  visit  every  center  of  Presbyterianism  and 
present  the  work  and  the  opportunities  in  all  the  fields  of  all  the 
Executive  Committees  in  every  church  without  making  any  appeal 
whatever  to  the  church  as  such  to  give.  This  would  be  followed  up 
by  a  personal  presentation  of  the  opportunity  to'  take  part  in  this 
great  work  to  those  who  are  able  to  give  largely.  No  gifts  less 
than  $100  a  year  for  three  years  would  be  taken,  and  these  must  be 
made  above  and  beyond  regular  gifts  through  ordinary  Church  chan¬ 
nels.  This  work  is  supplementary  to  the  Every-Member-Canvass, 
which  secures  from  all  the  members,  especially  those  who  are  able 
to  give  only  small  amounts,  gifts  each  week  to  all  causes,  but  does 
not  as  a  rule  secure  large  gifts  from  those  of  larger  means.  All 
subscriptions  will  not  only  be  credited  to  the  individual  subscrib¬ 
ing,  but  to  the  church  to  which  the  subscriber  belongs. 

In  order  to  prevent  any  unsafe  additions  to  the  annual  expense 
budget  of  any  one  of  the  Assembly’s  Executive  Committees,  the  fol¬ 
lowing  rules  were  approved  to  guide  those  who  take  part  in  this 
campaign: 

1.  The  entire  fund  is  to  be  raised  through  personal  subscriptions 
from  individuals  or  groups  of  individuals,  the  general  rule  being  to 
accept  no  subscriptions  of  less  than  $100  per  year  from  an  individ¬ 
ual  or  group. 

2.  That  part  of  the  fund  which  provides  for  the  support  of  ad¬ 
ditional  reinforcements  shall  be  pledged  upon  a  basis  of  continuous 
support,  and  all  such  pledges  must  be  acceptable  to  the  Executive 
Committee  concerned.  The  choosing,  appointment,  assignment,  and 
sending  out  of  all  reinforcements  shall  be  entirely  in  the  hands  of 
the  Executive  Committee  concerned  as  heretofore. 

3.  The  remainder  of  the  fund  shall  be  raised  in  subscriptions  pay¬ 
able  through  three  years  from  April  1st,  1913. 

4.  All  subscriptions  shall  be  made  in  addition  to  and  not  in  re¬ 
duction  of  regular  gifts  heretofore  made  to  the  various  causes. 

The  following  list  shows  approximately  the  distribution  of  the 
funds  to  be  subscribed: 


630  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

Equipment  Fund 

Foreign  Missions  . $300,000 

Home  Missions  .  105,000 


Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  ....  70,000 

Sunday  Schools  and  Publication  .  25,000 


$  500,000 

Reinforcement  Fund 

Foreign  Missions — 

Salaries  140  missionaries  at  $1,200  per 


year,  first  year  . $168,000 

Outfit  and  traveling  expenses  .  63,000 

Maintenance  and  Home  Develop¬ 
ment  Fund  .  34,000 

Home  Missions — Men  and  Equipment  .  90,000 

Christian  Education — Student  Loan  Fund  .  35,000 

Sunday  School  Extepsion  Work  .  10,000 

Training  School  for  Christian  Workers  .  100,000 


$  500,000 

$1,000,000 


1130.  Report  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence 
1914,  p.  133.  Your  Committee  has  met  twice  since  the  Atlanta  As¬ 
sembly,  in  Richmond,  Virginia,  February  3  and  4,  1914,  and  in  Kansas 
City,  Missouri,  May  19-21,  1914.  The  following  members  were  present: 


Richmond 


Synod 


Kansas  City 


S.  D.  Weakley 

Alabama 
.  Arkansas 

L.  Ross  Lynn 

Florida 

Richard  Orme  Flinn 

Georgia 

A.  J.  A.  Alexander 

Kentucky 

W.  T.  Hardie 

Louisana 

Mississippi 

Trigg  A.  M.  Thomas 

Missouri 

A.  M.  Scales 

N.  Carolina 

J.  M.  Clark 

Oklahoma 

A.  E.  Spencer 

S.  Carolina 

Jas.  I.  Vance 

Tennessee 

Robert  E.  Vinson 

Texas 

W.  S.  Currell 

Virginia 

John  Van  Lear 
L.  Ross  Lynn 
Richard  Orme  Flinn 
A.  J.  A.  Alexander 
W.  T.  Hardie 
Oscar  Newton 
Trigg  A.  M.  Thomas 


J.  M.  Clark 
A.  E.  Spencer 
Jas.  I.  Vance 
Robert  E.  Vinson 
W.  S.  Currell 


Officers  and  Organization. — James  I.  Vance,  Chairman;  Trigg  A. 
M.  Thomas,  Vice-Chairman;  Richard  Orme  Flinn,  Secretary;  Rob¬ 
ert  E.  Vinson,  Recording  Secretary. 

Committees: 

No.  1.  On  Scope — Robert  E.  Vinson,  Chairman. 

No.  2.  On  Methods — W.  T.  Hardie,  Chairman. 

No.  3.  On  Education  and  Publicity — S.  D.  Weakley,  Chairman. 

No.  4.  On  Administration — A.  M.  Scales,  Chairman. 

No.  5.  On  Assembly’s  Budget  and  Financial  Plan — A.  J.  A.  Alex¬ 
ander,  Chairman. 

Printed  reports  of  the  four  Executive  Committees,  the  Campaign 
Committee  and  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary  have  been  placed  in  our 
hands  and  have  been  carefully  considered.  The  Committee  has  also 
had  conferences  with  the  Executive  and  other  Secretaries  at  both 


Sec.  1130] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


631 


its  meetings,  and  at  the  Kansas  City  meeting  with  Mrs.  Winsbor- 
ough,  Superintendent  of  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary.  We.  find,  in  gen¬ 
eral,  that  the  organization  of  the  various  Executive  Committees  is 
well  adapted  to  the  work  outlined  for  each  Committee  by  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly. 

After  careful  consideration  of  the  information  gained  from  all 
sources,  your  Committee  presents  the  following  data  and  recom¬ 
mendations: 


I.  Foreign  Missions 

In  the  face  of  great  difficulties,  the  Executive  Committee  of  For¬ 
eign  Missions,  in  its  business  management,  has  displayed  an  in-* 
creased  efficiency.  It  has,  however,  been  badly  crippled  by  lack  of 
funds,  and  is  embarrassed!  by  the  challenge  of  ever-enlarging  oppor¬ 
tunities  and  pressing  needs,  coupled  with  the  inability  to  do  any 
more  than  barely  hold  its  own. 

We,  therefore,  recommend: 

1.  That  the  Assembly  adopt  a  declaration  to  the  Church  emphasiz¬ 
ing  the  necessity  of  a,  generous  increase  in  offerings  for  our  For¬ 
eign  Mission  work,  to  the  end  that  the  present  pressing  needs  may 
be  met  and  the  missionary  platform  adopted  by  the  Birmingham  As¬ 
sembly  may  be  speedily  overtaken. 

2.  We  call  the  attention  o£  the  Assembly  to  the  fact  that  one  of 
the  greatest  needs  of  our  Foreign  Mission  administration  is  a  re¬ 
serve  fund  of  $100,000,  which  could  be  drawn  on  for  the  maintenance 
of  the  work  during  those  seasons  in  which  the  Committee  is  now  com¬ 
pelled  to  borrow  money. 

Such  a  fund  is  provided  by  some  of  our  sister  churches,  and  would 
save  our  Committee,  in  interest,  some  $6,000.00  annually. 

This  reserve  fund  would,  of  course,  need  to  be  raised  over  and 
above  all  present  support  funds. 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  strongly  approve  of  such  a  re¬ 
serve  fund,  and  commend  it  to  those  in  our  Church  whom  God  has 
blessed  with  means. 

3.  In  calling  the  attention  of  the  Assembly  to  the  perils  that 
threaten  our  Foreign  Missions  work  through  forced  retrenchment, 
we  recommend  that  the  Executive  Committee  be  instructed  to  make 
every  effort  to  send  out  the  reinforcements  which  are  most  sorely 
needed;  and  in  case  another  shortage  of  funds  should  threaten,  the 
Committee  be  authorized  to  use  such  means  as  may  seem  legiti¬ 
mate  and  wise  to  increase  the  Foreign  Mission  income. 

4.  In  making  this  recommendation,  however,  we  believe  that  if  the 
Assembly’s  plan  were  generally  adopted  and  the  Every-Member-Can- 
vass  properly  and  urgently  prosecuted,  the  possibility  of  such  emer¬ 
gencies  would  be  removed;  therefore,  we  also  recommend  that  the 
Assembly  instruct  the  Executive  Secretaries  to  co-operate  in  com¬ 
mending  the  plan  to  the  churches  and  promoting  its  adoption  by 
every  congregation,  and  urge  the  churches  to  see  to  it  that  their 
contributions  to  each  of  the  causes  reach  or  exceed  their  propor¬ 
tions  of  the  amounts  requested  by  the  Assembly. 

5.  We  heartily  approve  the  action  of  the  Executive  Committee  on 
Foreign  Missions  in  withdrawing  from  the  Mission  Treasurers  au¬ 
thority  to  make  overdrafts. 

6.  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  reiterate  its  request  for  a 
detailed  statement  of  the  material  equipment  of  the  mission  sta¬ 
tions,  to  be  published  in  the  Annual  Report;  and  that  such  informa¬ 
tion  as  can  be  obtained  in  regard  to  this  equipment  be  published 
next  spring. 

7.  We  recommend  that  one  Secretary  and  one  member  of  the  Ex¬ 
ecutive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  attend  the  annual  sessions  of 
the  Conference  of  the  Secretaries  of  the  Foreign  Missions  Board  of 
the  United  States  and  Canada. 


6S2 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


8.  We  recommend  the  amount  of  $678,333.33  (55%)  as  the  mini¬ 
mum  need  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  for  each 
of  the  years  1914-1915  and  1915-1916. 

9.  The  following  nominations  are  made  for  vacancies  on  the  Ex¬ 
ecutive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  for  a  term  of  three  years: 
Rev.  C.  E.  Diehl,  Rev.  E.  D.  McDougall,  Rev.  L.  E.  McNair,  G.  A. 
Baskette,  J.  P.  McCallie,  Rutherford  Lapsley,  W.  A.  Dale,  and  B.  F. 
Moore. 

Rev.  W.  L.  Caldwell  to  fill  unexpired  term  of  Rev.  Josiah  Sibley. 
Rev.  David  M.  Sweets  to  fill  out  the  unexpired  term  of  E.  H.  Schar- 
ringhaus. 

Rev.  Egbert  W.  Smith  is  nominated  as  Executive  Secretary  of 
Foreign  Missions  for  a  term  of  three  lyears. 


II.  Home  Missions 


We  are  pleased  to  note  the  vigorous  policy  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Home  Missions.  Along  several  lines,  however,  we  would 
urge  a  more  aggressive  effort,  namely:  in  work  for  Jews,  Foreign¬ 
ers  and  Negroes,  and  in  the  endeavor  to  assist  in  solving  the  prob¬ 
lem  of  the  country  church  and  to  promote  Synodical  Home  Missions. 

1.  Work,  Among  the  Jews. — We  recommend  that  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Home  Missions  proceed  at  once  to  investigate  the  needs  of 
work  among  the  Jews  in  the  bounds  of  our  Assembly;  ascertain  the 
best  methods  to  be  pursued  in  meeting  these  needs,  and  suggest  in 
their  next  report  to  the  General  Assembly  a  definite  program  for 
this  work. 

2.  The  Country  Church. — We  believe  that  the  problem  of  the  coun¬ 
try  church  is  essentially  a  local  one,  and  must  be  solved  largely  in 
the  light  of  local  conditions;  however,  as  aid  to  the  solution  of  this 
problem,  we  recommend  that  the  Home  Mission  Committee  collect 
all  the  available  data  upon  this  subject,  and  put  it  into  such  form 
as  may  be  useful  to  local  committees  in  our  Church  in  solving  this 
problem. 

3.  Development  of  Synodical  Home  Missions. — We  recommend:  (a) 
That  the  General  Assembly  urge  every  Synod  to  organize  the  work 
thoroughly  within  its  own  bounds  in  order  that  the  needs  of  the 
weaker  Presbyteries  may  be  supplied  through  Synodical  assistance. 

(b)  That  as  a  general  policy,  wherever  it  is  found  practicable, 
each  Synod  be  urged  to  elect  a  Synodical  Superintendent  of  Home 
Missions,  as  has  been  done  in  Virginia,  North  Carolina,  South  Caro¬ 
lina,  Georgia,  Mississippi,  and  Missouri. 

(c)  That  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  stimulate 
and  encourage  the  Synods  in  such  Synodical  organization. 

4.  We  recommend  that  one  Secretary  and  one  member  of  the  Ex¬ 
ecutive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  attend  tha  annual  sessions  of 
the  Home  Mission  Council;  the  expenses  of  such  attendance  to  be 
borne  by  the  Executive  Committee. 

5.  We  recommend  the  observance  of  Home  Mission  Week  in  No¬ 
vember  in  all  of  our  churches  for  the  purpose  of  educating  our  peo¬ 
ple  in  the  work  and  needs  of  this  great  cause. 

6.  We  recommend  the  amount  of  $333,000.00  (27%)  as  the  mini¬ 
mum  need  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  for  each 
of  the  years  1914-1915  and  1915-1916. 

7.  The  following  nominations  are  made  for  vacancies  on  the  Ex¬ 
ecutive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  for  a  term  of  three  years: 
John  J.  Eagan,  W.  M.  Everett,  C.  J.  Martin,  Rev.  A.  R.  Holderby, 
Rev.  J.  G.  Patton,  and  J.  R.  McCain 

Rev.  W.  E.  Hill  to  fill  out  the  unexpired  term  of  Rev.  H.  K.  Walker. 


Sec.  1130] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


633 


III.  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief 

Your  Committee  would  commend  the  excellent  management  dis¬ 
played  by  the  Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  Min¬ 
isterial  Relief.  Its  endowment  funds  are  well  invested  and  the  busi¬ 
ness  entrusted  to  it  has  been  wisely  administered. 

The  greatest  need  of  the  Committee  at  present  seems  to  be  a  large 
increase  in  the  Student’s  Loan  Fund. 

1.  We  recommend  the  amount  of  $172,666.67  (14%)  as  the  mini¬ 
mum  need  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and 
Ministerial  Relief  for  the  years  1914-1915  and  1915-1916. 

2.  The  following  nominations  are  made  for  vacancies  in  the  Exec¬ 
utive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  for  a 
term  of  three  years:  Rev.  T.  M.  Hawes  and  Messrs.  W.  J.  Rubel, 
Garland  H.  Mourning,  Wade  Sheltman  and  Dr.  A.  J.  A.  Alexander. 

IV.  Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Work 

During  the  meeting  held  in  Richmond,  Virginia,  your  Committee 
visited  the  buildings  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  and 
Sunday  School  Work.  The  Secretary,  Mr.  R.  E.  Magill,  and  the 
other  members  of  the  Executive  Committee  showed  your  Committee 
through  the  different  departments.  The  Committee  is  divided  into 
three  sub-committees,  each  looking  after  its  own  department,  and, 
according  to  our  judgment,  all-  are  well  organized.  The  methods 
adopted  and  the  system  employed  are  such  as  to  secure  efficiency  and 
economy. 

1.  We  recommend  that  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication 
and  Sunday  School  Work  be  directed  to  encourage  the  Sunday  Schools 
to  make  a  study  of  the  benevolent  activities  of  the  Assembly,  and 
to  this  end  that  space  be  given  in  the  Sunday  School  periodicals  to 
material  which  can  be  used  to  interest  and  instruct  pupils  of  all 
ages  in  the  whole  work  of  the  Church. 

In  view  of  the  fact  that  there  is  an  immense  potentiality  in  the 
men  of  our  Church,  as  yet  undeveloped,  we  recommend  that  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  request  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  and 
Sunday  School  Work  and  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  Laymen’s 
Missionary  Movement  to  confer'  and'  report  to  the  next  Assembly  a 
constructive  program  for  the  men  of  the  Church,  whereby  their  full 
activities  may  be  developed  in  the  local  congregations. 

3.  We  recommend  the  amount  of  $37,000.00  (3%)  as  the  minimum 
need  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  and  Sunday  School 
Work  for  each  of  the  years  1914-1915  and  1915-1916. 

4.  The  following  nominations  are  made  for  vacancies  on  the  Ex¬ 
ecutive  Committee  of  Publication  and  Sunday  School  Work: 

Rev.  W.  E.  Hutchinson  to  fill  out  the  unexpired  term  of  Rev.  G. 
B.  Strickler. 

W.  S.  Currell  to  fill  out  the  unexpired  term  of  George  (Bryan. 

Rev.  Wesley  Baker  to  fill  out  the  unexpired  term  of  Rev.  D.  Clay 
Lilly. 

Rev.  J.  P.  Smith,  Rev.  Russell  Cecil,  Rev.  J.  C.  Stewart,  John  W. 
F'riend,  Jr.,  and  M.  M.  Gilliam  to  setrvei  for  three  years. 


V.  Campaign  Committee  on  Evangelism  and  Stewardship 

The  report  from  the  Campaign  Committee  on  Evangelism  and  Stew¬ 
ardship  manifests  faithful  work  on  the  part  of  this  Committee. 

Their  efforts  were  along  three  lines:  First,  the  promotion  of  an 
interest  in  Evangelism  throughout  our  Assembly,  second,  the  fur¬ 
therance  of  the  Assembly’s  plan;  and,  third,  -an  effort  to  raise  an 
endowment  of  a  million  dollars  for  reinforcement  and  equipment. 


634 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


In  the  first  two  of  these  lines  a  considerable  service  was  rendered 
in  the  way  of  following  up  and  extending,  by  means  of  correspond¬ 
ence,  the  work  inaugurated  through  conferences  the  previous  year. 
The  effort  to  raise  the  million  dollar  endowment,  after  a  fair  trial, 
was  abandoned',  as  the  time  seemed  inopportune. 

Your  Committee  approves  of  the  decisions  reached  by  this  Com¬ 
mittee,  by  which  the  work  of  Evangelism  is  committed  to  the  Exec¬ 
utive  Committee  of  Home  Missions,  and  the  raising  of  the  funds 
for  their  reinforcements  and  equipments  to  the  four  Executive  Com¬ 
mittees. 

In  view  of  the  fact  that,  so  far,  of  our  3,400  churches  only  930, 
representing  a  membership  of  147,047  (approximately  50%),  have 
adopted  the  Assembly’s  plan,  we  recommend: 

(a)  That  the  Campaign  Committee,  as  formerly  organized,  be  con¬ 
tinued;  and 

(b)  That  this  Corqmittee  be  charged  with  the  definite  task  of  ad¬ 
vancing  the  interests  of  the  Assembly’s  financial  plan  and  of  secur¬ 
ing  its  adoption  in  all  of  our  churches. 

VI.  Woman’s  Auxiliary 

We  note  with  gratification  the  good  results  accomplished  by  the  wo¬ 
men  since  their  fuller  organization.  On  account  of  the  efficiency 
and  enthusiasm  which  they  have  displayed,  several  practical  ques¬ 
tions  have  emerged  which  affect  the  relationship  of  their  contribu¬ 
tions  through  their  societies  to  the  general  financial  plan  of  the 
Church. 

First :  Of  these  is  the  question  as  to  whether  the  women  should 
be  encouraged  to  subscribe  liberally  to  the  budget  and  give  through 
the  church  treasury,  or  whether  they  should'  be  encouraged  to  give 
chiefly  through  the  societies  and  only  a  minimum  through  their  en¬ 
velopes. 

Second :  As  to  whether  the  amounts  pledged  by  the  women  to* 
the  budget  and  contributed  through  the  church  envelopes  should 
be  credited  to  their  societies  as  is  the  custom  in  some  congrega¬ 
tions. 

Concerning  these  questions: 

1.  We  recommend  that,  as  these  and  all  other  special  organiza¬ 
tions  are  but  auxiliary  to  the  Church,  and  as  the  first  allegiance  of 
the  members  of  the  Church  should  be  to  their  Church  rather  than 
to  any  special  organization,  the  Assembly  advise  all  such  organiza¬ 
tions  to  make  their  societies  a  means  of  encouraging  their  mem¬ 
bers  to  give  the  heartiest  and  most  intelligent  support  to  the  Church 
and  to  contribute  weekly  through  the  envelopes,  and  that  the  con¬ 
tributions  made  through  such  special  organizations  be  over  and  above 
their  pledges  made  to  the  budget  through  the  Every-Member-Canvass. 

2.  As  it  is  manifestly  undesirable  that  each  society  in  the  Church 
should  have  all  the  gifts  made  by  its  members  through  the  church 
envelopes  credited  to  the  society  to  which  the  member1  belongs,  and 
as  this  system  prevents  us  from  seeing  just  what  special  work  our 
societies  are  doing,  and  as  this  is  likely  to  result  in  confusion  and 
inaccuracy,  we  recommend  that  this  practice  be  discouraged. 

3.  In  regard  to  the  Relationship  of  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary  to  the 
Systematic  Beneficence  Committee: 

We  recommend  that,  inasmuch  as  it  is  necessary  for  the  Systematic 
Beneficence  Committee  to  have  before  it  a  full  statement  of  the  be¬ 
nevolent  work  of  our  Church,  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary  be  requested 
to  submit  for  information  reports  of  their  work  to  the  Systematic 
Beneficence  Committee  at  its  stated'  meetings. 


Sec.  1130] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


635 


VII.  General 

1.  Concerning  Executive  Committees : 

We  recommend: 

(a)  That  the  four  Executive  Committees  be  composed  of  not  less 
than  fifteen  nor  more  than  twenty  members. 

(b)  That  all  Secretaries,  except  the  Executive  Secretaries,  and  all 
superintendents  and  officers  of  the  Executive  Committee  be  elected 
by  their  respective  Committees. 

(c)  That  any  member  of  an  Executive  Committee  who  isi  absent 
from  three  consecutive  meetings  without  a  sustained  excuse  shall  be 
automatically  dropped  from  the  Committee;  and  the  vacancies  thus 
created  shall  be  filled  by  a  quorom  of  the  remaining  members  of  the 
Executive  Committee. 

(d)  That  in  all  matters  which  involve  no  change  of  policy  or  in¬ 
crease  of  expenditures  (that  is,  the  regular  routine  work  for  which 
precedent  has  been  established),  the  Executive  Secretary  shall  be 
expected  to  proceed  without  constant  reference  of  such  matters  to 
his  Executive  Committee;  but  that  where  change  of  policy  or  in¬ 
crease  of  expenditure  may  be  involved’,  he  shall  act  only  after  con¬ 
sultation  with  his  Executive  Committee,  and  in  accordance  with  its 
instructions. 

(e)  That  in  its  report  to  the  General  Assembly  each  Executive 
Committee  present:  (1)  a  detailed  statement  of  facts,  tabulated  if 
possible;  (2)  such  a  series  of  recommendations  as  will  outline  the 
policies  of  the  Committee  for  the  coming  year;  and  (3)  the  attend¬ 
ance  of  members  at  the  monthly  meetings  of  the  Committee. 

(f)  That  the  Assembly  refer  to  the  four  Executive  Committees, 
with  instructions  to  consider  and  report  their  findings  to  the  Sys¬ 
tematic  Beneficence  Committee  before  the  next  Assembly,  the  advis¬ 
ability  of  having  a  Secretary,  to  be  known  as  the  Educational  Sec¬ 
retary  of  Church  Benevolences,  who  shall  serve  the  four  Executive 
Committees  in  educating  the  Church  in  its  benevolent  causes. 

(g)  The  attention  of  the  General  Assembly  is  called  to  the  impor¬ 
tance  of  this  Committee’s  securing  more  detailed  information  con¬ 
cerning  the  matters  covered  by  the  “Reports  oh  Statistics  and'  Sys¬ 
tematic  Beneficence*”  made  by  the  churches  in  their  Presbyteries. 

In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  same  information  is  needed  by  the 
Committee  of  Publication  and  Sunday  School  Work,  and  that  this 
Committee  is  prepared  to  digest  and  tabulate  this  information,  we 
would  recommend  that  the  Assembly  order  the  Stated  Clerks  of  all 
Presbyteries  to  forward  their  Sessional  reports,  with  the  exception 
of  the  Narratives,  to  Richmond  before  the  first  of  May. 

2.  Concerning  Assembly’s  Printed  Minutes : 

There  seems  to  be  a  widespread  and  urgent  demand  that  the  sta¬ 
tistical  tables  in  the  Minutes  of  the  General  Assembly  shall  con¬ 
tain  additional  columns  to  prevent  confusion  and  furnish  needed  in¬ 
formation.  We,  therefore,  recommend: 

(a)  That  as  the  instructions  of  the  last  General  Assembly  were 
overlooked,  the  Assembly  again  order  that  the  names  of  the  Presby¬ 
teries  be  printed  at  the  top  of  the  statistical  tables. 

(b)  That  the  column  now  headed  Orphan’s  Home  be  changed  to 
read  Educational  Institutions  and  Orphanages,  and  that  all  moneys 
sent  directly  to  such  institutions  be  listed  in  this  column. 

(c)  That  the  column  headed  Miscellaneous  be  transferred  so  as 
to  become  the  last  in  the  list  of  Benevolent  Contributions. 

(d)  That  a  column  be  included  labelled  Home  Missions,  divided 
into  four  columns,  labelled  Assembly,  Synodical,  Presbyterial,  Con¬ 
gregational. 

(e)  That  a  double  column  be  added  showing  loss  in  membership  in 
each  church  by  death  or  removal. 

(f)  That  a  column  be  added  showing  non-resident  members  of  each 
church. 


636  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

(g)  That  an  alphabetical  list  of  churches  be  added  to  the  sta¬ 
tistical  tables  in  the  Minutes  of  the  Assembly. 

(h)  That  a  general  summary  by  Presbyteries  of  the  statistical  re¬ 
ports  of  Women’s  Societies  be  printed  in  the  Minutes  of  the  As¬ 
sembly. 

3.  Concerning  the  Assembly's  Financial  Plan: 

At  present  the  amounts  authorized  by  the  Assembly  are  announced 
after  the  Presbyteries  have  acted,  and  the  churches  have  projected 
their  plans  and  completed  their  canvass  for  the  year. 

In  view  of  this,  we  recommend: 

(a)  That  the  estimates  authorized  by  this  Assembly  apply  to  the 
year  1915-16  as  well  as  for  the  year  1914-15;  and  that  hereafter  the 
amounts  authorized  shall  apply  to  the  following  ecclesiastical  year. 

(b)  It  has  been  discovered  that  a  large  number  of  Synods  have 
failed  to  accept  their  quota,  as  named  by  the  Assembly,  and  to  dis¬ 
tribute  this  among  their  Presbyteries;  and  that  likewise  in  many 
instances  the  Presbyteries  have  failed  to  make  any  apportionment 
among  their  churches. 

We,  therefore,  recommend: 

1.  That,  unless  otherwise  ordered  by  Presbytery,  the  Systematic 
Beneficence  Committee  of  Presbytery  shall  understand  that,  so  far 
as  the  Assembly  causes  are  concerned,  the  quota  of  a  Presbytery  is  to  be 
determined  upon  a  per  capita  basis  of  the  amounts  announced  by  the 
Assembly;  and  that,  in  accordance  with  the  instructions  of  the  As¬ 
sembly,  each  Presbytery’s  Systematic  Beneficence  Committee,  with¬ 
out  waiting  for  advice  from  its  Synod,  shall  promptly  distribute  its 
quota  among  its  churches  according  to  such  plan  as  in  their  judg¬ 
ment  sha^x  correspond  with  the  financial  strength  of  the  churches. 

2.  That  the  Assembly  urge  upon  the  Synods  the  necessity  of  see¬ 
ing  that  this  plan  is  ‘Carried  out  by  each  of  their  Presbyteries,  and 
to  this  end  secure  reports  from  them  annually. 

(c)  Attention  has  been  called  to  the  fact  that  confusion  arises  from 
the  failure  of  the  Assembly  to  include  Synodical  and  Presbyterial 
needs  with  the  Assembly’s  causes. 

In  response  to  this,  we  would  call  attention  to  the  fact  that  the 
Assembly  has  no  means  of  ascertaining  what  amounts  are  necessary 
for  these  needs,  and  that  they  must,  'therefore,  be  left  to  the  judg¬ 
ment  of  Synods  and  Presbyteries.  We  would,  therefore,  suggest  that 
in  adding  these  amounts  to  the  Assembly’s  quota  confusion  as  to 
percentages  may  be  averted  by  the  following  process: 

1.  Ignore  the  Assembly  percentage  and  add  the  Synodical  and 
Presbyterial  needs  to  the  total  amount  called  for  by  the  Assembly. 

2.  Divide  each  of  these  three  amounts  for  Presbyterial,  Synodical 
and  Assembly’s  causes  by  the  sum  total  of  these  three  amounts,  thus 
securing  the  respective  percentages. 

3  After  securing  these  percentages,  the  proportionate  amount  due 
the  Assembly,  Synod  or  Presbytery  in  any  instance  may  be  easily 
determined. 

4.  When  the  amount  due  the  Assembly  has  been  determined,  it 
may  then  be  distributed  among  the  causes  of  the  Assembly  according 
to  the  percentages  the  Assembly  has  named. 

(d)  Reports  continue  to  come  that  in  some  instances  harm  has 
been  done  by  the  failure  of  a  church  to  observe  the  Assembly’s  instruc¬ 
tions  regarding  its  proper  financial  plan.  Some  have  taken  their  can¬ 
vass  without  having  fixed  any  definite  goal  or  having  sufficiently 
informed  the  congregation  concerning  the  needs  of  the  causes;  others 
in  making  their  canvass  have  given  a  pledge  that  under  no  conditions 
will  any  calls  for  additional  sums  sums  be  allowed.  Still  others  in 
making  their  canvass  have  cancelled  all  special  pledges  and  have 
confined  their  efforts  to  the  redistribution  of  their  gifts  rather  than  to 
an  increase  of  contributions  to  meet  the  vastly  increased  needs  of 
the  causes. 


Sec.  1130] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


637 


We,  therefore,  recommend  that  in  making  a  canvass  each  congre¬ 
gation  take  care  to  give  attention  to  the  following: 

(1)  The  total  minimum  amount  expected  from  the  church  for  each 
of  the  causes  of  the  Assembly,  Synod  and  Presbytery  should  be 
clearly  stated  to  the  congregation.  It  should  be  made  clear  also  that 
these  amounts  represent  what  is  needed  for  the  work  already  pro¬ 
jected,  and  do  not  provide  for  much  needed  enlargement. 

(2)  In  any  instance  where  the  Presbytery  has  failed  to  make 
apportionments,  the  officers  may  estimate  their  share  of  the  amounts 
called  for  by  the  Assembly  upon  a  per  capita  basis,  and  may  secure 
the  necessary  data  covering  the  Synodical  and  Presbyterial  needs 
by  inquiry  from  the  Stated  Clerks. 

(3)  The  officers  should  continue  their  canvass  until  at  least  the 
minimum  amounts  apportioned  them  in  every  instance  shall  have 
been  covered  by  pledges. 

(4)  The  promise  should  never  be  given  that  there  will  be  no  fur¬ 
ther  calls  during  the  year,  but,  instead,  the  way  should  be  left  open 
for  the  leadership  of  the  Spirit,  and  the  congregation  should  under¬ 
stand  that  the  pledges  they  have  made  but  constitute  a  foundation 
upon  wTiich  the  Church,  may  rise  as  God  shall  give  them  growth  in 
grace,  or  reveal  the  need,  to  a  larger  liberality. 

(5)  In  churches  where  special  support  has  been  given  to  special 
causes  care  should  be  taken  in  the  introduction  of  the  Assembly’s 
plan  lest  this  support  be  disturbed,  as  otherwise  great  hardships  will 
be  occasioned.  The  effort,  therefore,  should  be  to  bring  up  the 
pledges  to  the  other  causes  which  have  been  neglected,  rather  tnan 
to  scale  down  the  pledges  to  the  other  causes  that  have  been  receiving 
a  generous  support. 

(d)  Questions  continue  to  be  asked  concerning  the  best  use  that 
may  be  made  of  the  months  which  were  formerly  assigned  by  the 
Assembly  as  the  time  when  special  offerings  should  be  made  for  the 
.support  of  its  causes.  In  reply,  we  would  again  suggest: 

First.  That  these  special  months  afford  opportune  seasons  for  edu¬ 
cating  and  stimulating  the  interest  of  the  people  in  the  various 
departments  of  the  Church’s  work. 

Second.  That  in  a  number  of  churches,  whose  example  may  well 
be  followed:  (1)  an  opportunity  is  given  by  plate  collection  or  the 
distribution  of  extra  envelopes  for  special  free-will  offerings  to  the 
cause  of  the  month;  (2)  these  offerings  are  above  all  pledges  made 
through  the  budget,  and'  are,  therefore,  kept  separate  on  the  books  of 
the  treasurer  from  all  moneys  contributed  to  the  budget. 

Third.  We  recommend  that  an  Every-Member-Canvass.  be  taken  in 
March,  and  that  the  habit  of  depending  solely  upon  collections  in 
these  months  to  obtain  funds  for  the  support  of  the  various  causes 
he  again  strongly  discouraged. 

VIII.  Percentages  and  Apportionments 

1.  We  recommend  that  the  following  percentages  apply  to  any 
amount  to  be  distributed  among  the  Assembly’s  causes: 


Foreign  Missions  . 55% 

Assembly  Home  Missions  . ■. .  27% 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  .  14% 

Sunday  School  Work  and  Publication  .  3% 

Bible  Cause  .  1% 


640 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


II.  Woman's  Auxiliary 

We  recommend  that  the  recommendation  of  the  Permanent  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  on  this  subject  be  adopted,  with 
amendment,  so  as  to  read  as  follows: 

With  great  appreciation  of  the  effective  service  rendered  by  the 
Woman’s  Auxiliary,  acting  under  the  instructions  of  the  last  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly,  we  recommend  that  no  change  be  made  in  the 
financial  operations  of  the  Auxiliary. 

In  regard  to  the  relationship  of  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary  to  the 
Systematic  Beneficence  Committee : 

We  recommend  that,  inasmuch  as  it  is  necessary  for  the  Syste¬ 
matic  Beneficence  Committee  to  have  before  it  a  full  statement  of 
the  benevolent  work  of  our  Church,  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary  be 
requested  to  submit  for  information,  through  the  Supervisory  Com¬ 
mittee  of  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary,  full  reports  of  their  work  to  the 
Systematic  Beneficence  Committee  at  each  of  its  stated  meetings- 


III.  General 

1.  Concerning  Executive  Committees.  We  recommend: 

(a)  That  each  of  the  four  Executive  Committees  be  composed! 
of  not  less  than  nine  nor  more  than  fifteen  members  in  the  future 
constitution  of  these  Committees. 

(b)  On  the  basis  of  the  action  of  the  General  Assembly  of  190 
(see  page  7 On),  we  recommend  that  the  recommendations  of  the 
Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence,  relative  to  the 
election  of  Secretaries  other  than  the  Executive  Secretaries,  be  not 
adopted. 

(c)  That  any  member  of  an  Executive  Committee  who  is  absent 
from  three  consecutive  meetings  without  a  sustained  excuse  shall  be 
automatically  dropped  from  the  Committee;  and  the  vacancies  thus 
created  shall  be  filled  by  a  quorum  of  the  remaining  members  of  the 
Executive  Committee,  such  members  to  serve  until  the  next  meeting 
of  the  General  Assembly. 

(d)  That  in  its  report  to  the  General  Assembly  each  Executive 
Committee  present  (1)  A  detailed  statement  of  facts,  tabulated  if 
possible;  and  (2)  such  a  series  of  recommendations  as  will  outline 
the  policies  of  the  Committee  for  the  coming  year;  and  (3)  the 
attendance  of  members  at  the  monthly  meetings  of  the  Committee. 

fe)  That  the  Assembly  refer  to  the  four  Executive  Committees,, 
with  instructions  to  consider  and  report  their  findings  to  the  Sys¬ 
tematic  Beneficence  Committee  before  the  next  Assembly,  the  advis¬ 
ability  of  having  a  Secretary,  to  be  known  as  the  Educational 
Secretary  of  Church  Benevolences,  who  shall  serve  the  four  Execu¬ 
tive  Committees  in  educating  the  Church  as  to  its  benevolent  causes. 

(f)  That  the  Assembly  order  the  Stated  Clerks  of  all  Presby¬ 
teries  to  forward  their  Sessional  reports,  with  the  exceptions  of  the 
Narratives,  to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  in  Richmond 
before  the  first  of  May. 


Sec.  1131] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


641 


2.  Concerning  Assembly’s  Printed  Minutes: 

(a)  That  a  column  be  added  entitled  “Schools  and  Colleges,” 
and  that  all  moneys  contributed  for  these  causes  to  such  institutions 
be  listed  in  this  column. 

(b)  That  the  column  headed  “Miscellaneous”  be  transferred  so 
as  to  become  the  last  in  the  list  of  benevolent  contributions. 

(c)  That  a  column  be  included  labeled  Home  Missions,  sub¬ 
divided  into  four  columns,  labeled  “Assembly,”  “Synodical,”  “Pres- 
byterial,”  “Congregational.” 

(d)  That  a  sub-double  column  be  used  under  the  head  of  “Com¬ 
municants,”  the  title  of  which  shall  be  “total”  and  the  subdivisions 
be  “resident”  and  “non-resident.” 

(e)  That  a  general  summary  by  Presbyteries  of  the  statistical 
reports  of  Women’s  Societies  be  printed  in  the  Minutes  of  the 
Assembly. 

3.  Concerning  the  Assembly’s  Financial  Plan: 

At  present  the  amounts  authorized  by  the  Assembly  are  announced 
after  the  Presbyteries  have  acted  and  the  churches  have  projected 
their  plans  and  completed  their  canvass  for  the  year 

In  view  of  this,  we  recommend: 

(a)  That  the  estimates  authorized  by  this  Assembly  apply  to  the 
year  1915-16  as  well  as  for  the  year  1914-15;  and  that  hereafter 
the  amounts  authorized  shall  apply  to  the  following  ecclesiastical 
year. 

(b)  It  has  been  discovered  that  a  large  number  of  Synods  have 
failed  to  accept  their  quota,  as  named  by  the  Assembly,  and  to 
distribute  this  among  their  Presbyteries;  and  that  likewise  in  many 
instances  the  Presbyteries  have  failed  to  make  any  apportionment 
among  their  churches. 

•  We  therefore  recommend: 

1.  That,  unless  otherwise  ordered  by  the  Presbytery,  the  Sys¬ 
tematic  Beneficence  Committee  of  Presbytery  shall  understand  that, 
so  far  as  the  Assembly’s  causes  are  concerned,  the  quota  of  a  Pres¬ 
bytery  is  to  be  determined  upon  a  per  capita  basis  of  the  amounts 
announced  by  the  Assembly;  and  that,  in  accordance  with  the 
instructions  of  the  Assembly,  each  Presbytery’s  Systematic  Benef¬ 
icence  Committee,  where  the  Synod  or  its  Committee  shall  fail  to 
act  promptly,  shall  immediately  distribute  its  quota  among  its 
churches  according  to  such  plan  as  in  their  judgment  shall  corre¬ 
spond  with  the  financial  strength  of  the  churches. 

2.  That  the  Assembly  urge  upon  the  Synods  the  necessity  of 
seeing  that  this  plan  is  carried  out  by  each  of  their  Presbyteries, 
and  to  this  end  secure  reports  from  them  annually. 

(c)  We  would  call  special  attention  to  the  suggestion  of  the 
Permanent  Systematic  Beneficence  Committee,  as  outlined  in  another 
part  of  the  Assembly’s  Minutes,  in  regard  to  determining  the  As¬ 
sembly’s  percentages,  the  methods  for  making  a  canvass  and  the 
use  to  be  made  of  the  months  under  the  present  system,  and  we 
would  also  call  upon  all  of  our  pastors,  to  whom  the  Minutes  come, 


638' 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


2.  That  the  following  amounts  be  named'  as  the  minimum  for 
each  of  the  Assembly's  causes: 


Foreign  Missions  . $ 

Assembly  Home  Missions  . 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial 

Relief  . , . 

Sunday  School  Work  and  Publication.... 
Bible  Cause  . 


678,333.33 —  55% 
333,000.00—  27% 


172,666.67—  14t% 
37,000.00—  3% 
12,333.33—  1% 


$1,233,333.33—100% 


3.  We  would  call  the  attention  of  the  Assembly  and  of  the  whole 
Church  to  the  fact  that  these  amounts  are  merely  what  are  essential 
to  the  bare  existence  of  the  work  as  already  projected.  For  progress, 
and  development  the  following  amounts  are  now  demanded: 


Foreign  Missions  .  $1,000,000.00 

Assembly  Home  Missions  .  471,250.00 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  328,245.00 
Sunday  School  Work  and  Publication  t .  75,000.00 


$1,874,495.00 


For  the  distribution  among  the  Synods  see  Assembly  Minutes  1914,, 
pp.  143ff. 


IX.  Conclusion 

1.  Expiration  of  Terms. —  (a)  The  first  term  of  the  following  mem¬ 
bers  of  the  Systematic  Beneficence  Committee  expires  with  this  meet¬ 
ing  of  the  Assembly:  Principals — James  I.  Vance,  Tennessee;  Trigg  A. 
M.  Thomas,  Missouri;  W.  S.  Currell,  Virginia;  A.  J.  A.  Alexander,. 
Kentucky.  Alternates — E.  F.  Abbott,  Missouri;  A.  A.  Little,  Georgia; 
J.  Adair  Lyon,  Louisiana;  C.  F.  Huhlein,  Kentucky. 

(b)  The  second  term  of  the  following  expires.  These  are  not 
eligible  for  re-election:  Principals — A.  M.  Scales,  North  Carolina; 
Richard  Orme  F'linn,  Georgia;  W.  T.  Hardie,  Louisiana.  Alternates — 
L.  E.  McNair,  Tennessee;  James  Lewis  Howe,  Virginia;  W.  J.  Martin, 
North  Carolina. 

2.  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  appropriate  the  sum  of  $500.00, 
or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be  needed,  for  such  expenses  of  the 
Systematic  Beneficence  Committee  as  may  be  in  addition  to  the 
expense  of  its  members  in  attending  its  meetings. 

3.  Inasmuch  as  the  Rev.  Richard  Orme  Flinn,  D.  D.,  retires  from 
the  Committee  with  this  meeting,  and  is  not  eligible  for  re-election 
by  reason  of  the  fact  that  he  has  served  two  successive  terms,  we 
would  place  upon  record  our  profound  appreciation  of  his  services  as- 
Secretary. 

For  the  four  years  of  the  Committee’s  life  he  has  served  in  this- 
capacity;  and  to  his  able  and  laborious  work  is  due  much  of  what 
has  thus  far  been  accomplished. 

He  has  been  tireless  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties,  and  has  looked 
after  the  minutest  details  with  such  care  and  fidelity  that  the  work 
of  the  Committee  has  not  only  been  facilitated,  but  maintained  along: 
the  lines  forecast  by  the  Assembly. 

Retiring  from  his  office,  he  has  prepared  a  Digest  of  the  Committee, 
which  will  be  found  invaluable  for  future  use. 

1131.  Report  of  the  Standing  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence 
1914,  p.  51.  The  following  documents  were  placed  in  our  hands: 
The  Annual  Report  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Benef¬ 
icence;  all  of  the  Presbyterial  statistical  reports  on  Systematic  Benef- 


Secs.  1130-1131]  Systematic  Beneficence 


639 


icence;  the  report  of  the  Committee  on  Evangelism  and  Stewardship; 
overtures  from  the  following  Presbyteries:  Winchester,  Montgomery, 
Mecklenburg,  Western  Texas,  North  Alabama,  Lexington,  and  Roa¬ 
noke. 

Also  the  Assembly  referred  to  this  Committee  the  question  of  the 
eligibility  of  alternates  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic 
Beneficence  to  serve  as  principals  after  having  served  two  full  terms 
ns  alternates. 

All  of  these  documents  have  been  examined  with  care,  and  we 
make  the  following  recommendations  on  the  report  of  the  Permanent 
Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  and  the  Committee  on  Evangel¬ 
ism  and  Stewardship: 

We  wish,  first  of  all,  to  commend  warmly  the  great  diligence  of 
these  Committees. 

I.  Evangelism  and  Stewardship 

In  reference  to  the  report  on  Evangelism  and  Stewardship,  we 
recommend,  in  view  of  the  fact  that  so  far  only  930  churches  have 
adopted  the  Assembly’s  plan: 

First.  That  the  Campaign  Committee  as  formerly  organized  be 
continued. 

Second.  That  this  Committee  be  charged  with  the  definite  task  of 
advancing  the  interests  of  the  Assembly’s  Financial  Plan  and  of 
securing  its  adoption  in  all  of  our  churches,  and  employing  such 
assistants  as  may  be  necessary  to  push  this  plan  in  individual 
churches,  the  support  of  those  thus  employed  to  be  secured  from  the 
four  Executive  Committees  in  such  proportion  as  may  be  agreed  upon 
by  them. 

Third.  That  the  report  of  the  Campaign  Committee  on  Evange¬ 
lism  and  Stewardship  be  printed  in  the  Minutes  of  the  General 
Assembly,  and  that  the  following  recommendations  of  that  Com¬ 
mittee,  relative  to  Stewardship,  be  adopted: 

(a)  That  the  General  Assembly  again  express  in  most  emphatic 
terms  its  earnest  desire  and  recommendation  that  all  churches,  so 
far  as  possible,  at  once  make  plans  for  adopting  the  Assembly’s  plan 
of  Church  finance  and  for  conducting  an  Every-Member- Canvass 
for  the  beneficences  during  or  before  March  1915. 

(b)  That  the  General  Assembly  declare  in  the  most  forcible 
way  to  all  the  churches  that  the  results  of  the  Every-Member- Can¬ 
vass  should  not  be  looked  upon  as  final,  but  as  the  means  by  which 
to  build  up  an  adequate  offering  for  the  year. 

(c)  That  the  General  Assembly  recommend  to  the  Presbyteries, 
through  their  Committees  on  Systematic  Beneficence,  the  earnest 
and  careful  cultivation  of  their  churches  in  the  principle  of  Chris¬ 
tian  Stewardship,  and  especially  that  part  of  the  911  churches  that 
may  be  in  their  bounds  which  last  year  gave  nothing  to  any  of 
the  Assembly’s  causes. 


642  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

to  read  and  ponder  these  suggestions  and  call  the  attention  of 
their  respective  Sessions  to  the  same.  (See  p.  636.) 

IV.  Percentages,  Apportionments  and  Appropriations 

1.  We  recommend  that  the  following  percentages  apply  to  any 
amount  to  be  distributed  among .  the  Assembly’s  causes : 


Foreign  Missions  . 4 .  55% 

Assembly  Home  Missions  . . . „ .  27% 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  . * .  14% 

Sunday  School  Work  and  Publication . . . . .  3% 

Bible  Cause  . 1 .  1% 


2.  That  the  following  amounts  be  named  as  the  minimum  for  each 
of  the  Assembly’s  Causes: 

Foreign  Missions  . $■  678,333.33 —  55% 

Assembly  Home  Missions  .  333,000.00 —  27% 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial 

Relief  . I, . . . .  172,666.67—  14% 

Sunday  School  Work  and 

Publication  . . .  37,000.00 —  3% 

Bible  Cause  .  12,333.33 —  1% 


Total  . . . $1,233,333.33— 100% 

3.  We  would  also  call  the  attention  of  the  Assembly  and  of  the 
whole  Church  to  the  fact  that  these  amounts  are  merely  what  are 
essential  to  the  bare  existence  of  the  work  as  already  projected. 
For  progress  and  development  the  following  amounts  are  now  de¬ 
manded  : 


Foreign  Missions  . _ .  $1,000,000.00 

Assembly  Home  Missions  . . .  471,250.00 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial 

Relief  . . .  328,245.00 

Sunday  School  Work  and  Publication  .  75,000.00 


$1,874,495.00 

4.  For  Synodical  quotas  see  Minutes  of  the  Permanent  Com¬ 
mittee  in  the  Appendix. 

5.  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  appropriate  the  sum  of 
$500.00,  or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be  needed,  for  such  expenses 
of  the  Systematic  Beneficence  Committee  as  may  be  in  addition  to 
the  expense  of  its  members  in  attending  its  meetings. 

V.  Election  of  Members  of  Permanent  Committee 

We  recommend: 

1.  That  the  following,  who  have  served  one  term  only,  be  re¬ 
elected  for  a  second  term  of  two  years. 


Sec.  1131] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


6-13 


Principals:  James  I.  Vance,  Tennessee;  Trigg  A.  M.  Thomas, 
Missouri;  W.  S.  Currell,  Virginia;  A.  J.  A.  Alexander,  Kentucky. 
Alternate:  C.  F.  Huhlein,  Kentucky. 

2.  That  the  following  be  elected  for  a  first  term  of  two  years: 
Principals:  R.  A.  Brand,  North  Carolina;  A.  A.  Little,  Georgia; 

J.  Adair  Lyon,  Louisiana;  Ernest  Thompson,  West  Virginia.  Al¬ 
ternates:  J.  L.  Mauze,  Missouri;  J.  G.  Patton,  Georgia;  James 
Hasson,  Tennessee;  John  S.  Talmage,  Louisiana;  E.  P.  Wharton, 
North  Carolina;  D.  K.  Walthall,  Virginia;  Tazewell  McCorkle, 
West  Virginia. 

3.  That  the  Secretary  of  the  Systematic  Beneficence  Committee 
be  instructed  to  notify  the  Stated  Clerks  of  the  Synods  of  their 
members  and  alternates  whose  terms  will  expire  at  the  next  Assem¬ 
bly,  stating  whether  they  have  served  one  or  two  terms,  and  request 
nominations  from  the  respective  Synods  for  vacancies. 

Benevolent  Receipts  for  the  Year  1914 
Reported  by  Presbyteries 

Foreign  Missions  . >....., .  $  509,537.00 


Assembly’s  Home  Missions  . . .  116,444.00 

Local  Home  Missions  . 281,644.00 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  ...  219,080.00 

Sunday  School  Extension  and  Publication  .  40,190.00 

Orphan’s  Homes  .  138,167.00 

Bible  Cause . 13,805.00 


Total  contributions  . $1,318,867.00 

Summary  of  Congregations  Contributing 

No.  of  No.  of 

Congregations.  Objects. 

945  congregations  contributed  to  . 7 

954  congregations  contributed  to  .  6 

411  congregations  contributed  to  . . .  5 

371  congregations  contributed  to  . - .  4 

325  congregations  contributed  to  . j... . .  3 

315  congregations  contributed  to  . 2 

325  congregations  contributed  to  . 1 

552  congregations  contributed  to  .  None 


Miscellaneous 

1.  In  answer  to  the  matters  referred  to  us  by  the  General  As¬ 
sembly,  we  recommend  the  following  answer: 

That,  principals  and  alternates  who  have  served  two  full  terms 
in  either  capacity  shall  not  be  eligible  for  election  to  the  Com¬ 
mittee  for  a  period  of  four  years  after  the  expiration  of  their  second 
term. 


644 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


2.  In  answer  to  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Winchester, 
asking  for  a  rule  that  the  appropriations  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  shall  not  exceed  the  receipts  of  the  previous  year,  we  recommend 
that  it  be  answered  in  the  negative. 

3.  Referring  to  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Montgomery 
asking  the  Assembly  to  separate  Ministerial  Relief  from  other  benev¬ 
olent  causes,  we  recommend  that  it  be  answered  in  the  negative.  . 

4.  Referring  to  Overture  from  the  Mecklenburg  Presbytery,  ask¬ 
ing  changes  in  the  blank  for  Systematic  Beneficence,  we  recommend 
that  it  be  answered  in  the  negative. 

5.  Referring  to  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Western  Texas, 
asking  the  Assembly  to  approve  the  tithe  as  minimum  offering,  and 
instructing  the  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  to  advocate  it, 
we  recommend  that  it  be  answered  in  the  affirmative. 

6.  Referring  to  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  North  Alabama, 
asking  the  Assembly  to  appoint  a  day  for  a  collection  for  other  ob¬ 
jects  than  those  now  designated  in  the  Assembly’s  scheme,  we  rec¬ 
ommend  that  it  be  answered  in  the  negative. 

7.  Referring  to  Overtures  from  Roanoke  and  Lexington,  asking 

for  change  in  the  time  for  making  the  Assembly’s  apportionments, 
we  recommend  that  they  be  answered  as  follows:  The  relief  sought 
for  has  been  already  granted  in  a  previous  portion  of  this  report. 
(See  p.  641.)  ? 

1132.  The  Report  of  the  Campaign  Committee  on  Evangelism  and 

Stewardship 

P.  56.  The  Campaign  Committee  is  composed  of  two  representatives 
from  each  of  the  four  Executive  Committees  of  the  Assembly,  and  from 
the  Executive  Committee  of  the  Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement.  At 
the  direction  of  the  General  Assembly,  the  Committee  has  for  the  past 
two  years  been  diligently  “taking  in  hand  the  effort  to  have  every 
church  in  the  Assembly  make  an  Every-Member-Canvass  for  the 
benevolent  causes  of  the  Assembly,”  which  has  been  accompanied  by 
conferences,  literature  and  correspondence  aimed  to  secure  an  “earnest 
evangelistic  effort  on  the  part  of  all  the  pastors  and  members  of 
our  Church,  with  the  view  of  deepening  the  spiritual  life  of  the 
Church  and  bringing  the  largest  possible  number  of  souls  to  Christ.” 
A  third  phase  of  the  Committee’s  work  was  an  effort  to  raise  in  large 
subscriptions  $1,000,000  for  the  reinforcement  and  equipment  of  our 
mission  and  benevolent  work  under  all  the  Executive  Committees. 

The  Committee  would  respectfully  make  a  report  along  these  three 
lines  of  activity  as  far  as  engaged  in  during  the  past  year. 

Evangelism 

All  Presbyteries  were  urged,  in  accordance  with  the  recommenda¬ 
tion  of  the  Atlanta  Assembly  (Assembly’s  Minutes,  1913,  page  60, 
paragraph  6),  to  appoint  Permanent  Committees  on  Evangelism  to 
supervise  and  stimulate  Presbyterial  Evangelism.  Up  to  the  present 
forty-one  Presbyteries  have  appointed  Permanent  Evangelistic  Com¬ 
mittees,  three  Permanent  Committees  on  Evangelism  and  Steward¬ 
ship,  and  the  rest  (forty)  have  left  this  work  under  the  direction  of 
the  Home  Mission  Committees. 

Suggestions  to  these  Presbyterial  Evangelistic  Committees  have 
been  carefully  worked  out  from  experience  of  similar  -committes, 
printed,  and  sent  to  each  member  of  the  Presbyterial  Committee  en- 


Secs.  1131-1132]  Systematic  Beneficence’ 


645 


trusted  with  evangelistic  duties.  So  stimulating  and  helpful  were 
the  Conferences  on  Evangelism  and  Stewardship  held  during  the  first 
year’s  work  of  the  Campaign  Committee  that  the  Committee  has 
recommended  that  each  Presbytery  hold  at  each  meeting  such  a  con¬ 
ference.  This  has  already  been  done  in  several  Piesbyteries. 

Programs  on  Evangelism  and  Stewardship  were  sent  out  to  Presby- 
terial  Evangelistic  Committees,  which  seemed  to  be  the  proper  com¬ 
mittees  to  conduct  such  conferences.  This  is  in  the  direction  of 
making  our  Church  courts  more  informative  and  inspiring,  especially 
to  representatives  of  the  churches. 

Tho  Committee  has  recommended  that  at  least  two  Synodical  Con¬ 
ferences  on  Evangelism  be  held  this  coming  fall,  assisted  by  the 
Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions,  one  of  these  to  be  at  the 
Synod  of  Texas,  which  has  appointed  a  Synodical  Committee  on 
Evangelism  and  directed  that  a  conference  be  held. 

As  the  Committee’s  evangelistic  work  has  progressed,  the  stimulat¬ 
ing  results  of  the  conferences,  the  numbers  of  letters  received  asking 
for  assistance  and  advice  as  to  evangelistic  methods  in  church  and 
Presbytery,  the  surprising  facts  developed  with  regard  to  the  fruits 
of  past  evangelistic  efforts,  the  value  apparent  from  the  use  of  special 
evangelistic  literature  and  the  large  correspondence,  have  all  con¬ 
vinced  the  Committee  of  the  need  and'  great  desirability  of  a  man 
specially  suited  to  this  important  work  to  give  his  whole  time  to  the 
stimulation  especially  of  Presbyterial,  pastoral  and  personal  evangel¬ 
ism.  To  meet  this  need,  the  Committee  overtures  the  General  As¬ 
sembly  at  its  session  in  Kansas  City  to  create  the  office  of  “Superin¬ 
tendent  of  Evangelism,”  under  the  direction  of  the  Assembly’s  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  of  Home  Missions,  which  joins  the  Campaign  Com¬ 
mittee  in  this  overture.  Some  $3,000.00  a  year  for  three  years  has 
been  subscribed  by  individuals  to  help  defray  the  expenses  of  getting 
such  a  work  started.  As  it  grows,  the  gifts  of  the  churches  will 
doubtless  defray  the  additional  expense.  No  money  could  be  better 
spent. 


The  Every-Member-Canvass 

We  give  below  the  results  of  our  united  efforts: 

Total  y 'timber  of  Churches  Adopting  Evc'y-Member-Canvass  Plan 

and  Church  EnroUnt  nt. 


Presbyteries' 

Alabama  Synod  . 

Central  Alabama 
East  Alabama  ... 

Mobile  . 

North  Alabama  . 
Tuscaloosa  . 

Arkansas  Synod  . 

Arkansas  . 

Ouachita  . 

Pine  Bluff  . 

Washburn  . 

Florida  Synod  . 

Florida  . 

St.  John’s  . 

Suwanee  . 

Georgia  Synod  . 

Athens  . 

Atlanta  . 


Churches 

33 

2 

21 

3 


7 

27 

6 

7 

7 

7 

30 

8 
9 

13 

79 

8 

19 


Enrollment 

4.493 
60 

2.493 
628 


1,412 

4,634 

1,421 

868 

1,450 

895 

3,618 

891 

1,389 

1,338 

11,629 

1,160 

4,154 


646 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


Augusta  .' . 

Cherokee  . 

Macon  . 

Savannah  . 

Kentucky  Synod  . 

Ebenezer  . 

Louisville  . 

Muhlenburg  . 

Paducah  . 

Transylvania  . 

West  Lexington  . 

Louisiana  Synod  . 

Louisiana  . 

New  Orleans  . 

Red  River  . 

Mississippi  Synod  ....... 

Central  Mississippi 

East  Mississippi  . 

Ethel  . 

Meridian  . 

Mississippi  . 

North  Mississippi  ... 

Missouri  Synod  . 

Lafayette  . 

Missouri  . 

Palmyra  . 

Potosi  . 

St.  Louis  . 

Upper  Missouri  . 

North  Carolina  Synod  . 

Albermarle  . 

Asheville  . 

Concord'  . 

Fayetteville  . 

Kings  Mountain  . 

Mecklenburg  . 

Orange  . 

Wilmington  . 

Oklahoma  Synod  . 

Durant . 

Indian  . 

Mangum  . 

South  Carolina  Syno.d  ... 

Bethel  . 

Charleston  . 

Enoree  . 

Harmony  . 

Pee  Dee  . 

Piedmont  . 

South  Carolina  . 

Tennessee  Synod . 

Columbia  . 

Holston  . 

Knoxville  . 

Memphis  . 

Nashville  . 


10 

1,239 

17 

1,779 

14 

1,997 

11 

1,300 

67 

12,736 

8 

1,478 

23 

4,785 

4 

659 

2 

588 

15 

2,416 

15 

2,810 

26 

4,346 

7 

516 

12 

2,835 

7 

995 

45 

6,008 

17 

2,548 

10 

1,182 

14 

1,609 

4 

669 

41 

6,868 

11 

1,063 

4 

1,153 

9 

973 

6 

595 

3 

730 

8 

2,354 

149 

21,508 

12 

1,804 

9 

1,326 

19 

3,516 

36 

5,275 

9 

1,648 

26 

5,793 

26 

9 

2,146 

12 

1,145 

4 

484 

8 

661 

95 

14,084 

24 

3,700 

14 

1,952 

17 

3,494 

10 

669 

12 

1,400 

11 

1,531 

7 

1,338 

69 

10,356 

21 

1,105 

7 

462 

13 

3,101 

17 

3,224 

11 

2,464 

Sec.  1132] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


647 


Texas  Synod  . 87  16,414 

Brazos  .  10  2,578 

Brownwood  .  4  787 

Central  Texas  .  13  2,455 

Dallas  .  16  3,384 

Eastern  Texas  .  6  558 

El  Paso .  4  179 

Fort  Worth  .  10  2,040 

Panhandle  .  . 

Paris .  9  1,226 

Texas-Mexican  .  . 

Western  Texas  .  25  3,207 

Virginia  Synod  .  170  29,221 

Abingdon  .  11  1,397 

East  Hanover  .  14  3,810 

Greenbrier  .  10  1,251 

Kanawha  .  6  1,939 

Lexington  .  27  6,819 

Montgomery  .  24  4,323 

Norfolk  .  14  2,964 

Potomac  .  12  1,500 

Roanoke  .  13  1,485 

Tygart’s  Valley  .  6  963 

West  Hanover  .  19  1,386 

Winchester  .  15  1,744 

- i -  - 

Total  number  of  churches  .  930 

Total  number  of  communicants  .  147,047 


The  Assembly’s  plan  was  presented  at  Synods  and  many  Presbyteries, 
charts  exhibited,  and  printed  matter  distributed'.  Letters  of  enthus¬ 
iastic  commendation  of  the  Every-Member-Canvass  were  secured  from 
foremost  pastors  in  every  Synod,  and  some  of  these  were  printed  in  a 
pamphlet,  “What  Some  Pastors  Think  of  the  Every-Member-Canvass.” 
Other  leaflets  printed  and  distributed  widely,  going  to  every  pastor, 
clerk  of  Session  and  beneficent  treasurer  were  “Paul’s  Plan”  “They 
Did  It,”  “Record  of  Presbyteries,”  “E.  M.  C.,”  “Notice  of  Treasurers.” 
Twenty-three  lantern  slides  were  made,  showing,  first,  what  the  Assem¬ 
bly’s  plan  is  in  its  essential  features  and  how  to  conduct  the  canvass; 
second,  what  the  plan,  thoroughly  worked,  accomplished  in  a  repre¬ 
sentative  city  church,  town  church  and  country  church;  and,  third,  the 
progress  it  has  made  throughout  the  Assembly  in  Presbyteries  and 
Synods.  The  churches  in  some  fourteen  Presbyteries  have,  through  the 
visitation  of  the  Chairmen  of  Presbyteirial  Systematic  Beneficence 
Committees,  seen  these  slides,  and  they  have  proven  of  great  educa¬ 
tional  value.  It  is  hoped  that  many  other  Presbyteries  will  make  use 
of  these  slides. 

Besides  the  visitation  of  Synod's  and  Presbyteries,  conferences,  dis¬ 
tribution  of  printed  leaflets,  charts  displayed,  bulletins  in  all  the 
Church  papers,  a  most  vigorous  correspondence  with  reference  to  the 
Assembly’s  plan  and  the  simultaneous  Every-Member-Canvass  in  March 
has  been  conducted.  Every  pastor,  clerk  of  Session  and  Beneficent 
Treasurer  has  been  written  personally.  This  educational  process  kept 
up  must  undoubtedly  sooner  or  later  bear  fruit.  More  and  more  new 
churches  are  beginning  the  canvass  for  beneficences. 

The  following  recommendation  was  adopted  by  at  least  eight  Synods 
and  approved  by  (the  Assembly’s  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions: 
“That  Synod  requests  the  Presbyteries  to  instruct  their  Local  Home 
Mission  Committees  to  notify  such  churches  as  receive  aid  from 
Home  Mission  funds  that  they  should  not  expect  such  aid  until 
they  have  adopted  the  Assembly’s  plan  and  made  an  Every-Member- 
Canvass  for  the  beneficent  causes  and  their  self-support.”  Many  local 
Home  Mission  Committees  ardently  favor  such  action. 


648 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


We  are  sorry  to  report  that  our  campaign  for  a  million  dollars  for 
equipment  and  reinforccement  has  met  with  poor  success.  Last  year 
Messrs.  J.  P.  McCallie,  L.  I.  Moffett  and  C.  A.  Rowland  organized  a 
“team,”  led'  by  Messrs.  McCallie  and  Moffett,  which  visited  several 
cities.  The  effort  was  no  doubt  helpful  educationally,  but  the  financial 
results  were  disappointing.  The  time  of  the  year  was  not  very 
propitious,  political  and  financial  reasons  rendering  it  more  difficult 
to  secure  large  contributions. 

The  Campaign  Committee  respectfully  submits  the  following  recom¬ 
mendations  to  the  General  Assembly: 


I.  On  Evangelism 

1.  That  the  General  Assembly  create  the  office  of  “Superintendent 
of  Evangelism”  in  connection  with  and  under  the  direction  of  the 
Assembly‘s  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions,  this  Superinten¬ 
dent  to  have  charge  of  and  responsibility  for  the  supervision  and 
stimulation  of  evangelistic  work. 

2.  That  the  General  Assembly  urge  the  Presbyteries  to  hold  Con¬ 
ferences  on  Evangelism  and  Stewardship  in  connection  with  their 
regular  meetings,  to  the  end  that  the  regular  Church  courts  may  be 
made  more  a  means  of  inspiration  and  help,  especially  to  representa¬ 
tives  of  the  churches. 

3.  That  the  General  Assembly  commend  to  the  consideration  of  all 
Presbyterial  Evangelistic  and  Home  Mission  Committees  the  sug¬ 
gestion  for  Presbyterial  Evangelism  prepared  by  the  Campaign  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Evangelism  and  Stewardship. 


II.  On  Stewardship 

1.  That  the  General  Assembly  continue  the  Campaign  Committee, 
composed  of  representatives  of  the  four  Executive  Committees  and 
of  the  Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement,  as  a  Committee  on  Steward¬ 
ship,  to  promote,  by  educational  processes,  the  adoption  by  the  churches 
of  the  Assembly’s  Plan  of  Systematic  Beneficence. 

2.  That  the  General  Assembly  again  express  in  most  emphatic 
terms  its  earnest  desire  and  recommendation  that  all  churches,  so 
far  as  possible,  at  once  make  plans  for  adopting  the  Assembly’s  plan 
of  church  finance  and  for  conducting  an  Every-Member-Canvass  for 
beneficence  during  or  before  March,  1915. 

3.  That  the  General  Assembly  declare  in  the  most  forcible  way  to 
all  the  churches  that  the  results  of  the  Every-Member-Canvass  should 
not  be  looked  upon  as  final,  but  as  the  foundation  on  which  to  build 
up  an  adequate  offering  for  the  year. 

4.  That  the  General  Assembly  recommend  to  i.iie  Presbyteries, 
through  their  Committees  on  Systematic  Beneficence,  the  earnest  ana* 
careful  cultivation  of  their  churches  in  the  principle  of  Christian 
Stewardship,  and  especially  that  part  of  the  911  churches  that  may 
be  in  their  bounds  which  last  year  gave  nothing  to  any  of  the 
Assembly’s  causes. 

1133.  Report  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence 

1015,  p.  149.  Your  Committee  has  met  twice  since  the  last  meeting 
of  the  Assembly  at  Kansas  City,  in  Atlanta,  Ga.,  January  26th  and  27th, 
1915,  and  at  Newport  News,  Va.,  May  18th  to  20th,  1915. 


649 


Secs.  1132-1133]  Systematic  Beneficence 


The  following  members  were  present: 


Atlanta  Synod 

S.  D.  Weakley  . Alabama  . 

J.  I.  Norris  . Arkansas  . 

L.  Ross  Lynn  . Florida  . 

A.  A.  Little  . Georgia  . 

A.  J.  A.  Alexander  . Kentucky  . 

J.  Adair  Little  . Louisiana  . 

Oscar  Newton  . Mississippi  . 

Trigg  A.  M.  Thomas  . Missouri  . 

R.  A.  Brand . North  Carolina 

J.  M.  Clark  . Oklahoma  . 

A.  E.  Spencer  . South  Carolina 

J.  I.  Vance . Tennessee  . 

R.  E.  Vinson  . Texas  . 

. Virginia  . 

. West  Virginia 


Newport  News 


,  J.  I.  Norris 
,L.  Ross  Lynn 
A.  A.  Little 
A.  J.  A.  Alexander 
J.  Adair  Lyon 


Trigg  A.  M.  Thomas 


J.  M.  Clark 
A.  E.  Spencer 
J.  I.  Vance 
R.  E.  Vinson 
John  W.  Friend,  Jr. 
Ernest  Thompson 


Officers  and  Organization. — James  I.  Vance,  Chairman;  Trigg  A. 
M.  Thomas,  Vice-Chairman;  Robert  E.  Vinson,  Secretary;  A.  E.  Spencer, 
Recording  Secretary. 

Committees — 

No.  1.  On  Scope — Robert  E.  Vinson,  Chairman. 

No.  2.  On  Methods — Trigg  A.  M.  Thomas,  Chairman. 

No.  3.  On  Education  and  Publicity — S.  D.  Weakley,  Chairman. 

No.  4.  On  Administration — A.  E.  Spencer,  Chairman. 

No.  5.  On  the  Assembly’s  (Budget  and  Financial  Plan — A.  J.  A.  Alex¬ 
ander,  Chairman. 

Printed  reports  of  the  four  Executive  Committees,  the  Campaign 
Committee  on  Stewardship,  and  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary,  have  been 
placed  in  our  hands  and  have  been  carefully  considered.  The  Com¬ 
mittee  has  also  had  conferences  with  the  Executive  and  other  Secre¬ 
taries,  and  the  Treasurer  of  Foreign  Missions,  at  both  itsi  meetings, 
and  at  the  Atlanta  meeting  with  Mrs.  Winsborough,  Superintendent 
of  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary.  We  find,  in  general,  that  the  organiza¬ 
tion  of  the  various  Executive  Committees  is  well  adapted  to  the 
work  outlined  for  each  Committee  by  the  General  Assembly. 

After  careful  consideration  of  the  information  gained  from  all 
sources,  your  Committee  presents  the  following  data  and  recom¬ 
mendations: 

A  careful  examination  of  the  reports  of  the  work  of  the  four  Execu¬ 
tive  Committees  of  the  Church  has  convinced  your  Committee  that  in 
almost  all  respects  the  year  just  closed  has  been  unusually  success¬ 
ful.  Facing,  as  the  Executive  Committee  did,  a  situation  of  extreme 
difficulty,  of  financial  stringency  and  distress  in  all  quarters,  they 
have  worked  with  splendid  courage,  and  with  increased  zeal,  and  the 
results  have  been  amazing,  and  only  to  be  accounted  for  by  the  fact 
that  the  work  was  done  in  the  Master’s  vineyard. 

The  difficulties  and  the  threatening  disasters  of  the  past  year  have 
but  furnished  a  background  on  which  the  sturdy  and  sterling  char¬ 
acteristics  of  the  Calvinistic  type  of  character  have  been  shown  in 
their  very  best  proportions.  We  are  confident  that  the  people  of  our 
Church  can  be  relied  on  to  meet  any  emergency  in  the  future.  With 
a  strong  faith  in  God  and  an  ever-increasing  liberality  they  will  press 
on  to  the  final  victory  of  the  Kingdom  of  God  in  the  earth. 


I.  Foreign  Missions 

The  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  has,  in  the  opinion 
of  your  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence,  had  the  most  success¬ 
ful  year  in  its  history.  If  the  same  methods  of  bookkeeping  had  been 
used  this  year  which  were  used  in  the  past  the  books  of  the  Executive 


650 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


Committee  would  have  shown  virtually  no  deficit.  We  wish  to  com¬ 
mend  especially  the  business  methods  of  the  present  Treasurer  of 
Foreign  Missions. 

We  recommend — 

1.  That  whenever  the  appropriation  to  any  mission  field  will  justify 
it,  the  Executive  Committee  be  authorized  to  appoint  one  business 
man  as  Treasurer  for  the  entire  mission  or  missions  in  that  country. 

2.  That  the  General  Assembly  require  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Foreign  Missions  to  secure  from  the  Treasurers  of  the  different  mis¬ 
sion  stations  regular  stated'  reports  of  their  expenditure  of  the  funds 
paid  to  them  by  the  Treasurer  of  the  Executive  Committee  with 
proper  vouchers  for  the  same. 

3.  That  the  General  Assembly  express  its  hearty  approval  of  the 
monthly  payment  of  funds  to  the  mission  stations  by  the  Treasurer 
of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions. 

4.  In  view  of  the  perils  which  threaten  our  Foreign  Mission  work 
through  forced  retrenchment,  in  order  to  avoid  debt,  and  in  view 
of  the  tremendous  burden  which  this  Executive  Committee  is  com¬ 
pelled  to  bear,  and  in  further  view  of  the  danger  to  our  present 
financial  plan  which  lies  in  making  special  appeals,  we  recommend 
that  the  first  three  weeks  of  the  month  of  February  be  assigned  to 
the  cause  of  Foreign  Missions  in  addition  to  two  months  which  this 
Committee  has  had  heretofore.  In  making  this  recommendation,  it 
is  understood  that  this  additional  time  will  be  used  by  the  Committee 
in  the  same  way  as  the  two  months  are  now  used. 

5.  That  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  be  instructed 
to  investigate  the  matter  of  graduated  scale  of  salaries  for  mission¬ 
aries,  and  report  on  this  matter  at  the  next  meeting  of  your  Commit¬ 
tee  on  Systematic  (Beneficence. 

6.  The  following  nominations  are  made  for  vacancies  on  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  for  a  term  of  three  years:  Rev. 
James  I.  Vance,  D.  D.,  Rev.  A.  B.  Curry,  D.  D.,  Rev.  S.  H.  Chester, 
D.  D.,  W.  H.  Raymond,  and  M.  G.  Buckner. 

II.  Home  Missions 

Your  Committee  has  visited  the  office  of  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Home  Missions,  and  carefully  considered  the  general  business  manage¬ 
ment,  including  the  care  and  handling  of  funds,  the  character  of  in¬ 
vestments,  the  system,  economy  and  efficiency  of  the  office  work,  and 
we  are  pleased  to  report  that  we  found'  everything  in  satisfactory  con¬ 
dition,  and  we  commend  the  Committee  for  its  policy  of  having  the 
accounts  of  its  officers  audited  by  certified  public  accountants. 

Recommendations — 

1.  Your  Committee  transmits  herewith  a  paper  entitled  “The  Coun¬ 
try  Church,  Its  Ruin,  Its  Remedy,”  prepared  by  Dr.  S.  L.  Morris, 
Executive  Secretary  of  Home  Missions,  which  has  been  submitted 
both  to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  and  Your  Perma¬ 
nent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence.  Your  Committee  finds 
this  paper  to  be  an  admirable  treatment  of  the  subject,  and  recom¬ 
mends  that  the  General  Assembly  instruct  the  Executive  Committee 
of  Home  Missions  to  issue  this  paper  in  the  form  of  a  pamphlet  for 
distribution  with  such  emendations  and  additions  as  the  Committee 
may  think  wise. 

2.  We  recommend  that  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions 
be  instructed  to  prosecute  vigorously  the  matter  of  Synodical  organ¬ 
ization  of  Home  Missions  so  far  as  may  be  practicable  and  wise,  par¬ 
ticularly  in  the  dependent  Synods. 

3.  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  advise  the  Executive  Com- 
mitte  of  Home  Missions  to  send  the  members  of  the  Committee  to 
the  Meetings  of  the  dependent  Synods  so  far  as  may  be  practicable. 

4.  Your  Committee  endorses  the  overture  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Home  Missions  to  the  Assembly  with  reference  to  special 


Sec.  1133] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


651 


appeals  provided  that  the  additional  time  toward  the  end  of  the 
year  be  granted  to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  as 
recommended  above. 

5.  We  recommend  that  Rev.  S.  L.  Morris,  D.  D.,  be  elected  Execu¬ 
tive  Secretary  of  Home  Missions  for  another  term  of  three  years. 

6.  The  following  nominations  are  made  for  vacancies  on  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  for  a  term  of  three  years:  Rev.  J. 
S.  Foster,  D.  D.,  Rev.  A.  A.  Little,  D.  D.,  Rev.  J.  G.  Snedecor,  LL.  D., 
Rev.  J.  S.  Lyons,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Homer  McMillan,  D.  D.,  Rev.  J.  H.  Patton, 
D.  D. 


III.  Christian  Education  ano  Ministerial  Relief 

Your  Committee  desires  to  congratulate  the  Executive  Committee 
of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  on  the  fine  showing  in 
their  work  for  the  past  year.  There  has  been  an  actual  advance 
instead  of  decrease  and'  retrenchment.  We  desire  also  to  express  our 
approval  of  the  action  of  the  Ad-Interim  Committee  on  Education  in 
recommending  to  the  Assembly  the  granting  of  aid  to  candidates  for 
the  ministry  in  the  form  of  loans  instead  of  gifts,  and  your  Com¬ 
mittee  hopes  that  this  action  will  likewise  commend  itself  to  the 
judgment  of  the  Assembly.  The  following  nominations  are  made 
for  vacancies  on  the  Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education 
and  Ministerial  Relief  for  a  term  of  three  years:  Rev.  W.  W.  Akers, 
Rev.  J.  T.  Thomas,  D.  D.,  and  Brainard  Lemon. 

W  recommend  that  Rev.  Henry  H  Sweets,  D  D.,  be  elected  Execu¬ 
tive  Secretary  of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  for 
another  term  of  three  yars. 

IV.  Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Extension 

The  showing  made  by  this  Executive  Committee  is  excellent  and 
deserves  special  commendation.  We  particularly  congratulate  them 
on  the  very  large  increase  in  the  number  of  their  publications.  The 
following  nominations  are  made  for  vacancies  on  this  Committee 
for  a  iterm  of  three  years:  Rev.  F.  T.  McFadden,  D.  D.,  Rev.  W.  L. 
Lingle,  D.  D.,  and  Rev.  Wesley  Baker. 

V.  The  Campaign  Committee  on  Stewardship 

We  note  with  peculiar  pleasure  the  decided  forward  movement  in 
the  work  of  this  Committee  and  recommend  that  each  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  throw  the  full  force  of  its  influence  and  activity,  as  far  as 
possible,  toward  the  development  of  this  work,  believing  the  Every- 
Member-Canvass  Plan  will  solve  all  the  financial  difficulties  of  our 
Church  in  its  Home  and  Foreign  work. 

We  desire  to  commend  this  Committee  for  the  election  of  Rev.  R. 
L.  Walkup  as  its  Secretary,  and  to  call  attention  to  the  efficient 
service  which  he  has  already  rendered  in  this  department. 

We  hereby  transmit  for  the  information  of  the  Assembly  the  at¬ 
tached  study  of  the  success  of  the  Every-Member-Canvass  Plan  cover¬ 
ing  the  past  five  years  of  its  operation. 

VI.  Woman’s  Auxiliary 

We  note  with  gratification  the  good  results  accomplished  by  the 
women  since  their  fuller  organization.  On  account  of  the  efficiency 
and  enthusiasm  which  they  have  displayed,  several  practical  ques¬ 
tions  have  emerged  which  affect  the  relationship  of  their  contribu¬ 
tions  through  their  societies  to  the  general  financial  plan  of  the 
Church. 

First — The  question  as  to  whether  the  women  should  be  encour¬ 
aged  to  subscribe  to  the  budget  and  give  through  the  church  treasury, 


652  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

or  whether  they  should  be  encouraged  to  give  chiefly  through  the 
societies  and  only  a  minimum  through  their  envelopes. 

Second — As  to  whether  the  amounts  pledged  by  the  women  to  the 
budget  and  contributed  through  the  church  envelopes  should  be 
credited  to  their  societies,  as  is  the  custom  in  some  congregations. 

Concerning  these  questions,  it  is  the  opinion  of  your  Committee: 

1.  That,  as  these  and  all  other  special  organizations  are  but  auxil¬ 
iary  to  the  Church,  and  as  the  first  allegiance  of  the  members  of  the 
Church  should  be  to  their  church  rather  than  to  any  special  organiza¬ 
tion,  the  Assembly  should  advise  all  such  organizations  to  make  their 
societies  a  means  of  encouraging  their  members  to  contribute  weekly 
through  the  envelopes,  and  the  contributions  made  through  such 
special  organizations  be  over  and  above  their  pledges  made  to  the 
budget  through  the  Every-Member-Canvass. 

2.  As  it  is  manifestly  undesirable  that  each  society  in  the  Church 
should  have  all  the  gifts  made  by  its  members  Through  the  church 
envelopes  credited  to  the  society  to  which  the  member  belongs,  and 
as  this  system  prevents  us  from  seeing  just  what  special  work  our 
societies  are  doing,  and  as  this  is  likely  to  result  in  confusion  and 
inaccuracy,  that  this  practice  should  be  discouraged. 

3.  Your  Committee  therefore  recommends  that  the  Assembly  ap¬ 
prove  the  above  opinion  and  transmit  it  to  the  Womanfs  Auxiliary 
as  the  objective  of  its  efforts  and’  urge  upon  the  Auxiliary  to  endeavor 
to  put  these  into  effect  by  the  year  1916-17 


VII.  General 

1.  The  Assembly's  Budget  and  Financial  Plan : 

(a)  Several  overtures  have  come  to  your  Committee  requesting 
that  the  percentage  system  of  the  Assembly’s  plan  be  discontinued. 
Inasmuch  as  these  percentages  apply  to  undesignated  amounts  which 
are  to  be  distributed  among  the  Assembly’s  causes,  and  serve  also  as 
a  guide  to  our  people  in  making  their  gifts,  we  recommend  that  the 
use  of  the  percentage  system  be  continued  by  the  Assembly. 

(b)  In  regard  to  the  matter  of  apportionments,  we  sympathize  with 
the  overtures  of  the  Synod  of  Virginia  and  the  Presbytery  of  Lexing¬ 
ton,  but  desire  to  state  that  these  apportionments  are  made  on  the 
basis  of  a  minimum  need  consistent  with  reasonable  advance  in  every 
department,  and'  that  special  funds  for  special  causes  are  not  included 
in  these  appropriations. 

(c)  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  urge  the  Beneficence  Treas¬ 
urers  of  all  churches  within  our  bounds  to  notify  the  Executive  Sec¬ 
retaries  of  the  four  Committees  with  regard  to  the  results  obtained 
from  the  Every-Member-Canvass  as  soon  as  possible  after  this  can¬ 
vass  has  been  made. 

(d)  In  view  of  the  numerous  complaints  which  have  come  from 
various  sources  concerning  the  diverting  of  funds  by  churches  from 
Assembly’s  causes  to  local  causes,  thus  decreasing  the  income  to  the 
Assembly’s  Committees,  we  recommend  that  the  Assembly  make  a 
strong  and  clear  deliverance  on  this  subject. 

(e)  In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  Assembly’s  Plan  of  Church  Finance 
wherever  it  has  been  faithfully  used  has  demonstrated  beyond  a 
reasonable  doubt  that  it  is  capable  of  meeting  all  the  financial  needs 
and  of  solving  all  the  financial  problems  of  our  Church;  and  in  view 
of  the  fact  that  only  about  one-fourth  of  our  churches  have  adopted 
this  plan,  your  Committee  therefore  appeals  in  the  most  urgent  man¬ 
ner  to  the  Assembly  to  take  such  action  as  will  secure  as  nearly  as 
possible  the  adoption  of  this  plan  by  nil  our  churches,  and  to  this 
end  we  suggest  that  the  Assembly  urge  all  the  Presbyteries  to  intro¬ 
duce  the  Assembly’s  Plan  in  all  their  churches  for  both  local  and 
benevolent  causes. 


Sec.  1133] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


653 


2.  Concerning  Executive  Committees'. 

(a)  With  ^reference  to  the  matter  of  the  employment  of  a  Joint 
Educational  Secretary  for  the  four  Executive  Committees,  your  Com¬ 
mittee  after  thorough  investigation,  recommends  that  this  plan  at  pres¬ 
ent  be  not  adopted. 

(b)  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  instruct  the  four  Executive 
Committees  to  work  out  a  definite,  comprehensive,  and  thorough  edu¬ 
cational  scheme  for  the  Sabbath  Schools,  covering  the  work  of  the 
four  causes,  and'  report  on  the  same  to  the  Committee  on  Systematic 
Beneficence  at  its  next  stated  meeting. 

(c)  We  recommend  that  one  officer  and  one  member  of  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  attend  the  annual  sessions  of  the 
Conference  of  the  Secretaries  of  the  Foreign  Mission  Boards  of  the 
United  States  and  Canada,  and  one  officer  and  one  member  of  the 
Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  attend  the  annual  sessions 
of  the  Home  Missions  Council.  The  expense  of  this  attendance  to  be 
borne  by  the  respective  Executive  Committees. 

(d)  That  the  General  Assembly  instruct  the  different  Executive  Com¬ 
mittees  to  invest  all  funds  placed  in  their  hands  which  are  subject 
to  annuities,  using  only  the  surplus  income  from  such  investments 
for  the  support  of  the  work  of  their  committees,  until  such  time  as 
the  annual  charge  upon  said  funds  shall  cease,  and  that  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committees  of  Foreign  Missions  and  Home  Missions  be  instructed 
to  use  these  funds,  as  they  become  free  from  charge,  as  a  basis  for 
their  reserve  funds. 

3.  Concerning  membership  in  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Syste¬ 
matic  Beneficence: 

(a)  In  order  that  membership  in  the  Committee  may  conform  to 
the  rules  adopted  by  previous  Assemblies,  your  Committee  has  ac¬ 
cepted  the  resignation  of  Rev.  D.  K.  Walthall,  alternate  to  Prof.  W. 
S.  Currell,  and  has  elected  Mr.  John  W.  Friend,  Jr.,  of  Petersburg, 
Va.,  and  Mr.  J.  W.  Sinton,  of  Richmond,  Ya.,  as  principal  and  alter¬ 
nate  to  fill  out  the  unexpired  term  of  the  members  from  the  Synod 
of  Virginia. 

(b)  Also  we  would  call  the  Assembly’s  attention  to  the  fact  that 
it  is  required  that  the  alternate  to  a  minister  shall  be  a  minister, 
and  therefore  recommend  that  Rev.  Charles  E.  Diehl  be  elected  in 
the  place  of  Mr.  James  Hasson  as  alternate  to  Dr.  Vance,  of  Ten¬ 
nessee,  and  that  Rev.  D.  P.  McGeachy  be  elected  in  the  place  of  Mr. 
Tazewell  McCorkle,  alternate  to  Dr.  Thompson,  of  West  Virginia. 

(c)  We  recommend  that  the  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence 
consist  of  eight  ministers  and  seven  ruling  elders,  and  that  each  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  in  electing  members  of  this  Committee  endeavor  to 
maintain  this  proportion. 

4.  With  reference  to  the  use  of  the  months  set  apart  to  the  various 
causes,  your  Committee  recommends  that  the  Assembly  authorize  the 
four  Executive  Committees  to  make  use  of  their  respective  months 
in  an  endeavor  to  secure  liberal  offerings  for  these  causes  from  all 
Of  the  churches  which  have  not  adopted  the  Assembly’s  Every-Mem- 
ber-Canvass  Plan. 


VIII.  Pekcentages  and  Apportionments 

1.  We  recommend  that  the  following  percentages  apply  to  any 
undesignated  amounts  to  be  distributed  among  the  Assembly’s  causes 
and  as  a  guide  to  our  people  in  making  their  gifts: 


Foreign  Missions  . 54% 

Assembly’s  Home  Missions  . 27% 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  . 14% 

Publication  and  Sunday  School  Extension  .  4% 

Bible  Cause  .  1% 


654  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

2.  We  recommend  that  the  following  amounts  be  named  as  a  mini¬ 
mum  amount  for  each  of  the  Assembly’s  causes  for  the  year  1916-17: 

Foreign  Missions  . $  648,000.00 

Home  Missions  . 324,000.00 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  .  168,000.00 

Publication  and  Sunday  School  Extension  .  48,000.00 

Bible  Cause  .  12,000.00 


$1,200,000.00 

3.  We  call  attention  to  the  fact  that  the  amounts  named  represent 
the  sums  necessary  in  order  to  maintain  efficiently  work  already 
undertaken,  and  to  secure  a  reasonable  degree  of  advancement  in 
the  effort  to  overtake  real  and  urgent  necessities.  Advancement  in 
salaries  of  our  needy  Home  Mission  workers  is  imperative.  The 
amounts  apportioned  do  not  include  such  items  as  the  Endowment 
Fund  for  Ministerial  Relief,  the  Semi-Centennial  Loan  Fund,  and 
a  number  of  other  special  objects,  all  of  which  should  be  provided 
for.  It  is  the  opinion  of  your  Committee  that  these  items  last  named 
should  be  regarded  as  opportunities  for  special  liberality  rather  than 
as  a  part  of  the  regular  budget. 

For  the  distribution  among  the  Synods  see  Assembly  Minutes 
1915,  p.  155. 


IX.  Conclusion 


1.  Expiration  of  Terms: 

(a)  The  first  term  of  the  following  members  of  this  Committee 
expires  with  this  meeting  of  the  Assembly.  These  are  eligible  for 
re-election:  Principals — J.  I.  Norris,  Arkansas;  L.  Ross  Lynn,  Flor¬ 
ida;  J.  M.  Clark,  Oklahoma;  A.  E.  Spencer,  South  Carolina;  Robert 
E.  Vinson,  Texas.  Alternates — John  Van  Lear,  Arkansas;  W.  H. 
Dodge,  Florida;  E.  Hotchkin,  Oklahoma;  M.  F.  Ansel,  South  Caro¬ 
lina;  Robert  Hill,  Texas. 

(b)  The  second  term  of  the  following  expires.  These  are  not 
eligible  for  re-election:  Principals — S.  D.  Weakley,  Alabama;  0»car 
Newton,  Mississippi.  Alternates — S.  J.  Cassells,  Alabama;  and  W.  C. 
Guthrie,  Mississippi. 

2.  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  appropriate  the  sum  of  $500.00, 
or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be  needed,  for  such  expenses  of  this  Com¬ 
mittee  as  may  be  in  addition  to  the  expense  of  its  members  in  at¬ 
tending  its  meetings. 

3.  The  books  of  the  Secretary  have  been  audited  and  his  accounts 
approved. 

4.  The  Committee  has  prepared'  a  Digest  of  the  actions  of  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  touching  the  Systematic  Beneficence  Committee,  and 
also  a  Manual  for  the  guidance  of  itst  members. 

5.  The  following  members  of  the  Committee  have  been  appointed 
to  represent  this  Committee  before  this  Assembly  and  its  Standing 
Committees,  namely:  James  I.  Vance,  A.  A.  Little,  and  Robert  E. 
Vinson. 


1134.  Report  of  the  Standing  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence 
1915,  p.  51.  The  following  documents  have  been  placed  in  our 
hands:  The  annual  report  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Sys¬ 
tematic  Beneficence,  all  Presbyterial  statistical  reports  on  Systematic 
Beneficence,  the  report  of  the  Campaign  Committee  on  Steward¬ 
ship,  and  overtures  as  follows:  Two  from  the  Synod  of  Virginia, 
one  each  from  the  Presbyteries  of  Montgomery,  West  Lexington, 
Orange,  Lexington,  Upper  Missouri,  Potomac,  East  Hanover,  Meek- 


Secs.  1133-1134]  Systematic  Beneficence  *  655 

lenburg,  and  Asheville,  and  one  from  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Home  Missions.  All  of  these  documents  your  Committee  has  ex¬ 
amined  with  painstaking  care. 

1.  Campaign  Committee  on  Stewardship 


In  view  of  the  fact  that  only  750  churches  out  of  a  total  of  3,040 
are  operating  under  the  Assembly’s  Plan,  we  recommend — 

1.  That  the  Campaign  Committee  on  Stewardship  be  continued 
as  heretofore. 

2.  That  the  Assembly  approve  of  the  election  of  Rev.  R.  L.  Walkup 
as  Secretary  of  this  Committee. 

3.  That  the  four  Executive  Committees  be  directed  to  throw  the 
full  force  of  their  activity  and  influence  toward  the  development  of 
the  Assembly’s  Plan,  and  that  the  Assembly  adopt  the  report  of  the 
Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  where  it  reads  as 
follows : 

(a)  Several  overtures  have  come  to  your  Committee  requesting 
that  the  percentage  system  of  the  Assembly’s  Plan  be  discontinued. 
Inasmuch  as  these  percentages  apply  to  undesignated  amounts  which 
are  to  be  distributed  among  the .  Assembly’s  causes,  and  serve  also 
as  a  guide  to  our  people  in  making  their  gifts,  we  recommend  that 
the  use  of  the  percentage  system  be  continued  by  the  Assembly. 

(b)  In  regard  to  the  matter  of  apportionments,  we  sympathize 
with  the  overtures  of  the  Synod  of  Virginia  and  the  Presbytery  of 
Lexington,  but  desire  to  state  that  these  apportionments  are  made 
on  the  basis  of  a  minimum  need  consistent  with  reasonable  advance 
in  every  department,  and  that  special  funds  for  special  causes  are 
not  included  in  these  appropriations.  *  *  * 

(d)  In  view  of  the  numerous  complaints  which  have  come  from 
various  sources  concerning  the  diverting  of  funds  by  churches  from 
Assembly’s  causes  to  local  causes,  thus  decreasing  the  income  to 
the  Assembly’s  Committees,  we  recommend  that  the  Assembly  make 
a  strong  and  clear  deliverance  on  this  subject.  *  *  *  And  in 
view  of  the  fact  that  only  about  one-fourth  of  our  churches  have 
adopted  this  plan,  your  Committee  therefore  appeals  in  the  most 
urgent  manner  to  the  Assembly  to  take  such  action  as  will  secure  as 
nearly  as  possible  the  adoption  of  this  plan  by  all  our  churches, 
and  to  this  end  we  suggest  that  the  Assembly  urge  all  the  Presby¬ 
teries  to  introduce  the  Assembly’s  Plan  in  all  their  churches  for 
both  local  and  benevolent  causes. 

4.  In  view  of  the  urgent  importance  of  this  matter  and  the  danger 
to  our  whole  financial  system  which  lies  in  the  practice  of  making 
special  appeals,  we  go  further,  and  request  the  Presbyteries  to  exer¬ 
cise  all  their  legitimate  authority  in  the  effort  to  enlist  all  the 
churches  among  the  number  of  those  that  have  adopted  the  Assem¬ 
bly’s  Plan. 

5.  That  the  printed  report  of  the  Campaign  Committee  on  Stew¬ 
ardship,  together  with  their  statement  of  results  achieved  by  the 


656  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

Every-Member-Canvass  Plan,  be  printed  in  the  Minutes  of  this 
Assembly. 

2.  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence 

The  report  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Benefi¬ 
cence  gives  evidence  of  the  painstaking  and  laborious  work  of  this 
Committee  and  of  faithful  attendance  upon  the  part  of  its  members, 
and  shows  that  the  past  year  has  been  one  of  the  most!  successful 
in  the  history  of  our  Church.  We  recommend: 

1.  That  the  organization  of  the  Committee  as  exhibited  in  its  re¬ 
port  be  approved. 

2.  With  reference  to  the  Assembly’s  Budget  and  Financial  Plan, 
we  must  correct  a  misapprehension.  The  amounts  apportioned  to 
the  various  benevolent  causes  are  the  sole  basis  from  which  the  per¬ 
centage  is  agreed  upon  or  derived,  and  inevitably  establish  these 
percentages.  Furthermore,  these  percentages  are  designed  to  apply 
to  undesignated  amounts'  which  are  intended  for  distribution  among 
the  benevolent  causes,  and  serve  also  as  a  guide  to  our  people  in 
making  their  gifts.  Therefore, 

(a)  We  recommend  that  the  percentage  system  be  continued. 

(b)  Inasmuch  as  the  amounts  apportioned  are  arrived  at  by  a 
careful  study  of  the  minimum  needs  of  each  cause,  together  with  a 
reasonable  advance,  we  recommend  that  these  apportionments  con¬ 
tinue  to  be  made  as  heretofore,  and  that  special  funds  for  special 
causes  be  not  included. 

(c)  “That  the  Assembly  suggest  to  church  Sessions  that  they  en¬ 
courage  their  people  in  making  free-will  offerings  for  the  beneficent 
work  of  the  Church,  over  and  above  the  Every-Member-Canvass,  and 
that  no  church,  in  adopting  the  Assembly’s  Plan,  exclude  all  appeals 
for  special  offerings.” — Assembly’s  Minutes  1913,  p.  39. 

“That  the  General  Assembly  declare  in  the  most  forceful  way  to 
all  the  churches  that  the  results  of  the  Every-Member-Canvass  should 
not  be  looked  upon  as  final,  but  as  a  means  by  which  to  build  up 
an  adequate  offering  for  the  year.” — Assembly’s  Minutes  1914,  p.  51. 

That  the  Executive  Committees  be  instructed  to  confine  their  spe¬ 
cial  finance  appeals  to  the  Church  at  large  to  the  months  assigned 
them  by  this  Assembly. 

(d)  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  urge  the  beneficence  treas¬ 
urers  of  all  churches  within  our  bounds  to  notify  the  Executive 
Secretaries  of  the  four  Committees  with  regard  to  the  results  ob¬ 
tained  from  the  Every-Member-Canvass  as  soon  as  possible  after 
this  canvass  has  been  made. 

(e)  In  answer  to  the  request  of  the  Permanent  Committee,  we 
recommend  that  the  beneficence  treasurers  conscientiously  refrain 
from  using  for  local  beneficences  amounts  which  have  been  sub¬ 
scribed  to  the  Assembly  causes;  but,  on  the  contrary,  that  care  be 
exercised  by  Synods,  Presbyteries,  and  Sessions  to  add  their  local 
necessities  to  the  Assembly  apportionment  before  the  subscriptions 
are  taken. 


.Sec.  1134] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


657 


(f)  Inasmuch  as  the  efficiency  of  the  apportionment  plan  de¬ 
pends  upon  the  thoroughness  with  which  it  is  applied  by  each  church, 
we  recommend  that  each  Synod  and  Presbytery  see  to  it  not  only 
that  the  apportionment  made  by  the  Assembly  reach  each  church 
Session,  but  that  these  apportionments  also  include  the  amounts 
needed  for  the.  local  work  of  these  courts,  in  addition  to  the  Assem¬ 
bly’s  needs;  and,  further,  that  the  Sessions  of  the  individual  churches 
add  to  these  apportionments  the  needs  of  their  respective  local  be¬ 
neficences  before  the  budget  is  announced  to  the  congregation  or  the 
subscriptions  taken,  and  that  they  notify  the  Executive  Secretaries 
as  provided  above. 

3.  Concerning  Executive  Committees 

We  recommend: 

(a)  That  one  officer  and  one  member  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Foreign  Missions  attend*  the  annual  sessions  of  the  Con¬ 
ference  of  the  Secretaries  of  the  Foreign  Mission  Boards  of  the 
United  States  and  Canada,  and  one  officer  and  one  member  of  the 
Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  attend  the  annual  sessions 
of  the  Home  Missions  Council.  The  expenses  of  this  attendance 
to  be  borne  by  the  respective  Executive  Committees. 

(b)  That  the  General  Assembly  instruct  the  different  Executive 
Committees  to  invest  all  funds  placed  in  their  hands  which  are  sub¬ 
ject  to  annuities,  using  only  the  surplus  income  from  such  invest¬ 
ments  for  the  support  of  the  work  of  their  Committees,  until  such 
time  as  the  annual  charge  upon  said  funds  shall  cease,  and  that  the 
Executive  Committees  of  Foreign  Missions  and  Home  Missions  be 
instructed  to  use  these  funds,  as  they  become  free  from  charge,  as  a 
basis  for  their  reserve  funds. 

4.  Concerning  Membership  of  the  Permanent  Committee 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  approve  the  action  of  the  Per¬ 
manent  Committee  in  conforming  its  membership  to  the  rules  adopted 
By  previous  Assemblies,  in  the  election  of  John  W.  Friend,  Jr.,  and 
J.  W.  Sinton  as  principal  and  alternate  from  the  Synod  of  Virginia 
to  fill  unexpired  terms,  and  Rev.  Chas.  E.  Diehl  as  alternate  to 
Rev.  Jas.  I.  Vance,  of  the  Synod  of  Tennessee,  and  Rev.  D.  P. 
McGeachy  as  alternate  to  the  Rev.  Ernest  Thompson,  of  the  Synod 
of  West  Virginia.  In  view  of  the  erection  by  the  Assembly  of  the 
new  Synod  of  Appalachia,  we  recommend  that  the  Permanent  Com¬ 
mittee  consist  of  eight  ministers  and  eight  ruling  elders. 

5.  Concerning  Percentage  and  Apportionment 

1.  We  recommend  that  the  following  percentages  apply  to  any 
undesignated  amounts  to  be  distributed  among  the  Assembly’s  causes 
•and  as  a  guide  to  our  people  in  making  their  gifts: 

Foreign  Missions  . . .  54% 


658 •  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

Assembly’s  Home  Missions  . - .  27% 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief .  14% 

Publication  and  Sunday  School  Extension  . .  4% 

Bible  Cause  . -  1% 

2.  We  recommend  that  the  following  amounts  be  named  as  a  min¬ 
imum  for  each  of  the  Assembly’s  causes  for  the  year  1916-17 : 

Foreign  Missions  . $  648,000.00 

Home  Missions  . - . . .  324,000.00 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  .  168,000.00 

Publication  and  Sunday  School  Extension  .  48,000.00 

Bible  Cause  .  12,000.00 


$1,200,000.00 

3.  We  call  attention  to  the  fact  that  the  amounts  named  represent 
the  sums  necessary  in  order  to  maintain  efficiently  the  work  already 
undertaken  and  to  secure*  a  reasonable  degree  of  advancement  in 
the  effort  to  overtake  real  and  urgent  necessities.  Advancement  in 
salaries  of  our  needy  Homo  Mission  workers  is  imperative.  The 
amounts  apportioned  do  not  include  such  items  as  the  Endowment 
Fund  for  Ministerial  Relief,  the  Semi-Centennial  Loan  Fund,  and 
a  number  of  other  special  objects,  all  of  which  should  be  provided 
for.  It  is  the  opinion  of  your  Committee  that  these  items  last 
named  should  be  regarded  as  opportunities  for  special  liberality 
rather  than  as  a  part  of  the  regular  budget. 

The  last  two  items  in  this  recommendation  have  been  conformed 
to  the  overture  presented  by  the  Synod  of  Virginia  and  answered  in 
the  latter  part  of  this  report. 

With  reference  to  the  quota  of  the  new  Synod  of  Appalachia,  we 
recommend  that  the  Assembly  instruct  each  of  the  Synods  concerned 
to  make  its  apportionments  upon  the  constituent  Presbyteries  of  the 
new  Synod  as  heretofore  and  deduct  these  amounts  from  their  re¬ 
spective  quotas. 

7.  Concerning  Expiration  of  Terms 

We  recommend: 

(a)  That  the  following  be  re-elected  for  one  term  of  two  years 
each  on  the  Permanent  Committee:  Principals:  L.  Ross  Lynn, 
Florida;  A.  E.  Spencer,  South  Carolina;  Robert  E.  Vinson,  Texas. 
Alternates:  W.  H.  Dodge,  Florida;  M.  F.  Ansel,  South  Carolina; 
Robert  Hill,  Texas. 

(b)  We  recommend  that  the  following  be  elected  for  two  years: 
Principals:  T.  C.  McRae,  of  Arkansas;  A.  F.  Davidson,  of  Okla¬ 
homa;  Rev.  J.  S.  Foster,  of  Alabama;  Rev.  J.  B.  Hutton,  Missis¬ 
sippi;  E.  W.  King,  Appalachia.  Alternates:  A.  W.  Whitemarsh, 
Arkansas;  A.  H.  Ferguson,  Oklahoma;  Rev.  E.  M.  Craig,  Alabama; 
Rev.  Geo.  D.  Booth,  Mississippi;  B.  D.  Brabson,  Appalachia. 

(c)  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  appropriate  the  sum  of 
$500.00,  or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be  needed,  for  such  expenses  of 


Sec.  1134] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


659 


this  Committee  as  may  be  in  addition  to  the  expenses  of  its  mem¬ 
bers  in  attending  its  meetings. 


Statistical  Summary  of  Systematic  Beneficence 
As  reported  by  the  Presbyteries 


Contributions 

Foreign  Missions . . . . . - . . . $  521,742.00 

Assembly’s  Home  Missions  .  111,771.00 

Synod’s  Home  Missions  .  60,125.00 

Presbytery’s  Home  Missions  . 168,622.00 

Congregational  Home  Missions  .  126,768.00 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  139,895.00 

S.  S.  Extension  and  Publication  . 28,131.00 

Schools  and  Colleges  . „ . _ .  128,292.00 

Bible  Cause  . 8,847.00 

Orphans’  Homes  . 113,141.00 

Miscellaneous  Benevolences  .  175,635.00 


Total  . * . . . $1,582,969.00 


Overtures 

1.  In  answer  to  overtures  from  the  Synod  of  Virginia  and  the 
Presbyteries  of  Montgomery,  Lexington,  West  Lexington,  Orange, 
and  Upper  Missouri,  all  of  which  ask  for  certain  radical  and  funda¬ 
mental  changes  in  the  Assembly’s  financial  plan,  we  recommend  that 
the  Assembly  reply: 

First.  That  answer  has  already  been  given  to  the  specific  re¬ 
quests  embodied  in  these  overtures  in  the  actions  recommended  by 
this  report; 

Second.  That  it  is  the  judgment  of  the  Assembly  that  the  pres¬ 
ent  financial  plan  has  not  been  in  operation  long  enough,  nor  with 
sufficient  thoroughness,  to  warrant  the  many  and  radical  changes 
embodied  in  these  overtures. 

2.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Home  Missions  and  the  Presbyteries  of  East  Hanover  and  Meck¬ 
lenburg,  asking  that  the  Assembly  do  not  interfere  with  the  work¬ 
ing  of  the  present  financial  plan,  we  recommend  that  the  Assembly 
reply  in  the  affirmative. 

3.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Potomac,  ask¬ 
ing  the  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  to  mail  statements  of 
apportionments  to  the  churches  twice  each  year,  etc.,  we  recommend 
that  the  Assembly  reply  by  reference  to  section  2  (f). 

4.  In  answer  to  the  overture  of  the  Synod  of  Virginia,  request¬ 
ing  that  one- third  of  the  apportionment  of  the  Synod  of  West  Vir¬ 
ginia  be  taken  from  that  Synod  and  added  to  the  Synod  of  Virginia, 
we  recommend  an  affirmative  answer. 


660 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


5.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Asheville, 
asking  that  the  Assembly  increase  the  percentage  of  the  Foreign  Mis¬ 
sion  cause  from  55  to  59,  we  would  recommend  that  the  Assembly 
answer  in  the  negative. 

Report  of  Campaign  Committee  on  Stewardship 

1915,  p.  50.  The  1914  Assembly  charged  the  Campaign  Committee 
on  Stewardship,  composed  of  two  representatives  from  each  of  the 
four  Executive  Committees  of  the  Assembly  and  from  the  Executive 
Committee  of  the  Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement,  with  the  definite 
task  of  advancing  the  interest  of  the  Assembly’s  Financial  Plan,  of 
securing  its  adoption  in  all  of  our  churches,  and  employing  such  as¬ 
sistance  as  may  be  necessary  to  push  this  plan  in  individual  churches. 

It  was  not  until  January  1,  1915,  that  the  Committee  secured  the 
services  of  a  secretary.  However,  the  work  was  kept  before  the 
Church  through  the  able  assistance  of  the  Committee  of  Publication. 
Twenty-five  thousand  copies  of  the  leaflet  “At  Home  and'  Abroad,” 
and  20,000  copies  of  the  leaflet  “How  to  Conduct  an  Every-Member- 
Canvass,”  and  several  other  educational  leaflets  were  published  and 
circulated  by  the  Publication  Committee.  On  the  above  date  Rev. 
R.  L.  Walkup,  of  Mississippi,  entered  upon  his  duties,  and  has  kept 
constantly  before  the  Church  the  Assemblyfs  Plan  through  litera¬ 
ture,  letters,  charts,  the  religious  press,  and  personal  visitation  of 
churches  and  Presbyteries. 

The  simultaneous  Every-Member-Canvass  in  March  resulted  not 
only  in  more  churches  enlisting,  but  shows  a  marked  increase  in  the 
intelligent  operation  of  churches  having  already  adopted  the  plan. 
Immediately  following  the  simultaneous  canvass,  every  Presbytery  was 
asked  to  conduct,  through  its  Systematic  Beneficence  Committee  (all 
other  committees  co-operating),  a  follow-up  campaign,  embracing  the 
months  of  April  and  May.  Many  of  the  Presbyteries  are  reporting 
fine  results,  especially  where  the  ministers  and  laymen  have  volun¬ 
teered  to  carry  the  message  into  every  non-enlisted  congregation. 
By  June  1,  some  of  the  Presbyteries  will  be  able  to  report  approxi¬ 
mately  every  church  enlisted,  while  others  will  be  able  to  report  a 
handsome  increase. 

Plans  have  already  been  projected  for  the  campaign  of  next  year. 
Many  of  the  Synods  are  arranging  for  conferences  to  be  held  during 
the  summer  months.  A  conference  on  Stewardship  and  the  Every- 
Member-Canvass  will  also  be  held  in  Montreat  July  19-24th.  This 
conference  has  been  specially  designed  for  the  Synodical  and’  Presby- 
terial  chairmen,  and  it  is  hoped  that  every  Synod  and  Presbytery  of 
the  Assembly  will  be  represented.  The  great  objective  of  the  Com¬ 
mittee  is  to  arrange  for  and  carry  through  an  every-church  campaign 
of  education  in  all  of  the  Presbyteries  before  the  next  simultaneous 
Every-Member-Canvass. 

The  Assembly’s  Plan  is  more  than  justifying  its  right  to  live  by 
its  substantial  achievements  and  vast  possibilities.  The  Church  is 
being  confirmed  in  the  belief  that  this  Scriptural,  business-like  method 
surpasses  by  far  any  plan  yet  devised.  In  response  to  a  questionnaire 
sent  out  to  many  of  the  enlisted  churches,  asking  for  the  exact  re¬ 
ceipts  of  the  Every-Member-Canvass,  the  fact  is  revealed  that  more 
than  ninety  per  cent,  of  these  churches  surpass  by  far  the  Assembly’s 
apportionment.  This  information  would  not  be  so  significant  had 
these  churches  been  selected'  with  great  care,  asking  only  the  best  (o 
report.  But  such  was  not  the  case.  These  churches  represent  all 
kinds  and  conditions — countrv.  village,  town  and  city  churches,  large 
and  small,  rich  and  poor  alike.  While  few,  if  any,  of  these  churches 
would  claim  that  the  Every-Member-Canvass  has  been  perfectly  worked, 
the  facts  stated,  however,  are  suggestive  of  what  will  result  when 
all  the  churches  loyally  and  cordially  put  into  effect  every  feature 
of  the  plan. 


Secs.  1135-1136] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


661 


The  cry  of  the  Church  at  home  and  abroad  is  for  an  adequate  sup¬ 
port.  We  are  fully  convinced  that  an  adequate  income  can  be  se¬ 
cured  through  the  universal  adoption  of  the  Assembly’s  Plan  of 
Finance.  To  enlist  every  church  and  canvass  every  member  is  a  stu¬ 
pendous  task.  However,  it  can  be  done,  with  all  the  agencies  of 
the  Church  co-operating  to  this  end.  To  do  this,  the  Assembly’s 
Plan  must  have  right  of  way,  be  more  faithfully  worked,  and  not 
be  hampered  and  checked  by  the  multitude  of  special  appeals  which 
have  tended  in  the  past  to  neutralize  its  effect.  We,  therefore,  ear¬ 
nestly  urge  that  every  obstacle  be  removed  and  every  endeavor  put 
forth  to  reach  every  church  and  every  member  before  March  31,  1916. 

A  study  of  the  statistics  of  the  churches  which  reported  they  were 
using  the  Assembly’s  plan,  in  whole  or  in  part,  in  1914,  has  been 
made,  and  the  reports  of  1910  (the  year  the  Assembly’s  new  plan 
was  adopted')  and  1914  have  been  compared. 

The  tabulation  shows  the  result  of  this  comparison,  and  it  reveals 
the  remarKable  gain  made  in  membership,  in  offerings  for  benevo¬ 
lences,  and  in  collections  for  local  expenses. 

The  contrast  is  all  the  more  striking  when  the  progress  of  the 
large  number  of  churches  in  the  non-enlisted  churches  is  compared  with 
the  reports  of  the  small  number  of  enlisted)  churchs.  The  figures  for 
1915  will  show  a  further  advance  in  every  line  of  activity  by  the 
enlisted  churches,  in  spite  of  the  depression  occasioned  by  the  great 
war,  and  it  is  not  claiming  too  much  to  say  that  but  for  the  fixed 
and  stable  support  given  our  benevolent  causes  by  the  “Every-Mem- 
ber-Canvass”  churches,  all  our  work  would  have  suffered  disastrously. 

Below  is  printed  the  tabulation  of  the  statistics  of  our  churches 
for  the  years  1910  and  1914: 

For  a  comparative  summary  of  the  enlisted  and  non-enlisted  churches 
in  the  E'very-Member-Canvass  of  1910  and  1914,  by  Presbyteries,  Syn¬ 
ods,  and  the  Assembly,  see  Assembly  Minutes  1915,  pp.  58ff. 

Only  the  totals  for  the  Assembly  are  given  here. 


Enlisted  Churches 


Membership 

For  Others 

For  Ourselves 

1910 

1914 

1910 

1914 

1910 

1914 

Assembly  .... 

756 

127,281 

146,225 

$  621,010 

$  826,308 

$1,604,472 

$1,930,759 

\ 

Ron-Enlisted  Churches 

Assembly  .... 

2284j  143,103 

1 

1 

159,816  $  364,483 

1 

$  419,293 

1 

$1,256,477 1  $1,543,595 

1 

1136.  Report  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence 

1916,  p.  148.  Your  Committee  has  met  twice  since  the  last  meet¬ 
ing  of  the  Assembly  at  Newport  News,  Virginia,  namely,  in  Louis¬ 
ville,  Kentucky,  January  25th  and  26th,  1916,  and  at  Orlando,  Flor¬ 
ida.  May  16th  to  17th,  1916. 


662 


Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 


The  following  members  were  present  at  these  meetings,  all  ab¬ 
sentees  having  rendered  excuses  which  were  accepted: 

Louisville  Synod  Orlando 

J.  S.  Foster  . Alabama  . J.  S.  Foster 

E.  W.  King  . Appalachia  . E.  W.  King 

. Arkansas  . T.  C.  McRae 

L.  Ross  Lynn  . Florida  . L.  Ross  Lynn 

A.  A.  Little  . Georgia . . . A.  A.  Little 

A.  J.  A.  Alexander  ....Kentucky  . A.  J.  A.  Alexander 

J.  Adair  Lyon  . Louisana  . J.  Adair  Lyon 

J.  B.  Hutton  . Mississippi  . J.  B.  Hutton 

J.  Layton  Mauze  . Missouri  . Trigg  A.  M.  Thomas 

R.  A.  (Brand  . North  Carolina  . 

A.  F.  Davidson  . Oklahoma  . 

A.  E.  Spencer  . South  Carolina  . A.  E.  Spencer 

James  I.  Vance  . Tennessee  . James  I.  Vance 

R.  E.  Vinson  . Texas  . R.  E.  Vinson 

John  W.  Friend  .  Virginia  . John  W.  Friend 

Ernest  Thompson  . West  Virginia  . Ernest  Thompson 

Officers  and  Organization. — James  I.  Vance,  Chairman;  Trigg  A.  M. 
Thomas,  Vice-Chairman;  Robert  E.  Vinson,  Secretary. 

Committees — 

No.  1.  On  Scope — A.  A.  Little,  Chairman. 

No.  2.  On  Methods — J.  Adair  Lyon,  Chairman. 

No.  3.  On  Education  and  Publicity — L.  Ross  Lynn,  Chairman. 

No.  4.  On  Administration — A.  E.  Spencer,  Chairman. 

No.  5.  On  the  Assembly’s  Budget  and  Financial  Plan — A.  J.  A. 
Alexander,  Chairman. 

No.  6.  On  the  Minutes  of  the  General  Assembly — J.  B.  Hutton, 
Chairman. 

Printed  reports  of  the  four  Executive  Committees,  the  report  of  the 
Campaign  Committee  on  Stewardship,  and  of  the  Woman’s  Auxil¬ 
iary  have  been  placed  in  our  hands,  and  have  been  carefully  con¬ 
sidered.  Your  Committee  has  also  had'  conferences  with  the  Execu¬ 
tive  and  other  Secretaries  and  the  Treasurer  of  Foreign  Missions 
and  with  Mrs.  Winsborough,  Superintendent  of  the  Woman’s  Auxil¬ 
iary,  at  both  of  its  meetings.  We  find  in  general  that  the  organiza¬ 
tion  of  the  various  Executive  Committees  is  well  adapted  to  the 
work  outlined  for  each  Committee  by  the  General  Assembly.  We 
are  also  pleased  to  r’eport  that  all  of  the  Executive  Committees,  with 
one  exception,  have  received  more  money  that  was  the  case  at  our 
last  report.  While  this  is  gratifying,  the  amounts  are  yet  far  short 
of  what  they  should  have  been  for  the  rightful  development  of  the 
work  given  into  their  hands. 

I.  Foreign  Missions 

The  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  has,  in  the  opinion 
of  your  Committee,  passed  through  a  very  successful  year.  While 
the  receipts  for  this  cause,  have  been  approximately!  ten  thousand  dol¬ 
lars  less  than  they  were  last  year,  due  to  falling  off  in  legacies,  the 
contributions  from  living  donors  being  larger  than  last  year,  the 
Committee  has  received  sufficient  money  to  enable  it  to  meet  all  the 
claims  on  its  appropriations  with  a  small  amount  left  over  to  apply 
upon  the  deficit  carried  over  from  the  last  year. 

But  this  was  made  possible  only  by  a  cut  of  10  per  cent,  on  sec¬ 
ond-class  appropriations,  in  addition  to  the  20  per  cent,  -cut  of  pre¬ 
vious  year. 

We  recommend — 

1.  That  the  following  be  elected  to  fill  the  vacancies  on  this  Com¬ 
mittee:  Rev.  J.  F.  Cannon,  Rev.  W.  L.  Caldwell,  Mr.  W.  G.  Adams, 
and  Mr.  C.  A.  Rowland,  for  a  term  of  three  years. 


Sec.  1136] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


663 


2.  That  the  following  amount  be  apportioned  to  this  cause  for  the 
year  1917-1918:  $666,000. 

II.  Home  Missions 

Your  Committee  finds  that  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Mis¬ 
sions  has  had  the  most  successful  year  in  its  history,  the  amount 
contributed  to  this  cause  being  greater  than  at  any  other  period. 
We  desire,  however,  to  call  the  attention  of  the  Assembly  to  the 
fact  that,  notwithstanding  the  amount  contributed  to  this  cause,  the 
work  of  this  Executive  Committee  during  the  past  year  has  fallen 
far  short  of  the  obligation  laid  upon  it  by  the  last  Assembly.  After 
the  most  careful  consideration,  we  find  that  this  Committee  has  not 
not  been  able  to  increase  the  salaries  of  our  Home  Mission  Workers, 
nor  provide  for  the  equipment  and  the  enlargement  of  the  work  au¬ 
thorized  by  the  last  Assembly.  Even  after  an  additional  examina¬ 
tion  of  the  budget  as  submitted  for  this  year  and  deducting  there¬ 
from  such  amounts  as  might  have  been  provided  locally,  your  Com¬ 
mittee  is  convinced  that  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions 
should  have  received  for  pressing  necessities  not  less  than  $100,000.00 
more  than  was  actually  expended. 

We  recommend — 

1.  That  the  following  be  elected  as  members  of  this  Committee  for 
a  term  of  three  years:  Revs.  R.  O.  Flinn,  D.  H.  Ogden,  and  W.  E.  Hill. 

2.  That  the  following  amount  be  apportioned  for  this  cause  for 

the  year  1917-1918:  $324,000. 

III.  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief 

Your  Committee  has  visited  the  office  of  the  Executive  Commit¬ 
tee,  and  has  carefully  considered  the  general  business  management 
of  the  Committee,  including  the  care  and  handling  of  funds,  the 
character  of  investments,  the  system,  economy,  and'  efficiency  of  the 
office  work,  and  we  are  pleased  to  report  that  we  found  everything 
in  satisfactory  condition  and  that  the  affairs  of  the  Committee  are 
administered  with  great  efficiency  and  accuracy. 

We  recommend — 

1.  That  in  view  of  the  liberal  offer  of  $68,000.00  for  the  Endow¬ 
ment  Fund  of  Ministerial  Relief,  upon  condition  that  double  this 
amount  be  raised  by  the  Church  before  January  1,  1917,  the  General 
Assembly  set  apart  the  first  Sunday  in  December  next  as  a  day  on 
which  all  our  churches  shall  take  a  special  offering  for  this  purpose. 
We  would  suggest  in  this  connection  that  the  Executive  Committee 
of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  be  advised  to  present 
this  matter  to  the  churches  in  such  a  way  as  to  secure  the  largest 
results,  hoping  that  the  conditions  of  the  offer  may  be  met  in  full. 

2.  That  the  following  be  re-elected  for  a  term  of  three  years  upon 
this  Committee:  Revs.  W.  Y.  Davis  and  J.  N.  Vander  Meulen  and 
Messrs.  John  Stites,  Bennett  H.  Young,  and  C.  F.  Huhlein;  also  Mr. 
James  Quarles  be  elected  to  fill  out  the  unexpired  term  of  Rev.  W. 
W.  Akers. 

3.  That  the  following  amount  be  apportioned  to  this  cause  for 
the  year  1917-1918:  $150,000. 

IV.  Publication  and  Sunday  School  Work 

Your  Committee  is  extremely  gratified  to  note  that  this  Committee 
has  received  during  the  past  year  slightly  more  than  the  total 
amount  apportioned  to  this  cause.  The  work  of  this  Committee  is 
in  a  flourishing  condition,  and  is  being  handled  in  a  wise  and  con¬ 
structive  manner. 

We  recommend — 

1.  The  re-election  of  Mr.  R.  E.  Magill  as  Executive  Secretary  of 
this  cause  for  a  term  of  three  years. 


664 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


2.  That  Rev.  T.  H.  Rice,  Rev.  W.  E.  Hutchison,  Mr.  J.  W.  Sinton, 
Mr.  J.  S.  Munce,  and  Mr.  R.  E.  Magill  be  re-elected  as  members  of 
this  Committee  for  a  term  of  three  years. 

3.  That  the  following  amount  be  apportioned  to  this  cause  for 
the  year  1917-1918:  $48,000. 


V. 

It  is  evident  that  the  introduction  of  the  Assembly’s  Plan  has 
made  marked  progress  during  thje  past  year,  due  to  the  work  of  the 
Campaign  Committee  and  through  the  earnest  efforts  of  Rev.  R.  L. 
Walkup,  its  Secretary.  We  venture  to  recommend  to  the  Assembly 
that,  as  a  means  of  more  completely  introducing  the  financial  plan  of 
the  General  Assembly,  the  work  of  Mr.  Walkup  be  continued,  and  should 
the  Campaign  Committee  be  continued,  we  recommend  that  it  be 
composed  of  only  one  representative  from  each  of  the  agencies  con¬ 
cerned  in  its  organization,  as-  by  this  means  the  expenses  of  its  opera¬ 
tion  may  be  greatly  reduced. 

VI.  Woman’s  Auxiliary 

Your  Committee  is  pleased  to  note  the  substantial  progress  which 
has  been  made  by  this  department  of  our  work,  and  particularly  we 
desire  to  express  our  gratification  at  the  increased  number  of  mem¬ 
bers  who  have  been  brought  into  contact  with  this  movement  and 
the  greatly  increased  contributions  to  all  causes  reported  from  their 
united  efforts.  We  recommend  that  the  General  Assembly  call  the 
attention  of  the  Synods  and  Presbyteries  to  the  great  value  of  this 
Auxiliary  in  prosecuting  the  work  of  these  bodies  and  to  urge  upon 
them  to  make  larger  use  of  the  Auxiliary  through  appropriate  and 
active  committees. 

VII.  The  Assembly’s  Budget  and  Financial  Plan 

1.  Your  Committee  believes  that  the  weakness  of  the  Every-Mem- 
ber-Canvass  arises  from  a  fourfold  failure: 

a.  The  failure  of  the  Presbyteries  to  add'  to  the  amounts  apportioned 
them  for  Assembly  Causes  the  sums  required  for  Synodical  and 
Presbyterial  work. 

b.  The  failure  of  Presbyterial  Chairmen  to  apportion  these  Assem¬ 
bly,  Synodical,  and  Presbyterial  apportionments. 

<o.  The  failure  of  the  individual  churches  to  have  placed  before 
them  in  plain  figures  the  itemized  amounts  which  they  are  expected 
to  give  to  every  cause. 

d.  The  failure  of  pastors  tq  present  to  their  churche-s  this  combined 
total  as  their  minimum  goal  for  benevolences. 

Your  Committee  therefore,  would  recommend  to  the  Assembly: 

a.  That  the  Secretary  of  the  Campaign  Committee  on  Steward¬ 
ship  be  instructed  to  send  to  the  various  Presbyterial  Chairmen  of 
Beneficence  the  apportionments  of  the  Presbyteries  for  the  Assembly’s 
Causes. 

b.  That  the  Secretary  of  the  Campaign  Committee  on  Stewardship  be 
instructed  to  notify  these  Presbyterial  Chairmen  that  it  is  part  of  the 
Assembly’s  plan  that  they  secure  the  Synodical  and  Presbyterial  ap¬ 
portionments,  list  the  same  with  the  Assembly’s  Causes,  and  send  to 
the  local  churches  in  plain  figures  the  itemized  amounts  expected  from 
tiiem  for  these  respective  causes. 

c.  That  the  Secretary  of  Campaign  Committee  on  Stewardship  be  in¬ 
structed  to  urge  upon  these  Presbyterial  Chairmen  the  importance  of, 
and  to  co-operate  in  all  possible  ways  with  them  in  carrying  out,  this 
policy. 

d.  That  these  itemized  apportionments  be  the  minimum  for  the 
Benevolent  gifts  of  the  local  church. 


Sec.  1136] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


665 


e.  That  pastors  be  urged  to  employ  throughout  the  year  all  proper 
means  for  educating  their  people  in  the  principles  of  Christian  Stew¬ 
ardship  and  in  the  securing  of  these  specified  amounts  as  the  mini¬ 
mum  of  benevolence. 

f.  Should  the  minimum  goal  be  exceeded  or  not  reached,  every 
cause  should  share  proportionately  in  the  gain  or  loss. 

The  provision  of  this  section  is  to  apply  only  to  undesignated’  gifts. 

g.  We  believe  that  the  itemized  statement  of  the  apportionments 
in  plain  figures  will  make  clearer  the  meaning  of  percentages  in  our 
system  of  benevolences. 

2.  In  view  of  the  incessant  demands  made  on  the  liberality  of  our 
people  by  all  kinds  of  social,  humanitarian,  philanthropic,  and  inde¬ 
pendent  enterprise,  to  the  great  detriment  of  our  regular  causes  of 
benevolence,  we  recommend  that  the  General  Assembly  express  its 
judgment  that  the  objects  approved  by  our  Church  courts  are  of 
prime  importance,  and  that  the  paramount  and  pressing  obligation 
of  the  members  of  the  Church  is  to  support  them  to  the  extent  of 
their  fullest  needs. 

3.  Concerning  Executive  Committees. — We  recommend: 

a.  That  the  Home  and  Foreign  Mission  Committees,  through  their 
educational  departments,  be  requested  to  give  special  consideration 
to  the  organization  of  Mission  Study  Classes  among  the  men  of  our 
churches. 

b.  Looking  to  the  future  of  our  Church  and  realizing  the  vital 
importance  of  a  ministry  thoroughly  informed  as  to  its  financial 
plan,  we  recommend  that  the  Assembly  suggest  to  all  our  Theological 
Seminaries  the  necessity  of  arranging  the  course  in  Pastoral  Theology 
so  as  to  give  adequate  instruction  in  this  essential  department  of  the 
Church’s  work,  if  they  have  not  already  done  so. 

4.  Concerning  Membership  in  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Sys¬ 
tematic  Beneficence. 

a.  The  second  term  of  the  following  members  expires  at  this  meet¬ 
ing  of  the  General  Assembly.  These  are  not  eligible  to  re-election, 
namely:  Principals,  A.  J.  A.  Alexander,  Kentucky;  James  I.  Vance, 
Tennessee;  and  Trigg  A.  M.  Thomas,  Missouri;  Alternates,  C.  F. 
Huhlein,  Kentucky;  C.  E.  Diehl,  Tennessee;  J.  Layton  Mauze,  Mis¬ 
souri. 

b.  The  first  term  of  the  following  members  expires  with  this  meet¬ 
ing  of  the  Assembly.  These  are  eligible  for  re-election,  namely:  Prin¬ 
cipals,  A.  A.  Little,  Georgia;  J.  Adair  Lyon,  Louisiana;  John  W. 
Friend,  Virginia;  and  Ernest  Thompson,  West  Virginia;  Alternates, 
J.  G.  Patton,  Georgia;  John  S.  Talmage,  Louisiana;  *  J.  W.  Sinton, 
Virginia;  and  D.  P.  McGeachy,  West  Virginia. 

c.  We  call  the  attention  of  the  Assembly  to  the  fact  that  its  own 
rules  require  that  this  Committee  be  composed  equally  of  ministers 
and  elders,  and,  in  so  far  as  it  is  possible,  that  a  minister  should 
succeed  an  elder  and  an  elder  should  succeed  a  minister,  and  also 
that  from  those  Synods  in  which  the  various  Executive  Committees 
are  located  the  representatives  on  the  Systematic  Beneficence  Com¬ 
mittee  must  be  drawn  from  the  membership  of  the  Executive  Commit¬ 
tees  respectively. 

VIII.  Percentages  and  Apportionments 

1.  We  recommend  that  the  following  percentages  apply  to  any 
undesignated  amounts  to  be  distributed  among  the  Assembly’s  Causes 
and  as  a  guide  to  our  people  in  making  their  gifts: 


Foreign  Missions  .  55*4  per  cent. 

Assembly’s  Home  Missions  .  27  per  cont. 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  . .  12*4  per  cent. 

Publication  and  Sunday  School  Extension  .  4  per  cent. 

Bible  Cause .  1  per  cent. 


666 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


2.  We  recommend  that  the  following  amounts  be  named  as  a  mini¬ 
mum  for  each  of  the  Assembly’s  Causes  for  the  year  1917-1918: 


Foreign  Missions  .  $  666,000.00 

Home  Missions  .  324,000.00 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  .  150,000.00 

Publication  and  Sunday  School  Extension  .  48,000.00 

Bible  Cause  . . . . .  12,000.00 


$1,200,000.00 


IX.  Conclusion 

1.  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  appropriate  the  sum  of  $250.00, 
or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be  needed,  for  such  expenses  of  this  Com¬ 
mittee  as  may  be  in  addition  to  the  expense  of  its  members  in  attending 
its  meetings. 

2.  The  books  of  the  Secretary  have  been  audited  and  his  accounts 
approved. 

3.  The  following  members  of  this  Committee  have  been  appointed 
to  represent  this  Committee  before  this  Assembly  and  its  Standing 
Committees,  namely:  Ernest  Thompson  and  Trigg  A.  M.  Thomas. 

1137.  Report  of  the  Assembly's  Committee  on  Stewardship 

Organization. — Following  the  directions  of  the  General  Assembly, 
this  Committee  is  composed  of  ten  members,  two  from  each  of  the 
Executive  Committees,  and  two  from  the  Laymen’s  Missionary  Move¬ 
ment. 

Officers. — Rev.  H.  H.  Sweets.  D.  D.  Chairman;  Mr.  John  J.  Eagan. 
Treasurer;  Mr.  R.  E.  Magill,  Recording  Secretary;  Rev.  R.  L.  Walk- 
up,  Secretary. 

Committee. — Foreign  Missions,  Rev.  Egbert  W.  Smith,  D.  D.,  Rev. 
S.  H.  Chester,  D.  D.;  Home  Missions,  Rev.  S.  L.  Morris,  D.  D.,  Rev. 
Homer  McMillan,  D.  D.;  Ministerial  Education  and  Relief,  Rev.  H. 
H.  Sweets,  D.  D.,  Rev.  W.  W.  Akers;  Publication,  R.  E.  Magill,  Jno. 
W.  Friend;  Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement,  Dr.  J.  P.  McCallie,  Dr. 
Jas.  L.  Howe. 

The  Secretary,  R.  L.  Walkup,  with  headquarters  at  Jackson,  Mis¬ 
sissippi,  has  devoted'  his  energies  to  the  prosecution  of  the  work. 
He  has  divided  his  time  between  the  work  of  the  office  and  the 
visitation  of  churches,  Presbyteries,  and  Synods.  Through  personal 
communication,  church  papers  and  visitation,  he  has  endeavored  to 
keep  constantly  before  the  entire  Church  the  Assembly’s  Plan  of 
Finance  and  the  enlistment  of  all  churches  in  the  operation  of  the 
Every-Member-Canvass. 

Progress  of  the  Plan. — Of  the  85  Presbyteries,  83  made  report  of 
the  Every-Member-Canvass.  Of  the  3,438  churches  on  the  roll  last 
year,  1,068  reported  having  made  the  Every-Member-Canvass.  This 
is  a  gain  of  314  over  the  previous  year,  or  an  increase  of  30%.  We 
do  not  claim  that  in  all  these  churches  the  plan  as  suggested  by  the 
Assembly  was  adopted  in  full.  It  has  been  revealed  that  many  are 
poorly  prepared  for,  inadequately  organized,  and  ineffectively  carried 
out,  so  that  they  are  in  reality  only  partially  made,  as  many  pastors 
and  committeemen  frankly  confess.  However,  these  churches,  thirty 
per  cent,  of  the  whole,  contributed  sixty-five  per  cent,  of  all  benevo¬ 
lences.  This  additional  fact  must  be  borne  in  mind,  that  some  of  our 
largest  and  most  liberal  churches  have  not  adopted  the  plan.  This 
plan  of  church  finance  has  passed  beyond  the  experimental  stage 
and  is  proving  a  most  effective  agent  in  reaching  the  rank  and 
file  of  the  Church  with  a  definite  call  to  a  definite  service.  In  the 
beginning  it  was  considered  generally  as  merely  a  money-raising 
device.  With  experience,  this  low  idea  has  given  way  to  one  which 
puts  the  Every-Member-Canvass  at  the  very  heart  and'  life  of  the 
Church. 


Sec.  1137] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


667 


The  Objective. — The  Assembly’s  plan  has  for  its  aim  more  than 
temporarily  supplying  the  treasury  with  funds,  however  important 
this  may  be.  Its  goal  is  nothing  less  than  enlisting  the  co-operation 
of  every  member  of  the  Church  in  carrying  out  .the  whole  program 
of  Christ.  Back  of  the  aim  to  secure  from  each  member  a  written 
pledge,  made  on  a  weekly  basis,  presented  in  worship  every  week, 
is  the  effort  to  bring  the  Church  to  an  intelligent  apprehension  of 
its  entire  relation  to  the  acquisition,  possession  and  use  of  money. 
This  calls  for  universal  and  unreserved  consecration  of  both  self  and 
substance.  Such  an  aim  is  worthy  of  the  warmest  enthusiasm  and 
most  earnest  co-operation  of  the  whole  Church. 

The  Forces. — 1.  The  General  Assembly  relates  itself  to  the  pro¬ 
motion  of  the  Plan  of  Finance  through  the  Campaign  Committee  of 
Stewardship.  This  Committee  is  charged  with  the  responsibility  of 
informing  the  entire  Church  of  the  combined  needs  as  set  forth  in 
the  budget,  to  urge  on  Synods  and  Presbyteries  the  approval  and 
sanction  of  their  quotas  and  the  enlisting  of  every  church  in  the  use 
of  the  Every-Member-Canvass,  as  the  best  and  only  method  approved 
by  the  Church  in  providing  adequately  for  all  needs. 

2.  Each  Synod  is  responsible  for  promoting  the  Assembly’s  Plan 
throughout  its  own  territory.  The  needs  of  Synod  are  added  to  the 
Assembly’s  budget  and  are  carefully  apportioned  out  to  the  Presby¬ 
teries.  In  order  to  make  the  plan  more  effective,  the  Systematic 
Beneficence  Committee  of  Synod's  is  made  up  of  the  Chairmen  of  the 
Systematic  Beneficence  Committees  of  the  Presbyteries. 

3.  Each  Presbytery,  through  its  Systematic  (Beneficence  Committee, 
composed  of  the  Chairmen  of  the  Benevolent  Committees  of  Presby¬ 
tery,  completes  the  budget  by  adding  its  own  needs  and  apportions 
the  full  amount  of  the  churches.  This  Committee  provides  for 
thoroughly  carrying  out  the  Assembly’s  Plan  and  setting  up  the 
Every-Member-Canvass  in  all  the  churches  by  means  of  conferences 
of  church  officers,  inter-visitation  of  churches,  and  all  other  means 
that  may  serve  best  to  promote  the  plan. 

4.  Every  church,  through  its  Session  and  Diaconate,  unifies  and 
co-ordinates  the  benevolent  interest  of  all  departments  and  carries 
on  a  definite  program  of  education  throughout  the  year. 

5.  Definite  and  personal  responsibility  is  placed  on  each  member 
to  assume  a  full  share  of  gifts,  service,  and  prayer  in  supporting 
the  entire  program  of  the  kingdom  at  home  and  abroad. 

Apportionment. — The  Assembly  now  adopts  a  budget  a  full  year  in 
advance,  so  that  the  total  for  Assembly’s  causes  can  be  apportioned 
by  the  Synods  at  their  fall  meetings.  To  illustrate,  the  Assembly 
of  May,  1916,  will  approve  the  budget  for  the  year  beginning  April 
1st,  1917. 

Immediately  following  the  last  Assembly  the  apportionment  was 
sent  down  to  Synods  and  Presbyteries.  A  sustained  effort  had  been 
made  through  the  year  to  acquaint  each  church  with  the  minimum 
part  it  is  expected  to  take  in  providing  an  adequate  income  for 
every  cause.  This  important  feature  of  the  Assembly’s  plan,  though 
not  as  yet  in  full  operation  in  every  church,  has  reached  more  con¬ 
gregations  during  the  past  year  than  in  any  other  previous  year. 

Leaders'  Conference. — The  following  conferences  in  the  interest  of 
Christian  Stewardship  and  the  Assembly’s  Plan  of  Finance  were 
held  during  the  summer:  Baton  Rouge,  La.,  Jackson,  Miss.,  Montreat, 
N.  C.,  and  Kerrville,  Texas. 

At  least  75  per  cent,  of  the  Presbyteries  were  represented  and 
some  valuable  constructive  work  outlined.  The  findings  of  these 
conferences  were  printed  in  pamphlet  form  and  distributed  through 
the  Church. 

Synodical  and  Presbyterial  Conferences. — Special  time  was  given 
to  Systematic  Beneficence  in  practically  every  Synod  and  Presbytery. 
There  were  prepared  in  the  Campaign  Committee’s  office  charts,  both 
of  Synods  and  Presbyteries,  giving  the  exact  status  of  the  Every-Mem- 


668 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


ber-Canvass  among  the  churches.  These  were  used  to  good  advantage 
under  the  direction  of  the  Presbyterial  and  Synodical  Chairmen. 

Laymen's  Missionary  Convention. — By  order  of  the  Committee,  the 
Secretary  was  directed  to  attend  the  Interdenominational  Conventions 
of  the  Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement.  A  special  program  was  pre¬ 
pared  and  thirteen  denominational  conferences  of  two  days  each 
were  conducted  under  the  supervision  of  Rev.  H.  F.  Williams,  of 
Nashville,  Tenn.,  and  the  Secretary,  R.  L.  Walkup. 

Deputation. — Splendid  assistance  has  been  rendered  the  cause  through 
the  elders  and  deacons  who  have  given  of  their  time,  means,  and 
talent.  Some  of  the  most  successful  canvasses  yet  reported  have 
been  made  by  these  men  going  to  the  non-enlisted  churcfhes  on  Sunday, 
explaining  the  plan  in  conference  and  from  the  pulpit,  and  setting 
up  the  canvass  while  on  the  ground.  The  only  regret  is  that  this 
asset  has  not  been  employed  to  the  fullest. 

Literature. — The  following  tracts  and  pamphlets  have  been  pre¬ 
pared: 

How  to  Conduct  the  Every-Minute-Canvass,  revised. 

The  Scriptural  Plan,  the  Adequate  Plan. 

Christian  Stewardship  and  the  Assembly’s  Plan. 

The  Elder  and  the  Deacon. 

The  Church  Coin  Card. 

Nuggets  of  Truth  on  Christian  Stewardship. 

These  pamphlets  have  been  widely  distributed  throughout  the 
Church. 

Simultaneous  Every-Member-Canvass . — Preparation  was  begun  in  De¬ 
cember  for  the  united  campaign  in  the  interest}  of  enlisting  all  the 
churches  in  the  Every-Member-Canvass  in  March,  1916.  Each  church 
in  the  Assembly  has  been  urged  to  make  a  personal  Every-Member- 
Canvass  in  March  for  the  benevolent  causes.  The  plan  in  all  its 
essential  features  has  been  stressed  and  clearly  placed  before  each 
church.  From  every  Synod  save  two  the  Campaign  Committee  has 
received  special  assistance  from  the  Systematic  Beneficence  Commit¬ 
tee.  Strong  appeals  were  made  by  the  chairmen  to  the  ministers  and 
officers  of  the  Church  to  give  the  Assembly’s  plan  a  fair  and  impartial 
trial.  The  service  rendered  by  these  men  accounts  in  large  measure 
for  the  gratifying  increase  over  any  previous  year. 

Special  Features  of  the  Campaign. — 1.  Special  emphasis  placed  on 
the  fundamental  principle  of  Christian  Stewardship. 

2.  A  full  month  of  educational  preparation. 

3.  A  definite  and  adequate  goal  set  by  every  church  and  a  sus¬ 
tained  effort  on  the  part  of  each  to  realize  the  goal. 

4.  To  secure  reports  from  all  the  churches  as  to  the  accomplish¬ 
ments  of  the  Every-Member-Canvass  up  to  March  31st,  1916. 

Partial  Returns. — The  report  of  the  Presbyteries  to  date  give  1,200 
Every-Member-Canvass  churches,  with  ten  Presbyteries  yet  to  hear 
from.  When  the  returns  are  completed,  the  number  will  doubtless 
reach  1,500  churches.  This  is  an  increase  of  at  least  30  per  cent,  over 
the  returns  of  1915.  Special  effort  has  been  made  to  eliminate  all 
churches  who  have  the  canvass  only  in  name  and  report  only  those 
who  have  actually  carried  out  the  plan  in  its  essentials.  But  for 
these  safeguards,  the  number  of  churches  reporting  the  canvass  would 
be  considerably  larger. 

In  view  of  the  unprecedented  demands  of  the  Church  at  home  and 
abroad,  we  wish  to  declare  the  necessity  for  a  larger  propaganda  as 
a  Church  in  the  enlistment  of  our  people  in  the  world-wide  service 
of  our  Lord.  We,  therefore,  urge  a  threefold  forward  movement: 

1.  Cultivation  and  enlistment  of  all  congregations  in  weekly  con¬ 
tribution  to  all  benevolences  through  an  annual  personal  Every- 
Member-Canvass.  There  is  no  way  yet  devised  that  will  favorably 
compare  with  such  an  Every-Member-Canvass  as  an  educational  and 
inspirational  force  in  cultivating  the  masses  in  the  grace  of  giving. 


Sec.  1137] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


669 


2.  Intensive  cultivation  of  the  men  and  women  of  means,  who 
may,  when  the  need  is  personally  brought  to  their  mind  and  heart, 
give  as  God  has  so  lavishly  prospered  them.  If  the  Church  is  ever 
to  be  properly  financed,  it  must  be  through  proportionate  giving  of 
all  God’s  people. 

To  make  actual  and  effectual  this  ideal  there  must  come  to  God’s 
people  a  new  conception  of  their  relation  to  the  acquisition,  posses¬ 
sion,  and  use  of  money.  We  would,  therefore,  declare  for  a  revival 
of  the  sense  of  Christian  Stewardship  throughout  the  Church.  If 
our  Church  structure  is  to  be  increased  in  any  kind  of  proportion 
to  the  opportunities  the  Lord  is  thrusting  upon  the  Church,  both  at 
home  and  abroad,  the  base  and  supplies  must  be  materially  enlarged. 
This  can  only  be  done  through  the  faithful  and  persistent  teaching 
of  the  principles  of  Christian  Stewardship. 

The  following  recommendations  are  submitted  for  approval: 

1.  That  the  Assembly  reaffirm  its  unqualified  belief  in  the  need 
of  the  Every-Member-Canvass  and  insist  on  its  being  made  an  annual 
event  in  all  the  churches  not  later  than  the  third  Sunday  in  March. 

2.  To  overcome  one  defect  in  the  plan,  thorough  preparation  be 
made  for  the  canvass  by  continuous  cultivation  of  sympathetic  and 
intelligent  interest  throughout  the  year  and:  intensively  during  several 
weeks  immediately  preceding  the  canvass  by  a  series  of  sermons, 
circulation  of  prepared  literature,  and  by  careful  instruction  of  those 
who  are  appointed  to  represent  the  Church  in  the  house-to-house 
visitation  of  all  the  people. 

3.  That  all  churches  making  the  Every-Member-Canvass  be  so  desig¬ 
nated  in  the  Minutes  of  the  Assembly  by  an  asterisk  (*). 

4.  To  overcome  the  deficits  due  in  large  measure  to  the  great  num¬ 
ber  of  churches  withholding  the  benevolent  funds  until  the  close  of 
the  year,  a  quarterly  pay-up  campaign  be  ordered,  at  which  time 
each  church  will  be  called  upon  and  persistently  urged  ^o  forward 
at  least  one-fourth  of  the  amount  pledged  to  the  Assembly’s  Com¬ 
mittees. 

5.  In  view  of  the  fact  that  conditions  so  widely  differ  in  the  various 
Synods  as  to  local,  Presbyterial,  and  Synodical  needs,  it  shall  be  left 
to  the  judgment  of  each  Synod  to  determine  what  proportion  of  its 
funds  shall  be  kept  in  its  own  bounds  and  what  shall  be  contributed 
to  the  Assembly’s  causes,  but  that  they  be  urged  to  see  that  the  mini¬ 
mum  gifts  to  the  Assembly’s  causes  shall  in  no  Synod  be  less  than 
60  per  cent,  of  the  whole  benevolent  offering,  distributed  on  the  basis 
•of  the  Assembly’s  proportion. 

6.  As  a  safeguard  to  the  earnest,  consecrated  effort  to  reach  a 
definite  and  adequate  goal  for  the  year  thus  set  before  us  as  a  Church 
through  the  Every-Member-Canvass,  there  be  no  speecial  appeals  made 
by  any  committee  this  year  to  any  congregation  and  no  special  appeal 
to  the  Church  in  general  through  the  Church  papers,  except  in  the 
months  assigned  to  each  cause  by  the  General  Assembly,  where  the 
appeal  shall  be  to  churches  which  have  not  adopted  the  Every-Member- 
Canvass,  but  that  the  Executive  Secretaries  and  their  co-laborers  be 
urged  to  personally  present  the  needs  of  their  work  privately  to  indi¬ 
viduals  who  are  able  to  give.  This  recommendation  is  not  to  be  con¬ 
strued  as  limiting  any  committee  in  its  educational  work,  but  on  the 
contrary,  all  are  urged  to  give  all  possible  publicity  to  the  achieve¬ 
ments,  needs,  and  opportunities  of  the  work  under  their  care. 

That  the  Assembly  urge  the  Systematic  Beneficence  Committee  of 
■each  Presbytery  to  use  every  effort  (1)  to  introduce  the  Assembly’s 
plan  into  all  the  churches  of  the  Presbytery  not  yet  using  it;  (2)  to 
see  to  it  that  every  effort  is  used  to  have  the  Every-Member-Canvass 
perfected  in  those  churches  that  have  only  adopted  the  plan  in  an 
imperfect  way. 

7.  That  the  Assembly  request  that  the  following  questions  be  added 
to  the  blank  of  Systematic  Beneficence: 


670  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

1.  Was  the  canvass  preceded  by  a  thorough  educational  prepara¬ 

tion? 

2.  Was  there  fixed  a  definite  and  adequate  goal  for  benevolence? 

3.  Wasi  this  goal  reached  in  the  canvass? 

4.  Was  every  member  and  supporter  of  the  church  visited? 

5.  Have  you  a  well-defined  follow-up  plan  for  the  year? 

6.  Was  the  canvass  made  a  spiritual  power  to  your  church? 

8.  That  each  Presbytery  and  Synod  be  urged  to  devote  an  hour  or 
more  to  the  consideration  of  the  Church’s  Plan  of  Finance.  The  fol¬ 
lowing  program  is  suggested: 

The  Church’s  Financial  Plan 

Aim — To  promote  the  Every-Member-Canvass  in  every  church  for 
every  cause. 

I.  Report  of  Progress. 

1.  In  the  Church  at  large — by  a  representative  of  the  Assem¬ 
bly’s  Committee. 

2.  In  this  Synod — by  the  Chairman  of  Synodfs  Committee  of 

Systematic  Beneficence. 

II.  An  Open  Conference. 

1.  Benefits  realized  by  individual  churches: 

Income  increased. 

Salaries  advanced. 

Deficits  cleared. 

Benevolences  enlarged. 

Members  reclaimed. 

New  members  enrolled. 

2.  Points  to  be  guarded  and  strengthened: 

The  leadership. 

The  preparation. 

Educating  the  congregation. 

Making  out  the  budget. 

The  canvass. 

Handling  the  funds — two  treasurers. 

Careful  follow-up. 

Resolve A  (1)»  That  the  Campaign  Committee  express  to  Rev.  R.  L_ 
Walkup,  Secretary,  its  deep  appreciation  of  the  splendid  work  done- 
by  him  in  promoting  the  Assembly’s  plan  of  the  Every-Member-Canvass. 
in  the  churches  and  in  deepening  the  sense  of  Stewardship  in  our 
members. 

(2)  That  the  Campaign  Committee  assure  Mr.  Walkup  of  our  con¬ 
fidence  in  him  and  of  our  willingness  to  co-operate  with  him  in  this 
work. 

1138.  Report  of  the  Standing  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence 

1916,  p.  34.  The  following  papers  have  been  referred  to  us,  all 
of  which  have  been  given  due  consideration:  The  annual  Report  of 
the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence,  the  report  of 
the  Campaign  Committee  on  Stewardship,  all  Presbyterial  statistical 
reports  on  Systematic  Beneficence,  and  overtures  as  follows: 

One  each  from  the  Presbyteries  of  Mecklenburg,  West  Hanover,, 
and  East  Alabama,  one  from  the  Synod  of  Virginia,  and  one  from 
the  Rev.  W.  H.  Workman  and  others. 

I.  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence 

The  Sixth  Annual  Report  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Sys¬ 
tematic  Beneficence  reveals  faithful  attendance  on  the  part  of  its 
members — there  was  only  one  absence  at  the  Louisville  meeting,  and 


Secs.  1137-11381 


Systematic  Beneficence 


671 


only  two  at  Orlando;  their  painstaking,  laborious,  and  constructive 
work,  and  the  very  great  value  of  this  Committee  to  the  Church  as 
a  whole,  as  a  clearing-house  of  information,  as  a  balance-wheel,  as 
a  guide,  and  as  a  stimulant. 

We  recommend: 

First. — That  the  Committee  be  commended  and  thanked  for  its 
efficient  services. 

Second. — That  the  organization  of  the  Committee  as  exhibited  in 
its  report  be  approved. 

Third. — That  as  a  means  of  more  completely  introducing  tad 
perfecting  the  financial  plan  of  the  General  Assembly,  the  Rev.  R. 
L.  Walkup  be  continued  as  Secretary  of  the  Campaign  Committee. 

Fourth. — That,  as  a  means  of  reducing  the  operating  expenses, 
the  Campaign  Committee  be  composed  of  only  one  representative 
from  each  of  the  agencies  concerned  in  its  organization,  namely:  the 
four  Executive  Committees  and  the  Laymen’s  Movement,  and  that 
the  selection  of  its  representatives  be  left  to  each  several  agency. 

Fifth. — That  the  General  Assembly  express  its  gratification  at 
the  substantial  progress  which  has  been  made  by  the  Woman’s  Aux¬ 
iliary,  at  the  increased  number  of  members  who  have  been  brought 
into  contact  with  this  movement,  and  at  the  greatly  enlarged  con¬ 
tributions  to  all  causes  reported  from  their  united  efforts;  and, 
furthermore,  that  the  General  Assembly  call  the  attention  of  the  Synods 
and  Presbyteries  to  the  great  value  of  this  Auxiliary  in  prosecuting 
the  work  of  these  bodies,  and  urge  upon  them  to  make  larger  use 
of  it  through  appropriate  and  active  committees. 

Sixth. — That  the  Secretary  of  the  Campaign  Committee  on  Stew¬ 
ardship  be  instructed  to  send  to  the  various  Presbyterial  Chairmen 
of  Beneficence  the  apportionments  of  the  Presbyteries  for  the  As¬ 
sembly's  causes. 

Seventh. — That  the  Secretary  of  the  Campaign  Committee  on 
Stewardship  be  instructed  to  notify  these  Presbyterial  Chairmen  that 
it  is  part  of  the  Assembly’s  plan  that  they  secure  the  Synodical  and 
Presbyterial  apportionments,  list  the  same  with  the  Assembly’s  causes, 
and  send  to  the  local  churches  in  plain  figures  the  itemized  amounts 
expected  from  them  for  these  respective  causes.  We  believe  that  the 
itemized  statement  of  the  apportionments  in  plain  figures  will  make 
■clearer  the  meaning  of  the  percentages  in  our  system  of  benevolences. 

Eighth. — That  the  Secretary  of  the  Campaign  Committee  on  Stew¬ 
ardship  be  instructed  to  urge  upon  these  Presbyterial  Chairmen  the 
importance  of  this  policy,  and  to  co-operate  with  them  in  all  possi¬ 
ble  ways  in  carrying  it  out. 

Ninth. — That  these  itemized  apportionments  be  the  minimum  for 
the  benevolent  gifts  of  the  local  church. 

Tenth. — That  pastors  be  urged  to  employ  throughout  the  year  all 
proper  means  for  educating  their  people  in  the  principles  of  Chris¬ 
tian  Stewardship,  and  in  the  securing  of  these  specified  amounts  as 
the  minimum  of  benevolence. 


672 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


Eleventh. — That  ever}'  cause  should  share  proportionately  in  the 
gain  or  loss  as  far  only  as  undesignated  gifts  are  concerned,  should 
the  minimum  goal  be  exceeded  or  not  reached. 

Twelfth. — That  the  General  Assembly  earnestly  call  upon  all  our 
constituents  everywhere  to  make  this  vital  matter  of  Christian  Stew¬ 
ardship  the  subject  of  more  earnest  prayer  and  study,  in  the  hope 
that  they  may  “abound  in  this  grace  also,”  and  that  thereby  our 
Church  may  be  better  enabled  to  overtake  its  ever-increasing  re¬ 
sponsibilities  and  opportunities. 

Thirteenth. — That  in  view  of  the  incessant  demands  made  upon 
the  liberality  of  our  people  by  all  kinds  of  social,  humanitarian, 
philanthropic,  and  independent  enterprises  to  the  great  detriment  of 
our  regular  causes  of  benevolence,  the  General  Assembly  express  its 
judgment  that  the  objects  approved  by  our  Church  courts  are  of 
prime  importance,  and  that  the  paramount  and  pressing  obligation 
of  the  members  of  the  Church  is  to  support  them  to  the  extent  of 
their  fullest  needs. 

Fourteenth. — That  the  Home  and  Foreign  Mission  Committees,, 
through  their  educational  departments,  be  requested  to  give  special 
consideration  to  the  organization  of  Mission  Study  Classes  among; 
the  men  of  our  churches. 

Fifteenth. — That,  looking  to  the  future  of  our  Church  and  real¬ 
izing  the  vital  importance  of  a  ministry  thoroughly  informed  as  to 
its  financial  plan,  the  Assembly  suggest  to  all  of  our  Seminaries 
the  necessity  of  so  arranging  the  course  in  Pastoral  Theology  as  to 
give  adequate  instruction  in  this  essential  department  of  the  Church’s- 
work,  if  they  have  not  already  done  so. 

Sixteenth. — That  the  following  be  re-elected  for  one  term  of  two» 
years  each  on  the  Permanent  Committee  of  Systematic  Beneficence: 
Principals:  A.  A.  Little,  Georgia;  J.  Adair  Lyon,  Louisiana;  John 
W.  Friend,  Virginia;  Ernest  Thompson,  West  Virginia;  R.  A.  Brand,. 
North  Carolina;  and  J.  Layton  Mauze,  Missouri.  Alternates:  J.  G. 
Patton,  Georgia;  John  S.  Talmage,  Louisiana;  J.  W.  Sinton,  Vir¬ 
ginia;  D.  P.  McGeachy,  West  Virginia;  and  E.  P.  Wharton.  North. 
Carolina. 

Seventeenth. — That  the  following  be  elected  for  two  years  on  the 
Permanent  Committee  of  Systematic  Beneficence:  Principals:  John. 
T.  Thomas,  Kentucky;  W.  H.  Raymond,  Tennessee.  Alternates:  J.. 
M.  Vander  Meulen,  Kentucky;  J.  P.  McCallie,  Tennessee;  and  C. 
R.  Nisbet,  Missouri. 


Sec.  1138] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


673 


Eighteenth. — That  the  following  percentages  apply  to  any  undes¬ 
ignated  amounts  to  be  distributed  among  the  Assembly’s  causes  and 
as  a  guide  to  our  people  in  making  their  gifts: 


Foreign  Missions  . . . - . . . 55%  per  cent. 

Assembly’s  Home  Missions  . . . 27  per  Cent. 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  . 12%  per  cent. 

Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Extension  .  4  per  cent. 

Bible  Cause  . .  1  per  cent. 


Total 


100  per  cent. 


Nineteenth—  That  the  following  amounts  be  named  as  a  minimum 
for  each  of  the  Assembly’s  causes  for  the  year  1917-1918: 


Foreign  Missions  . . . . 

Home  Missions  . . . * . . 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief 
Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Extension 
Bible  Cause  . ..... 


.$  666,000.00- 
324,000.00 
150,000.00 
48,000.00 
12,000.00 


Total  . :. . . . . . $1,200,000.00 

Twentieth. — For  the  distribution  among  the  Synods  see  Assembly 
Minutes  1916,  p.  37. 

Twenty-first. — That  the  Assembly  appropriate  the  sum  of  $250.00, 
or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be  needed,  for  such  expenses  of  the  Per¬ 
manent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  as  may  be  in  addition 
to  the  expense  of  its  members  in  attending  its  meetings. 

II.  The  Assembly’s  Campaign  Committee  on  Stewardship 

The  report  of  this  Committee  for  the  year  ending  March  31,  1916, 
gives  evidence  of  the  very  great  zeal  and  energy  and  efficiency  with 
which  they  have  prosecuted  their  campaign  to  educate  the  Church  in 
the  fundamental  principles  of  Stewardship,  to  enlist  the  non-enlisted 
churches  in  the  use  of  the  Assembly’s  Plan  of  Church  Finance,  and  to- 
perfect  the  working  of  the  plan  in  the  enlisted  churches.  They  have 
had  a  worthy  objective.  They  have  endeavored  to  harness  to  their 
campaign  the  forces  comprised  in  the  Assembly,  the  Synods,  the 
Presbyteries,  the  local  churches,  and  the  individual  members.  They 
have  made  telling  use  of  conferences — leaders’  conferences  at  Baton 
Rouge,  La.,  Jackson,  Miss.,  Montreat,  N.  C.,  and  Kerrville,  Tex.; 
Synodical  and  Presbyterial  conferences;  and  denominational  con¬ 
ferences  at  thirteen  conventions  of  the  Laymen’s  Missionary  Move¬ 
ment. 

They  have  encouraged  deputation  work  on  the  part  of  ministers, 
elders,  and  deacons  in  their  endeavor  to  install  the  plan  in  the  local 
churches.  They  have  made  good  use  of  pamphlet  literature.  We 
are  pleased  to  note  their  gratifying  success.  Of  the  3,438  churches 
on  the  roll  last  year  1,068  reported  having  made  the  Every-Member- 
Canvass.  This  is  a  gain  of  314  over  the  previous  year,  or  an.  in- 


674 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


crease  of  30  per  cent.  These  Every-Member-Canvass  churches,  30 
per  cent,  of  the  whole,  contributed  65  per  cent,  of  all  benevolences. 
So  much  for  the  status  of  this  plan  last  year.  Now  for  this  year: 

The  report  of  the  Presbyteries  to  date  gives  1,200  Every-Member- 
Canvass  churches,  with  ten  Presbyteries  yet  to  be  heard  from.  When 
the  returns  are  completed,  the  number  will  doubtless  reach  1,500 
churches.  This  is  an  increase  of  at  least  30  per  cent,  over  the 
returns  of  1915. 

We  recommend: 

First. — That  the  report  of  the  Campaign  Committee  be  printed 
in  the  Appendix  to  the  Minutes  of  the  General  Assembly. 

Second. — That  the  Assembly  reaffirm  its  unqualified  belief  in  the 
need  of  the  Every-Member-Canvass,  and  insist  on  its  being  made 
an  annual  event  in  all  the  churches  not  later  than  the  third  Sunday 
in  March. 

Third. — That,  to  overcome  one  defect  in  the  plan,  thorough  prep¬ 
aration  be  made  for  the  canvass  by  continuous  cultivation  of  sympa¬ 
thetic  and  intelligent  interest  throughout  the  year  and  intensively 
during  several  weeks  immediately  preceding  the  canvass  by  a  series 
of  sermons,  circulation  of  prepared  literature,  and  by  careful  in¬ 
struction  of  those  who  are  appointed  to  represent  the  church  in  the 
house-to-house  visitation  of  all  the  people. 

Fourth. — That  all  churches  making  the  Every-Member-Canvass 
be  so  designated  in  the  Minutes  of  the  Assembly  by  some  distinctive 
mark,  such  as  an  x. 

Fifth. — That,  to  overcome  the  defects  due  in  large  measure -to  the 
great  number  of  churches  withholding  the  benevolent  funds  until  the 
close  of  the  year,  a  quarterly  pay-up  campaign  be  ordered,  at  which 
time  each  church  will  be  called  upon  and  persistently  urged  to  for¬ 
ward  at  least  one-fourth  of  the  amount  pledged  to  the  Assembly’s 
Committees. 

Sixth. — That,  in  view  of  the  fact  that  conditions  so  widely  differ 
in  the  various  Synods  as  to  local,  Presbyterial,  and  Synodical  needs, 
it  shall  be  left  to  the  judgment  of  each  Synod  to  determine  what 
proportion  of  its  funds  shall  be  kept  within  its  own  bounds  and 
what  shall  be  contributed  to  the  Assembly’s  causes,  but  that  they  be 
urged  to  see  that  the  minimum  gifts  to  the  Assembly’s  causes  shall  in 
no  Synod  be  less  than  60  per  cent.,  distributed  on  the  basis  of  the 
Assembly’s  proportion. 

Seventh. — That,  as  a  safeguard  to  the  earnest,  consecrated  effort 
to  reach  a  definite  and  adequate  goal  for  the  year  thus  set  before  us 
as  a  Church  through  the  Every-Member-Canvass,  there  be  no  appeal 
made  by  any  Committee  this  year  to  any  congregation,  and  no  special 
appeal  to  the  Church  in  general  through  the  Church  papers  for  the 
regular  budget  of  our  Assembly,  except  in  the  months  assigned  by 
the  Assembly  to  each  cause,  and  then  only  to  churches  which  have 
not  adopted  the  Every-Member-Canvass;  but  that  the  Executive 
•Secretaries  and  their  co-laborers  be  urged  personally  to  present  the 
need  of  this  work  privately  to  individuals  of  means,  who  are  able 


Sec.  1 1 3  S,  ] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


675 


to  give  thousands  anqj»  tens  of  thousands  of  dollars  to  the  Lord’s 
cause. 

This  recommendation  is  not  to  be  construed  as  limiting  any  Com¬ 
mittee  in  its  educational  work,  but  that,  on  the  contrary,  all  are 
urged  to  give  all  possible  publicity  to  the  achievements,  needs,  and 
opportunities  of  the  work  under  their  care. 

Eighth. — That  the  Assembly  urge  the  Systematic  Beneficence  Com- 
mittee  of  each  Presbytery  to  use  every  effort:  (a)  to  introduce  the 
Assembly’s  plan  into  all  the  churches  of  the  Presbytery  not  yet  using 
it,  and  (b)  to  see  to  it  that  every  effort  is  made  to  have  the  Every- 
Member-Canvass  perfected  in  those  churches  that  have  adopted  the 
plan  only  in  an  imperfect  way. 

Ninth. — That  the  Assembly  'request  the  following  questions  be 
added  to  the  blank  on  Systematic  Beneficence: 

(1)  Was  the  canvass  preceded  by  thorough  educational  prepara¬ 
tion? 

(2)  Was  there  fixed  a  definite  and  adequate  goal  for  benevolence?’ 

(3)  Was’  this  goal  reached  in  this  canvass? 

(4)  Was  every  member  and  supporter  of  the  church  visited? 

(5)  Have  you  a  well-defined  follow-up  plan  for  the  year? 

(6)  Was  the  canvass  made  a1  spiritual  power  in  your  church? 

(7)  How  many  tithers  in  your  congregation? 

Tenth. — That  each  Presbytery  and  Synod  be  urged  to  devote  an 
hour  or  more  to  the  consideration  of  the  Church’s  Plan  of  Finance, 
and  to  use,  if  they  think  best,  the  program  suggested  in  the  report 
of  the  Campaign  Committee.  See  Appendix  to  Minutes  of  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  of  1916;  this  Digest,  p.  670. 

III.  Overtures 

First. — In  answer  to  the  overture  from  the  Synod  of  Virginia, 
asking  the  General  Assembly  not  to  assign  the  Synod  of  Virginia 
more  than  its  per  capita  share  of  any  apportionments  the  Assembly 
may  make  to  its  constitutent  Synods  for  the  year  beginning  April  1, 
1917: 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  reply  in  the  affirmative. 

Second. — In  answer  to  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Meck¬ 
lenburg,  asking  that  instructions  be  given  to  the  several  Executive 
Committees  to  keep  within  the  months  fixed  for  them  for  their  re¬ 
spective  causes,  so  that  there  shall  be  no  encroachment  by  one  Com¬ 
mittee  or  its  representatives  upon  the  month  set  apart  for  another: 

We  recommend  hat  the  Assembly  reply  in  the  affirmative. 

Third. — In  answer  to  the  overture  from  West  Hanover  Presbytery , 
asking  the  General  Assembly  to  eliminate  the  percentage  feature  in 
toto  from  the  Stewardship  program,  and,  further,  that  the  apportion¬ 
ment  for  any  given  department  of  the  Church’s  work,  for  its  current 
use,  be  limited  to  an  amount  not  exceeding  an  increase  of  10  per  cent, 
over  its  receipts  for  current  use  during  the  year  previous: 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  reply  in  the  negative. 


676 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


Fourth. — In  answer  to  the  overture  from  $fre  Presbytery  of  East 
Alabama,  asking  that  the  books  of  the  Treasurers  of  the  Assembly’s 
Executive  Committees  be  ordered  kept  open  until  April  10,  so  that 
reports  of  churches  closing  their  booksl  March  31st  may  reach  the 
various  Treasurers  before  their  books  close: 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  reply  in  the  negative. 

Fifth. — In  answer  to  the  overture  from  Rev.  W.  H.  Workman  and 
others,  asking  the  General  Assembly  to  constitute  the  Treasurer  of 
the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  a  General  Treasurer, 
whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  receive  all  contributions  for  all  the  causes 
of  the  Assembly’s  Systematic  Beneficence  and  to  distribute  the  same 
among  the  various  causes  in  accordance  with  the  Assembly’s  plan,  or 
as  the  donors  may  direct,  and  that  the  amounts  of  the  sums  thus 
placed  to  the  credit  of  th^  various  causes  be  remitted  by  him  to  the 
respective  Treasurers  of  the  Executive  Committees  as  now  constituted 
at  the  close  of  each  month,  if  so  desired  by  respective  Treasurers: 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  refer  this  overture  to  the  Per¬ 
manent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence,  to  give  it  thorough 
consideration,  and  report  next  year. 

Special  Recommendations. — 1.  We  recommend  that  the  General 
Assembly  refer  the  proposition  of  D.  H.  Rolston  and  H.  Waddell 
Pratt  to  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence,  to  be 
studied  by  them  and  to  be  reported  on  to  the  next  meeting  of  the 
Assembly. 

2.  We  recommend  that  the  General  Assembly  request  the  Perma¬ 
nent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  to  frame  a  clear-cut  defi¬ 
nition  of  the  Assembly’s  plan,  to  be  used  as  a  test  in  determining 
what  churches  have  adopted  this  plan  and  what  have  not. 

IV.  Statistical  Summary  of  Systematic  Beneficence 
As  reported  by  the  Presbyteries 


Contributions 

Foreign  Missions  . $  519,532 

Assembly’s  Home  Missions  . 116,805 

Synod’s  Home  Missions  . . . „ .  66,805 

Presbytery’s  Home  Missions  .  199,183 

Congregational  Home  Missions  .  171,892 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  93,541 

Sabbath  School  Extension  and  Publication...  36,022 

Schools  and  Colleges  .  138,611 

Bible  Cause  . 8,915 

Orphans’  Homes  .  135,407 

Miscellaneous  Benevolences  . . .  127,845 


Total  . . * . $1,614,558 


Secs.  1138-1139]  Systematic  Beneficence  677 

# 

1139.  Report  of  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence 


1917,  p.  133.  Your  Committee  has  met  twice  since  the  last  meet¬ 
ing  of  the  General  Assembly  in  Orlando,  Florida,  namely,  in  Nash¬ 
ville,  Tennessee,  the  12th  and  13th  of  December,  1916,  and  in  Birming¬ 
ham,  Alabama,  May  15th  and  16th,  1917. 

The  following  members  were  present  at  these  meetings,  and  those 
who  were  absent  presented  satisfactory  excuses  to  the  Committee: 


Bnr  TNGHA  M 

Synod 

Nashville 

J.  S.  Foster 

Alabama  . 

.  J.  S.  Foster  . 

E.  W.  King 

Appalachia  . . 

T.  C.  McRae 

Arkansas  . 

.  T.  C.  McRae  . 

L.  Ross  Lynn 

Florida  . 

.  L.  Ross  Lynn  . 

A.  A.  Little 

Georgia  . 

.  A.  A.  Little  . 

J.  T.  Thomas 

Kentucky  . 

.  J.  T.  Thomas  . 

J.  A.  Lyon 

Louisiana  . 

.  J.  A.  Lyon  . 

J.  B.  Hutton 

Mississippi  . 

.  J.  B.  Hutton  . 

J.  L.  Mauze 

Missouri  . 

.  J.  L.  Mauze  . 

R.  A.  Brand 

North  Carolina  ... 

...  Oklahoma  . 

A.  E.  Spencer 

South  Carolina  ... 

W.  H.  Raymond  . 

....  Tennessee  . 

.  W.  H.  Ravmond  . 

Robert  Hill  . 

...  Texas  . 

.  Robert  Hill  . 

J.  W.  Friend  . 

....  Virginia  . 

Ernest  Thompson  ... 

...  West  Virginia  . 

.  Ernest  Thompson  ... 

Organization. — Rev.  John  S.  Foster,  D.  D.,  Chairman;  Hon.  T.  C. 
McRae,  Vice-Chairman;  Rev.  R.  E.  Vinson,  D.  D.,  Secretary  and  Treas¬ 
urer. 

Committees. — The  following  committees  were  appointed: 

No.  1.  On  Scope — A.  A.  Little,  Chairman;  R.  A.  Brand,  Robert 
Hill. 

No.  2.  On  Method — J.  A.  Lyon,  Chairman;  A.  F.  Davidson. 

No.  3.  On  Education  and  Publicity — L.  Ross  Lynn,  Chairman;  J. 
W.  Friend. 

No.  4.  On  Administration — A.  E.  Spencer,  Chairman;  E.  W.  King, 
J.  T.  Thomas. 

No.  5.  On  Assembly  Budget — J.  B.  Hutton,  Chairman;  J.  L.  Mauze, 
T.  C.  McRae. 

No.  6.  On  Assembly  Minutes — Ernest  Thompson,  Chairman;  W. 
H.  Raymond. 

Printed  reports  of  the  four  Executive  Committees,  the  report  of 
the  Stewardship  Campaign  Committee  and  of  the  Woman’s  Auxil¬ 
iary  have  been  placed  in  our  hands.  Your  Committee  has  held 
lengthy  conferences  with  your  Secretaries  and  with  Mrs.  W.  C.  Wins- 
borough,  Superintendent  of  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary,  and  Rev.  R.  L. 
Walkup,  Secretary  Stewardship  Campaign  Committee,  relative  to  the 
various  phases  of  their  particular  work,  at  both  of  these  meetings. 
We  find  the  organization  of  your  Executive  Committees  and  Woman’s 
Auxiliary  and  Stewardship  Campaign  Committee  most  excellent  and 
businesslike  and  well  adapted  to  the  purposes  for  which  they  were 
created.  It  will  be  seen  that  while  the  Committees  have  in  no  case 
reached  the  goal  of  their  need,  yet  they  are  making  steady  and  grat¬ 
ifying  progress.  We  present  in  detail  our  judgment  of  the  various 
departments. 


678 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


I.  Foreign  Missions 

The  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  has  conducted  its 
work  with  great  zeal  and  efficiency  during  the  past  year,  under 
very  trying  circumstances.  While  the  receipts  have  increased,  ow¬ 
ing  to  war  conditions  the  necessary  expenses  of  the  work  have  in¬ 
creased  more  rapidly,  hence  the  deficit  is  larger  this  year  than  last. 
We  feel  that  it  was  imperative  that  the  Church  should  rise  to  its 
Foreign  Mission  opportunity  and  increase  very  largely  the  amounts 
in  the  hands  of  this  Committee  during  the  present  year.  This  is' 
especially  true  when  we  consider  the  essential  reinforcements  needed. 
The  Committee  has  not  been  able  to  restore  the  cuts  made  in  pre¬ 
vious  years  in  second-class  appropriations.  Your  Committee  on  Sys¬ 
tematic  Beneficence  visited  the  offices  of  the  Executive  Committee  in 
Nashville  and  carefully  considered  its  business  management,  its 
methods  of  receiving  and  disbursing  fund's,  the  character  of  its  in¬ 
vestment  and  general  system,  its  economy  and  efficiency  for  office 
work,  and  heartily  commend  its  methods  in  all  departments. 

The  terms  of  the  following  members  of  the  Executive  Committee 
of  Foreign  Missions  expire  this  year:  Rev.  Charles  E’.  Diehl,  D.  D., 
Rev.  E.  D.  McDougal,  D.  D.,  Rev.  L.  E.  McNair,  D.  D.,  Messrs.  G.  H. 
Baskette,  W.  A.  Dale  and  J.  P.  McCallie. 

1.  We  nominate  these  for  re-election  for  a  term  of  three  years. 

2.  We  nominate  Rev.  Egbert  W.  Smith,  D.  D.,  as  Executive  Sec¬ 
retary  for  another  term  of  three  years. 

3.  That  the  following  amount  be  apportioned  to  this  cause  for  the 

years  1918-1919:  $732,600. 

II.  Home  Missions 

Your  Committee  on  Home  Missions  has  received  the  largest  sum 
in  any  year  of  its  existence.  Its  debt  hes  been  reduced  to  $10,000. 
Yet,  in  spite  of  this  increase,  the  demands  on  this  Committee  are 
increasing  rapidly  every  year.  To  do  what  the  General  Assembly 
has  declared  it  imperative  to  do,  would  require  the  Church  to  in¬ 
crease  its  contribution  very  largely.  We  fear  that  this  cause  does 
not  receive  its  proper  appropriation  of  the  Church’s  gifts,  on  account  of 
the  pressing  need  of  the  Local  and  Synodical  Home  Missions.  We 
believe  the  Assembly  ought  to  take  steps  to  emphasize  its  own  Home 
Mission  work  as  distinguished  from  these  other  worthy  causes. 

1.  We  recommend  the  re-election  of  the  following  members  of  the 
Home  Mission  Committee,  whose  terms  expire  at  this  meeting:  John 
J.  Eagan,  W.  M.  Everett,  Charles  J.  Martin,  A.  R.  Holderby,  J.  G. 
Patton  and  James  Ross  McCain.  Also  that  Rev.  R.  H.  McCaslin  be 
elected  to  fill  out  the  unexpired  term  of  W.  E.  Hill. 

2.  That  the  following  amount  be  apportioned  to  this  cause  for  the 

years  1918-1919:  $356,400. 

III.  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief 

This  Committee  has  had  a  very  successful  year.  The  condition 
under  which  the  offer  of  $68,000  for  the  endowment  fund  of  the  Church 
was  made  has  been  met,  and  this  fund'  is  now  $543,651.43.  It  ought 
to  be  not  less  than  $1,000,000. 

This  Endowment  Fund  does  not  obviate  the  necessity  of  the  annual 
offering  for  Ministerial  Relief.  The  Church  has  not  as  yet  removed 
the  reproach  of  not  caring  for  her  old  ministers  as  she  ought  to. 

The  number  of  candidates  and  Training  Class  workers  applying 
for  loans  has  increased  very  largely  during  the  past  year.  These 
loans  are  repaid  largely  in  service  and  not  in  money.  The  fund  Is 
not  increased  by  the  repayment  of  the  loan,  hence  there  is  an  evi¬ 
dent  need  of  reaching  the  $150,000  apportioned  to  this  cause. 

We  recommend — 


Sec.  1139] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


679 


1.  That  W.  J.  Reubel,  Wade  Sheltman,  G.  H.  Mourning,  T.  W. 
Hawes,  D.  D.,  and  Dr.  A.  J.  A.  Alexander  be  re-elected  to  serve  on 
this  Committee  for  three  years. 

2.  That  the  following  amount  be  apportioned  to  this  cause  for  the 

years  1918-1919:  $165,000. 

IV.  Sunday  School  Extension  and  Publication 

Your  Committee  is  pleased  to  note  that  our  Publication  and  Sunday 
School  work  is  growing  steadily.  The  receipts  from  the  sale  of  books 
and  periodicals  are  larger  this  year  than  last,  and  the  general  volume 
of  the  business  is  increasing.  We  note  that  nearly  $5,000  of  the  profit 
of  the  publication  business  goes  into  the  Sunday  School  extension 
work. 

We  recommend — 

1.  That  J.  P.  Smith,  D.  D.,  Russell  Cecil,  D.  D.,  J.  Calvin  Stewart, 
D.  D.,  M.  M.  Gilliam  and  J.  W.  Friend  be  re-elected  to  serve  on  this 
Committee  for  three  years 

2.  That  the  amount  apportioned  to  this  cause  be  for  the  years 

1918-1919:  $52,800. 

3.  Rev.  H.  J.  Williams  be  elected  to  succeed'  Rev.  W.  Baker. 

V.  Woman’s  Auxiliary 

This  body  of  earnest  and  consecrated  women  has  shown  great 
zeal  and  wisdom  in  prosecuting  their  work  during  the  past  year. 
They  deserve  a  special  commendation  for  their  educational  and  con¬ 
ference  work.  A  new  departure  is  the  conducting  of  a  conference  for 
colored  women  at  Stillman  Institute.  This  has  been  a  marked  suc¬ 
cess  and  was  financed  outside  of  their  annual  budget. 

We  note  with  especial  pleasure  that  they  have  established  1,232 
Mission  Study  Classes,  an  increase  of  94  over  last  year.  We  call  at¬ 
tention  to  the  fact  that  the  Treasurer’s  books  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittees  show  the  following  receipts  from  Woman’s  Societies  for  the 


past  year: 

For  Foreign  Missions  . $105,382.97 

A  gain  of  .  14,522.02 

For  Assembly’s  Home  Mission  .  23,241.87 

A  gain  of  . j .  3,464.15 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  .  20,886.85 

A  gain  of  . .  11,002.06 

Publication  and  Sunday  School  Extension  . .  2,465.68 

A  gain  of  .  549.28 


This  makes  a  total  contribution  of  Woman’s  Societies  for  the  four 
Executive  Committees  $151,927.37;  gain  during  the  year  of  $29,539.51. 

We  recommend  that  the  General  Assembly  repeat  its  recommendation 
of  last  year  calling  the  attention  of  the  Synods  and  Presbyteries  to 
the  great  value  of  this  Auxiliary  in  prosecuting  the  work  of  these  bodies, 
and  urge ‘  upon  them  to  make  larger  use  of  the  Auxiliary  through  ap¬ 
propriate  and  active  committees. 

VI.  Stewardship  Campaign  Committee 

This  Committee  has  been  pressing  the  claims  of  God  upon  our 
gifts  upon  the  Church  with  great  fidelity  and  considerable  success. 
Your  Committee  would  put  on  record  its  firm  conviction  that  the 
present  plan  of  the  Assembly  for  raising  its  finances  by  the  Every- 
Member-Canvass  is  the  best  that  can  be  devised  for  the  purpose,  as 
bringing  about  systematic,  proportionate  and  intelligent  giving,  and 
would  therefore  commend  it  again  to  our  Churches  and  ask  them  to 
co-operate  in  every  way  possible  with  our  Committee  on  Steward¬ 
ship,  both  by  their  prayers  and  in  other  active  ways. 


680  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

We  would  recommend  that  this  work  be  continued  as  of  great 
ultimate  value  to  all  the  Committees. 

VII.  General 

Your  Committee  would  recommend  to  the  Assembly — 

1.  That  the  Assembly  make  some  such  deliverance  as  this  with 
regard  to  such  funds  as  shall  be  included  in  the  reports  of  the 
Churches  on  Systematic  Beneficence. 

That  all  benevolent  gifts  for  Church  causes,  whether  made  through 
the  Treasurer  or  directly  by  the  membership  of  the  Church,  be  in¬ 
cluded  in  the  report. 

a.  That  Question  11  of  the  report  be  amended  to  read  as  follows: 
“All  contributions  to  benevolences,  directly  or  indirectly,  recognized 
by  the  Church  but  not  classified  under  any  of  the  above  heads.” 

b.  That  the  Secretary  of  the  Campaign  Committee  on  Stewardship 
be  instructed  to  send  to  the  various  Presbyterial  Chairmen  on  Benefi¬ 
cences  the  apportionments  of  the  Presbyteries  for  the  Assembly’s 
causes. 

c.  That  the  Secretary  of  the  Campaign  Committee  on  Stewardship 
be  instructed  to  notify  these  Presbyterial  Chairmen  that  it  is  part 
of  the  Secretary’s  plan  that  they  ascertain  the  Synodical  and  Presby¬ 
terial  apportionments,  list  the  same  with  the  Assembly’s  causes,  and 
send  to  the  local  Churches  in  plain  figures  the  itemized  amounts  ex¬ 
pected  'from  them,  for  these  respective  causes. 

d.  That  the  Secretary  of  the  Campaign  Committee  on  Steward¬ 
ship  be  instructed  to  urge  upon  these  Presbyterial  Chairmen  the 
importance  of  carrying  out  this  policy  and  of  co-operating  with  them 
in  all  possible  ways. 

e.  That  these  itemized  apportionments  be  the  minimum  goal  for 
the  benevolent  gifts  of  the  local  Church. 

f.  That  pastors  be  urged  to  employ  throughout  the  year  all  proper 
means  of  educating  their  people  in  the  principles  of  Christian  sttw- 
ardship  and  in  the  securing  of  these  specified  amounts  as  the  mini¬ 
mum  of  benevolence. 

g.  Should  the  minimum  goal  be  exceeded,  or  not  reached,  every  cause 
should  share  proportionately  in  the  gain  or  loss.  The  provision  of 
this  section  is  to  apply  only  to  undesignated  gifts. 

h.  We  believe  that  the  itemized  statement  of  the  apportionments  in 
plain  figures  will  make  clearer  the  meaning  of  the  percentages  in 
our  system  of  benevolences. 

2.  In  view  of  the  incessant  demands  made  on  the  liberality  of  our 
people  by  all  kinds  of  social,  humanitarian,  philanthropic  and  in¬ 
dependent  enterprises,  to  the  great  detriment  of  our  great  regular 
causes  of  benevolence,  we  ask  that  the  General  Assembly  again  ex¬ 
press  its  judgment  that  the  objects  approved  by  our  Church  courts 
are  of  prime  importance  and  that  the  paramount  and  present  obli¬ 
gation  of  the  members  of  the  Church  is  to  support  these  objects  to 
the  extent  of  their  fullest  needs. 

3.  Concerning  Executive  Committees. 

a.  We  recommend  that  the  Home  and  Foreign  Mission  Commit¬ 
tees,  through  their  educational  department,  be  requested  to  give 
special  consideration  to  the  organisation  of  Mission  Study  Classes 
among  the  men  of  our  Churches. 

b.  That  the  Campaign  Committee  on  Stewardship  be  requested  to 
prepare  a  course  on  the  training  and  duties  of  the  deacon. 

4.  Concerning  membership  on  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Sys¬ 
tematic  Beneficence. 

a.  The  second  term  of  the  following  members  expires  at  this  meet¬ 
ing  of  the  General  Assembly.  These  are  not  eligible  for  re-election, 
namely:  Principals,  L.  Ross  Lynn,  of  the  Synod  of  Florida;  A.  E. 
Spencer,  of  the  Synod  of  South  Carolina;  R.  E.  Vinson,  of  the  Synod 
of  Texas;  Alternates,  W.  H.  Dodge,  of  the  Synod  of  Florida;  M.  F. 


Sec.  1139] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


681 


Ansel,  of  the  Synod  of  South  Carolina;  Robert  Hill,  of  the  Synod  of 
Texas. 

b.  The  first  term  of  the  following  members  expires  with  this  meet¬ 
ing  of  the  Assembly.  These  are  eligible  for  re-election,  namely:  John 

S.  Foster,  Synod  of  Alabama;  E.  W.  King,  Synod  of  Appalachia;  J. 
B.  Hutton,  Synod  of  Mississippi;  T.  C.  McRae,  Synod  of  Arkansas; 
A.  F.  Davidson,  Synod  of  Oklahoma;  Alternates,  Francis  Tappey, 
Synod  of  Alabama;  |B.  D.  Brabson,  Synod  of  Appalachia;  A.  W.  White- 
marsh,  Synod  of  Arkansas;  George  D.  Booth,  Synod  of  Mississippi; 
A.  H.  Ferguson,  Synod  of  Oklahoma. 

c.  The  complete  list  of  the  names,  of  the  nominees  on  this  Com¬ 
mittee  can  be  found  only  among  the  minutes  of  the  respective  Syn¬ 
ods.  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  direct  the  Stated  Clerks 
of  the  Synods  to  send  a  copy  of  their  minutes  to  the  Secretary  of  the 
Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence. 

d.  We  again  call  the  attention  of  the  Assembly  to  the  fact  that 
its  own  rules  require  that  this  Committee  be  composed  equally  of 
ministers  and  elders,  and,  in  so  far  as  it  is  possible,  that  a  minister 
should  succed  an  elder  and  an  elder  a  minister,  and  also  from  those 
Synods  in  which  the  various  Executive  Committees  are  located,  the 
representative  on  the  Systematic  Beneficence  Committee  must  be 
drawn  from  the  membership  of  the  Executive  Committees,  respectively. 

5.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  W.  H.  Workman  and  others, 
asking  the  General  Assembly  to  constitute  the  Treasurer  of  the  Ex¬ 
ecutive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  a  General  Treasurer,  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  receive  all  contributions  for  all  causes  of  the  As¬ 
sembly  Systematic  Benevolence  for  and  to  distribute  the  same  among 
the  various  causes  direct,  and  that  the  amounts  of  the  sums  thus 
placed  to  the  credit  of  the  various  causes  be  remitted  by  him  to  the 
respective  treasurers  of  the  various  Committees  at  the  close  of  each 
month,  we  recommend  that  this  be  answered  in  the  negative,  as 
being,  in  the  opinion  of  your  Committee,  conducive  neither  to  econ¬ 
omy.  efficiency  nor  liberality. 

6.  In  response  to  the  overture  of  D.  H.  Rolston  and  others  relative 
to  a  change  of  plan  of  our  General  Assembly  in  its  systematic  benevo¬ 
lence. 

In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  parties  have  themselves  expressed  some 
doubt  as  to  the  wisdom  of  the  change  and  also  believing  that  it  were 
best  to  put  our  present  plan  into  more  successful  operation,  we  recom¬ 
mend  that  the  Assembly^  answer  the  overture  in  the  negative. 

7.  The  following  members  of  the  Committee  have  been  appointed  to 
represent  this  Committee  before  this  Assembly  and  its  Standing  Com¬ 
mittees,  namely:  John  S.  Foster  and  J.  £B.  Hutton. 

8.  Books  of  the  Secretary  have  been  audited  and  the  accounts  ap¬ 
proved. 

9.  We  recommend  that  the  same  schedule  of  months  be  used  by  those 
Churches  not  using  the  Every-Member-Canvass  plan  as  last  year,  and 
that  the  Foreign  Missions  Committee  be  allowed  to  make  a  special 
appeal,  limited  to  the  first  three  weeks  in  February. 

10.  That  the  following  amounts  be  named  as  a  minimum  for  each  of 
the  Assembly’s  causes  for  the  year  1918-1919: 


Foreign  Missions  . $  732,600.00 

Home  Missions  .  356,400.00 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  .  165,000.00 

Publication  and  Sunday  School  Extension  .  52,800.00 

Bible  Cause  .  13,200.00 


Total  . $1,320,000.00 


11.  We  recommend  that  the  following  percentages  apply  to  any  un¬ 
designated  gifts  to  be  distributed  among  the  Assembly’s  causes  and  as 
a  guide  to  our  people: 


682  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

Foreign  Missions  .  55%  per  cent. 

Home  Missions  .  27  per  cent. 

Christian  Education  and'  Ministerial  Relief  12%  per  cent. 
Publication  and  Sunday  School  Extension  ..  4  per  cent. 

jBible  Cause  .  1  per  cent. 


12.  We  further  recommend  that  to  meet  the  opportunities  and'  re¬ 
sponsibilities  now  confronting  us  our  immediate  goal  should  be  not 


less  than,  for — 

l 

Foreign  Missions  . $1,000,000.00 

Home  Missions  .  550,000.00 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  ....  280,000.00 

Publication  and  Sunday  School  Extension  .  75,000.00 

Bible  Cause  .  20,000.00 


Your  Committee  is  persuaded  that  these  goals  can  be  obtained 
whenever  our  Church  recognizes  and  practices  Bible  principles  of 
systematic  and  proportionate  giving. 

13.  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  appropriate  the  sum  of  $250, 
or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be  needed  for  such  expenses*  of  this  Com¬ 
mittee  as  may  be  in  addition  to  the  expenses  of  its  members  in  attend¬ 
ing  its  meetings. 

1140.  Report  of  the  Assembly's  Campaign  Committee  on  Stewardship 

1917,  p.  154.  With  grateful  recognition  of  God’s  favor  upon  the  work 
of  Stewardship  in  the  Church’s  Plan  of  Finance,  we  take  pleasure  in 
submitting  to  the  General  Assembly  the  report  of  the  work  for  the 
year  ending  March  31st,  1917: 

Organization. — According  to  the  direction  of  the  General  Assembly  of 
1916,  the  Committee  was  reduced  from  ten  to  five  members,  the  fol¬ 
lowing  now  making  up  the  Committee:  Rev.  H.  H.  Sweets,  D.  D., 
Chairman;  Mr.  R.  E.  Magill,  Recording  Secretary;  Rev.  Egbert  W. 
Smith,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Homer  McMillan,  D.  D.,  Dr.  James  Lewis  Howe,  R. 
L.  Walkup,  Superintendent;  J.  J.  Eagan,  Treasurer. 

Scope  of  the  Work.- — The  work  of  the  past  year,  under  the  direction 
of  R.  L.  Walkup,  Secretary,  has  been  projected  along  the  following 
lines. 

1.  The  apportionment  for  the  Assembly’s  causes  was  sent  to  the 
various  Presbyterial  Chairmen  of  Systematic  Beneficence. 

2.  Each  Presbyterical  Chairman  was  notified  that  it  was  part  of 
the  Assembly’s  plan  to  secure  the  Synodical  and  Presbyterial  appor¬ 
tionments,  list  the  same  with  the  Assembly’s  causes,  and  send  to  the 
local  Churches  in  plain  figures  the  itemized  amount  expected  from 
them  for  these  respective  causes. 

3.  Each  Presbyterial  Chairman  was  urged  the  importance  of  and 
received  the  hearty  co-operation  of  the  Campaign  Committee  in  carry¬ 
ing  out  this  policy. 

4.  Special  emphasis  was  placed  upon  the  Bible  standard  of  giving 
through  direct  appeals,  local  Church  and  Presbyterial  Conferences  on 
Christian  Stewardship. 

5.  Preparing  and  publishing  literature. 


Progress 

While  our  hopes  have  not  all  been  realized  during  the  past  year, 
we  are  encouraged  over  the  progress  that  has  been  made. 

1.  The  Every-Mcmber-Canvass. — The  Church’s  Plan  of  Finance  has 
made  marked  progress  since  its  introduction.  Not  only  are  more 
Churches  adopting  the  plan  each  year,  but  the  facts  bear  out  our 
statement  that  those  following  this  system,  though  imperfectly,  are 


Sec.  1140] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


683 


making  gains  which  are  increasing  the  per  capita  gifts  of  the  entire 
Church. 

Comparison  of  Per  Capita  Gifts  to  Benevolences  and  Pas\tor's  Salary— 

(Benevo-  Benevo- 


Year. 

lences. 

Year. 

lences 

1905 . 

. $2.25 

1915 . 

. $4.19 

1906 . 

.  2.56 

1914 . 

.  4.28 

1907 . 

.  2.71 

1913 . 

.  4.74 

1908 . 

.  3.59 

1912 . 

.  3.93 

1909 . 

.  3.74 

1911 . 

.  4.08 

A  study  of  the  Assembly’s  minutes  indicates  that  pastors’  salaries 
were  advanced  about  $144  per  year  during  the  same  period. 


Financial  Review  of  Churches,  1915-16 — 


Churches  Membership  Per  Capita 
Churches  with  600  and  over  Gift 

E.  M.  C .  40  32,594  $11.00 

Non-Enlisted  .  22  20,611  8.52 

Churches  with  300  to600  and  over 

E.  M.  C . : .  154  53,363  $4.35 

Non-Enlisted  .  42  17,124  4.02 

Churches  with  100  to  300 

E.  M.  C .  454  71,051  $4.34 

Non-Enlisted  . .  300  46,477  2.61 

Churches  with  50  to  100 

E.  M.  C .  306  19,246  $4.03 

Non-Enlisted  . .  437  26,664  2.10 

Average  per  capita  Gift 

E.  M.  C .  964  176,154  $5.53 

Non-Enlisted  .  801  110,887  3.82 


Benveolent  Standing  of  Presbyteries,  1915-16 — 


Presbyteries  standing  still  . * .  25 

Presbyteries  pulling  down  .  28 

Presbyteries  pulling  up  . .  32 

Majority  standing  still  or  pulling  down  .  53 


Benevolent  Standing  of  Presbyteries,  1915-16 — 


Churches 


Pulling  up  .  1,158 

Standing  still  .  581 

Pulling  down  .  1,031 

Non-productive  .  667 


Membership 

149,373 

40,120 

129,691 

20,315 


Majority  standing  still,  pulling  down  or  non-productive,  2,279 
Churches,  with  a  membership  of  199,116. 

Th  ^se  tabulations  have  not  been  made  to  justify  the  Assembly’s 
plan,  but  to  ascertain,  as  near  as  possible,  the  actual  facts.  We  do 
not  claim  that  the  Church’s  Plan  of  Finance  has  been  the  only  con¬ 
tributing  factor  in  this  increase.  We  do  claim,  however,  that  its 
contribution  to  this  increase  is  worthy  of  note. 

1.  The  per  capita  gift  for  the  entire  Church  has  practically  dou¬ 
bled  in  the  last  ten  years.  During  this  time  the  greatest  ingather¬ 
ing  of  membership  has  been  made  in  the  Church’s  history,  a  large 
proportion  of  which  ingathering  has  come  from  those  between  the 
ages  of  ten  and  sixteen.  The  per  capita  gift  of  children  is  small. 

2.  Last  year  the  Every-Member  Canvass  Churches  maintained 
an  average  of  $1.71  over  the  Churches  using  other  methods.  These 
figures  are  the  more  significant  when  it  is  remembered  that  some 
of  our  most  worthy  and  influential  Churches  are  not  following  the 
Assembly’s  Plan  of  Finance. 


684 


[Book  IV 


Systematic  Beneficence 

3.  It  can  hardly  be  construed  as  merely  a  coincidence  that  of 
the  32  Presbyteries  making  substantial  gains  are  the  Presbyteries  in 
which  the  Assembly’s  plan  has  been  most  effectively  worked. 

4.  Of  the  1158  Churches  making  above  a  10  per  cent,  gain  in 
their  gifts  more  than  800  of  them  reported  having  made  the  E’very- 
Member-Canvass. 

5.  Churches  which  have-  not  adopted'  the  Assembly’s  plan  have 
made  an  advance  on  their  offerings  for  benevolence  during  the  past 
six  years  and,  measured  by  a  percentage  basis,  their  gain  is  credit¬ 
able.  It  must  be  remembered,  however,  that  their  total  six  years 
ago  was  quite  small  and  any  advance  would  figure  quite  large  on  a 
percentage  basis,  and  yet  the  fact  remains  that  these  non-enlisted 
Churches  are  $1.71  per  member  below  the  enlisted  Churches  in  their 
gifts  per  member. 

Simultaneous  Every -Member -Canvass. — Special  emphasis  has  been 
placed  on  the  united  campaign  to  have  every  Church  devote  the 
month  of  March  to  the  preparation  and  the  making  of  the  Every- 
Member-Canvass  for  1917-18.  It  is  yet  too  early  to  report  the  re¬ 
sults  of  this  campaign. 

The  Evey'y-Member-Canvass  a  Spiritual  Factor. — As  much  as  may 
be  conceded  to  the  Assembly’s  plan  in  increasing  the  finances  of 
the  Church,  the  greatest  service  rendered  by  this  organized  effort 
is  in  developing  the  spiritual  life.  When  preceded  by  proper  pre¬ 
paration  and  prayer,  with  pastor  and  people  united  in  the  effort  to 
secure  life  as  well  as  substance,  there  is  no  more  powerful  evangel¬ 
istic  agency  anywhere  to  be  found. 

An  Illustration. — Minden,  La.:  Nine  years  before  the  Every-Mem- 
ber  Canvass:  Membership  increased  10  per  cent.;  contributions  in¬ 
creased  7  per  cent.  Four  years  after  the  Every-M  ember-Canvass : 
Membership  increased  140  per  cent.;  contribution  increased  254  per 
cent. 

Points  to  Safeguard. — While  accumulating  experience  confirms 
the  conviction  that  the  Every-Member-Canvass  is  the  most  effective 
way  of  providing  the  financial  support  for  both  the  local  and  benev¬ 
olent  work  of  the  Church,  the  Committee  is  alive  to  the  necessity 
of  safeguarding  and  strengthening  it  at  certain  important  points, 
if  its  largest  possibilities  are  to  be  realized. 

1.  There  should  be  sent  down  from  the  proper  Church  authority 
a  definite  sum  of  money  for  each  benevolent  cause,  and  the  total  of 
such  amounts  should  be  accepted  by  the  Church  as  its  minimum 
goal  for  benevolence  for  the  year,  and  in  no  case  should  the  effort 
cease  until  at  least  this  minimum  sum  has  been  secured. 

2.  The  canvass  should  be  made  annually. 

3.  Each  canvass  should  be  preceded  by  a  month’s  preparation. 

4.  The  aim  should  be  life,  then  substance. 

5.  A  definite  proportion  as  well  as  a  sytem  of  giving  should  be 
cultivated. 

6.  Canvassers  should  be  prepared  to  ask  intelligently  and  tact¬ 
fully  for  God’s  portion  rather  than  what  men  are  willing  to  give 
according  to  the  dictates  of  a  selfish  conscience. 

II.  Christian  Stewardship. — Complying  with  the  order  of  the  As¬ 
sembly,  the  Committee  has  diligently  kept  before  the  Church  the 
stewardship  message.  Through  the  religious  prass,  printed  litera¬ 
ture  and  personal  messages,  the  cause  has  been  pushed  with  the  hope 
that  every  member  of  the  Church  may  be  brought  to  consider  the 
vital  and  intimate  relation  property  sustains  to  the  Kingdom  of 
God. 

(1)  Conferences. — Fifty-two  Presbyterial  Conferences  have  been 
held  during  the  past  winter.  It  was  a  definite  part  of  the  program 
that  from  these  conferences  the  stewardship  message  was  to  be  car¬ 
ried  to  the  local  Church.  According  to  the  plan  adopted  by  the 
Presbyterial  Conferences,  more  than  fifteen  hundred  Churches  should 
have  received  the  stewardship  message. 


Sec.  1140] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


685 


(2)  Pastors  Co-op erating. — But  for  the  hearty  co-operation  of  some 
of  our  busy  pastors,  the  stewardship  campaign  could’  not  have  been 
carried  to  success.  We  take  pleasure  in  acknowledging  the  splendid 
service  rendered  by  these  men,  who  visited  the  following  Synods: 

Rev.  E.  E.  Smith,  D.  D.,  Synod  of  Missouri. 

Rev.  J.  B.  Hutton,  D.  D.,  Synod  of  Appalachia. 

Rev.  L.  Ross  Lynn,  D.  D.,  Synods  of  Tennessee  and  Alabama. 

Rev.  J.  G.  Venable,  D.  D.,  Synod  of  Georgia. 

Rev.  C.  M.  Boyd,  Synod  of  Mississippi. 

Rev.  J.  I.  Armstrong,  D.  D.,  Synod  of  South  Carolina. 

Rev.  E.  L.  Hill,  D.  D.,  Synod  of  Texas. 

Rev.  R.  F.  Kirkpatrick,  D.  D.,  Synod  of  Arkansas. 

Rev.  Egbert  W.  Smith,  D.  D.,  Synod  of  Kentulky. 

(3)  Stewardship  Day. — February  18th  was  designated  as  Steward¬ 
ship  Day.  Special  program  for  the  local  Church  was  prepared'.  These 
programs  were  furnished  free  to  all  Churches  making  request.  Fif¬ 
teen  or  twenty  thousand  were  used. 

(4)  Contest .■ — In  the  effort  to  impress  the  Church  in  the  most 
forcible  manner  with  the  fundamental  subject  of  Christian  steward¬ 
ship,  and  to  bring  as  speedily  as  possible  a  new  and  enlarged  con¬ 
ception  of  man’s  relation  to  property,  the  Committee  arranged  a 
Stewardship  Contest.  Through  the  generosity  of  some,  themselves 
committed  to  the  stewardship  of  life,  six  hundred  dollars  was  placed 
in  the  hands  of  the  Committee  to  be  offered  as  awards.  The  contest 
was  divided  into  five  sections,  as  follows: 

Section  I. — All  active  pastors,  limit  3,000  words:  First  prize 
$100;  second  prize,  $50. 

Section  II. — Officers  and  laymen,  limit  2,000  words:  First  prize 
$100:  second  prize,  $50. 

Section  III. — Women,  limit  2,000  words:  First  prize,  $100;  second 
prize,  $50. 

Section  IV. — Ministerial  candidates,  limit  2,000  words:  First 
prize,  $50;  second  prize,  $25. 

Section  V. — All  Sunday  Schools  and’  Young  People’s  Societies, 
limit  1,000  words:  First  prize,  $40;  second  prize,  $25;  third  prize, 
$10. 

Under  age  of  twenty-one. 

The  interest  has  surpassed  our  highest  expectations.  The  con¬ 
test  has  just-  closed,  with  a  registration  of  over  550.  It  is  safe 
to  say  that  90  per  cent,  of  the  contestants  will  become  committed 
to  the  stewardship  life  and  become  a  propagating  force  in  the  Church. 
These  men  and  women  form  a  nucleus  of  what  we  hope  in  the  near 
future  will  be  a  large  army  whose  influence  shall  be  felt  throughout 
the  entire  Church.  It  is  the  aim  of  the  Committee  to  conserve  the  in¬ 
terest  aroused  by  this  contest  and  to  enlarge  it  as  rapidly  as  possible. 
A  further  result  of  this  contest  is  to  give  the  Church  a  sound  litera¬ 
ture  adapted  to  the  needs  of  the  people. 

Publications. — Owing  to  the  special  emphasis  placed’  upon  Chris¬ 
tian  stewardship,  it  was  necessary  to  print  additional  literature. 
There  has  been  a  wide  and  growing  demand  for  literature  on  Chris¬ 
tian  stewardship.  In  an  effort  to  supply  this  need  we  have  prepared 
and  distributed  the  following: 

A  Man  and  His  Money,  by  H.  Clay  Lilly,  D.  D. 

The  Stewardship  of  Property,  by  Hervey  Reeves  Calkins. 

A  Christian’s  Financial  Creed,  by  Harris  Franklin  Ball. 

A  Disciple  and  His  Money,  by  Rev.  Edward  I.  Bosworth,  D.  D. 

Tithing,  compiled  by  C.  Vernon  Fox,  M.  D. 

Giving,  compiled  by  C.  Vernon  Fox,  M.  D. 

A  Man  in  Business  with  God,  by  a  layman. 

The  Church’s  Plan  of  Finance,  by  R.  L.  Walkup. 

A  Catechism  on  Christian  Stewardship  compiled  by  R.  L.  Walkup. 

Stewardship  Programs. 


686  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

Over  175,000  copies  of  above  leaflets  and  pamphlets  were  pub¬ 
lished  during  the  year. 

We  believe  this  list  of  literature  is  as  good  as  can  be  found  any¬ 
where,  and  we  most  heartily  and  cordially  recommend  it  to  the 
whole  Church.  All  of  the  above  may  be  had'  from  the  Presbyterian 
Committee  of  Publication,  Richmond,  Va.,  or  Texarkana,  Tex.,  and 
the  office  of  the  Campaign  Committee  at  Jackson,  Miss. 

Problems 

'll)  The  failure  of  some  Synods  and  Presbyteries  to  provide 
'effective  leadership  for  getting  the  Every-Member-Canvass  properly 
installed,  and  for  developing  its  full  possibilities,  has  retarded  the 
work. 

(2)  The  low  earthly  conception  of  Church  finance.  False  con¬ 
ceptions  of  property  are  so  common  in  the  Christian  Church  that  it 
requires  not  simply  education  but  actual  conversion.  The  Every- 
Member-Canvass  is  being  barred  from  hundreds  of  Churches,  not  be¬ 
cause  it  will  not  work,  but  because  it  works  too  well.  Fear  that 
more  money  will  be  received  through  the  canvass  than  is  now  being 
secured  is  one  of  the  reasons  why  the  Every-Member-Canvass  is  not 
more  widely  used. 

(3)  A  false  conception  of  what  the  Every-Member-Canvass  is. 
Too  frequently  it  is  made  an  end  of  itself,  with  the  idea  that  it  is 
a  short  cut  to  solve  all  financial  problems.  Where  a  Church  has 
failed  in  the  operation  of  the  plan,  invariably  it  is  due  to  some  fals.e 
idea.  Never  has  the  plan  failed  yet,  nor  can  it  ever  fail,  when  it 
is  preceded  by  the  acceptance  of  the  principles  of  stewardship  and 
the  plan  used  in  application  of  these  principles. 

(4)  The  extreme  difficulty  to  get  before  the  local  Church  the 
apportionment.  Perhaps  more  Churches  have  been  acquainted  with  this 
information  this  year  than  ever  before,  and  yet  quite  a  large  per  cent, 
of  them  yet  remain  in  blissful  ignorance.  When  a  Church  receives 
the  information  which  the  apportionment  brings,  the  gifts  will  neces¬ 
sarily  increase.  It  is  not  this  knowledge  but  the  lack  of  it  which 
is  proving  such  a  hurt  to  the  Churches.  A  small  per  cent,  may  as¬ 
sume  their  obligations  without  a  guide,  but  the  majority  refuse  to 
acknowledge  any  obligation  to  God,  and  will  not  acknowledge  any 
until  it  is  laid  upon  their  hearts  in  something  definite  and  concrete. 

Thus  far  in  the  progress  of  the  Assembly’s  Campaign  Committee 
attention  has  been  directed  mainly  to  the  system  of  giving.  Much 
has  been  said  about  and  in  behalf  of  the  Every-Member-Canvass. 
At  least  50  per  cent,  or  more  of  the  active  Churches  have  adopted 
the  plan,  and  all  the  others  must  be  brought  into  line,  for  the  re¬ 
sults  of  this  system  have  more  than  justified'  its  existence.  Not 
that  less  emphasis  shall  be  placed  upon  the  Church’s  system  in  the 
future,  but  it  is  the  deliberate  judgment  of  the  Committee  that  more 
emphasis  must  be  placed  upon  the  iBiblel  standard  of  giving.  The  ques¬ 
tion  of  proportion  must  be  studied  and  answered  in  a  reasonable  and 
satisfactory  way.  This  is  vital  to  the  entire  subject  of  Christian 
stewardship. 

Although  within  the  last  ten  years  the  contributions  to  benev¬ 
olent  causes  have  doubled,  we  have  not  yet  reached  the  low  standard 
of  even  one  cent  a  day  per  member.  The  Church  has  either  lost  its 
sense  of  stewardship  or  is  wilfully  disobeying  the  direct  command  of 
God.  To  lift  its  membership  to  the  Bible  standard  of  giving  is 
perhaps  the  most  difficult  task  before  the  Church,  and  yet  it  is  the 
Church’s  task  and  we  should  face  it. 

From  the  testimony  coming  from  all  parts  of  the  Church,  the 
impressions  gained  by  the  Assembly’s  representatives  in  conducting 
stewardship  conferences  in  all  Synods  save  two,  and  the  unbiased 
judgment  of  many  of  the  Church’s  leading  ministers  and  laymen,  the 
time  seems  opportune  to  push  with  all  vigor  the  principles  of  Chris¬ 
tian  stewardship. 


Secs.  1140-1141]  Systematic  Beneficence 


687 


The  following  recommendations  are  submitted  for  approval: 

(1)  Since  the  E’very-Member  Canvass  is  the  Scriptural  applica¬ 
tion  of  the  principles  of  Christian  stewardship,  the  Assembly  re¬ 
affirms  its  unqualified  belief  in  the  plan  and  recommends  that  it  be 
made  an  annual  event  in  all  Churches  not  later  than  the  third  Sun¬ 
day  in  March,  and  in  order  to  obtain  the  greatest  results,  both 
spiritual  and  financial,  at  least  one  month’s  preaching  and  teaching 
be  devoted  to  the  principles  of  Christian  stewardship, 

(2)  Since  Christian  stewardship  has  to  do  with  every  cause  of 
the  Church,  the  Assembly  requests  each  of  the  Synods  to  hold  a  con¬ 
ference  on  the  subject,  the  program  of  this  conference  to  be  pre¬ 
pared  by  the  Chairmen  of  Systematic  Beneficence,  in  consultation 
with  the  Chairmen  of  the  various  benevolent  causes. 

(3)  That  the  Presbyteries  that  have  so  persistently  pushed'  the 
principles  of  Christian  stewardship  during  the  past  winter  be  com¬ 
mended  for  their  diligence  and  encouraged  to  continue  in  the  good 
work,  and  that  all  Presbyteries  wrho  for  any  reason  did  not  take 
part  in  the  stewardship  campaign  be  earnestly  urged  to  do  so  in 
the  future. 

(4)  That  all  pastors  and  Sessions,  in  their  preparation  for  the 
Every-Member-Canvass,  stress  the  principles  of  Christian  steward¬ 
ship  by  sermons,  a'd dresses  and  the  distribution  of  suitable  literature. 

(5)  Since  the  Sunday  School  offers  the  greatest  opportunity  for 
the  Church  to  raise  up  a  generation  of  leaders  and  workers  quali¬ 
fied  to  teach  intelligently  the  principles  and  illustrate  most  wisely 
the  methods  of  Christian  stewardship,  the  Assembly  recommends  that 
each  Church  take  over  the  support  of  the  Sunday  School  and  all 
Sunday  School  offerings  be  made  on  the  basis,  “As  much  for  others 
as  for  ourselves,”  or  50  per  cent,  for  the  support  of  the  local  Church 
and  50  per  cent,  for  beneficences.  In  order  that  the  Sunday  Schools 
may  be  thoroughly  informed,  each  Committee  shall  prepare,  accord¬ 
ing  to  the  Assembly’s  assignment  of  months,  a  suitable  course  of  in¬ 
struction  to  appear  from  month  to  month  in  the  Sunday  School 
literature. 

(6)  For  the  same  reason  all  the  Sessions  are  urged  to  see  that 
regular  instruction  is  given  concerning  the  whole  work  of  the  Church 
in  Young  Peoplel’s  Societies,  and  that  these  societies  be  encouraged 
to  make  offerings  for  all  the  benevolent  causes  of  the  Church,  and 
to  this  end  the  Executive  Committee  are  directed  to  furnish  a  course 
of  instruction  to  appear  in  the  young  people’s  publications. 

(7)  Inasmuch  as  the  office  of  deacon  is  a,  spiritual  one,  and  the 
Church  has  no  literature  on  the  subject,  it  is  recommended  that  the 
Assembly  order  a  deacon’s  training  course  to  be  prepared. 

1141.  Report  of  the  Standing  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence 

1917,  p.  62.  The  following  papers  came  into  our  hands,  namely: 
the  Annual  Report  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Benef¬ 
icence,  the  Annual  Report  of  the  Campaign  Committee  on  Stewardship 
the  statistical  reports  on  Systematic  Beneficence  from  all  Presbyteries, 
together  with  overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  of  Albemarle,  Lexing¬ 
ton,  Pine  Bluff,  and  Montgomery.  To  all  these  papers  we  have  given 
careful  consideration. 

Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence 

The  Seventh  Annual  Report  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Sys¬ 
tematic  Beneficence  shows  earnest  and  diligent  effort  on  the  part  of 
the  Committee.  The  actions  have  been  progressive  always  and,  at  the 
same  time,  remarkably  and  splendidly  sane.  We  recommend: 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


688 

First. — That  the  Committee  be  commended  and  thanked  for  the 
efficient  service  it  has  rendered  the  Church  during  the  past  year. 

Second. — That  all  benevolent  gifts  for  Church  causes,  whether  made 
through  the  Treasurer  or  directly  by  the  membership  of  the  Church, 
he  included  in  the  Sessional  report. 

Third. — That  the  Secretary  of  the  Campaign  Committee  on  Stew¬ 
ardship  be  instructed  to  send  to  the  various  Presbyterial  Chairmen  on 
Beneficences  the  apportionments  of  the  Presbytery  for  the  Assembly’s 
‘causes. 

Fourth. — That  the  Secretary  of  the  Campaign  Committee  on  Stew¬ 
ardship  be  instructed  to  notify  these  Presbyterial  Chairmen  that  it  is 
part  of  the  Church’s  plan  that  they  ascertain  the  Synodical  and  Pres¬ 
byterial  apportionments,  list  the  same  with  the  Assembly’s  causes,  and 
send  to  the  local  churches,  in  plain  figures,  the  itemized  amounts 
expected  from  them  for  these  respective  causes. 

Fifth. — That  the  Secretary  of  the  Campaign  Committee  on  Stew¬ 
ardship  be  instructed  to  urge  upon  these  Presbyterial  Chairmen  the 
importance  of  carrying  out  this  policy,  and  of  co-operating  with  them 
in  all  possible  ways. 

Sixth. — That  these  itemized  apportionments  be  the  minimum  goal 
for  the  benevolent  gifts  of  the  local  church. 

Seventh. — That  pastors  be  urged  to  employ,  throughout  the  year,  all 
proper  means  of  educating  their  people  in  the  principles  of  Christian 
Stewardship,  and  in  the  securing  of  these  specified  amounts  as  the 
minimum  for  benevolence. 

Eighth. — Should  the  minimum  goal  be  exceeded  or  not  reached, 
every  cause  should  share  proportionately  in  the  gain  or  loss.  The 
provision  of  this  section  is  to  apply  only  to  undesignated  gifts. 

Ninth. — We  believe  that  the  itemized  statement  of  the  apportion¬ 
ments  in  plain  figures  will  make  clearer  the  meaning  of  the  percent¬ 
ages  in  our  system  of  benevolence. 

Tenth. — In  view  of  the  incessant  demands  made  on  the  liberality 
of  our  people  for  all  kinds  of  social,  humanitarian,  philanthropic,  and 
independent  enterprises,  to  the  great  detriment  of  our  great  regular 
causes  of  benevolence,  we  ask  that  the  General  Assembly  again  express 
its  judgment  that  the  objects  approved  by  our  Church  courts  are  of 
prime  importance  and  that  the  paramount  and  present  obligation  of 
the  members  of  the  Church  is  to  support  these  objects  to  the  extent 
of  their  fullest  needs. 

Eleventh. — The  first  term  of  the  following  members  expires  with 
this  meeting  of  the  Assembly:  John  S.  Foster,  Synod  of  Alabama;  E. 
W.  King,  Synod  of  Appalachia;  J.  B.  Hutton,  Synod  of  Mississippi; 
T.  C.  McRae,  Synod  of  Arkansas;  A.  F.  Davidson,  Synod  of  Okla¬ 
homa.  Alternates:  Francis  Tappey,  Synod  of  Alabama;  D.  B.  Brab- 
son,  Synod  of  Appalachia;  A.  W.  Whitmarsh,  Synod  of  Arkansas; 
George  D.  Booth,,  Synod  of  Mississippi;  A.  H.  Ferguson,  Synod  of 
■Oklahoma.  We  recommend  their  re-election  for  a  final  term  of  two 
years.  We  recommend  also  the  election  of  Fred  E.  Robbins,  Synod 
of  Texas;  A.  D.  P.  Gilmour,  Synod  of  South  Carolina;  Thomas  F. 


Sec.  1141] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


689 


West,  Synod  of  Florida.  Alternates:  W.  W.  Bondurant,  Synod  of 
Texas;  E.  E.  Gillespie,  Synod  of  South  Carolina;  and  Duncan  B. 
Curry,  Synod  of  Florida,  for  a  term  of  two  years. 

Twelfth. — The  complete  list  of  the  names  of  the  nominees  on  this 
Committee  can  be  found  only  among  the  minutes  of  the  respective 
Synods.  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  direct  the  Stated  Clerks 
of  the  Synods  to  send  a  copy  of  their  minutes  to  the  Permanent  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Systematic  Beneficence. 

Thirteenth. — In  answer  to  the  overture  from  W.  H.  Workman  and 
others,  referred  by  the  1916  Assembly  to  the  Committee  on  Systematic 
Beneficence,  asking  the  General  Assembly  to  constitute  the  Treasurer 
of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  a  general  treasurer, 
whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  receive  all  contributions  for  all  causes  of 
the  Assembly’s  Systematic  Beneficences  and  to  distribute  the  same 
among  the  various  causes,  to  be  remitted  by  him  to  the  respective 
treasurers  of  the  various  committees  at  the  close  of  each  month,  we 
recommend  that  the  Assembly  endorse  the  answer  of  the  Permanent 
Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence,  which  was  in  the  negative,  be¬ 
lieving  it  to  be  conducive  neither  to  economy,  efficiency,  nor  liberality. 

Fourteenth. — In  response  to  the  overture  of  D.  H.  Rolston  and 
others,  relative  to  a  change  of  plan  of  our  Assembly  in  its  systematic 
beneficence,  referred  to  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Benef¬ 
icence  by  the  last  Assembly,  we  recommend  that  in  view  of  the  fact 
that  the  parties  themselves  have  expressed  some  doubt  as  to  the  wis¬ 
dom  of  the  change,  and  also  believing  that  it  were  best  to  put  our 
present  plan  into  more  successful  operation,  we  recommend  that  the 
Assembly  answer  the  overture  in  the  negative. 

Fifteenth. — We  recommend  that  the  same  schedule  of  months  be 
used  by  those  churches  not  using  the  Every-Member-Canvass  plan  as 
was  used  last  year,  and  that  the  Foreign  Mission  Committee  be 
allowed  to  make  a  special  appeal  during  the  last  two  weeks  of 
January. 

Sixteenth. — We  recommend  that  the  following  amounts  be  named 
as  a  minimum  for  the  Assembly’s  causes  for  the  year  1918-1919,  as 
that  which  is  needed  to  maintain  the  work  on  the  present  basis: 


Foreign  Missions  . $ 

Home  Mission  . 4 . 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial 

Relief  . . . . 

Publication  and  Sabbath  School 

Extension  . . . 

Bible  Cause  . . 


732,600.00 

356,400.00 

165,000.00 

52,800.00 

13,200.00 


Total  . . . $1,320,000.00 


Seventeenth. — We  recommend  that  the  following  percentages  apply 
to  any  undesignated  gifts  to  be  distributed  among  the  Assembly’s 
causes  and  as  a  guide  to  our  people: 


690 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IY 


Foreign  Missions  . 55%% 

Home  Missions  . 27% 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief .  12% 

Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Extension .  4% 

Bible  Cause  . . . . „ .  1% 


Eighteenth. — We  further  recommend  that  in  orde  rto  meet  the 
opportunities  and  responsibilities  now  confronting  us,  our  maximum 
contributions  should  be  as  much  as  for: 


Foreign  Missions  . 

Home  Missions  . . . . 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial 

Relief . . . ., . 

Publication  and  Sabbath  School 

Extension . . . 

Bible  Cause  . 


$1,000,000.00 

550,000.00 

280,000.00 

75,000.00 

20,000.00 


Nineteenth. — We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  appropriate  the 
sum  of  $250.00,  or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be  needed,  for  such  ex¬ 
penses  of  the  Permanent  Systematic  Beneficence  Committee  as  may 
be  needed  in  addition  to  the  expenses  of  its  members  in  attending  its 
meetings. 

Twentieth. — We  recommend  the  re-election  of  Dr.  E.  W.  Smith 
as  Executive  Secretary  of  Foreign  Missions  for  a  term  of  three 
years. 


Total  Gifts  for  Benevolence. — 

Foreign  Missions  . - . $  529,258.00 

Assembly’s  Home  Missions  .  125,872.00 

Synod’s  Home  Missions  .  103,449.00 

Presbyterial  Home  Missions- . . .  192,733.00 

Congregational  Home  Missions  .  129,415.00 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial 

Relief .  277,000.00 

Sunday  School  Extension  . 40,059.00 

Schools  and  Colleges  .  240,037.00 

Bible  Cause  . 10,201.00 

Orphans’  Homes  .  126,573.00 

Miscellaneous  Benevolence  .  183,886.00 


$1,951,118.00 


Campaign  Committee  on  Stewardship 

The  Campaign  Committee  on  Stewardship  has  done  a  most  re¬ 
markable  work  for  the  Church  this  year.  The  apportionments  for 
the  various  Presbyteries  were  sent  to  the  Presbyterial  Chairmen. 
Successful  effort  has  been  made  to  increase  the  number  of  congre¬ 
gations  making  the  Every-Member-Canvass,  and  to  get  those  already 
making  it  to  make  it  more  thoroughly.  The  appeal  for  the  steward- 


Sec.  1141 J 


Systematic  Beneficence 


691 


.ship  life  has  been  nobly  rung  out  this  year  throughout  the  Church 
■under  the  direction  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Campaign  Committee. 
The  religious  press,  the  printed  page,  and  the  personal  message 
have  all  been  used  in  making  the  appeal.  Fifty-two  Presbyterial 
Conferences  on  Stewardship  were  held  during  the  winter.  Definite 
plans  were  formulated  for  the  carrying  of  the  messages  from  these 
-conferences  to  the  individual  congregations.  It  is  probable  that 
more  than  fifteen  hundred  churches  were  reached  with  a  definite 
message.  In  the  conducting  of  these  conferences,  in,  addition  to  the 
members  of  the  Campaign  Committee  on  Stewardship,  Presbyteries 
of  the  Synods  named  as  representatives  of  the  Campaign  Committee 
on  Stewardship: 

Rev.  E.  E.  Smith . Synod  of  Missouri 

Rev.  J.  B.  Hutton,  D.  D . Synod  of  Appalachia 

Rev.  L.  R.  Lynn,  D.  D . Synods  of  Tennessee  and  Alabama 

Rev.  J.  G.  Venable  . Synod  of  Georgia 

Rev.  C.  M.  Boyd . Synod  of  Mississippi 

Rev.  J.  I.  Armstrong,  D.  D . Synod  of  South  Carolina 

Rev.  E.  L.  Hill,  D.  D . Synod  of  Texas 

Rev.  R.  F.  Kirkpatrick,  D.  D.  Synod  of  Arkansas 

It  is  believed  that  only  good  can  result  from  that  great  effort. 
February  18th  was  also  designated  as  Stewardship  Day;  programs 
were  furnished  for  the  day,  and  reports  as  to  fine  results  of  the  day 
have  come  from  many  churches.  In  a  further  noble  effort  to  get 
people  to  think  earnestly  on  the  great  and  fundamental  question  of 
Stewardship,  a  contest  was  arranged  by  the  Campaign  Committee 
on  Stewardship.  Through  the  generosity  of  men,  themselves  com¬ 
mitted  to  a  stewardship  life,  six  hundred  dollars  was  put  in  the  hands 
of  the  Campaign  Committee  to  be  used  as  prizes  for  the  best  essays 
on  the  subject  of  Stewardship.  That  all  might  enter  on  an  equal 
basis,  the  contest  was  divided  into  five  sections.  The  interest  sur¬ 
passed  the  expectations  of  the  Compmjttee ;  more  than  five  hundred 
and  fifty  registered  in  the  contest.  It  is  felt  to  be  certain  that  almost 
all  these  contestants  will  become  comma  tteed  to  the  stewardship  life. 
These  contestants  will  furnish  a  splendid  army  of  leaders,  scattered 
throughout  the  bounds  of  the  Church,  to  bring  their  followers  into 
the  larger  life  of  stewardship. 

And  yet  the  work  is  but  in  its  beginning,  and  the  probems  are 
many.  Remembering  that  in  only  two  or  three  brief  periods  of 
the  Church’s  history,  namely:  in  the  apostolic  days,  almost  again 
until  about  the  middle  of  the  nineteenth  century  for  a  very  brief 
period,  and  then  not  again  until  just  now,  has  the  great  question 
of  Stewardship  ever  been  seriously  studied.  And,  further,  being 
convinced  that  all  methods,  however  perfect,  can  be  but  failures 
except  as  they  be  constructed  on  the  sure  foundation  of  right  prin¬ 
ciple,  we  would  therefore  recommend: 

(1)  That  our  Committee  and  our  Secretary  of  the  Campaign 
Committee  be  most  heartily  commended  for  their  work,  and  assured 
of  the  confidence  and  approval  of  the  Assembly  in  and  on  all  their 
efforts. 


692 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


(2)  That  since  Christian  Stewardship  has  to  do  with  every  cause 
of  the  Church,  the  Assembly  request  each  of  the  Synods  to  hold  a 
conference  on  the  subject,  the  program  of  this  conference  to  be  pre¬ 
pared  by  the  Chairman  of  Systematic  Beneficence  in  consultation 

with  the  chairmen  of  the  various  benevolent  causes. 

(3)  That  the  Presbyteries  which  have  so  persistently  pushed  the 
principles  of  Christian  Stewardship  during  the  past  winter  be  com¬ 
mended  for  their  diligence  and  encouraged  to  continue  in  the  good 
work,  and  that  all  other  Presbyteries  who,  for  any  reason,  did  not 
take  part  in  the  Stewardship  Campaign  be  urged  to  do  so  in  the 
future. 

(4)  That  since  the  Every-Member- Canvass  is  the  scriptural  ap¬ 
plication  of  the  Christian  Stewardship  principle,  the  Assembly  re¬ 
affirm  its  unqualified  belief  in  the  plan,  and  recommend  that  it  be 
made  an  annual  event  in  all  churches  not  later  than  the  third 
Sunday  in  March;  and,  in  order  to  obtain  the  greatest  results,  both 
spiritual  and  financial,  at  least  one  month’s  preaching  and  teaching 
be  devoted  to  the  principles  and  application  of  Christian  Steward¬ 
ship. 

(5)  That  since  the  Sunday  School  offers  the  greatest  opportunity 
for  the  Church  to  raise  up  a  generation  of  leaders  and  Workers 
qualified  to  teach  intelligently  the  principles  and  illustrate  most 
wisely  the  methods  of  Christian  Stewardship,  and  that  the  Sunday 
Schools  may  be  thoroughly  informed,  that  each  Committee  be  in¬ 
structed  to  prepare,  according  to  the  Assembly’s  arrangement  of 
months,  a  suitable  course  of  instruction  to  appear  from  month  to 
month  in  the  Sunday  School  literature. 

(6)  That  for  the  same  reason  all  the  Sessions  be  urged  to  see  that 
regular  instruction!  is  given  concerning  the  (whole  work  of  Ithe 
Church  in  young  people’s  societies,  and  that  these  societies  be  en¬ 
couraged  to  make  offerings  for  all  the  benevolent  causes  of  the 
Church,  and  to  this  end  the  Executive  Committees  be  directed  to 
furnish  sources  of  instruction  to  appear  in  the  young  people’s  publi¬ 
cations. 

(7)  That  inasmuch  as  the  office  of  deacon  is  a  spiritual  one,  and 
the  Church  has  no  literature  on  the  subject,  that  the  Secretary  of 
the  Campaign  Committee  be  instructed  to  have  prepared  a  deacons’ 
training  course. 

(8)  That  the  report  of  the  Campaign  Committee  be  printed  in 
the  Appendix  to  the  Minutes  of  the  Assembly. 

(9)  We  recommend  the  re-election  of  R.  L.  Walkup  as  Secretary 
of  the  Campaign  Committee  on  Stewardship. 

(10)  We  recommend  that  the  membership  of  the  Campaign  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Stewardship,  which  is  now  constituted  as  follows:  H.  H. 
Sweets,  D.  D.,  E.  W.  Smith,  D.  D.,  Homer  McMillan,  D.  D.,  R.  E. 
Magill,  Dr.  T.  L.  Howe,  be  increased  bv  the  addition  of  the  follow¬ 
ing  names:  T.  B.  Hutton,  D.  D.,  A.  D.  P.  Gilmour,  D.  D.,  J.  B. 
Spillman,  and  R.  A.  Brand. 

(11)  We  recommend  that  the  General  Assembly  engage  now, 
led  by  the  Moderator,  in  a  prayer  that  our  people  may  be  able  and 
willing  to  give  the  $1,925,000.00  named  as  needful  for  the  benevo- 


Secs.  1141-1142]  Systematic  Beneficence 


693 


lent  causes,  and  that  the  pastors  be  urged  to  lead  their  people  in 
definite  prayer  for  the  amount  mentioned  throughout  the  year. 

Overtures 

1.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Albemarle 
asking  that  the  month  of  February  be  no  longer  selected  as  the  time 
for  a  special  appeal  for  any  other  cause,  but  that  it  be  left  wholly 
and  intact  for  the  support  of  the  Home  Mission  Work,  we  recom¬ 
mend  that  the  Assembly  reply  in  the  affirmative. 

2.  In  answer  to  the  Presbytery  of  Montgomery,  asking  that  the 
Assembly  add  an  additional  member  to  the  Committee  of  Systematic 
Beneficence  from  the  Synods  within  whose  bounds  the  Executive 
Committees  are  located,  we  recommend  that  the  overture  be  answered 
in  the  negative. 

3.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Pine  Bluff, 
asking  that  the  Assembly  go  on  record  as  disapproving  of  the  sepa¬ 
ration  of  the  gifts  of  the  Women’s  Auxiliary  from  the  gifts  of  the 
men ;  inasmuch  as  our  whole  Church  polity  is  well  known  to  be 
pronouncedly  against  such  procedure,  and  inasmuch  as  the  Auxiliary 
as  an  organization  has  ever  striven  against  such  procedure,  and 
inasmuch  as  the  Auxiliary  as  an  organization  has  ever  striven  to 
work  in  utmost  harmony  with  the  polity  of  the  Church  in  this,  as 
in  all  other  matters,  we  recommend  that  the  overture  be  answered 

'in  the  negative. 

4.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Lexington, 
asking  that  the  Assembly  leave  the  question  of  whether  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  shall  have  the  right  to  make  special  appeals  to  the 
“everv-member-canvass”  churches  to  the  individual  Sessions,  we 
recommend  that  the  overture  be  answered  in  the  negative. 

5.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Lexington, 
asking  that  the  method  of  making  the  apportionments  to  the  Pres¬ 
byteries  be  changed,  we  recommend  that  the  overture  be  answered 
in  the  negative. 

1142.  Report  of  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence 


Richmond  (1918) 

Synod 

Durant 

J.  S.  Foster 

Alabama 

J.  S.  Foster 

E.  W.  King 

Appalachia 

T.  C.  McRae 

A.  A.  Little 

Arkansas 

A.  A.  Little 

J.  T.  Thomas 

Florida 

J.  T.  Thomas 

J.  A.  Lyon 

Georgia 

A.  H.  Ferguson 

J.  B.  Hutton 

Kentucky 

W.  H.  Raymond 

C.  R.  Nisbet 

Louisiana 

Ernest  Thompson 

R.  A.  Brand 

Mississippi 

A.  F.  Davidson 

Missouri 

A.  D.  P.  Gilmour 

North  Carolina 

W.  H.  Raymond 

Oklahoma 

J.  W.  Friend 

South  Carolina 

Ernest  Thompson 

Tennessee 

Texas 

Virginia 

West  Virginia 

694 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


Organization 

Rev.  John  S.  Foster  was  elected  Chairman;  Judge  T.  C.  McRae, 
Vice-Chairman;  Rev.  A.  A.  Little,  Secretary  and  Treasurer. 


Committees 

Committees  were  appointed  on  Scope  and  Method,  on  Education 
and  Publicity,  on  Administration,  on  Assembly’s  Budget,  and  on 
Assembly’s  Minutes. 

The  Committee  has  had  before  it  printed  reports  of  the  four 
Executive  Committees,  the  report  on  the  Assembly’s  Stewardship 
Committee,  a  report  from  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary,  and  other  papers. 
It  has  held  careful  and  exhaustive  conferences  with  your  Secretaries, 
with  Mrs.  W.  C.  Winsborough,  and  by  invitation  with  the  authorities 
of  the  Training  School  for  Lay  Workers,  at  both  of  these  meetings. 

The  reports  and  conferences  have  been  referred  to  the  proper 
Committees  and  carefuly  considered  by  them.  We  are  convinced  from 
their  examination,  and  also  from  personal  examination  of  the  Publi¬ 
cation  Office,  that  your  Committees  are  doing  a  great  and  successful 
work  along  approved  business  principles,  and  at  a  minimum  of  cost. 
Every  department  is  making  gratifying  progress  under  the  trying 
circumstances. 

We  present  in  detail  our  conclusions  in  regard  to  each  Committee 
with  recommendations. 

Foreign  Missions 

This  Committee  has  had  an  exceedingly  difficult  situation  to  face 
on  account  of  the  conditions  brought  about  by  the  war.  All  the  ex¬ 
penses  of  missionary  work  have  increased  greatly,  due  to  many  causes. 
This  has  increased  the  cost  of  the  work  until  it  reached  the  sum  of 
$677,564.  The  receipts  increased  $78,729,  so  that  the  deficit  at  the 
end  of  the  year  is  $128,131. 

It  is  imperative  that  this  great  'cause  have  an  income  of  at  least 
$1,100,000  to  conduct  this  work  in  accordance  with  the  indication  of 
the  Divine  pointing. 

There  has  been  a  steady  increase  along  all  lines,  but  the  increase 
ought  to  be  at  a  faster  rate.  The  business  is  handled  in  a  conservative 
way,  and  the  results  show  that  the  work  is  in  a  most  ^encouraging 
condition. 

We  recommend — 

(1)  That  Rev.  A.  B.  Curry,  S.  H.  Chester,  Jas.  I.  Vance,  Messrs. 
M.  G.  Buckner  and  W.  H.  Raymond  be  re-elected  for  a  term  of  three 
years  on  this  Committee. 

That  the  following  amount  be  apportioned  to  this  cause,  namely, 
$1,100,000  for  1919-20. 


Home  Missions 

This  Committee  has  had  a  very  prosperous  year,  as  the  large 
increase  of  receipts  shows.  The  treasury  of  the  Committee  has  re¬ 
ceived  over  $40,000  more  than  for  the  previous  year.  There  has 
been  a  steady  and  gratifying  increase  each  year. 

This  does  not  include  the  large  sum  received  by  the  War  Work 
Committee,  which  was  handled  through  the  Treasury  of  the  Home 
Mission  Committee. 

The  number  of  additions  to  the  Churches  shows  an  increase  and 
the  whole  work  is  in  a  healthy  and  growing  condition,  which  indi¬ 
cates  that  it  is  being  conducted  on  a  business-like  and  safe  basis 
and  is  meeting  the  favor  of  God  and  man. 

The  debt  that  has  harassed  the  Committee  has  been  paid  and  a 
balance  appears  in  the  Treasury,  yet  so  great  are  the  demands  of 


Sec.  1142] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


695 


our  rapidly  growing  Southland  that  the  full  amount  asked  of  the 
Church  could  be  used. 

We  recommend' — 

(1)  That  J.  H.  Patton,  E.  L.  Hill,  A.  A.  Little,  J.  S.  Lyons  and 
Homer  McMillan  be  elected  to  succeed  themselves  for  a  term  of  three 
years,  and  that  John  S.  Foster  be  elected  to  fill  out  the  unexpired 
term  of  John  J.  Eagan. 

That  $550,000  be  apportioned  to  this  cause  - for  the  year  1919-20. 

That  Rev.  S.  L.  Morris,  D.  D.,  be  re-elected  Executive  Secretary 
for  three  years. 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief 

This  Committee  has  had  a  prosperous  year  from  the  standpoint 
of  funds  secured.  It  has  paid  off  the  debt  brought  over  from  last 
year  and  has  a  balance  in  the  treasury.  The  problem  of  securing 
young  men  for  the  Gospel  ministry  is  giving  the  Committee  anxious 
thought,  as  no  less  than  98  of  our  candidates  have  entered  some  branch 
of  the  national  service. 

It  has  studied  the  situation  with  admirable  care  and  wisdom 
and  has  presented  a  three-year  program,  which  the  Systematic  (Bene¬ 
ficence  Committee  endorses  and  approves  most  heartily  and  recom¬ 
mends!  to  the  Assembly.  It  is  found  on  page  13  of  the  Annual  Report 
of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial 
Relief. 

We  further  recommend — 

(1)  That  Rev,  Henry  H.  Sweets,  D.  D.,  be  re-elected  Executive 
Secretary  for  a  term  of  three  years. 

(2)  That  Messrs.  Brainard  Lemon  and  Jas.  Quarles  be  re-elected 
to  succeed  themselves  on  the  Executive  Committee. 

(3)  That  the  sum  of  $280,000  be  apportioned  to  this  cause  for 
the  year  1919-20. 

Publication  and  Sunday  School  Extension 

*• 

Your  Committee  unanimously  adopted  this  as  a  part  of  its  re¬ 
port  based'  upon  an  examination  of  the  office  in  Richmond  in  January, 
1918. 

(1)  The  building,  a  large  five-story  modern  fire-proof  structure, 
centrally  located  and  splendidly  adapted  for  the  intended  purposes. 
The  offices  are  commodious,  well  lighted,  heated  and  ventilated.  The 
building  represents  an  investment  of  $80,000  and  is  insured  for  $60,- 
000,  at  a  rate  of  26  cents  per  100.  This  owing  to  the  fact  that  it  is 
of  the  latest  type  of  fire-proof  construction.  The  thirty  or  more 
employees  seem  to  work  under  ideal  conditions.  The  scale  of  wages 
paid  is  in  keeping  with  Christian  principles  and  modern  demands. 
Your  Committee  is  advised  that  the  employees  seek  for  the  posi¬ 
tions  afforded  by  the  various  departments  and  seem  to  be  unusually 
intelligent  and  sympathetic.  “We  all  love  it;  we  are  like  one  big 
family,”  was  the  comment  of  one  departmental  clerk.  Many  of  the 
employees  have  been  in  their  positions  for  years. 

Your  Committee  examined  the  plan  of  recording  receipts  and  dis¬ 
bursements  and  the  general  system  of  bookkeeping.  A  three-fold’  check 
is  kept  on  all  accounts.  It  appears  to  your  Committee  that  the  busi¬ 
ness  is  in  splendid  hands,  that  the  methods  used  are  in  keeping  with 
the  highest  business  principles,  accurate,  thorough  and  comprehensive. 

This  Committee  has  nearly  reached  the  goal  set  some  years  agov 
but  at  this  time  needs  not  less  than  $75,000  to  do  most  efficient 
work.  The  increase  in  Sabbath  School  work  is  especially  gratifying, 
as  shown  in  the  exhibit  of  growth  for  15  years. 

We  recommend — 

(1)  That  Rev.  F.  T.  McFaden  and  Rev.  W.  L.  Lingle  be  elected 
to  succeed  themselves  for  a  period  of  three  years,  and  that  Rev.  E. 


696  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

C.  Caldwell  and  Rev.  O.  E.  Buchholz  be  added  to  the  Committee,  the 
class  to  be  determined  by  the  Executive  Committee. 

(2)  That  $75,000  be  apportioned  to  this  cause  for  the  year  1919-20. 

Woman’s  Auxiliary 

Again  the  reports  from  the  Woman’s  Societies  of  the  Church 
show  a  gratifying  increase  for  all  causes.  The  Auxiliary  has  put 
special  stress  on  the  literature  for  Missionary  meetings  during  this 
year  and  issues  literature  that  is  equaled  by  no  other  Church  for 
spiritual  power  and  up-to-date  information. 

It  is  well  to  remind  the  church  that  the  entire  support  of  this 
Auxiliary  comes  from  the  four  Executive  Committees,  though  the 
benefits  accrue  to  all  branches  of  the  Church’s  work.  The  meagre 
amount  of  $6,000  is  hardly  sufficient  to  pay  the  small  salary  of  the 
Superintendent  and  her  assistants'  and  the  other  expenses  of  the  office. 
The  Auxiliary  is  under  the  control  of  the  Supervisory  Committee  se¬ 
lected  from  the.  four  Executive  Committees,  and’  through  the  Auxi¬ 
liary  the  women  are  leading  in  the  fulfillment  of  the  high  and  holy 
ideals  of  our  Church. 

Under  the  energetic  leadership  of  Mrs.  W.  C.  Winsborough  and 
her  helpers  the  number  of  Mission  study  classes  is  rapidly  increasing 
and  new  fields  of  usefulness  are  being  opened,  notably  the  work  for 
negro  women. 

We  recommend  that  the  General  Assembly  emphasize  the  im¬ 
portance  of  having  every  society  in  the  Church  aligned  with  the 
Auxiliary,  and  call  upon  the  Synods  and  Presbyteries  to  use  the 
valuable  services  of  this  office  for  their  Synodical  and  Presbyterial 
work. 

General 

The  Committee  endorses  the  program  of  the  “War  Work  Coun¬ 
cil’  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  U.  S.,  and  recommends  that  the 
Assembly  commend  the  work  to  the  liberality  of  the  Church  to  the 
extent  of  $100,000,  to  cover  the  work  of  the  Council  for  the  ensuing 
year. 

That  the  Assembly  make  up  one  budget  for  Benevolences,  covering 
the  need  of  all  the  Executive  Committees,  to  be  distributed  according 
to  the  percentage  plan  already  adopted. 

That  the  Assembly  direct  the  Secretaries  in  their  visits  to  the 
Churches  to  present  not  only  their  own  special  cause,  but  also  the 
relation  between  it  and  the  other  causes. 

That  the  week  preceding  and  including  the  3rd  Sunday  of  Febru¬ 
ary  be  fixed  as  a  special  week  of  self-denial  for  the  cause  of  Foreign 
Missions. 

Your  Committee  would  recommend  that  the  Assembly  appoint  an 
Ad  Interim  Committee  to  consider  and  report  on  the  following 
motion: 

1.  That  the  Assembly  takes  steps  to  secure  a  building  in  one 
of  our  cities,  said  building  shall  house  the  Executive  Committees, 
Woman’s  Auxiliary,  and  all  other  agencies  of  the  General  Assembly, 
as  the  Assembly  shall  decide. 

2.  That  the  work  as  now  done  by  the  four  Executive  Committees 
of  the  General  Assembly  shall  be  in  the  hands  of  one  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  who  shall  take  full  charge  of  all  branches  of  the  Assembly’s 
work  as  now  conducted,  with  their  respective  secretaries,  or  may 
hereafter  be  conducted  or  ordered'  by  the  Assembly. 

This  Committee  shall  be  constituted  as  follows:  -Each  Synod  shall 
be  entitled  to  one  member,  to  be  elected  by  the  Synod,  and  approved 
by  the  General  Assembly  subsequently.  Where  a  Synod  has  15,000  to 
25,000  members  it  shall  be  entitled  to  two  members.  Synods  having 
over  25,000  members  shall  be  entitled  to  three  members  each. 


Sec.  1142] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


697 


This  Committee  shall  meet  not  less  than  twice  a  year,  and  all 
its  expenses  shall  be  paid  out  of  the  funds  of  the  Committee. 

In  addition,  there  shall  be  an  Advisory  Committee  of  seven, 
who  shall  meet  at  such  times  as  may  be  needed.  The  members  of 
this  Committee  shall  consist  of  ministers  and  ruling  elders  residing 
in  or  near  the  city  in  which  the  Executive  Committee  shall  meet. 
The  powers  of  this  Committee  shall  be  entirely  advisory  to  the  Sec¬ 
retaries  in  the  interim  of  the  meeting  of  the  Executive  Committee. 

The  following  members  of  the  Committee  have  been  appointed 
to  represent  this  Committtee  before  the  Assembly  and  its  Committees, 
namely,  Rev.  Ernest  Thompson,  D.  D.,  and  Rev.  A.  D.  P.  Gilmour,  D.  D. 

Concerning  membership  on  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Syste¬ 
matic  Beneficence: 

The  second  term  of  th£  following  members  expires  at  this  meet¬ 
ing  of  the  Assembly.  They  are  not  eligible  for  re-election. 

Principals — A.  A.  Little,  of  the  Synod  of  Georgia;  J.  A.  Lyon,  of 
the  Synod  of  Louisiana;  John  W.  Friend,  of  the  Synod'  of  Virginia; 
and  Ernest  Thompson,  of  the  Synod  of  West  Virginia. 

Alternates,  respectively — J.  G.  Patton,  John  S.  Talmage,  J.  W.  Sin- 
ton  and  D.  P.  McGeachey. 

The  first  term  of  the  following  members  expires  at  this  meeting  of 
the  Assembly,  namely: 

Principals — John  T.  Thomas,  of  the  Synod  of  Kentucky;  W.  H. 
Raymond,  of  the  Synod  of  Tennessee. 

The.  Rev.  J.  Layton  Mauze,  from  the  Synod  of  Missouri,  having 
removed  from  the  bounds  of  the  Synod,  Rev.  C.  R.  Nisbet  took  his 
place  on  the  Committee.  He  is  eligible  for  re-election  as  Principal. 
The  position  of  Alternates  in  the  Synods  of  Kentucky,  Missouri  and 
Alabama  are  vacant  by  removal  of  the  incumbents  of  their  Synods. 

The  position  of  Principal  in  the  Synod  of  Alabama  is  vacant  by 
the  removal  of  Rev.  John  S.  Foster  to  the  Synod  of  South  Carolina. 

The  Rev.  David  Park  has  been  nominated  by  the  Synod  of 
Alabama  for  Principal  and  the  Rev.  S.  E.  Hughes  as  Alternate. 

The  Synod  of  Kentucky  has  neither  Principal-  nor  Alternate,  due 
to  their  removal  from  the  Synod. 

We  recommend  that  the  following  amounts  be  apportioned  for  the 


Assembly  Causes  for  1919-20: 

Foreign  Missions  . $1,100,000 

Home  Missions  . 550,000 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief .  280,000 

Publication  and  Sunday  School  Extension .  75,000 

Bible  Cause  .  20,000 


$2,025,000 

We  recommend  that  the  following  percentages  apply  to  any  un¬ 
designated  gifts  to  be  distributed  among  the  Assembly’s  Causes  as  a 


guide  to  our  people: 

Foreign  Missions  . 55%% 

Home  Missions  .  ,  27  % 

Christian  Education  and'  Ministerial  Relief  .  12%% 

Sunday  School  Extension  and  Publication  .  4  % 

Bible  Cause  .  1  % 


The  Committee  approves  the  proposed  plan  of  raising  $12,000,- 
000  for  Beneficences  in  the  three  years  beginning  1919-1920,  and  recom¬ 
mends  the  same  to  the  General  Assembly. 

We  recommend  that  all  the  Executive  Committees  be  instructed 
to  have  a  special  and  thorough  and  efficient  survey  made  by  an  ex¬ 
perienced  firm  of  auditors  who  shall  examine  carefully  and  thoroughly 
into  their  business  methods  and  accounting  systems. 

Said  auditors  should  report  fully  and’  in  detail  in  reference  to 
all  the  business  transactions  of  the  Committee  showing  efficiency  of 
employees  in  the  various  departments,  items  of  expense  properly 
chargeable  to  each  department,  make  recommendations  which  would 


698  Systematic  Beneficence  [Boctk  IV 

insure  greater  efficiency,  promptness  and  accuracy  in  the  conduct  of 
the  business,  and  suggest  changes. 

The  reports  of  said  auditor  should  be  presented  to  the  Committee  on 
Systematic  Beneficence  at  its  mid-winter  meeting. 

We  also  recommend  that  the  financial  heads  of  the  Executive 
Committees  be  instructed  to  hold  a  conference,  consult  with  an  auditor 
and  recommend  a  uniform  method  of  making  their  reports  to  the 
Assembly. 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  appropriate  the  sum  of  $250  or 
so  much  as  may  be  needed  thereof  for  such  expenses  of  the  Committee 
over  and  above  the  expenses  of  members  attending  the  meeting  of 
the  Committee. 

1143.  Repoj't  of  Assembly's  Committee  on  Stewardship  (1919) 

Organization 

The  following  men  now  constitute  the  Committee:  Rev.  H.  H. 
Sweets,  D.  D.,  Chairman;  Rev.  Homer  McMillan,  D.  D.;  Rev.  E.  W. 
Smith,  D.  D.;  Mr.  R.  E.  Magill,  Secretary;  Rev.  R.  L.  Walkup,  Superin¬ 
tendent;  Rev.  A.  D.  P.  Gilmour,  D.  D.;  Rev.  J.  B.  Hutton,  D.  D.;  Mr. 
R.  A.  Brand;  Mr.  J.  B.  Spillman;  Dr.  J.  L.  Howe. 

The  Character  of  the  Work 

The  two  outstanding  phases  of  the  work  have  to  do  with(l)  the 
Principles  of  Christian  Stewardship;  (2)  the  application  of  these 
principles  in  the  Every-Member-Canvass  for  life  and  substance.  These 
phases,  however,  are  essentially  one,  as  they  are  so  interlinked  that 
it  is  impossible  to  advance  the  one  without  carrying  on  the  other. 
Principles  must  be  known  before  they  are  applied.  Some  knowledge 
of  Stewardship  must  be  clear  before  the  Every-Member-Canvass  can 
do  its  highest  and  noblest  work. 

It  is  the  mission  of  the  Stewardship  Committee  to  present  a  clear, 
convincing  message  on  the  Bible  principles  of  Stewardship,  and  in- 
ceasingly  urge  the  application  of  these  principles,  thus  adequately 
supporting  every  cause  through  a  thoroughly  prepared  and  faithfully 
carried  out  Every-Member-Canvass. 

The  Committee  is  glad  to  report  a  growing  spirit  of  interest  and 
a  desire  generally  of  the  congregations  and  their  officers  to  co-operate 
with  the  Committee  in  carrying  out  the  plans  of  the  Assembly.  We 
are  pleased  to  report  a  widespread  purpose  to  provide  the  funds 
needed'  on  a  maximum  rather  than  on  a  minimum  basis  for  the  com¬ 
ing  year.  We  are  gratified  at  the  deepening  interest  of  the  principles 
of  Stewardship  and  the  increased  number  of  proportionate  givers. 
The  Church’s  plan  of  finance  has  not  only  been  introduced  into  hun¬ 
dreds  of  churches  for  the  first  time,  but  has  been  strengthened  in 
hundreds  of  others.  Never  before  has  the  Church  been  so  thoroughly 
and  effectively  organized  as  it  has  been  this  year,  and  never  before 
has  such  a  rich  harvest  been  gathered. 

Review  of  the  Year’s  Work 

Conferences — Through  church  visitation  by  the  secretary  and 
others  a  large  number  of  conferences  has  been  held',  setting  forth 
both  principles  and  application.  The  response  was  most  encouraging. 
Stewardship  Institutes,  Group  and  Presbyterial  Conferences  have  been 
held  in  many  of  our  Presbyteries. 

Synod's  Conferences — Complying  with  the  recommrndation  of  the 
General  Assembly  most  of  the  Synods  conducted  conferences  in  the 
interest  of  Christian  Stewardship  and  the  Assembly’s  causes.  Unlike 
the  course  pursued  in  former  years,  only  one  secretary  attended  a 
Synod.  Instead  of  being  responsible  for  his  cause  alone,  he  repre- 


Sec.  1143] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


699 


sented  the  five-fold  work.  Much  favorable  comment  has  been  made 
on  this  change.  This  is  believed  to  be  the  entering  wedge  for  the 
great  drive  which  has  arrested  the  attention  of  thousands  this  winter. 
Be  it  said  to  the  credit  and  honor  of  the  secretaries  that  their  pre¬ 
sentation  was  so  clear  and  impartial  a  stranger  could  not  have  told 
what  cause  they  represented. 

General  Conferences — Prom,  July  22-27  there  was  held  in  Montreat, 
N.  C.,  a  Stewardship  Conference.  Both  the  principles  and  applica¬ 
tions  were  presented  by  able  men.  It  was  a  strong  program  and'  much 
good  was  accomplished. 

Literature — There  are  two  direct  ways  of  propagating  the  gospel 
• — 'preaching  and  printing.  We  have  endeavored  to  send  out  the  truth 
through  the  printed  pages  of  the  following  literature:  Stewardship 
Catechism,  A  Man  and  His  Money,  A  Christian’s  Financial  Creed, 
Nuggets  of  Truth,  The  Church’s  Plan  of  Finance,  Stewardship  En¬ 
listment  Card,  Graded  Lessons  on  Stewardship,  Stewardship  of 
Property,  Stewardship  Plus,  The  Tithe,  Necessary  Steps  in  the  Every- 
Member-Canvass. 

There  is  now  in  course  of  preparation  a  Deacon’s  Training  Course. 
The*  Committee  is  happy  to  announce  that  Dr.  Walter  L.  Lingle,  D.  D., 
of  Union  Seminary,  is  the  author  of  this  course  and  that  the  manu¬ 
script  will  be  ready  for  the  printer  at  an  early  date.  Believing  that 
at  this  point  special  effort  is  needed,  the  Committee  plans  to  push 
will  all  vigor  the  training  course  during  the  coming  year. 

The  Pastor — Realizing  him  to  be  the  key  to  the  situation,  the 
pastor’s  full  co-operation  has  been  sought.  Where  earnest  devotion  and 
untiring  service  have  been  rendered,  large  and  influential  gains 
have  been  made.  Much  credit  is  due  to  the  faithful  pastors  for  the 
success  of  the  past  year. 

Sunday  Schools — Hundreds  of  Sunday  Schools  have  been  induced 
to  use  Stewardship  literature  as  supplemental  work.  The  Stewardship 
Committee  offered  its  literature  free  to  any  school  on  the  condition 
that  it  would  be  used  for  as  many  as  six  Sundays,  embracing  as  many 
as  ten  minutes  each  Sunday.  Over  200  schools  availed  themselves  of 
this  offer. 

Women's  Societies — Through  this  well  organized  company  of 
workers  the  Stewardship  Committee  has  received  a  hearty  response 
in  the  education  of  the  Church  in  the  principles  of  Christian  Steward¬ 
ship.  This  subject  has  occupied  a  chief  place  on  the  program  of 
all  the  Synodicals,  the  majority  of  the  Presbyterials  and  in  many  of 
the  local  Societies.  The  ladies  also  in  many  instances  have  rendered 
splendid  service  in  preparing  for  and  carrying  out  the  Every-Mem- 
ber-Canvass. 

The  Three  Million  Dollar  Drive — Conceived  in  prayer,  born  of 
faith  and  designated  for  service,  the  Three  Million  Dollar  Drive  has 
taken  shape  through  the  combined  effort  of  devoted  men  whose  only 
motive  has  been  to  advance  the  Kingdom  in  this  hour  of  unparalleled 
needs. 

It  was  an  earnest  effort  on  the  part  of  the  combined  forces  of 
the  Church  to  make  actual  the  Moderator’s  prayer  that  God  would 
make  willing  His  people  to  give  the  amount  needed  for  the  carrying 
on  of  His  work  in  every  department  of  the  Church. 

The  challenge  which  has  taken  hold  of  the  Church  and  gripped 
the  hearts  of  thousands  foY  the  past  few  months,  took  form  in  the 
mind  of  Mr.  J.  B.  Spillman,  of  Columbia,  S.  C.  In  some  well  chosen 
advertisements  and  personal  appeals  to  ministers  and  laymen  he 
summoned  the  Church  to  this  heroic  task. 

The  Church  was  not  disobedient  to  the  call  for  larger  things. 
Fourteen  Synods  immediately  and  enthusiastically  accepted  their 
quotas,  on  a  Three  Million  Dollar  basis.  The  two  remaining  Synods 
goon  came  into  line. 

On  December  4th  the  Assembly’s  Stewardship  Committe  met  in 
Asheville,  N.  C.  and,  after  two  days’  deliberation  and  prayer  as¬ 
sumed  the  responsibility  for  the  entire  campaign.  At  this  meeting 


700 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


a  Central  Committee  was  appointed  to  have  direct  charge  of  the  work. 
The  following  men  constituted  this  Committee:  J.  (B.  Spillman,  Chair¬ 
man,  Wade  C.  Smith,  H.  H.  Sweets,  C.  A.  Rowland,  Homer  McMillan 
and  R.  L.  Walkup. 

On  December  12th  another  meeting  was  held  in  Atlanta,  where 
there  were  assembled  about  thirty-five  ministers  and  laymen  repre¬ 
senting  fifteen  Synods.  It  was  the  unanimous  judgment  that  God 
had  opened  the  way  for  this  enlarged  campaign.  The  proposed  Cam¬ 
paign  was  heartily  endorsed  by  this  Conference,  and  Mr.  Wade  C. 
Smith  was  appointed  General  Manager  for  the  Committee.  Mr.  Smith 
was  released  for  three  months  for  this  service  by  the  Publication  Com¬ 
mittee  and  in  addition  to  this  contribution  of  Mr.  Smith’s  time  a 
generous  share  of  the  expenses  of  the  Campaign  was  assumed  by  the 
Publication  Committee. 

On  January  3rd  a  meeting  of  the  Central  Committee  was  held  in 
Atlanta.  A  Set-Up  of  the  Campaign  was  prepared,  which  is  as  follows: 

Purpose 

(1)  To  intensify  the  growing  spirit  of  Stewardship  of  Life  and 
Substance. 

(2)  To  arouse  the  whole  Church  to  a  better  performance  of  its 
benevolent  work.  To  raise  in  pledges  for  1918-19,  $3,000,000.00.  . 

Through  conferences,  church  paper  advertising,  study  classes  and 
the  distribution  of  the  best  literature,  to  bring  our  people  to  recog¬ 
nize  the  world-wide  responsibilities  and'  opportunities  of  the  Church 
at  this  time. 

(3)  To  hold  throughout  the  Church  in  March  simultaneous 
meetings,  three,  bearing  directly  upon  the  objects  of  this  Campaign, 
using  the  regular  morning  church  service  hour  on  the  first,  second 
and  third  Sundays  in  March.  To  do  this  will  require  the  drafting 
of  at  least  1,900  laymen  to  conduct  services  in  what  would.be  other¬ 
wise  vacant  pulpits. 

Specially  prepared  and  printed  programs  will  be  supplied  for 
these  services  so  that  no  layman  will  be  without  ample  aid  in  the 
way  of  subject  material  and  order  of  service,  should'  he  desire  it. 
These  programs  will  be  designed  for  use  by  all  as  to  the  general 
outline. 

Plan 


The  Assembly’s  Stewardship  Committee,  responsible  for  and  hav¬ 
ing  general  oversight  of  the  Campaign,  appointed  a  Central  Com¬ 
mittee  of  six  to  have  charge  of  the  v.arious  departments  of  the  work. 

The  Central  Committee,  in  conference  with  Synod’s  Committee 
on  Systematic  Beneficence,  selected  a  Campaign  Manager  for  each 
Synod.  The  responsibility  of  raising  the  Synod’s  quota  was  centered 
in  the  hands  of  the  Manager,  he  to  give  his  entire  time  to  the  Work 
until  April  1st. 

The  Manager  of  Synod,  in  conference  with  Presbytery’s  Commit¬ 
tee,  selected  a  Manager  for  each  Presbytery,  and'  upon  him  was  placed 
the  responsibility  of  raising  the  Presbytery’s  qifota. 

The  Manager  of  Presbytery,  in  conference  with  Presbytery’s  Com¬ 
mittee,  selected  a  Manager  for  groups  of  churches,  and  upon  him 
was  placed  the  responsibility  of  raising  the  church’s  quota. 

The  Group  Manager,  with  the  Session’s  approval,  appointed  a  Man¬ 
ager  for  the  local  congregation,  and  upon  him  was  placed  the  respon¬ 
sibility  of  raising  the  church’s  quota. 

This  organization  proved  to  be  most  efficient.  From  the  Synod 
to  the  Congregation  Manager  splendid  work  was  accomplished.  To 
these  faithful  men,  together  with  hundreds  of  others  who  willingly 
gave  of  their  time  for  the  carrying  out  of  the  Campaign,  much  cre¬ 
dit  is  due  for  the  success.  Without  this  self-sacrificing  effort  and 
unrelenting  zeal  these  results  could  not  have  been  achieved. 


Sec.  1143] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


701 


Recommendations 

“Believing  that  the  Spirit  of  God  has  graciously  led  the  Church 
to  a  deeper  appreciation  of  its  mission  and  inspired  her  forces  to 
undertake  greater  things  for  the  advancement  of  the  Kingdom  of 
God,  we  would  recommend: 

1.  That  the  Church’s  goal  for  the  present  year  he  Three  Mil¬ 
lion  Dollars  for  the  benevolent  work  of  the  Assembly,  Synod  and 
Presbytery,  and  that  the  immediate  task  be  the  bringing  of  every 
local  congregation,  Presbytery  and  Synod  up  to  this  standard. 

2.  That  such  assistance  as  may  be  necessary  be  employed  for 
the  carrying  out  and  completion  of  this  program. 

3.  That  each  Synod,  Presbytery  and’  Church  be  asked  to  main¬ 
tain  the  organization  which  has  so  successfully  carried  forward  the 
recent  Campaign,  and  that  this  splendid  force  of  workers  be  used  in, 
completing  the  Three  Million  Dollar  task. 

4.  That  uniform  report  blanks  of  funds  pledged,  paid  and  re¬ 
mitted  be  prepared  to  be  used  by  the  local  churches  in  making  re¬ 
ports  at  least  quarterly  to  Synod’s  Manager  through  the  Manager  of 
Presbytery,  all  reports  to  be  finally  sent  to  the  office  of  thel3teward- 
ship  Committee,  Montreat,  N.  C. 

5.  The  General  Assembly,  recognizing  the.  place  of  free-will 
offering  and  the  thank-offering  in  the  economy  of  God,  urges  that, 
at  suitable  seasons,  all  Sessions  give  opportunity  for  those  who  have 
not  been  reached  by  the  Every-Member-Canvass,  and  those  who  have 
been  especially  prospered  of  God,  to  exercise  this  privilege. 

6.  That  the  Stewardship  Commitee  be  urged  to  continue  its  em¬ 
phasis  on  the  cultivation  of  Christian  Stewardship  ideals  through¬ 
out  the  Church,  and  to  seek  ways  and  means  to  lead  our  people  to 
a  clearer  recognition  and  a  fuller  practice  of  the  Christian’s  obli¬ 
gation  of  Stewardship  toward  God  in  possessions,  personality  and 
prayer. 

7.  That  through  Conferences  and  Institutes  and  every  other 
available  means  the  Church  be  urged  to  study  efficiency  in  all  lines 
of  service,  that  she  may  .more  and  more  show  herself  “Approved  unto 
God,  a  workman  that  needeth  not  to  be  ashamed.” 

8.  That  during  January,  February  and  March  of  1919  a  Cam¬ 
paign  similar  to  the  one  of  the  past  year  be  conducted,  and  that  all 
congregations  be  urged  to  participate  in  both  the  preparation  and 
the  actual  carrying  out  of  two  by  two,  house  to  house,  personal  visita¬ 
tion  canvass  for  pledges  both  for  congregational  and  beneficent  causes. 

While  the  immediate  task  is  immense  and  calls  for  heroic  service 
of  the  combined  forces  of  the  Church,  yet  we  cannot  accept  this  as 
the  ultimate  goal  to  which  our  Lord  is  calling  us  at  this  time. 

In  this  time  of  world-wide  undertakings,  of  unparalleled  op¬ 
portunities  and  unheard  of  sacrifices  we  believe  there  comes  a  clear 
and  ringing  call  from  God  for  an  advancement  in  keeping  with  the 
time  in  which  we  live.  The  Church  is  not  only  called  upon  to  enlarge 
her  program  to  meet  the  emergencies  of  the  war,  but  also  to  meet  the 
enlarged  problems  which  shall  press  upon  her  from  all  sides  after 
the  close  of  the  war.  We  would  therefore  recommend: 

(a)  That  God’s  challenge  of  a  yet  larger  program  be  accepted. 

(b)  That  this  program  embrace  all  department  of  the  Church’s 
work. 

•  » 

(c)  A  part  of  this  program  be  the  raising  of  twelve  million  dol¬ 
lars  for  benevolences  in  a  period  of  three  years,  beginning  April  1, 
1919,  and  that  this  part  of  the  task  be  committed  to  the  Assembly’s 
Stewardship  Committee. 

(d)  While  the  program  is  to  embrace  a  number  of  years,  there 
shall  be  an  annual  goal  prepared  and  endorsed  by  the  courts  of  the 
Church  one  year  in  advance  as  now.” 


702 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book:  IV 


Report  on  “ The  $3,000,000  Drive ”  for  Benevolences 

The  results  of  “The  $3,000,000  Drive”  for  Benevolences,  as  far 
as  reports  from  Synodical  Managers  give  totals,  are  as  follows: 


Pledges  re - 


Synod 

Gave  in 

Quota  for 

ceived  to 

1916-17 

this  “drive” 

April  13 

Alabama  . 

. $  63,006 

$  100,000 

$  104,136 

Appalachia  . 

.  139,528 

160,000 

111,417 

Arkansas  . 

.  49,768 

80,000 

66,769 

Florida  . 

.  46,776 

80,000 

44,901 

Georgia  . 

.  152,186 

240,000 

198,654 

Kentucky  . 

.  93,248 

150,000 

111,067 

Louisiana  . 

.  62,462 

100,000 

50,290 

Mississippi  . 

.  65,355 

100,000 

96,733 

Missouri  . 

.  94,146 

150,000 

111,984 

North  Carolina  . 

.  498,808 

650,000 

450,271 

Oklahoma  . 

.  8,450 

15,000 

19,323 

Snedecor  Memorial  . 

.  484 

5,000 

600 

South  Carolina  . 

.  143,178 

225,000 

202,287 

Tennessee  . 

.  81,202 

130,000 

77,791 

Texas  . 

.  172,448 

270,000 

140,819 

Virginia  . 

.  298,829 

465,000 

405,518 

West  Virginia  . 

.  42,211 

80,000 

63,134 

Total  . . 

. $2,012,085 

$3,000,000 

$2,2515,694 

There  may  be”  some  disappointment  at  first  upon  seeing  the  above' 
figures,  but  we  believe  they  fairly  point  to  gifts  of  benevolence  this 
year  of  fully  $3,000,000.  In  analyzing  these  funds  there  are  several 
things  to  be  remembered. 

In  the  first  place  they  do  not  include  more  than  two-thirds  of  the 
churches  of  the  Assembly,  and  of  the  churches  reporting  a  great  many 
have  not  completed  their  canvass. 

In  the  second  place,  the  report  dates  within  two  weeks  of  the  be¬ 
ginning  of  the  church  year.  It  is  extremely  doubtful  if  in  any 
previous  year  during  the  first  month  as  much  as  50  per  cent,  of  the 
year’s  gifts  have  been  pledged.  The  total  gifts  of  a  year  are  the  re¬ 
sult  of  a  twelve-month  process  of  exhortation  and  solicitation,  and  as 
a  rule  the  greater  part  is  a  result  of  the  finish  drives  of  the  last  three 
months.  Somewhat  offsetting  that,  however,  may  be  regarded'  the  usual 
effort  to  secure  pledges  this  year. 

In  the  third  place,  there  are  a  few  Synods,  a  number  of  Pres¬ 
byteries  and  hundreds  of  churches  that  have  definitely  shown  pledges, 
as  a  result  of  this  drive,  totaling  anywhere  from  50  per  cent,  to  100 
per  cent,  above  the  gifts  of  1916-1917.  Some  Presbyteries  report  more' 
than  100  per  cent,  over,  and  many  churches,  medium  to  small  size, 
have  gone  from  100  per  cent,  to  200  per  cent,  over  former  gifts. 

Actual  gains  in  pledges  received  amount  to  an  increase  of  ap¬ 
proximately  $400,000  above  1916-1917  and  would  seem  to  justify'fully  the 
expectation  that  the  entire  Church  will  go  “over  the  top”  before  the 
year  passes.  The  gain  of  $400,000  is  shown  by  adding  together  the 
gains  in  the  accompanying  table  and  leaving  out  of  the  count  those 
Synods  whose  reports  appear  to  show  a  loss  as  compared  with  1916- 
1917.  It  is  hardly  conceivable  that  one  of  the  latter  will  give  less  than’ 
they  did  in  1916-1917.  They  show  a  loss  here  because  their  reports 
are  incomplete.  It  is  more  than  probable  that  every  one  of  them 
will  show  good  gains  and  it  is  also  certain  that  all  the  Synods 
showing  gains  here  will  record  further  gains. 

These  statements,  in  so  far  as  they  are  predictions,  are  based 
upon  the  very  evident  determination  of  all  the  Managers  of  Synods 
and  most  of  the  Managers  of  Presbyteries  to  continue  pushing  their 
Campaign  until  every  church  in  their  respective  Synods  and  Presby¬ 
teries  has  been  effectively  reached.  Through  their  continued  and  per- 


Secs.  1143-1144]  Systematic  Beneficence  703 

sistent  efforts  hundreds  of  churches  will  be  coming  into  the  “every 
member  plan”  column  the  summer  and  fall  months. 

Without  exception  the  Managers  testify  to  the  wisdom  of  “The 
$3,000,000  Drive.”  Every  one  of  them  is  enthusiastic  over  the  results 
as  they  are  shown  in  greater  interest  in  the  causes,  greater  liberality, 
a  higher  conception  of  Christian  Stewardship  and  a  deepened’  spirit¬ 
ual  life  throughout  the  Church. 

1144.  Report  of  the  Standing  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence 

1918,  p.  48.  The  following  papers  came  into  our  hands,  namely, 
the  Annual  Report  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic 
Beneficence,  the  Annual  Report  of  the  Stewardship  Committee,  Re¬ 
port  of  the  Superintendent  of  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary,  the  Statis¬ 
tical  Report  of  the  Systematic  Beneficence  from  all  the  Presbyteries, 
together  with  overtures  hereinafter  dealt  with. 

N. 

The  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence 

The  Eighth  Annual  Report  of  the  Systematic  Beneficence  Com¬ 
mittee  shows  earnest  and  diligent  effort  on  their  part  to  promote 
the  interests  of  the  Kingdom  committed  to  them. 

The  summary  of  gifts  to  the  Assembly’s  causes  for  the  year  1917 
and  1918,  as  reported  by  the  Presbyteries,  is  as  follows: 


Foreign  Missions  . . . $  587,670.00 

Assembly’s  Home  Missions  . _ . >. .  166,174.00 

Synods’  Home  Missions  .  84,840.00 

Presbyterial  Home  Missions  .  263,504.00 

Congregational  Home  Missions  .  129,787.00 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief .  123,608.00 

Sunday  School  Extension  . 49,934.00 

Schools  and  Colleges  .  259,177.00 

Bible  Cause  . , . . . <  20,797.00 

Orphans’  Homes  . 150,707.00 

Miscellaneous  Benevolences  .  402,533.00 


Total  Benevolences  . $2,238,731.00 


Your  Committee  begs  to  recommend  the  following: 

First.  That  the  Permanent  Committee  be  thanked  for  their  labor 
of  love  and  the  service  which  they  have  rendered  the  Church. 

Second.  That  the  Assembly  decline  to  appoint  the  Ad-Interim 
Committee  looking  toward  the  purchase  of  a  building  to  house  all 
the  Executive  Committees  and  looking  toward  the  appointment  of  a 
central  Executive  Committee  to  have  full  charge  of  all  branches 
of  the  Assembly’s  work. 

Third.  That  the  following  amounts  be  apportioned  for  the  Assem¬ 


bly’s  causes  for  1919-1920. 

Foreign  Missions  . , . >. .  $1,140,000 

Home  Missions  . . . .+ .  570,000 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  ...  290,000 

Publication  and  Sunday  School  Extension .  78,000 

Bible  Cause  . i .  22,000 


Total  . . . .  $2,100,000 


704  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

Fourth.  That  the  following  percentages  apply  to  any  undesig¬ 
nated  gifts: 

Foreign  Missions  . . . . . . . . .  55%% 

Home  Missions  . . . ^.t .  27  % 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief . _ .  12%% 

Publication  and  Sunday  School  . . .  4  % 

Bible  Cause  . . .  1  % 


Fifth.  That  the  Assembly  approve  the  plan  for  the  raising  of 
$12,000,000  for  Beneficence  during  the  next  three  years. 

Sixth.  We  recommend  that  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Syste¬ 
matic  Beneficence  be  instructed  to  have  a  special  and  thorough 
efficiency  survey  made  by  an  experienced  firm  of  auditors  who  shall 
examine  carefully  and  thoroughly  the  books  and  business  methods 
of  all  the  Executive  Committees  and  their  accounting  systems. 

Said  auditors  should  report  fully  and  in  detail  in  reference  to  all 
the  business  transactions  of  the  Committee  showing  efficiency  of  em¬ 
ployees  in  the  various  departments,  items  of  expense;  properly  charge¬ 
able  to  each  department,  make  recommendations  which  would  insure 
greater  efficiency,  promptness  and  accuracy  in  the  conduct  of  the  busi¬ 
ness,  and  suggest  changes  that  may  seem  desirable. 

The  report  of  said  auditors  should  be  presented  to  the  Permanent 
Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  at  its  mid-winter  meeting. 

Seventh.  That  the  Assembly  appropriate  the  sum  of  $250.00,  or 
so  much  as  may  be  needed  thereof,  for  such  expenses  of  the  Perma¬ 
nent  Committee  of  Systematic  Beneficence  over  and  above  the  ex¬ 
penses  of  members  attending  the  meeting  of  the  Committee. 

We  recommend  that  the  following  be  appointed  members  of  the 
Executive  Committee  of  Publication:  Rev.  F.  T.  McFaden,  D.  D.r 
and  Rev.  W.  L.  Lingle,  D.  D.,  be  elected  to  succeed  themselves  for 
a  period  of  three  years,  and  that  Rev.  E.  C.  Caldwell  and  Rev.  O. 
E.  Buchholz  be  added  to  the  Committee,  the  class  to  be  determined 
by  the  Executive  Committee. 

Eighth.  That  the  following  persons  be  appointed  to  fill  vacancies 
of  Synods  where  same  have  occurred  on  the  Permanent  Committee: 

Synod  Principal  Alternate 

Alabama  . . ,Rev.  David  Park  . .Rev.  Samuel  E.  Hodges,. 

Georgia  . . . „W.  M.  Everett  . . . Rev.  S.  E.  Hodges,  D.  D. 

Kentucky  . *„..<...Rev.  T.  M.  Hawes  . T.  R.  McCain 

Louisiana  . Rev.  J.  K.  Smith,  D.  D..,Rev.  W.  H.  Hopper 

North  Carolina  ...Rev.  R*  R-  Leyburn,  D.D.Rev.  U.  D.  Mooney,  D.  I 

Tennessee  . „W.  H.  Raymond  . Rev.  C.  F.  Myers 

Virginia  . Rev.  F.  T.  McFaden,  D.  T  P.  McCallie 

West  Virginia  . L  E.  Allen  . _ . Rev.  H.  J.  Williams 

Missouri  . Rev.  C.  R.  Nisbet,  D.  DF.  L.  Bell 

Rev.  A.  A.  Wallace,  D.D. 

Stewardship  Committee 

The  excellent  service  rendered  by  this  Committee  deserves  the  hearty 
thanks  of  this  Assembly.  The  success  of  the  three  million  dollar 


Sec.  1144] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


705 


drive  was  in  no  small  measure  due  to  the  faithful  and  efficient  work 
of  this  Committee. 

We  recommend: 

First.  The  Rev.  R.  L.  Walkup,  Secretary  of  the  Committee,  be 
commended  for  his  splendid  service  and  leadership  in  this  impor¬ 
tant  department  of  our  Church’s  life  and  activity. 

Second.  That  the  Assembly  express  its  thanks  to  Mr.  J.  B.  Spill¬ 
man,  of  Columbia,  S.  C.,  for  the  vision  he  has  brought  our  Church 
in  the  matter  of  Christian  Stewardship  and  for  his  liberal  invest¬ 
ments  of  time  and  means  for  the  promotion  of  the  business  interests 
of  the  Kingdom. 

Third,  (a)  That  the  Church’s  goal  for  the  present  year  be  Three 
Million  Dollars  for  the  benevolent  work  of  the  Assembly,  Synod  and 
Presbytery,  and  that  the  immediate  task  be  the  bringing  of  every 
local  congregation,  Presbytery  and  Synod  up  to  this  standard. 

( b )  That  such  assistance  as  may  be  necessary  be  employed  for 
the  carrying  out  and  completion  of  this  program. 

(c)  That  each  Synod,  Presbytery  and  church  be  asked  to  main¬ 
tain  the  organization  which  has  so  successfully  carried  forward  the 
recent  campaign,  and  that  this  splendid  force  of  workers  be  used  in 
completing  the  Three  Million  Dollar  task. 

(d)  That  Uniform  Report  Blanks  of  funds  pledged,  paid  and' 
remitted  be  prepared  to  be  used  by  the  local  churches  in  making 
reports  at  least  quarterly  to  Synod’s  Manager,  through  the  Man¬ 
ager  of  the  Presbytery,  all  reports  to  be  finally  sent  to  the  office  of 
the  Stewardship  Committee,  Montreat,  N.  C. 

( e )  The  General  Assembly,  recognizing  the  place  of  free  will 
offering  and  thank  offering  in  the  economy  of  God,  urge  that,  at 
suitable  seasons,  all  Sessions  give  opportunity  for  those  who  have 
not  been  reached  by  the  Every-Member-Canvass,  and  those  who  have 
been  especially  prospered  of  God,  to  exercise  this  privilege. 

(/)  That  the  Stewardship  Committee  be  urged  to  continue  its 
emphasis  on  the  cultivation  of  Christian  Stewardship  Ideals  through¬ 
out  the  Church,  and  seek  ways  and  means  to  lead  our  people  to  a 
clearer  recognition  and  a  fuller  practice  of  the  Christian’s  obliga¬ 
tion  toward  God  in  possessions,  personality  and  prayer. 

( g )  That  through  conferences  and  institutes  and  every  other 
proper  means  the  Church  be  urged  to  study  efficiency  in  all  lines 
of  service,  that  she  may  show  herself  approved  unto  God. 

(h)  That  during  January,  February  and  March,  1919,  a  cam¬ 
paign  similar  to  the  one  of  the  past  year  be  conducted  and  that  all 
congregations  be  urged  to  participate  in  both  the  preparation  and 
the  actual  carrying  out  of  two  by  two,  house  to  house,  personal  vis¬ 
itation  canvass  for  pledges  both  for  congregational  and  beneficent 
causes. 

( i )  That  our  program  be  the  raising  of  Twelve  Million  Dollars 
for  benevolences  in  a  period  of  three  years,  beginning  April  1,  1919r 
and  that  this  part  of  the  task  be  committed  to  the  Assembly’s  Stew¬ 
ardship  Committee. 

(j)  While  the  program  is  to  embrace  a  number  of  years,  there 


Systematic  Beneficence 


706 


[Book  IV 


shall  be  an  annual  goal  prepared  and  endorsed  by  the  Courts  of  the 
Church  one  year  in  advance,  as  now. 

Fourth.  That  the  following  amounts  be  the  goal  for  each  Synod 
of  the  Assembly  causes  for  the  year  of  1919-1920;  that  forty  per  cent, 
more  or  less,  be  added  to  the  same,  by  the  Synods,  for  other  causes 
within  their  bounds. 

For  these  amounts  see  Assembly  Minutes  1918,  p.  50f. 

That  the  Secretary  of  the  Stewardship  Committee  be  instructed 
to  apportion  these  amounts  to  the  Presbyteries  of  each  Synod,  acting 
with  the  Systematic  Beneficent  Committee  in  each  Synod. 

Fifth.  The  following  persons  constitute  the  Stewardship  Com¬ 
mittee  for  the  ensuing  year: 

Rev.  E.  W.  Smith,  Rev.  H.  H.  Sweets,  Rev.  Homer  McMillan, 
Mr.  R.  E.  Magill,  Dr.  Jas.  Lewis  Howe,  Mr.  J.  B.  Spillman,  Mr. 
R.  A.  Brand,  Dr.  A.  E.  Spencer,  Dr.  J.  R.  Dobyns. 

Sixth.  That  the  expenses  incident  to  the  meetings  of  this  com¬ 
mittee  be  paid  from  the  Assembly’s  treasury  in  cases  not  provided 
for  otherwise.  • 

Seventh.  We  recommend  that  there  be  added  to  the  Sessional 
statistical  report,  blanks  for  the  report  of  the  Every-Member-Can- 
vass.  These  blanks  are  to  show  the  number  of  resident  members, 
the  number  of  members  pledging  to  current  expenses,  the  amount  of 
current  expenses,  also  the  number  of  members  pledging  to  benev¬ 
olences,  and  amount  to  each  benevolent  cause.  These  figures  are 
to  be  tabulated  and  printed  in  the  spring  minutes  of  the  Presbyteries. 


Woman’s  Auxiliary 

The  Sixth  Annual  Report  of  the  Superintendent  of  the  Woman’s 
Auxiliary  for  1917-18,  which  was  placed  in  our  hands,  is  an  ex¬ 
cellent  summary  of  the  splendid  work  done  by  our  efficient  super¬ 
intendent,  Mrs.  W.  C.  Winsborough,  and  the  noble  body  of  women 
who  are  laborers  with  her  and  with  us  in  the  common  task  for  our 
Lord. 

1.  It  is  worthy  of  note  and  commendation  that  seventeen  thou¬ 
sand  year  books  were  used  in  the  Women’s  Societies  of  our  Church 
last  year. 

2.  We  believe  the  leaflets  prepared  by  the  Auxiliary  for  our 
Women  on  the  many  phases  of  Women’s  work  and  distributed  dur¬ 
ing  the  year  to  be  of  great  educational  value,  and  they  should?  be 
used  freely  throughout  our  Church. 

3.  It  is  gratifying  to  know  that  more  than  ten  thousand  women 
were  enrolled  in  mission  study  classes  during  the  past  year,  and 
it  is  hoped  that  one  or  more  of  these  classes  may  be  organized  in 
•every  church  in  our  Assembly  where  possible. 

4.  We  commend  the  Auxiliary  for  its  helpful  co-operation  with 
•our  War  Work  Council,  and  believe  it  can  render  a  large  and  im¬ 
portant  service  in  this  connection. 

5.  The  conference  for  negro  women  held  at  Tuscaloosa,  Ala., 
annually  is  worthy  of  our  support,  as  it  is  bringing  to  those  less 


Sec.  1144] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


707 


fortunate  than  ourselves  the  blessings  of  the  gospel  in  a  most  prac¬ 
tical  way. 

6.  This  Assembly  approves  our  Auxiliary’s  holding  membership 
in  the  interdenominational  organization  of  the  Woman’s  Mission¬ 
ary  Work,  viz.:  “The  Council  of  Women  for  Home  Missions”  and 
“The  Federation  of  Women’s  Boards  of  Foreign  Missions.” 

7.  It  is  with  profound  gratitude  that  this  Assembly  learns  of 
the  large  number  of  Bible  study  classes  formed  among  our  women 
under  the  auspices  of  the  Auxiliary,  and  the  many  prayer  bands  or¬ 
ganized  in  this  time  of  world  turmoil  and  strife. 

8.  We  recommend  that  this  Assembly  express  its  high  apprecia¬ 
tion  of  the  splendid  services  our  efficient  Superintendent  of  the 
Auxiliary  is  rendering  the  Church  at  large,  and  assure  her  of  our 
hearty  support  and  co-operation  in  the  work  committed  to  her. 

Overtures 

Your  committee  recommends  the  following  action: 

1.  Overtures  from  Ebenezer  Presbytery  asking  for  an  expert  ac¬ 
countant  for  all  Executive  Committees,  and  one  system  of  account¬ 
ing,  has  been  answered  in  the  recommendations  above. 

2.  Overture  from  Charleston  Presbytery,  asking  for  one  treas¬ 
urer  for  all  Assembly’s  Causes;  answered  in  the  negative. 

3.  Overtures  from  Congaree  Presbytery,  asking  Executive  Com¬ 
mittees  to  keep  expenses  within  the  limits  of  amounts  subscribed 
in  the  campaign  for  benevolences,  be  answered  in  the  negative,  but 
Committees  are  urged  to  keep  within  apportionments  as  far  as 
possible. 

4.  Overture  from  Congaree  Presbytery,  asking  that  Synod’s  and 
not  the  Assembly’s  Systematic  Beneficence  Committee,  fix  the  per¬ 
centage  of  gifts  to  benevolences  when  Synod’s  and  Presbytery’s 
Causes  are  involved;  answered  in  the  negative. 

5.  Overture  from  Winchester  Presbytery,  regarding  the  financial 
methods  of  our  Executive  Committee;  answered  in  the  negative. 

6.  Overture  from  Ebenezer  Presbytery  regarding  ad  interim  com¬ 
mittee  relative  to  consolidation  of  the  advertising]  of  our  Executive 
Committees,  and  a  bi-monthly  publication  of  same,  answered  in  the 
negative. 

7.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Wilmjington,  asking  the  As¬ 
sembly  to  inaugurate  a  special  campaign  through  its  Stewardship 
Committee,  looking  to  the  increase  of  pastors’  salaries  in  small 
towns  and  country  churches.  We  recommend  the  Assembly  instruct 
the  Presbyteries  to  take  suitable  action  in  this  matter. 

8.  Overture  from  Transylvania  Presbytery,  asking  that  apportion¬ 
ments  be  made  on  the  basis  of  resident  membership  rather  than  the 
whole  membership.  We  recommend  that  it  be  answered  in  the 
negative. 

9.  Overtures  from  Lexington  Presbytery,  asking  that  the  per  cap¬ 
ita  basis  be  discontinued.  We  recommend  that  these  apportion¬ 
ments  be  left  in  the  hands  of  the  Stewardship  Committee  in  con¬ 
sultation  with  the  Systematic  Beneficence  Committees  of  the  Synods. 


708 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


10.  Overture  from  Nashville  Presbytery,  asking  the  removal  of 
all  restrictions  as  to  special  times  for  presentation  of  the  benevolent 
causes  and  to  allow  the  representatives  of  the  Executive  Committees 
to  use  all  the  year  for  promoting  interest  and  securing  funds. 

Answer.  It  is  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly  that  the  causes  of 
the  Assembly  may  be  brought  before  the  churches  by  our  Secre¬ 
taries  at  any  time  of  the  year,  but  that  the  months  for  general 
collections  be  continued  as  heretofore.  This  does  not  prevent  Ses¬ 
sions  from  permitting  the  presentation  of  the  causes  or  collections 
being  taken  at  any  time  they  may  elect. 

11.  Overture  from  Abingdon  Presbytery,  asking  attention  to  the 
omission  of  the  publication  of  the  salaries  of  various  superintend¬ 
ents  and  secretaries  in  the  Assembly’s  Minutes. 

Answer.  The  attention  of  the  Stated  Clerk  is  hereby  called  to 
this  omission. 

12.  Overtures  from  the  Presbytery  of  Lexington,  asking  a  state¬ 
ment  in  reference  to  the  tithe  as  a  minimUm  offering  acceptable 

unto  God. 

Answer.  We  refer  the  Presbytery  to  former  actions  of  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  on  the  tithe,  particularly  its  deliverance  of  1916. 

13.  Rev.  LeRoy  Gresham,  D.  D.,  overtured  the  General  Assem¬ 
bly  to  make  a  deliverance  on  the  following  point:  Where  a  mis¬ 
sion  school  is  under  the  control  of  a  Board  of  Trustees  appointed 
by  a  Presbytery,  but  not  specifically  under  the  Home  Missions  Com¬ 
mittee  of  that  Presbytery,  should  contributions  to  said  school  be 
classified  under  Presbyterial  Home  Missions  or  under  Schools  and 
Colleges  ? 

We  recommend  that  it  be  classified  under  Schools  and  Colleges. 


1145.  Annual  Report  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic 

Beneficence 


1919,  p.  129.  Your  Committee  has  met  twice  since  the  last  meeting 
of  the  General  Assembly  in  Durant,  Oklahoma,  namely,  in  Atlanta, 
Georgia,  February  4th  and  5th,  1919,  and  May  13th  and  14th,  1919, 
in  New  Orleans. 

The  following  members  were  present,  and  those  who. were  absent 
were  excused  by  the  Committee  for  satisfactory  reasons: 


Atlanta. 

David  Park  . 

E.  W.  King . 

T.  C.  McRae . 

Thos.  F.  West . 

W.  M.  Everett.... 

T.  M.  Hawes . 

1U.  D.  Mooney . 

J.  B.  Hutton . 

G.  R  Nisbet . 

.A.  D.  P.  Gilmour 
JE.  R.  Leyburn . 


W.  H.  Raymond 


E.  L.  Bell . 

IF.  T.  McFaden 


Synod 

..Alabama  ....’ . 

..Appalachia  . 

..Arkansas  . 

..Florida  . 

..'leorgia  . 

..Kentucky  . 

..Louisiana  . 

..Mississippi  . 

..Missouri  . 

..South  Carolina 
..North  Carolina 

.Oklahoma  . 

.« Tennessee  . 

.  Texas  . . 

..West  Virginia.. 
..Virginia  . 


New  Orleans 

David  Park 
E.  W.  King 
,T.  C.  McRae 


.W.  M.  Everett 
.W.  H.  Hopper 
,U.  D.  Mooney 
.J.  B.  Hutton 
.C.  R.  Nisbet 
.A.  D.  P.  Gilmour 
E.  R.  Leyburn 


W.  H.  Raymond 


Sec.  1145] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


709 


Organization. — The  following  officers  were  elected'  for  a  period  of 
one  year  or  until  their  successors  are  elected: 

Rev.  A.  D.  P.  Gilmour,  Chairman;  Ruling  Elder  W.  M.  Everett, 
Vice-Chairman;  Rev.  C.  R.  Nisbet,  Secretary  and  Treasurer. 

Committees. — Committees  were  appointed  on  Scope  and  Method, 
Audit,  Education  and  Publicity,  Assembly’s  Budget  and  Financial 
Plan,  Assembly's  Minutes  and  Administration. 

The  Committee  has  had  before  it  printed  reports  of  the  four 
Executive  Committees,  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary,  the  Assembly’s 
Stewardship  Committee,  as  well  as  a  paper  submitted  by  Mr.  J.  P. 
Sullivan  bearing  on  our  Progressive  Campaign.  We  have  held  care¬ 
ful  and  exhaustive  conferences  with  representatives  of  the  Executive 
Committees,  Mrs.  W.  C.  Winsborough,  the  Stewardship  Committee  and 
the  Assembly’s  Training  School  for  Lay  Workers. 

After  these  conferences  and  a  careful  examination  of  these  re¬ 
ports  by  sub-committees  and  the  Committee  as  a  whole,  your  Com¬ 
mittee  is  greatly  pleased  with  the  efficient  administration  of  the 
churches’  work,  and  is  grateful  for  God’s  blessing  upon  all  depart¬ 
ments  of  activity. 

This  Committee  was  ordered  by  the  last  Assembly  to  make  an 
efficiency  survey  and  audit  of  the  work  being  done  by  the  four  Exe¬ 
cutive  Committees. 

In  response  to  this  instruction,  after  a  great  deal  of  correspond¬ 
ence,  Alonzo  Richardson  &  Company,  of  Atlanta,  Georgia,  was  selected 
to  make  the  audit  and  efficiency  survey.  This  firm  visited  each  Exe¬ 
cutive  Committee,  examined  their  work,  conferred  with  the  workers, 
aud  audited  their  books.  The  report  was  submitted  to  the  mid¬ 
winter  meeting  of  the  General  Committee,  and  referred  to  the  Sub¬ 
committees  on  Scope  and  Method.  Copies  were  sent  to  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committees,  with  a  request  that  they  review  the  same  and  make 
their  criticisms  and  suggestions  to  the  Committee  on  Scope  and  Meth¬ 
od.  After  reviewing  the  same  with  a  great  deal  of  thought  and  care, 
we  find  that  the  report  of  Alonzo  Richardson  &  Company  is  unusually 
clear  and  satisfactory,  and  they  seem  to  have  made  their  investigation 
into  the  books  and  business  methods  of  our  Executive  Committees 
with  great  painstaking  and  thoroughness.  Their  report  indicates  that 
the  work  of  our  Executive  Committees  is  conducted  with  great  care, 
efficiency  and  economy.  They,  however,  have  made  some  suggestion 
with  reference  to  these  Committes,  upon  which  we  suggest  the  fol¬ 
lowing  action  by  the  Assembly: 

Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions. — Recommendation  No. 
1 ,  on  page  three,  we  find  not  practicable  and  that  it  be  not  carried  out. 

Recommendation  No.  2,  on  pages  three  and  four;  we  would  recom¬ 
mend  that  the  recommendations  of  the  auditors  be  approved. 

Recommendation  No.  4,  on  page  six;  we  find  the  criticism  is  not 
sustained  by  the  facts. 

Recommendation  No.  5,  on  page  seven;  we  believe  this  criticism 
is  well  taken,  and  recommend  that  Committee  be  directed  to  make 
its  Treasurer’s  reports  conform  to  the  suggestion  of  Richardson  & 
Company. 

Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Re¬ 
lief. — Recommendation  No.  1,  on  page  nine,  relative  to  the  approval 
of  securities  and  record  of  the  same.  We  concur  in  the  opinion  of 
Richardson  &  Company  that  all  transactions  in  securities  should  be 
authorized  by  the  Finance  Committee  or  the  Executive  Committee  as 
a  whole,  and  the  action  taken  by  such  Committee  always  recorded  in 
the  minutes  of  the  meeting,  and  we  recommend  that  the  Executive 
Committee  be  directed  to  see  that  this  is  done. 

Recommendation  No.  2,  page  eight;  we  recommend  that  the  Com¬ 
mittee  be  directed  to  so  change  the  form  of  their  financial  state¬ 
ments  as  to  conform  to  this  suggestion. 

Executive  Committee  of  Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Work.-— 
Recommendation  No.  4,  on  page  seventeen,  that  the  Committee  print 
as  a  supplement  to  their  balance  sheet  and  statement  of  resources 


710 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


and  liabilities  a  profit  and  loss  account,  which  would  furnish  a  com¬ 
plete  summary  of  annual  transactions  and  at  the  same  time  provide  an 
analysis  of  large  items  of  disbursements  reported  as  “Book  Depart¬ 
ment”  and  “Periodical  Department.”  We  recommend  that  the  Commit¬ 
tee  be  -'directed  to  make  their  reports  conform  to  this  suggestion. 

Executive  Committee  of  Assembly's  Home  Missions. — We  are  in¬ 
formed  that  all  the  recommendations  made  in  connection  with  the 
work  of  this  Committee-  have  either  been  complied  with  or  will  be 
in  the  very  near  future. 

We  congratulate  the  Church  on  the  result  of  this  efficiency  sur¬ 
vey,  revealing  as  it  does  the  fact  that  our  Committees  are  adminis¬ 
tering  the  work  of  the  Church  so  efficiently  that  an  approved  firm  of 
business  experts  can  find  no  criticism  of  their  work,  and  make  only 
minor  suggestions. 

We  present  in  detail  our  conclusions  in  regard  to  each  Committee, 
with  recommendations: 

Foreign  Missions. — In  spite  of  war  conditions,  the  Committe  of 
Foreign  Missions  has  had  the  largest  income  in  its  history,  having 
received  the  amount  of  $751,440.73.  This  increase  in  receipts  has 
been  offset,  however  by  an  increase  in  the  cost  of  administration  and 
necessitated  increase  in  salaries,  running  the  cost  of  the  work  for  the 
year  up  to  $868,768.34,  which  was  $160,340.00  more  than  the  regular 
budget  work  for’' last  year,  leaving  a  deficit  on  the  year  of  $77,327.61. 
This  deficit  for  the  year,  added  to  deficit  on  previous  years  ($139,329.- 
58),  leaves  the  net  deficit  March  31,  1919,  $216,657.19.  We  call  atten¬ 
tion  to  the  fact  that  there  was  last  year  an  increase  of  $123,456.99  in 
the  amounts  credited  the  churches,  which  amount  is  practically  the 
same  as  the  increase  from  all  sources.  The  Executive  Committee  at¬ 
tributes  this  increase  to  the  results  of  the  $3,000,000.00  drive  in  1918 
conducted  by  the  Assembly’s  Stewardship  Committee.  Six  new  mis¬ 
sionaries  were  added  during  the  year.  There  were  five  deaths  in  our 
missionary  force;  six  were  lost  by  resignation. 

We  recommend: 

First:  That  Revs.  J.  F.  Cannon  and  W.  L.  Caldwell,  Messrs.  W. 
G.  Adams  and  C.  A.  Rowland  be  re-elected  for  a  term  of  three  years 
on  this  Committee. 

Second':  That  to  meet  the  demands  of  this  work  for  the  next 
year,  as  well  as  to  pay  the  accumulated  deficit,  we  depend  upon  a 
more  vigorous  prosecution  of  our  Progressive  Campaign,  and  that  the 
whole  Church  be  rallied  to  an  enthusiastic  support  of  our  Assembly’s 
Committee  on  Stewardship  in  the  prosecution  of  this  campaign. 

Third:  That  the  following  amount  be  apportioned  to  this  cause, 
namely,  $1,332,000.00  for  the  year  1920-21.  This  being  33.3%  oT  the 
whole  $4,000,000.00. 

Home  Missions. — We  call  especial  attention  to  the  Fifty-third  An¬ 
nual  Report  of  the  Executive  Committee  on  Home  Missions,  and  com¬ 
mend  it  to  the  careful  study  of  the  Church,  as  containing  a  compre¬ 
hensive  and  interesting  resume  of  our  Home  Missionary  enterprise. 

This  Committee  has  had  the  most  successful  year  of  its  history, 
having  received  from  all  sources  $303,386,97,  which  was  an  increase 
over  the  previous  year  of  $69,396.24.  Here  again  we  notice  an  in¬ 
crease  in  the  amount  received  from  churches  of  $82,876.41,  showing 
the  good  effects  of  our  Stewardship  Drive.  We  call  especial  attention 
to  the  enlargement  of  the  Evangelistic  Department,  the  Committee 
now  having  on  its  roll  six  evangelists,  with  more  than  eighty  of  our 
pastors  having  evangelistic  gifts  who  have  volunteered  for  this  ser¬ 
vice.  This,  too,  in  addition  to  the  regular  agency  of  Presbyteries  and 
Synods  throughout  the  Church.  There  has  been  a  disappointment  in 
the  number  of  additions  to  the  Church,  due  to  the  influenza  epidemic, 
which  interfered  materially  with  the  Church  service  throughout  our 
bounds.  This,  however,  will  be  speedily  overcome,  in  our  judgment, 
by  aggressive  evangelism  as  planned  by  the  Committee. 

The  Committee  ends  the  year  with  a  balance  of  $89,482.31,  which 


Sec.  1145] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


711 


enabled  them  to  make  appropriations  for  equipment  which  have  been 
declined'  for  years,  though  sorely  needed. 

We  recommend: 

First:  That  to  fill  the  vacancy  caused  by  the  resignation  of  the 
Rev.  D.  H.  Ogden,  that  Judge  Edgar  Watkins  be  elected  for  a  term 
of  three  years.  That  to  fill  the  vacancy  caused  by  the  resignation 
of  the  Rev.  A.  A.  Little,  Rev.  John  W.  Caldwell  be  elected  for  two 
years. 

Second:  That  Revs.  R.  F.  Kirkpatrick,  George  White,  A.  R.  Hold- 
erby  and  R.  H.  McCaslin  be  re-elected  for  a  term  of  three  years  on 
the  Committee. 

Third:  That  the  following  amount  be  apportioned  to  this  cause, 
namely  $<140,000.00  for  1920-21.  This  being  16%  of  the  whole  $4,000,000.00. 

Christian  Education  arid  Ministerial  Relief. — This  Committee,  too, 
has  had  the  largest  financial  income  of  its  history.  The  receipts  for 
Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  were  $214,803.48,  an  in¬ 
crease  of  $68,881.64.  This  is  an  increase  of  $48,294.39  in  the  General 
Funds,  and  $20,587.25  in  the  receipts  for  the  Endowment  Fund  of  Min¬ 
isterial  Relief.  Between  three  and  four  hundred  of  our  ministers 
entered  upon  the  work  of  the  chaplaincy  of  the  army  and  navy,  Y. 
M.  C.  A.,  Red  Cross  and  other  war  activities;  188  of  our  candidates 
for  the  ministry  entered  into  the  army  and  the  navy;  two  of  our 
ministers  and  ten  of  our  candidates  for  the  ministry  laid  down  their 
lives  in  the  service  of  our  country. 

One  hundred  and  fifty  candidates  for  the  ministry  and  mission 
service  received  aid  this  year  to  the  amount  of  $14,300.69,  as  against 
228  last  year  to  the  amount  of  $22,144.05. 

The  problem  of  securing  young  men  for  the  Gospel  ministry  con¬ 
tinues  to  give  the  Committee  anxious  thought.  One  of  the  gravest 
questions  confronting  the  Church,  now  that  the  war  is  over,  being  that 
of  inadequate  supply  of  ministers.  We  commend  the  annual  report 
of  this  Committee  and  the  Church  for  detailed  information. 

We  recommend: 

First:  That  Revs.  W.  Y.  Davis,  Dunbar  H.  Ogden,  D.  D.,  and 
Messrs.  John  Stites  and  C.  F1.  Huhlein  be  re-elected  to  succeeed  them¬ 
selves  for  a  period  of  three  years  on  tfye  Committee. 

Second:  That  the  sum  of  $300,000.00  be  apportioned  to  this  cause 
for  the  year  1920-21.  This  is  7.5%-  of  the  whole  $4,000,000.00. 

Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Work. — This  Committee,  too,  re¬ 
ports  the  largest  income  in  its  history,  in  spite  of  the  fact  that 
the  influenza  epidemic  closed'  fully  65%  of  our  Sabbath  Schools  for 
a  period  of  three  weeks  to  three  months,  having  received  for  the 
year  from  the  churches  net  assets  amounting  to  $66,950.07. 

We  note  the  proposed  issuance  of  an  entirely  new  lesson  help 
between  the  Intermediate  'and  Adult  Classes,  to  be  known  as  “Young 
People’s  Bible  Study,”  while  the  Senior  Quarterly  will  be  enlarged 
from  32  to  40  pages,  the  material  being  so  arranged  as  to  adapt  it 
to  the  Home  Department. 

Tim  Sunday  School  Extension  Work  has  received  especial  atten¬ 
tion,  38  workers  having  been  employed  for  the  whole  or  a  part  of 
the  year  in  the  prosecution  of  this  work. 

Young  People’s  Societies  have  received  especial  attention,  and  a 
Standard  of  Efficiency  is  proposed  which  will  greatly  improve  this 
work  in  our  own  Church. 

We  would  recommend: 

First:  That  Mr.  R.  E.  Magill  be  re-elected  as  Executive  Secre¬ 
tary  for  a  term  of  three  years. 

Second:  That  Rev.  T.  H.  Rice,  D.  D.,  and  Mr.  J.  W.  Sinton  and  Mr. 
J.  S.  Munce  and  Rev.  H.  J.  Williams  be  re-elected  to  succeed  them¬ 
selves  for  a  period  of  three  years  on  the  Executive  Committee. 

Third:  That  the  sum  of  $80,000.00  be  apportioned  to  this  cause 
for  the  years  1920-21.  This  is  2%  of  the  whole  $4,000,000.00. 

Woman's  Auxiliary. — The  Woman’s  Auxiliary  has  received  especial 
attention  from  the  Committee.  We  report  the  following  work  done: 


712  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

Seventeen  thousand  Year  Books  and  Programs  circulated  and  used 
by  the  Societies. 

Twelve  hundred  Home  Mission  and  Foreign  Mission  Study  Classes 
organized,  in  spite  of  the  influenza. 

Special  programs  prepared  and  distributed  in  the  promotion  of 
Foreign  Mission  Seasons  and  Day  of  Prayer  for  Colleges. 

Special  letters  and  literature  issued  in  co-operation  with  the 
Stewardship  Campaign. 

Conferences  held  at  Montreat  in  the  summer  in  the  interest  of 
missions  and  training  of  women  leaders.  A  conference  for  Negro 
women  at  Tuscaloosa,  Alabama,  remarkable  in  its  success  and  the 
only  one  of  its  kind  in  America.  They  record  a  splendid  growth  in 
spirituality  among  the  women  in  the  Church,  manifest  in  the  organiza¬ 
tion  of  Prayer  Bands  and  Missionary  Study  Classes. 

In  addition  to  other  funds,  the  Auxiliary  has  sent  to  our  four 
Executive  Committees  during  the  year  $168,992.00,  an  increase  of 
$20,352.00  over  last  year. 

The  following  resolution  was  unanimously  adopted  by  the  Commit¬ 
tee: 

Resolved ,  That  the  Committee  approves  the  economical  administra¬ 
tion  of  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary;  that  it  commends  the  officers  thereof 
for  their  efficiency  in  promoting  the  educational  and  spiritual  growth 
of  the  women  of  our  Church;  and  that  it  thanks  the  women  for  the 
large  increase  in  their  gifts. 

We  recommend: 

That  the  General  Assembly  emphasize  the  importance  of  having 
every  Society  in  the  Church  aligned  with  the  Auxiliary,  and  call 
upon  the  Synods  and  Presbyteries  to  use  the  valuable  services  of  this 
office  for  their  Synodical  and  Presbyterial  work. 

General. — We  had  before  us  the  report  of  the  Assembly’s  Steward¬ 
ship  Committee  to  this  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly,  and  would 
recommend  the  passage  by  the  Assembly  of  the  six  recommendations 
of  this  Committee,  found  on  page  seven  of  their  report.  We  also 
recommend  that  the  Assembly  direct  the  Stewardship  Committee 
to  merge  its  educational  work  on  benevolences,  and  that  the  Assembly 
set  aside  sufficient  space  in,  all  the  Church  publications  for  the  use 
of  the  Stewardship  Committee,  under  their  direction  and  control. 

We  have  considered  the  pamphlets  issued  by  J.  P.  Spillman,  bear¬ 
ing  upon  the  work  of  the  distribution  and  handling  of  apportion¬ 
ments  in  the  Progressive  Campaign. 

We  would  recommend  that  his  first  suggestion,  relative  to  the 
basis  of  apportionments,  be  referred  to  the  Assembly’s  Stewardship 
Committee  without  recommendation;  that  that  section  of  his  paper 
dealing  with  the  establishment  of  a  clearing  house  be  declined  by 
the  Assembly. 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly’s  Training  School  for  Laiy 
Workers  be  placed  for  three  years  on  the  budget  for  current  expenses 
for  .6%,  and  that  the  plan  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  School 
for  $120,000.00  for  endowment  of  two  professorships,  $180,000.00  for 
building,  and  their  plan  for  securing  scholarship  for  endowment  be 
commended  to  the  liberality  of  our  people. 

We  recommend  that  the  following  amount  be  apportioned  for  the 


Assembly  causes  for  1920-21: 

Foreign  Missions  .  $1,332,000.00 

Home  Missions  . , .  640,000.00 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  300,000.00 

Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Extension..  80,000.00 

Assembly’s  Training  School  .  24,000.00 

tBible  Cause  .  24,000.00 


Total  . .  $2,400,000.00 

Presbyterial  and  Synodical  Causes  .  1,600,000.00 


Total  .  4,000,000.00 


Sec.  1145] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


713 


We  recommend  that  the  following  percentages  apply  to  any  un¬ 
designated  gifts  to  be  distributed  among  the  Assembly’s  causes  as  & 
guitle  to  our  people: 


Foreign  Missions  .  33.3  per  cent. 

Assembly's  Home  Missions  .  16  per  cent. 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  7.5  per  cent. 

Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Work  .  2  per  cent. 

Assembly's  Training  School  . 6  per  cent. 

Bible  Cause  .  .6  per  cent 


Total  .  60  per  cent. 


Synodical  and  Presbyterial  Causes  to  be 

apportioned  by  each  Presbytery  and  Synod  40  per  cent. 

These  apportionments  divide  $4,000,000,  being  worked  out  on  a 
basis  allowing  one-third  value  to  per  capita  resident  membership, 
one-third  value  to  former  gifts  to  benevolences  on  a  three-year  average, 
and  one-third  value  to  gifts  to  pastors'  salaries  and  current  expenses 
on  a  three-year  average.  The  amounts  apportioned  to  be  given  60% 
to  Assembly  causes  and  40%  to  Synodical  and  Presbyterial  causes. 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  instruct  all  secretaries  and  others 
engaged  in  advancing  the  benevolent  interest  of  the  Church  not  to 
make  any  special  canvass  or  appeal  for  any  one  cause,  but  in  every 
financial  campaign  to  present  the  whole  program  of  the  Church,  and 
that  any  funds  thus  raised  be  apportioned  among  all  the  Assembly’s 
causes,  except  in  cases  specially  authorized  by  a  Church  court. 

Concerning  membership  on  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic 
Beneficence: 

The  second  term  of  the  following  members  expired  at  this  meeting 
of  the  Assembly,  and  they  are  not  eligible  for  re-election: 

Principals:  E.  W.  King,  of  the  Synod  of  Appalachia;  T.  C.  McRae, 
of  the  Synod  of  Arkansas;  J.  B.  Hutton,  of  the  Synod’  of  Mississippi; 
A.  F.  Davidson,  of  the  Synod  of  Oklahoma;  David  Park,  of  the  Synod 
of  Alabama;  R.  S.  Robbins,  of  the  Synod  of  Texas. 

Alternates,  respectively:  B.  D.  Brabson,  A.  H.  Whitmarsh,  Geo. 
D.  (Booth,  A.  H.  Ferguson,  S.  E.  Hodges,  W.  W.  Bondurant. 

The  minutes  of  these  Synods  will  show  the  nominees  to  the  As¬ 
sembly  where  nominations  have  been  made. 

The  Synod  of  Mississippi  having  made  no  nominations,  we  would 
suggest  Ruling  Elder  R.  F.  Kimmon,  of  Water  Valley,  with  Ruling 
Elder  R.  E.  Welborn,  of  Meridian. 

The  following  have  completed  the  first  year  of  service  on  this 
Committee,  and  are  eligible  for  re-election:  Thomas  F.  West,  principal, 
and  D.  B.  Curry,  alternate,  both  of  the  Synod  of  Florida;  A.  D.  P. 
Gilmour,  principal,  and  E.  E.  Gillespie,  alternate,  of  the  Synod  of 
South  Carolina;  C.  R.  Nisbet,  principal,  and  A.  A.  Wallace,  alternate, 
of  the  Synod  of  Missouri. 

We  heartily  approve  of  the  general  principles  of  a  League  of 
Protestant  Churches,  as  it  is  presented  in  the  Interchurch  World 
Movement,  in  order  to  afford  a  united  front  to  the  common  enemy. 
We  desire  to  co-operate  with  it  in  an  educational  and  inspirational 
way,  and  at  the  same  time  we  recommend  that  our  General  Assembly 
see  to  it  that  nothing  is  done  to  limit  our  sovereignty  and  autonomy 
in  the  planning  and  executing  of  our  own  work  at  home  and  overseas. 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  appropriate  the  sum  of  $250.00, 
or  so  much  as  may  b°  needed  thereof,  for  any  expenses  of  the  Com¬ 
mittee  over  and  above  the  expenses  of  members  attending  the  meeting 
of  the  Committee. 

We  recommend  that  the  expenses  of  our  representatives  from  the 
Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement  on  the  Stewardship  Committee  be 
paid  out  of  the  Assembly’s  treasury. 


714 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


1146.  Repolrt  of  Assembly's  Steumrdship  Committee 

9 

1919,  p.  136.  The  Stewardship  Committee  presents  to  the  General 
Assembly  this  review  of  its  activities  for  the  year  with  a  feeling 
of  gratitude  for  what  has  been  accomplished,  notwithstanding  the 
adverse  conditions  under  which  the  work  has  been  done.  The  pre¬ 
valence  of  influenza  during  the  fall  and  winter  resulted'  in  a  most 
serious  and  widespread  interference  with  the  regular  Church  activities. 
The  multiplied  appeals  for  patriotic  and  relief  purposes  made  constant 
demands  on  the  generosity  of  the  people  and  diverted  the  attention 
from  the  work  of  the  Church.  Yet,  in  spite  of  these  unsettled  con¬ 
ditions  and  outside  appeals,  marked  progress  has  been  made  in  every 
department  of  the  Church’s  missionary  and  bsnevolent  work. 

It  Is  the  unanimous  testimony  of  the  Executive  Committees  that 
the  Three  Million  Dollar  Campaign  for  Benevolences,  conducted  by 
the  Stewardship  Committee  in  March,  1918,  saved  the  work  of  the 
Church  from  financial  disaster;  and  as  a  result  of!  this  united  effort 
all  the  Committees  are  able  to  report  to  the  Assembly  the  largest 
receipts  in  their  history,  there  being  a  total  gain  for  the  Assembly’s 
causes  alone  of  $271,015.27  over  last  year.  The  increase  from  churches 
was  $271,907.86,.  showing  conclusively  that  this  unprecedented  advance 
is  the  outcome  of  the  Stewardship  Campaign.  There  can  no  longer 
be  any  difference  of  opinion  that  the  Every-Member-Canvass  is  the 
only  satisfactory  solution  of  the  Church’s  financial  problems. 

Stewardship  Revival. — The  great  war  has  given  Christian  people 
a  new  conception  of  ownership.  There  is  being  manifested  a  marked 
revival  of  the  sense  of  stewardship  in  all  our  churches.  What  we 
have  called  “ours”  turns  out  to  be  ours  with  a  qualification.  We 
have  learned  that  the  Government  claims  a  prior  right  to  all  that 
we  have  to  use  in  a  time  of  need’,  and  none  have  dared  dispute  t)hat 
claim.  In  like  manner,  thousands  of  Christian  people  are  coming 
to  recognize  as  never  before  the  Divine  ownership  of  life  and  posses¬ 
sions,  and  out  of  their  loving  loyalty  to  God,  the  Giver  of  all  good, 
they  are  devoting  at  least  a  tenth  of  their  income  to  the  maintenance 
and  extension  of  His  Kingdom.  Systematic  giving  is  being  recognized 
increasingly  as  an  act  of  worship. 

Rev.  R.  L.  Walkup. — Your  Committee  believes  that  this  Steward¬ 
ship  revival  in  our  Church  is  due  in  no  small  measure  to  the  work 
and  influence  of  Rev.  R.  L.  Walkup,  who  for  five  years  was  the 
beloved  and  efficient  Secretary  of  the  Committee.  We  desire  to 
testify  to  the  great  loss  that  has  come  to  the  Committee  by  his 
death,  and  to  record  our  sincere  appreciation  of  the  far-reaching 
service  he  was  permitted’  to  render  the  Church  in  the  promotion  of 
this  fundamental  work. 

Mr.  Walkup  was  a  man  of  deep  consecration,  broad  vision,  great 
faith  and  untiring  energy.  He  saw  clearly,  and  in  all  his  work 
for  the  Committee  he  never  lost  sight  of  the  fact  that  the  acceptance 
of  Bible  principles  of  ownership  is  necessary  before  there  can  be 
any  adequate  response  to  the  Church’s  needs.  He  was  not  satisfied 
with  any  mere  temporary  expedients,  but  sought  to  lay  a  foundation 
broad  and  deep,  upon  which  the  benevolent  and  missionary  enter¬ 
prises  of  the  Church  could  be  securely  built.  This  is  the  slower 
process,  requiring  patience  and  perseverance,"  but  it  is  the  safest  and 
feurest  in  the  end.  Mr.  Walkup  began  this  work  when  the  question 
of  stewardship  was  not  as  popular  as  it  is  today.  We  gratefully 
acknowledge  his  splendid  service  in  placing  the  Church’s  contribu¬ 
tions  on  this  larger  and  firmer  basis. 

Durant  Assembly. — Encouraged  by  the  great  success  of  the  Three 
Million  Dollar  Campaign,  the  Durant  Assembly  adopted  the  recom¬ 
mendation  of  the  Stewardship  Committee: 

That  during  January,  February  and  March  of  1919  a  campaign 
similar  to  the  one  of  the  past  year  be  conducted,  and  that  all 
congregations  be  urged  to  participate  in  both  the  preparation  and 
the  actual  carrying  out  of  two  by* two,  house  to  house,  personal 


Sec.  1146] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


715 


visitation  canvass  for  pledges,  both  for  congregational  and  beneficent 
causes. 

While  the  immediate  task  is  immense  and  calls  for  heroic  service 
of  the  combined  forces  of  the  Church,  yet  we  cannot  accept  this 
hs  the  ultimate  goal  to  which  our  Lord  is  calling  us  at  this  time. 

In  this  time  of  world-wide  undertakings,  of  unparalleled  opportu¬ 
nities  and  unheard  of  sacrifices,  we  believe  there  comes  a  clear 
and  ringing  call  from  God  for  an  advancement  in  keeping  with  the 
time  in  which  we  live.  The  Church  is  not  only  called  upon  to  en¬ 
large  her  program  to  meet  the  emergencies  of  the  war,  but  also 
to  meet  the  enlarged  problems  which  shall  press  upon  her  from  all 
sides  after  the  close  of  the  war.  We  would,  therefore,  recommend: 

(a)  That  God’s  challenge  of  a  yet  larger  program  be  accepted. 

(b)  That  this  program  embrace  all  departments  of  the  Church's 
work. 

(c)  A  part  of  this  program  be  the  raising  of  twelve  million  dollars 
for  benevolences  in  a  period  of  three  years,  beginning  April  1,  1919, 
and  that  this  part  of  the  task  be  committeed  to  the  Assembly's 
Stewardship  Committee. 

(d)  While  the  program  is  to  embrace  a  number  of  years,  there 
shall  be  an  annual  goal  prepared  and  endorsed  by  the  courts  of  the 
Church  one  year  in  advance  as  now. 

Morristown  Conference. — This  task  having  been  committed  to  the 
Stewardship  Committee,  preparation  was  begun  at  once  for  carrying 
out  this  enlarged  undertaking.  The  organization  and  plan  of  work 
so  successfully  employed  in  the  previous  campaign  was  used  as  far 
as  possible.  On  August  27-29,  1918,  a  meeting  of  the  Synodical  Cam¬ 
paign  Managers  was  held  in  Morristown,  Tenn.  Two  days  were 

spent  in  prayer  and  conference.  These  leaders  were  all  of  one  mind. 
Though  the  nation  was  at  war,  it  was  not  a  time  to  halt.  These 

are  forward-looking  times,  and  the  Church  is  called  to  a  mighty 

task.  The  Lord’s  work  must  not  be  continued  on  the  same  low  scale 
of  service  and  contributions  as  in  the  past.  A  greater  day,  with 
greater  undertakings,  is  at  hand.  The  war  has  revealed  a  spirit  of 
unselfishness  of  which  we  little  dreamed.  The  Church  must  have  a 
program  suited  to  the  sacrificial  devotion  of  these  sacrificial  days. 
The  Church  has  incomparably  greater  resources  than  ever  before, 
and,  above  all,  she  has  the  same  great  God  to  lead  her  and  endow 
her  with  power. 

Progressive  Program. — It  was  the  unanimous  judgment  of  these 

campaign  managers  that  the  task  of  raising  “$12,000,000  for  benev¬ 
olences  in  a  period  of  three  years”  should  be  undertaken.  The  As¬ 
sembly’s  Progressive  Program  was  adopted,  and  the  financial  goal 
for  the  three  years  was  named:  $3,500,000  for  the  year  1919-20; 
$4,000,000  for  the  year  1920-21;  and  $4,500,000  for  the  year  1921-22; 
to  be  divided  60  per  cent,  for  Assembly’s  causes,  and  40  per  cent,  for 
Synodical,  Presbyterial  and  congregational  causes. 

In  addition  to  the  financial  canvass,  the  program  was  to  include 
the  following  eight  objectives: 

1.  To  intensify  the  spiritual  life  of  the  Church  membership. 

2.  Church-wide  Evangelism. 

3.  To  enlarge  the  scope  and  improve  the  method  of  Missionary 
Education. 

4.  The  Missionary  Survey  and  a  religious  paper  in  every  home. 

5.  To  extend  and  perfect  the  work  of  Church  and  Christian  Edu¬ 
cation. 

6.  To  secure  adequate  support  for  every  benevolent  cause  of  the 
Church. 

7.  To  promote  a  thorough  Every-Member-Canvass  in  every  church. 

8.  To  provide  a  living  salary  for  every  pastor  and  missionary. 

In  a  word,  the  object  of  the  drive  is  to  insure  that  the  principles 
of  stewardship  shall  be  preached  to  all  and  practiced  by  all. 

Three  and  a  Half  Million  Campaign. — It  was  to  have  been  the 
privilege  of  Rev.  R.  L.  Walkup,  whose  vision  and  faith  had  proposed 


716 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


this  enlarged  program  and  had  been  responsible  for  its  adoption, 
to  lead  this  campaign.  His  unexpected  death  in  November  left  the 
Committee  without  a  Secretary.  Not  being  able  to  secure  any  one 
to  take  the  work  permanently,  in  the  emergency  the  Committee 
turned  to  the  Chairman  with  the  request  that  he  take  the  direction 
of  the  immediate  campaign,  giving  as  much  time  as  possible  to  the 
work  in  connection  with  his  duties  with  the  Home  Mission  Committee. 

The  Committee  endeavored  to  continue  the  splendid  campaign 
organizations  in  the  Synods,  Presbyteries  and  churches.  These  leaders, 
having  had  the  direction  of  the  former  campaign,  were  able  to  bring 
to  the  work  much  valuable  experience.  No  cause  was  ever  served 
by  a  more  loyal  and  capable  company  of  workers.  It  is  no  small 
thing  for  a  minister  with  the  duties  and  burdens  of  a  pastorate, 
or  for  a  layman  with  the  care  of  his  own  business  affairs,  to  take 
on  this  additional  responsibility.  There  are  few  slackers  when  leaders 
are  called  for  other  causes,  and  there  were  few  who  failed  to  respond 
to  this  call  of  their  Church.  These  managers  deserve,  and  are  hereby 
accorded,  special  commendation  for  their  self-sacrificing  service  in 
this  campaign.  Theirs  has  been  the  hard  part,  and  to  them  belongs 
the  credit  for  the  great  advance  that  has  been  made. 

Co-operation. — In  the  Assembly’s  Progressive  Program  all  the  agencies 
of  the  Assembly,  Synod  and  Presbytery  are  united’.  The  needs  of 
all  the  Committees  and  causes  of  the  churches  are  included  in  the 
apportionments,  with  the  purpose  of  making  adequate  provision  for 
them  all.  As  a  result  of  this  united  effort,  there  is  being  manifested 
a  marked  spirit  of  unity  and  of  purpose.  The  various  Committees 
and  agencies  of  the  Church  are  coming  more  and  more  to  recognize 
that  the  work  is  one,  and  that  any  part  of  it  can  be  permanently 
advanced  only  as  the  whole  work  of  the  Church  goes  forward. 

Valuable  assistance  has  been  given  the  Commitee  by  the  Woman’s 
Auxiliary.  In  many  churches,  the  Auxiliary  conducted  the  Every- 
Member-Canvass  for  benevolences  and  canvassed  the  congregation  for 
subscriptions  to  the  Missionary  Survey  and  the  Church  papers. 
Throughout  the  year  Stewardship  has  been  studied  in  the  societies, 
and  at  the  spring  meeting  of  the  Presbyterials  this  subject  received 
special  emphasis  and  was  given  a  prominent  place  on  the  program. 

The  Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement  arranged  a  series  of  Automobile 
Conferences  for  Thanksgiving  Day  in  various  Presbyteries,  to  pre¬ 
sent  the  objectives  of  the  campaign  to  the  officers  and  other  Church 
leaders,  preparatory  to  a  great  Church  and  Stewardship  Convention  in 
Nashville,  Tenn.,  in  February.  In  very  few  Presbyteries  could  these 
conferences  be  held  on  account  of  influenza.  The  Laymen’s  Con¬ 
vention  was  postponed  until  June  10-12,  in  Atlanta,  Ga. 

Literature. — A  wide  use  was  made  of  Stewardship  literature.  An 
effort  was  made  by  the  Committee  to  ascertain  from  the  Synodical 
and  Presbyterial  campaign  managers  the  literature  that  would  be 
most  helpful  to  them  in  this  work.  There  was  an  unusually  large 
demand  for  tithing  leaflets  and  covenant  cards.  There  were  printed 
and  distributed  by  the  Committee: 

75,000 — The  Church’s  Plan  of  Finance. 

50,000 — Stewardship  Plus. 

60,000 — A  Christian  Financial  Creed. 

75,000 — The  Tithe,  a  Principle  and  Not  a  Law. 

100,000 — The  Scriptural  Law  of  Giving. 

25,000 — Steward  Covenant  Cards. 

About  600  pastors  took  advantage  of  the  offer  of  “The  Layman 
Company,”  143  North  Wabash  avenue,  Chicago,  Ill.,  to  send  without 
cost  the  pamphlet  “How  to  Tithe  and  Why,”  and  more  than  70,000 
copies  of  this  pamphlet  were  ordered  and  distributed.  It  is  impos¬ 
sible  to  estimate  the  number  of  Covenant  Cards  signed,  but  from 
the  emphasis  placed  upon  Bible  standards  by  pastors  and  leaders 
in  the  campaign,  it  is  certain  that  the  number  of  proportionate 
givers  has  been  greatly  increased,  and  that  the  enlarged  contribu¬ 
tions  of  the  Church  have  been  put  on  a  permanent  basis  and 


Sec.  1146] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


717 


are  not  a  mere  temporary  gain  under  the  stimulus  of  a  special  effort. 

In  addition  to  the  Stewardship  literature,  the  Committee  dis¬ 
tributed  100,000  copies  of  “The  Church  and  the  Hour,”  a  message 
by  Rev.  Jas.  I.  Vance,  D.  D.,  Moderator  of  the  Assembly;  also  100,000 
copies  of  the  pamphlet  “Look  on  the  Field's,”  one  for  each  family 
in  the  Church,  which  contains  a  condensed  statement  of  the  work 
of  the  Assembly’s  Committees,  with  a  minimum  estimate  of  the 
needs  of  each,  together  with  an  outline  of  the  Home  Mission  and 
Educational  work  of  the  Synods  and  Presbyteries.  This  is  the  first 
attempt  to  put  in  one  publication  a  statement  of  the  entire  missionary 
and  benevolent  work  of  our  Church. 

Results  of  the  Drive. — The  financial  result  of  the  Three  and  a 
Half  Million  Dollar  Campaign,  as  reported  to  April  30  by  Synodical, 
managers,  is  as  follows: 

Apportionments,  1919-1920 

QUOTAS  SUGGESTED  BY  ASSEMBLY 


00 

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Alabama  . ? 

70,000 

$  46,667 

$  116,667 

$  109,570 

$  105,180 

Appalachia  . 

110,000 

73,333 

183,333 

148,000 

131,300 

Arkansas  . 

60,000 

40,000 

100,000 

100,000 

70,473 

Florida  . 

60,000 

40,000 

100,000 

100,000 

67,510 

Georgia  . 

160,000 

106,667 

266,667 

247,000 

204,210 

Kentucky  . 

100,000 

66,667 

166,667 

175,000 

136,000 

Louisiana  . 

77,000 

51,333 

128,333 

107,800 

92,800 

Mississippi  . 

70,000 

46,667 

116,667 

117,000 

99,500 

Missouri  . 

90,000 

60,000 

150,000 

1651,500 

121,003 

North  Carolina 

425,000 

283,333 

708,333 

625,000 

450,217 

Oklahoma  . 

15,000 

10,000 

25,000 

21,000 

16,950 

Snedecor  Mem’l 

3,000 

2,000 

5,000 

5,000 

3,000 

South  Carolina 

175,000 

116,667 

291,667 

255,000 

240,660 

Tennessee  . 

100,000 

66,667 

166,667 

136,692 

107,004 

Texas  . 

175,000 

116,666 

291,666 

325,000 

235,597 

Virginia  . 

350,000 

233,333 

583,333 

542,500 

438,467 

West  Virginia 

60,000 

40,000 

100,000 

80,000 

79,720 

$2,100,000 

$1,400,000 

$3,500,000 

$3,260,062 

$2,599,647 

It  has  been  very  difficult  to  get  complete  returns  from  the  cam¬ 
paign.  The  figures  given  above  represent  only  partial  reports  from 
any  Synod.  In  some  Synods  only  about  half  the  churches  have  made 
any  report.  But  upon  the  basis  of  the  returns  to  date  there  is 
every  reason  to  believe  that  there  has  been  a  marked  increase  in 
the  subscriptions  over  last  year.  The  goal  was  higher  and  the 
apportionments  were  larger.  The  leaders  had  the  benefit  of  the  ex¬ 
perience  of  the  former  campaign.  More  churches  were  reached,  and 
in  many  the  canvass  was  more  thorough.  When  to  these  subscrip¬ 
tions  are  added  the  normal  contributions  of  the  churches  not  reached 
by  the  campaign,  or  not  reporting,  with  continued  and  persistent 
effort  on  the  part  of  pastors  and  leaders,  the  full  budget  of  $3,500,000 
can  be  reached  by  the  close  of  the  Church  year,  March  31,  1920. 

As  all  the  causes  and  agencies  of  the  Church  are  included  in  the 
Assembly’s  Progressive  Program,  your  Committee  would  urgently 
request  the  Presbyterial  Committees  on  Systematic  Beneficence,  when 


718 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


making  the  apportionments  for  the  churches,  to  recognize  the  relative 
claims  of  each  cause  and  the  importance  of  each  Committee  receiving 
its  rightful  share  of  the  amount  subscribed.  In  some  Presbyteries 
the  official  percentages  for  the  Assembly’s  causes  are  ignored  and 
the  Assembly’s  judgment  concerning  the  needs  ot  its  own  work  is 
set  aside.  Every  cause  is  important,  and  only  by  a  just  and'  equitable 
division  of  the  funds  contributed  can  the  whole  work  of  the  Church 
be  uniformly  advanced. 

In  addition  to  the  financial  returns,  there  are  other  results  im¬ 
possible  of  tabulation  that  more  than  justify  the  cost.  The  spiritual 
benefits  of  the  campaign  to  the  Church  cannot  be  estimated.  It  had 
the  hearty  support  of  every  interest  of  the  Church,  and  a  cheerful 
and  united  response  in  every  Presbytery  and  Synod.  The  entire 
educational  and  missionary  work  of  the  Church  has  been  emphasized 
anew.  Evangelism  has  been  given  a  new  impetus.  With  the  appeal 
for  money  there  was  the  appeal  for  life.  The  people  have  received 
a  new  vision  of  their  duty  and  have  been  given  a  new  sense  of 
their  responsibility. 

The  morale  of  the  Church  has  been  recast  and  greatly  strengthened. 
Many  hard-working  and  self-sacrificing  pastors,  through  the  influence 
of  the  Campaign,  have  been  gladdened  and  encouraged  by  a  sub¬ 
stantial  increase  in  salary.  The  Church  has  said  to  those  who  repre¬ 
sent  her  on  the  mission  fields  at  home  and  throughout  the  world 
that  she  will  stand  behind  them  with  a  steadfastness  and  devotion 
equal  to  theirs. 

Into  hundreds  of  homes,  where  they  were  strangers  before,  have 
gone  the  Missionary  Survey  and  a  Church  paper.  This  is  one  of 
the  important  results  of  the  campaign.  A  loyal  membership  is  an 
informed  membership.  A  knowing  Christian  is  a  doing  Christian. 
We  can  expect  greater  things  for  the  Church  in  the  future  because 
of  the  weekly  visits  of  these  silent  preachers  of  truth  and  righteousness. 

Campaign  Expenses. — The  promotion  expenses  of  the  Three  and  a 
Half  Million  Campaign  were  borne  by  the  causes  participating  in  it. 
The  expense  for  office  administration,  literature,  advertising  and  field 
work  was  about  I  per  cent,  of  the  amount  subscribed.  The  Assembly’s 
Executive  Committees  being  the  largest  beneficiaries,  assumed  60 
per  cent,  of  the  expense,  and  the  balance  was  provided'  by  Presby- 
terial  and  Synodical  causes.  Several  of  the  Synods  prG  voided  for 
the  entire  expense  of  their  campaign;  others  raised  a  part.  As 
the  needs  of  Presbytery  and  Synod  are  included  in  the  apportion¬ 
ment,  it  is  the  judgment  of  your  Committee  that  the  expense  of 
the  Progressive  Program  is  one  in  which  all  the  agencies  of  the 
•Church  should  share. 

Inter  church  World  Movement. — Our  Church  will  be  asked  to  co¬ 
operate  with  the  Interchurch  World  Movement.  The  plan  provides 
for  a  unified’  program  of  Christian  service  by  the  Protestant  Churches 
of  North  America,  to  embrace  Home  Missions,  Foreign  Missions,  Edu¬ 
cation  and  all  other  interests  which  are  conducted  by  denominational 
or  interdenominational  agencies.  It  is  proposed  to  have: 

“A  thorough  united  survey  of  the  Home  and  Foreign  fields  of 
the  world  for  the  purpose  of  securing  accurate  and  complete  data 
as  to  what  ought  to  be  done  by  the  combined  Churches  to  meet  the 
needs  of  the  hour  and  of  at  least  the  next  five  years. 

“A  thorough-going  educational  and  publicity  campaign  to  carry  the 
facts  of  the  survey  to  the  entire  Protestant  Church  constituency  in 
America  and'  to  every  mission  station  throughout  the  world  where 
the  Churches  of  North  America  are  at  work. 

“A  field  campaign  for  the  purpose  of  arousing  the  Church  to  a 
realization  of  the  urgency  of  united  effort  in  meeting  the  needs  of 
the  community,  the  nation  and  the  world,  and  of  inspiring  and 
organizing  the  Christian  forces  to  undertake  an  adequate  world 
program. 

“A  united  financial  campaign  in  the  spring  of  1920,  or  whenever, 
in  the  judgment  of  the  leaders  of  the  movement,  the  Churches  are 


Secs.  1146-1147]  .Systematic  Beneficence 


719 


sufficiently  prepared,  to  secure  the  funds  shown  by  the  survey  to 
be  needed  to  carry  through  the  world  program  on  an  efficiency  basis.” 

The  initiative  in  this  movement  was  taken  by  our  own  Church. 
The  plan  has  been  approved  in  principle  by  the  Assembly's  Executive 
Committees.  Should’  it  receive  the  endorsement  of  the  Assembly,  it 
may  cause  some  modification  of  the  Assembly’s  Progressive  Program. 
Your  Committee,  therefore,  requests  that  our  Church  participation 
in  the  Interchurch  World  Movement  be  referred  in  its  details  to 
the  Stewardship  Committee,  which  is  the  agency  of  the  Church 
representing  the  Executive  Committees  of  the  Assembly,  and  to 
which  the  Assembly  has  entrusted  the  task  of  raising  $12,000,000  for 
benevolences. 

Organization. — The  Stewardship  Committee  is  composed  of  nine 
members,  one  from  each  of  the  Executive  Committees,  one  from  the 
Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement,  and  four  from  the  Church  at  large, 
as  follows:  Homer  McMillan,  Chairman;  R.  E.  Magill,  Recording 
Secretary  and  Treasurer;  Jno.  I.  Armstrong,  H.  H.  Sweets,  James 
Lewis  Howe,  J.  B.  Spillman,  R.  A.  Brand,  A.  E.  Spencer,  J.  R. 
Dobyns. 

Recommendations. — -Your  Committee  submits  the  following  recom¬ 
mendations: 

1.  That  the  Assembly  record  its  appreciation  of  the  earnest  and 
self-denying  labors  of  those  who  managed  the  Three  and’  a  Half 
Million  Campaign  in  the  Synods,  Presbyteries  and  churches. 

2.  That  each  Synod,  Presbytery  and  church  be  asked  to  maintain 
the  organization  which  has  so  successfully  conducted  the  campaign 
this  year,  and  that  this  splendid  force  of  workers  be  used  in  carrying x 
forward  the  Assembly’s  Progressive  Program. 

3.  That  the  Assembly  approve  the  action  of  the  Stewardship  Com¬ 
mittee  in  fixing  the  financial  goals  for  the  Progressive  Program  at 
$3,500,000  for  the  year  1919-20;  $4,000,00  for  the  year  1920-21;  and 
$4,500,000  for  the  year  1921-22. 

4.  That  the  Assembly  request  the  Presbyterial  Committees  of 
Systematic  Beneficence,  in  making  apportionments  for  the  churches, 
to  recognize  the  Assembly’s  schedule  of  percentages  in  providing 
for  the  Assembly’s  causes. 

5.  That  the  Assembly  request  Presbyterial  and  Synodical  causes 
to  bear  their  proportionate  part  of  the  campaign  expense. 

6.  That  the  Stewardship  Committee  be  urged  to  continue  its  em¬ 
phasis  on  the  cultivation  of  Christian  Stewardship  ideals  throughout 
the  Church,  and  to  seek  ways  and  means  to  lead  our  people  to  a 
clearer  recognition  and  a  fuller  practice  of  the  Christian’s  obligation 
of  Stewardship  toward  God  in  possession,  personality  and  prayer. 


1147.  Report  of  the  Standing  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence 

1919,  p.  69d.  These  papers  have  been  placed  in  our  hands:  The 
annual  report  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Benefi¬ 
cence,  the  annual  report  of  the  Stewardship  Committee,  the  annual 
report  of  the  Superintendent  of  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary,  the  sta¬ 
tistical  reports  on  Systematic  Beneficence  from  all  the  Presbyteries, 
and  a  number  of  overtures  considered  later  in  our  report. 

I.  The  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence. — The 
ninth  annual  report  of  this  Committee  is  both  compact  and  compre¬ 
hensive,  and  we  desire  to  commend  its  members  for  the  time  and 
thought  they  have  freely  given  to  this  work. 


720 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 

The  summary  of  gifts  to  beneficence  for  the  year  1918-1919,  as 
reported  by  the  Presbyteries,  is  as  follows: 


Foreign  Missions  . - . . . . $  737,740 

Assembly’s  Home  Missions  . . . . .  221,363 

Synod’s  Home  Missions  . . . . .  116,805 

.Presbyterial  Home  Missions  . - . _ .  214,710 

Congregational  Home  Missions  . . . .  102,756 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  .  141,006 

■Sunday  School  Extension  . . . ,  62,251 

‘Schools  and  Colleges  . . «... . . .  364,188 

Bible  Cause  . . . . . .  18,787 

Orphans’  Homes  . . . . . . .  397,282 

Miscellaneous  Benevolences  . «  497,282 

Assembly’s  War  Work  Fund  .  16,168 


Total  Benevolences  . * . $2,585,306 


Your  Committee  has  read  with  a  great  deal  of  gratification  the 
report  of  Alonzo  Richardson  &  Co.,  Atlanta,  Ga.,  which  made  the 
audit  and  efficiency  survey  of  our  Executive  Committees.  From 
their  report,  and  the  comments  made  upon  it  by  the  Permanent  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Systematic  Beneficence,  we  are  sure  that  the  Executive 
Committees  are  carrying  on  their  work  efficiently  and  economically. 

We  recommend: 

First.  That  the  suggestions  made  by  the  Permanent  Committee 
on  Systematic  Beneficence  to  the  Executive  Committees  in  connec¬ 
tion  with  Alonzo  Richardson  &  Co.’s  report  be  put  into  effect. 

Second.  That  the  Assembly’s  Training  School  for  Lay  Work¬ 
ers  be  placed  for  three  years  on  the  Assembly’s  budget  for  current 
expenses  for  .6  per  cent. 

Third.  That  the  following  amounts  be  apportioned  for  the  As¬ 
sembly’s  causes  for  1920-1921: 


Foreign  Missions  . $1,332,000.00 

Home  Missions  . 640,000.00 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief .  300,000.00 

Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Extension  .  80,000.00 

Assembly’s  Training  School  .  24,000.00 

Bible  Cause  . . - . „....* .  24,000.00 


Total . . . , . $2,400,000.00 

Presbyterial  and  Synodical  Causes  .  1,600,000.00 


Total  . $4,000,000.00 


Sec.  1147] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


721 


Fourth.  That  the  following  percentages  apply  to  any  undesig- 
rnated  gifts: 


Foreign  Missions  . < . . .  33  1-3% 

Assembly’s  Home  Missions  . .  16  % 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  7  %% 

Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Work  .  2  % 

Assembly’s  Training  School  . . . 6  % 

Bible  Cause  . ... . * . . . . . 6  % 


Total  . . . * . * .  60  % 

Synodical  and  Presbyterial  Causes  to  be  ap¬ 
portioned  by  each  Presbytery  and  Synod  .  40  % 


Fifth.  The  adoption  of  the  apportionment  plan  presented  by  Mr. 
J.  B.  Spillman  for  dividing  the  $4,000,000.00  ampng  the?  Synods, 
Presbyteries  and  churches. 

The  Spillman  Plan,  as  shown  by  the  author,  is  as  follows: 

Thirty-three  and  one-third  per  cent,  of  the  total  amount  to  be 
asked  for  the  year  1920-21  is  to  be  pro-rated  on  the  basis  of  resi¬ 
dent  membership. 

Thirty-three  and  one-third  per  cent,  is  to  be  pro-rated  on  the 
basis  of  a  three  years’  average  contribution  to  the  beneficent  causes. 

Thirty-three  and  one-third  per  cent,  is  to  be  pro-rated  on  the  basis 
of  a  three  years’  average  contribution  to  pastors’  salaries  and  current 
expenses. 

The  figures  to  be  used  are  to  be  taken  from  the  report  of  the  Pres¬ 
bytery  in  the  statistical  tables  published  in  the  Minutes  of  the 
General  Assembly.  The  amounts  reported  for  all  beneficent  causes 
are  to  be  totaled.  The  amounts  reported  for  current  expenses  and 
pastors’  salaries  are  to  be  totaled.  The  previous  three  years  are  to 
be  tabulated  separately,  and  the  average  for  the  three  years  is  to 
be  taken. 

Special  Gifts. — If  the  amount  for  one  year  is  entirely  out  of  pro¬ 
portion  to  the  average  of  the  three  years,  and  the  facts  show  that 
special  contributions  were  included  and  that  a  like  amount  would 
not  be  received  during  the  next  year,  such  an  amount  is  to  be  de¬ 
ducted  before  computing  the  three-year  average. 

The  factors  for  computing  the  quota  for  each  church  and  each 
Presbytery  for  1920-21  are  secured  in  the  following  manner: 

33  1-3%  of  $4,000,000  equals  $1,333,333;  divided  by  307,546, 
resident  membership,  equals  $4.34. 

33  1-3%  of  $4,000,000  equals  $1,333,333;  divided  by  2,055,324, 
three  years’  average  gifts  to  benevolences,  equals  $0,649. 

33  1-3%  of  $4,000,000  equals  $1,333,333;  divided  by  3,363,461, 
three  years’  average  pastors’  salaries  and  current  expenses,  equals 
$0,397. 

Sixth.  That  the  Assembly  instruct  all  Secretaries  and  others  en¬ 
gaged  in  advancing  the  benevolent  interests  of  the  Church  not  to 
make  any  special  canvass  for  any  one  cause,  but  in  every  financial 
campaign  to  present  the  whole  program  of  the  Church ;  and  that 


722 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book1  IV 


any  funds  thus  raised  be  apportioned  among  all  the  Assembly’s 
causes,  except  in  cases  specially  authorized  by  a  Church  court. 

II.  Stewardship  Committee. — The  considerable  increase  in  gifts 
to  all  the  Assembly’s  causes  the  past  year  is  attributable  largely  to 
the  earnest  and  wise  efforts  of  the  Stewardship  Committee,  whose 
work  deserves  the  hearty  thanks  of  the  Assembly. 

Particularly  would  we  mention  the  most  excellent  service  rendered 
by  the  Chairman,  Rev.  Homer  McMillan,  D.  D.,  who,  because  of 
the  death  of  its  Secretary,  Rev.  R.  L.  Walkup,  was  called  to  lead 
the  campaign. 

We  would,  express  the  gratitude  of  the  Assembly  as  well  to  those 
who  managed  the  campaign  in  the  Synods,  Presbyteries  and  churches, 
and  would  ask  that,  as  far  as  it  is  practicable,  the  same  fine  organ¬ 
ization  be  maintained  through  the  coming  year. 

In  the  death  of  Rev.  R.  L.  Walkup  the  cause  of  Stewardship 
suffered  a  severe  loss,  and  we  wish  to  record  the  Assembly’s  appre¬ 
ciation  of  his  vision  and  steadfastness  and  achievement  in  this  funda¬ 
mental  part  of  the  Church’s  work. 

It  is  encouraging  to  note  from  the  reports  already  made  by  the 
Synodical  campaign  managers,  that  of  the  $3,500,00  apportioned  to 
the  Synods,  $2,599,647  have  been  pledged.  As  these  reports  are 
still  incomplete  and  yet  are  far  ahead  of  the  pledges  made  at  this 
time  last  year,  we  are  confident  that  the  whole  budget  will  be  raised. 

Already  the  work  of  this  campaign  has  been  manifested  in  the 
increase  made  in  the  salaries  of  a  number  of  our  pastors,  and  we 
hope  that  this  good  work  will  go  on. 

We  recommend: 

First.  That  the  Assembly  approve  the  action  of  the  Steward¬ 
ship  Committee  in  fixing  the  financial  goals  for  the  progressive 
program  as  follows: 

$3,500,000.00  for  the  year  1919-20. 

$4,000,000.00  for  the  year  1920-21. 

$4,500,000.00  for  the  year  1921-22. 

Second.  That  the  Assembly  request  the  Presbyterial  Committees 
on  Systematic  Beneficence,  in  making  apportionment  for  the  churches, 
to  recognize  the  Assembly’s  schedule  of  percentages  in  providing  for 
the  Assembly’s  causes. 

Third.  That  the  eight  objectives  of  the  progressive  program  re¬ 
ceive  their  proper  emphasis. 

Fourth.  That  the  Assembly,  recognizing  the  great  value  of  such 
meetings  in  the  past,  approve  the  holding  of  the  Laymen’s  simul¬ 
taneous  conventions  in  Atlanta,  June  10^  11,  12,  and  request  the 
ministers  of  our  churches  to  lay  the  matter  before  their  congrega¬ 
tions  and  endeavor  to  secure  the  largest  possible  attendance. 

III.  Woman's  Auxiliary. — Through  the  past  year  the  Woman’s 
Auxiliary  did  the  same  fine  work  it  has  been  reporting  for  a  num¬ 
ber  of  years.  The  very  trials  of  war  times  were  used  to  draw  into 
the  service  of  the  Church  many  splendid  women  who  had  not  hitherto 
found  a  place  in  its  work.  We  would  call  your  attention  to  the 
summary  of  its  service  contained  in  the  report  of  the  Permanent  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Systematic  Beneficence,  (this  Digest,'  p.  71  If),  and  would 


Sec.  1147] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


723 


unanimously  go  on  record  with  that  Committee  in  approving  the  eco¬ 
nomical  administration  of  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary,  in  commending 
the  officers  thereof  for  their  efficiency  in  promoting  the  educational 
and  spiritual  growth  of  the  women  of  our  Church,  and  in  thanking 
the  women  for  the  large  increase  in  their  gifts.  Their  total  gifts  to 
the  four  Executive  Committees  last  year  amounted  to  $168,  992.00. 

We  recommend: 

First.  That  the  General  Assembly  emphasize  the  importance  of 
having  every  woman’s  and  girl’s  society  in  the  Church  aligned  with 
the  Auxiliary,  and  call  upon  the  Synods  and  Presbyteries  to  use 
the  valuable  services  of  this  office  for  their  Synodical  and  Presby- 
terial  work. 

Second.  That  the  Assembly  commend  to  the  pastors  and  Sessions 
for  their  careful  consideration  “The  Local  Auxiliary  Circle  Plan” 
as  outlined  by  the!  Woman’s  Auxiliary. 

IV.  General. — First.  In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  work  of  the 
Committees  of  Systematic  Beneficence  and  on  Stewardship  overlap, 
we  would  make  the  following  recommendations: 

1.  That  the  present  Commiittees  on  Systematic  Beneficence  and 
on  Stewardship  be  discontinued,  and  that  a  single  Committee  be 
appointed,  With  the  functions  and  powers  of  both. 

2.  That  this  Committee  be  known  as  the  Assembly’s  Committee  on 
Systematic  Beneficence  and  Stewardship. 

3.  That  the  personnel  of  this  Committee  be  composed  of  one  mem¬ 
ber  from  each  Synod,  to  be  nominated  by  the  respective  Synods,  with 
his  alternate,  and  elected  by  the  Assembly  after  the  present  plan 
for  the  selection  of  the  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence,  and 
one  member  from  each  of  the  four  Executive  Committees,  to  be 
nominated  bi-ennially  by  the  respective  Committees  and  elected  by 
the  Assembly,  no  man  succeeding  himself  more  than  once. 

4.  That  this  Committee  for  the  ensuing  year  be  composed  of  the 
present  eligible  members  of  the  Systematic  Beneficence  Committee, 
existing  vacancies  to  be  filled  by  the  present  Synodical  campaign 
managers  in  those  Synods  where  they  occur,  together  with  the  mem¬ 
bers  of  the  Executive  Committees  now  on  the  Stewardship  Committee. 

5.  The  expenses  of  the  members  in  attendance  upon  the  meet¬ 
ings  shall  be  borne  by  the  Assembly’s  treasury,  and  the  regular  ex¬ 
pense  of  the  Stewardship  office  shall  be  borne  by  the  four  Execu¬ 
tive  Committees  in  proportion  to  their  portion  of  the  60%  appor¬ 
tioned;  and  the  existing  contracts  of  the  Stewardship  Committee  now 
outstanding  shall  be  carried  out,  and  the  expense  of  the  $4,000,000 
campaign  shall  be  levied  according  to  the  resolution  adopted.  That 
this  action  shall  be  referred  to  the  Synods  for  special  consideration. 

6.  That  Rev.  A.  D.  P.  Gilmlour,  D.  D.,  be  named  as  the  con¬ 
vener  of  this  Committee. 

7.  The  Inter-Church  World  Movement  having  received  the  en¬ 
dorsement  of  the  Assembly,  we  recommend  that  our  Church’s  par¬ 
ticipation  in  it  be  referred  in  its  details  to  the  Committee  on  Sys¬ 
tematic  Beneficence  and  Stewardship. 

Second.  That  the  expenses  of  the  Chairmen  of  the  Assembly’s 


724  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

> 

Permanent  Committees  who  are  not  Commissioners  be  paid,  in  at¬ 
tending  the  meeting  of  the  Assembly,  from  Assembly’s  funds. 

Third.  In  view  of  the  fact  that  eleven  Presbyteries  overtured  the 
Assembly  to  adopt  the  plan  presented  by  Mr.  Spillman'  for  having 
one  Treasurer  for  all  causes,  called  “The  Clearing  House  Plan;” 
in  view  of  the  fact  that  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic 
Beneficence  recommended  to  the  Assembly  last  year  that  an  Ad-In¬ 
terim  Committee  be  appointed  to  consider  the  advisability  of  having 
one  Executive  Committee  and  one  Building;  and  in  view  of  the 
fact  that  an  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  North  Alabama  brings 
this  question  to  the  attention  of  the  Assembly  again,  we  recommend: 

1.  That  the  Assembly  appoint  an  Ad-Interim  Committee  of  seven, 
composed  of  four  elders  and  three  ministers,  to  study  the  whole 
matter  of  “The  Clearing  House  Plan”  presented  in  Mr.  Spillman’s 
pamphlet,  and  of  the  one  Executive  Committee,  as  presented  in  the 
report  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  to 
the  last  Assembly,  and  report  to  the  next  Assembly. 

2.  That  this  Committee  be  composed  of  the  following  members: 

Dr.  J.  P.  McCallie,  Synod  of  Appalachia. 

C.  A.  Rowland,  Synod  of  Georgia. 

J.  N.  Harrison,  Synod  of  Virginia. 

B.  R.  D.  Lacy,  Synod  of  Missouri. 

Rev.  Ernest  Thompson,  D.  D.,  Synod  of  West  Virginia. 

Rev.  J.  M.  Wells,  D.  D.,  Synod  of  North  Carolina. 

Rev.  William  Crowe,  D.  D.,  Synod  of  Tennessee. 

And  that  Dr.  J.  P.  McCallie  be  named  as  convener. 

Fourth.  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  acknowledge  grate¬ 
fully  the  service  Mr.  J.  B.  Spillman  has  rendered  the  whole  Church 
through  his  thoughtful  study  and  presentation  of  the  subject  of 
Stewardship  through  the  Church  papers,  pamphlets  and  personal 
appeals. 

V.  Overtures. — From  Greenbrier  Presbytery,  urging  an  in¬ 
crease  in  salaries  of  Home  and  Foreign  missionaries.  We  refer 
them  to  the  fact  that  increases  have  been  m^ade  in  a  number  of  cases 
by  both  Committees,  and  will  be  made  when  advisable  as  the  Church 
supplies  the  means. 

From  Suwanee  Presbytery,  asking  the  Assembly  to  require 
the  Treasurers  of  the  Executive  Committees  to  keep  their  books  open, 
for  one  week  after  the  end  of  the  ecclesiastical  year.  We  recom¬ 
mend  that  the  Assembly  direct  the  Treasurers  to  keep  their  books 
open  five  days  after  the  last  Sunday  in  March,  and  in  no  case  to 
close  them,  before  March  31st. 

From  Fort  Worth  Presbytery,  asking  the  Assembly  to  ex¬ 
press  clearly  its  attitude  toward  the  Stewardship  Committee  and  its 
cause.  We  refer  them  to  previous  actions  of  the  Assembly  in  creat¬ 
ing  this  Committee  and  approving  its  work. 

From  Albermarle  Presbytery,  concerning  the  reporting  of  funds 
by  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary.  We  recommend  that  it  be  answered  in 
the  negative. 

From  Mangum,  Mecklenburg,  Kings  Mountain,  North  Ala¬ 
bama,  Bethel,  Potosi,  Upper  Missouri,  Columbia,  Wilmingtonr 


Secs.  1147-1148]  Systematic  Beneficence 


725 


South  Carolina,  Paris,  Charleston,  Harmony,  Congaree,  Roanoke, 
Memphis,  Albemarle  and  North  Mississippi  Presbyteries,  touching 
the  method  of  apportionment  and  distribution  of  benevolent  funds, 
and  from  Ebenezer  Presbytery  to  the  same  effect.  We  recommend 
that  these  Presbyteries  be  referred  to  the  report  of  this  Committee 
covering  the  matters  contained  in  their  overtures. 


1148.  Report  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic 

Beneficence  and  Stewardship 


1920,  p.  135.  Your  Committee  has  held  four  meetings  since  the 
last  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly  in  New  Orleans,  namely,  in 
Montreat,  July  16,  1919;  Chattanooga,  September  10,  1919;  Chatta¬ 
nooga,  December  30,  1919;  and  Spartanburg,  S.  C.,  May  18,  1920. 

The  following  members  were  present  at  the  above  mentioned  meet¬ 
ings,  the  number  of  times  set  opposite  their  names: 


Alabama  . 

Appalachia  . 

Arkansas  . 

Florida  . 

Georgia . 

Kentucky . 

Louisiana . . 

Mississippi . 

Missouri . . 

North  Carolina 

Oklahoma  . . 

South  Carolina 

Tennessee . 

Texas . 

Virginia . 

West  Virginia  .. 


,Rev.  D.  F.  McConnell  . 

Rev.  L.  R.  Walker  . 

Mr.  A.  H.  Whitmarsh  . 

Mr.  T.  F.  West  . 

Mr.  W.  M.  Everett  . . 

Rev.  W.  H.  Hopper  . 

Rev.  U.  D.  Mooney . 

Rev.  F.  R.  Graves . 

Rev.  C.  R.  Nisbet . 

.Rev.  Chas.  F.  Myers . 

Rev.  E.  H.  Moseley . 

Rev.  A.  D.  P.  Gilmour . 

Mr.  W.  H.  Raymond . 

Rev.  Wm.  Fred  Galbraith 

Rev.  F.  T.  McFaden . 

.Mr.  J.  E.  Allen . . 


4 

4 

3 

3 

4 
4 
4 
4 
1 
0 
2 
4 
4 
4 
3 
.1 


From  the  Executive  Committees — 

Foreign  Missions  . Rev.  John  I.  Armstrong .  3 

Home  Missions . Rev.  Homer  McMillan .  4 

Christian  Education  &  Min.  Relief.. ..Rev.  Henry  H.  Sweets .  4 

Publication  and  S.  S.  Extension . Mr.  R.  E.  Magill .  3 

The  following  were  excused  for  their  absences  for  satisfactory 
reasons:  A.  H.  Whitmarsh,  T.  F.  West,  C.  R.  Nisbet,  E.  H.  Moseley, 
F.  T.  McFaden,  J.  E.  .Allen,  and  R.  E.  Magill. 

Organization. — The  following  officers  were  elected:  Rev.  A.  D.  P. 
Gilmour,  Chairman;  Rev.  E.  R.  Leyburn,  Vice-Chairman;  Rev.  Wm. 
Fred  Galbraith,  Secretary;  Mr.  R.  E.  Magill,  Treasurer. 

Rev.  E.  R.  Leyburn  leaving  the  Synod  of  North  Carolina  soon 
thereafter,  the  office  of  Vice-Chairman  became  vacant. 

Headquarters. — In  order  that  the  office  might  be  more  centrally 
located  for  greater  efficiency,  Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  was  selected  as 
headquarters  and  offices  were  opened  there  in  the  Times  Building, 
September  1,  1919. 

A  Committee  on  Scope  and  Method ,  composed  of  C.  R.  Nisbet  and 
John  I.  Armstrong,  was  appointed  and  requested 

First.  To  review  the  actions  of  the  Assembly  touching  the  func¬ 
tions  and  powers  of  the  former  Committees  on  Systematic  Beneficence 
and  Stewardship,  respectively,  codify  their  findings  for  the  Committees 
now  consolidated,  governing  the  actions  of  the  present  Committee  on 
Systematic  Beneficence  and  Stewardship. 

Second.  To  report,  after  investigation,  how  the  membership  of 
this  Committee  is  composed,  and  who  are  eligible  from  the  various 
Synods  to  membership  thereon  at  this  time. 


726  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

The  report  of  this  Committee  on  Scope  and  Method  was  received 
and  is  on  file  in  Chattanooga. 

The  following  Campaign  Committee  was  elected  at  the  Montreat 
meeting:  Rev.  Homer  McMillan,  Chairman;  Rev.  Henry  H.  Sweets, 
Rev.  John  I.  Armstrong,  Mr.  R.  E.  Magill,  Rev.  A.  D.  P.  Gilmour, 
Rev.  H.  R.  Walker,  Judge  T.  F.  West,  and  the  conduct  of  the  Pres¬ 
byterian  Progressive  Program  was  placed  in  the  hands  of  this  Com¬ 
mittee,  subject  to  the  review  and  control  of  the  Assembly’s  Systematic 
Beneficence  and  Stewardship  Committee. 

The  following  sub-committees  were  appointed  to  examine  the  reports 
of  the  respective  Executive  Committees  and  to  make  their  reports 
to  the  whole  committee  at  the  Spartanburg  meeting: 

Executive  Committee  on  Foreign  Missions. — Chairman,  Mr.  W.  M. 
Everett;  Rev.  F.  T.  McFaden,  Rev.  D.  F.  McConnell. 

Executive  Committee  on  Home  Missions. — Chairman,  Rev.  W.  H. 
Hopper;  Rev.  C.  R.  Nisbet,  Mr.  T.  F.  West. 

Publication  and  8.  8.  Extension. — Chairman,  Mr.  W.  H.  Raymond; 
J.  E.  Allen,  Rev.  F.  R.  Graves. 

Christian  Education  an,d  Ministerial  Relief. — Chairman,  Mr.  A.  H. 
Whitmarsh,  Rev.  L.  R.  Walker,  Rev.  E.  H.  Moseley. 

The  following  special  committee  on  the  report  of  the  Campaign 
Committee  was  appointed:  F.  T.  McFaden,  Chairman;  C.  R.  Nisbet, 
A.  H.  Whitmarsh,  W.  H.  Raymond,  W.  M.  Everett. 

These  sub-committees  and  this  special  committee  had  before  them, 
respectively,  the  annual  reports  of  the  four  Executive  Committees, 
the  Woman’s  Auxiliary  and  the  Campaign  Committee. 

In  addition  supplementary  oral  reports  were  made  by  Rev.  E.  W. 
Smith,  for  the  Foreign  Mission  Committee;  Rev.  S.  L.  Morris,  for 
the  Home  Mission  Committee;  Rev.  Henry  H.  Sweets,  for  the  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief;  Mr.  R.  E. 
Magill,  for  the  Publication  and  Sunday  School  Extension  Committee; 
Rev.  Homer  McMillan,  Rev.  S.  W.  McGill  and  Mr.  R.  E.  Magill  of 
the  Campaign  Committee;  and  Rev.  F.  T.  McFaden  and  Mr.  R.  E. 
Magill  for  the  Assembly’s  Training  School. 

Foreign  Missions. — Your  Committee  have  carefully  reviewed  the  re¬ 
port  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions,  and  are  much 
gratified  at  the  excellent  condition  of  our  foreign  work,  and  the  greatly 
increased  force  given  it  during  the  past  year.  We  would  recommend 
that  this  Committee  nominate  to  the  General  Assembly  the  following 
persons  to  serve  for  a  term  of  three  years  on  the  Executive  Committee 
of  Foreign  Missions:  C.  E.  Diehl,  D.  H.  Scanlon,  W.  A.  Dale,  A.  D. 
Mason,  and  J.  P.  McCallie. 

We  most  heartily  join  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Mis¬ 
sions  in  their  recommendation  to  General  Assembly  as  shown  in 
numbers  three,  four,  five,  six  and  seven  of  their  report. 

As  to  recommendation  number  one,  we  do  not  deem  it  wise  to 
enter  upon  this  program,  as  it  would  seriously  interfere  with  the 
Presbyterian  Progressive  Program.  We  do  not  believe  the  Church 
at  this  time  would  respond  to  this  Church-wide  Campaign  for  $2,- 
500,000,  "without  causing  a  failure  in  the  general  gifts  which  would 
result  in  certain  debt  and  impairment  of  the  work.  We  believe  the 
wise  policy  is  to  develop  equipment  and  support  proportionately. 

We  nominate  the  Rev.  Egbert  W.  Smith  as  Executive  Secretary 
of  the  Foreign  Mission  Committee  for  three  years. 

We  recommend  that  the  following  amount  be  apportioned  to  this 
Committee,  namely,  $1,498,500  for  the  year  1921-22,  this  being  33.3% 
of  the  whole,  $4,500,000. 

Campaign  Committee. — Your  Committee  desires  in  the  beginning  to 
commend  the  diligence  of  your  Campaign  Committee,  and  the  thorough¬ 
ness  with  which  every  detail  of  this  work  has  been  prosecuted. 

As  evidence  of  the  efficiency  of  this  campaign,  we  call  attention  to 
the  fact  that  the  gifts  to  all  causes  are  at  least  $500,000  more  than 
ever  subscribed  before. 

With  six  Presbyterial  reports  missing,  the  records  show  that  the 


Sec.  1148] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


727 


gifts  for  benevolences  for  the  year  closing  March  31,  1920,  were 
$3, 943, 452.  Of  this  amount  about  five  hundred'  thousand  dollars  was 
for  miscellaneous  benevolence. 

Your  Committee  approves  the  holding  of  a  Stewardship  Conference 
the  last  week  in  July  at  Montreat,  N.  C.,  and  would  urge  that 
diligent  effort  be  made  to  procure  the  attendance  of  all  the  Synodical 
Managers. 

We  call  attention  to  the  fact  that  the  recommendation  of  the 
Assembly  as  to  one  of  the  Executive  Secretaries  or  representatives 
attending  each  Synod  and  presenting  the  whole  budget,  and  not  the 
cause  of  any  particular  Executive  Committee,  has  been  carried  out, 
and  reports  seem  to  indicate  that  this  method  of  presentation  of 
the  whole  budget  is  growing  in  favor  throughout  the  whole  Church. 

Your  Campaign  Committee  has  co-operated  during  the  year  with 
the  Woman’s  Auxiliary,  Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement,  and  the  Inter¬ 
church  World  Movement. 

Since  the  detail  of  our  co-operation  with  the  Interchurch  World 
Movement  was  referred  by  the  last  Assembly  to  the  Systematic  Benefi¬ 
cence  Committee,  we  call  your  attention  to  the  following  report  in 
full,,  outlining  the  plan  of  co-operation  agreed  upon: 

The  last  General  Assembly  endorsed  the  Interchurch  World  Move¬ 
ment  of  North  America,  and  referred  the  details  of  participation  therein 
to  the  Systematic  Beneficence  and  Stewardship  Committee.  (See 
Minutes  of  Assembly,  1919,  page  69h,  par.  7,  also  this  Digest,  p.  718.) 

Several  members  of  the  General  Committee  of  the  Movement,  who 
had  been  selected  from  our  Church,  attended'  the  preliminary  Ifiter- 
church  meetings,  and  reported  to  our  Committee. 

After  full  discussion  it  was  decided  to  condition  our  participation 
in.  the  Movement  on  their  acceptance  of  the  following  suggestions: 

Provided  First — That  “in  so  doing  we  desire  to  allow  nothing  to 
interfere  with  the  prosecution  of  our  Progressive  Policy  and  Pro¬ 
gram  for  raising  $12,000,000  for  Benevolences.” 

Provided,  Second — That  the  Committee  in  each  State,  which  shall 
handle  the  entire  work  of  the  Interchurch  World  Movement,  be 
named  by  the  authority  of  the  respective  denominations  in  the 
State. 

We  will  nominate  members  for  each  Synod  to  serve  until  the  meet¬ 
ings  of  the  Synods,  when  the  Syonds  shall  name  others,  if  they 
see  fit.  We  hereby  appoint  the  Synodical  Campaign  Managers  of 
the  Synods  to  serve  till  the  Synod  shall  appoint  a  successor. 

Provided,  Third — That  the  budget  for  the  financial  drive  be  the 
combined  budgets  of  the  several  Boards  of  the  Evangelical  churches, 
co-operating,  in  the  Movement,  and  no  other  organizations. 

All  the  conditions  having  been  fully  accepted  by  the  Interchurch 
World  Movement,  the  following  were  elected  as  members:  of  the 
General  Committee  of  the  Movement  to  represent  our  Church: 


Rhodes  S.  Baker . 

Rev.  W.  R.  Dobyns . 

John  J.  Eagan . ; . 

Rev.  Wm.  Fred  Galbraith 
Rev.  A.  D.  P.  Gilmour.... 

Mr.  C.  E.  Graham. v . 

Rev.  Homer  McMillan . 

Mr.  R.  E.  Magill . 

Rev.  S.  Waters  McGill . 

Rev.  Charles  H.  Pratt . 

J.  B.  Spillman . 

Henry  H.  Sweets . 

Rev.  Jas.  I.  Vance . 

Rev.  Thornton  Whaling 


. Dallas,  Tex. 

. St.  Joseph,  Mo. 

. Atlanta,  Ga. 

.Chattanooga,  Tenn. 
..Spartanburg,  S.  C. 

. Greenville,  S.  C. 

. Atlanta,  Ga. 

. Richmond,  Va. 

Chattanooga,  Tenn. 

. New  York  City 

. Columbia,  S.  C. 

. Louisville,  Ky. 

. Nashville,  Tenn. 

. Columbia,  S.  C. 


Dr.  Vance  was  made  the  representative  of  our  Church  on  the 
Executive  Committee. 

It  having  become  apparent  that  the  time  of  preparation  for  the 


728 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


canvass  for  funds  was  too  short,  it  was  determined  by  the  Inter- 
church  World  Movement  to  fix  the  period  of  the  canvass  from  April 
23rd  to  May  2d. 

To  meet  the  situation  caused  by  the  selection  of  this  later  date, 
a  meeting  of  the  Systematic  Beneficence  and  Stewardship  Committee 
and  of  the  Synodical  Managers  of  the  Progressive  Program  was 
called'  on  December  30,  1919. 

At  this  meeting  it  was  decided  to  ask  the  Church  to  postpone  the 
canvass  in  the  churches  to  synchronize  with  these  dates.  One-half 
of  the  Synods  agreed  to  do  this,  while  one-half  held  to  the  old  date 
in  Mar^h. 

It  later  became  apparent  to  the  Interchurch  World  Movement  that 
in  most  communities  within  our  bounds  there  would  be  only  one  de¬ 
nomination  making  the  canvass  during  the  period  selected,  and  con¬ 
sequently  the  Interchurch  World  Movement  decided  late,  and  very 
reluctantly,  that  !t  would  not  be  possible  to  have  the  joint  campaign 
in  the  Southern  States. 

The  Systematic  Beneficence  and  Stewardship  Committee  authorized 
the  Executive  Committees  of  our  Church  to  underwrite  the  expense  of 
the  Interchurch  World  Movement  for  amounts  approved  by  their 
judgment.  All  four  of  the  Executive  Committees  agreed  to  under¬ 
write  the  expenses  of  the  Interchurch  World  Movement  to  a  limited 
extent — the  Home  Mission,  $5,000;  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial 
Relief,  $5,000;  Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Extension,  $2,500;  the 
Foreign  Mission  Committee  to  5%  subject  to  the  approval  of  the 
General  Assembly. 

The  Committees  were  convinced  that  even  should'  they  be  called 
upon  to  pay  these  amounts  the  Church  would  be  amply  repaid  for 
this  small  investment,  in  the  following  ways: 

1.  The  Survey:  Facts  and  figures  from  the  extension  survey  have 
proved  helpful  and  stimulating.  When  these  surveys  are  completed 
we  will  have  a  basis  for  future  plans  and  work  that  will  be  of 
invaluable  help. 

2.  Conferences. 

(a)  The  Survey  Conference  at  Atlantic  City  brought  vision  and 
inspiration  and  practical  suggestions  to  all  who  were  there. 

(b)  Other  Conferences.  The  helpfulness  of  the  Atlantic  City  Con¬ 
ference  was  carried  down  to  laymen  through  the  Pittsburg  Conference, 
to  the  Women  through  the  Washington  Conference,  and  to  the  Church 
at  large  through  the  Pastors’  Conference  held  in  each  State.  These 
were  followed  by  county  and  town  conferences,  especially  designed 
to  reach  the  laymen. 

3.  Publicity. 

The  duty  and  opportunity  of  the  Church  were  presented  in  leaflets, 
bulletins,  lantern  slides,  posters,  conferences,  advertisements,  etc. 
Much  of  this  was  prepared  too  late  to  be  of  great  service  to  us 
this  year,  but  may  be  of  great  help  later. 

4.  Safeguards.  * 

It  must  be  remembered  that  this  is  a  co-operative  movement  of 
30  denominations — a  bringing  together  of  the  forward  movements  of 
all  these  Churches. 

(1)  No  one  may  be  on  the  Executive  Committee  or  the  General 
Committee  except  as  he  is  acceptable  to  or  recommended  by  his  own 
denomination. 

(2)  All  the  forward  movements  are  under  the  entire  direction  and 
control  of  their  own  Churches. 

(3)  No  item  may  be  included  in  any  of  the  united  drives  except 
as  it  shall  be  endorsed  and  recommended  by  the  proper  Church  agency. 

(4)  The  Interchurch  World  Movement  is  not  an  administrative 
agency,  each  denomination  securing  and  disbursing  its  own  funds 
through  its  own  agencies. 

(5)  Co-operation  with  the  Movement  does  not  commit  our  Church 
to  any  work  except  that  authorized  by  our  Presbyteries,  Synods  and 
General  Assembly. 


Sec.  1148] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


729 


(6)  Nor  does  our  participation  in  the  Movement  affect  the  stand¬ 
ards  of  the  Church  in  any  way. 

We  would  recommend: 

1.  That  we  ask  the  continued  co-operation  of  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary, 
and  of  all  the  societies  of  the  Church  in  the  aggressive  work  of  the 
Progressive  Program. 

2.  That  we  ask  the  fullest  co-operation  of  the  Laymen’s  Movement. 

3.  As  to  our  further  relationship  with  the  Interchurch  World 
Movement  we  refer  the  matter  back  to  the  General  Assembly  for  its 
will  and  instruction. 

Budget  for  1921-1922. — With  reference  to  the  suggested  five-year 
budget,  with  a  goal  of  $40,000,000,  it  appears  from  reports  received 
from  the  Presbyteries  that  it  is  impossible  to  make  up  a  budget  for 
five  years,  and  it  further  appears  that  the  proposed  five-year  budget 
is  noit  looked  upon  favorably  by  a  large  majority  of  our  Presbyteries; 
we  therefore  rescind  the  action  taken  by  this  Committee  December 
30,  1919,  relative  to  the  same. 

We  suggestion  that  the  $4,500,000  already  approved’  by  the  Assembly 
for  benevolent  work  in  1921-22  be  apportioned  among  the  Synods  on 
the  same  basis  as  last  year  as  follows: 


Alabama  . $  213.590 

Appalachia  .  196,220 

Arkansas  .  139,701 

Florida  .  136,122 

Georgia  .  341,787 

Kentucky  . 248,366 

Louisiana  .  136,714 

Mississippi  .  201,126 

^Missouri  .  221,294 

North  Carolina  .  743,541 

Oklahoma  .  38,074 

Snedecor  Mem .  9,428 

South  Carolina  .  355,754 

Tennessee  .  239,382 

Texas  . 465,414 

Virginia  .  677,549 

West  Virginia  .  135,938 

- 1 - 

$4,500,000 


That  the  following  amounts  be  apportioned  for  the  Assembly’s 


causes  for  1921-22: 

Foreign  Missions  . $1,498,500 

Home  Missions  .  720,000 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  .  337,500 

Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Extension  .  90,000 

Bible  Society  . .' .  27,000 

Training  School  .  27,000 


Assembly’s  Causes  . $2,700,000 

Synod’s  Causes  .  1,800,000 


$4,500,000 

That  the  following  percentages  apply  to  any  undesignated  gifts: 

Foreign  Missions  .  33.3% 

Assembly’s  Home  Missions  .  16.0% 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  .  7.5% 

Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Work  .  2.0% 

Assembly’s  Training  School  . 6% 

Bible  Cause  . 6% 


Total  .  60.0% 

Synodical  and  Presbyterial  Causes  to  be  apportioned 

by  each  Presbytery  and-  Synod  .  40.0% 


73.0 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


We  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following: 

We  are  convinced  that  the  Presbyterian  Progressive  Program  pro¬ 
vides  the  best  way  to  finance  the  benevolent  work  of  our  Church, 
and  in  our  opinion  the  Assembly’s  intention  in  adopting  this  Pro¬ 
gram  was  not  only  to  finance  the  benevolent  work  more  adequately, 
but  also  to  relieve  the  executive  agencies  of  the  responsibility  of 
raising  the  funds  needed  for  their  work.  All  special  appeals  of 
whatever  kind  interfere  by  so  much  with  the  Presbyterian  Pro¬ 
gressive  Program.  We  therefore  recommend  that  the  Assembly  for¬ 
bid  its  Executive  Committees,  and  all  agents  thereof,  and  the  Woman's 
Auxiliary,  any  appeals  for  funds  presented  by  letter,  or  through 
the  Church  press,  or  in  any  other  way,  except  such  appeals  as  have 
been  considered  and  recommended  by  the  Assembly’s  Committee  on 
Systematic  Beneficence  and  Stewardship,  and  approved  by  the  As¬ 
sembly  itself,  and  included  in  the  budget  of  the  Progressive  Pro¬ 
gram  or  otherwise  definitely  provided  for. 

With  reference  to  the  suggested  outline  program  in  the  calendar 
for  the  year  1921-22,  prepared  by  the  Campaign  Committee,  we 
recommend  that  the  next  year’s  Committee  print  the  same  for  use 
in  the  Churches. 

Your  Special  Committee  would  record  its  commendation  of  the 
very  great  work  done  by  Rev.  W.  Fred  Galbraith,  Secretary,  and  Rev. 
S.  W.  McGill,  Campaign  Manager,  and  also  the  efficient  work  done 
by  the  Campaign  Committee. 

We  recommend: 

1.  That  the  Assembly  record  its  appreciation  for  the  earnest  and 
self-denying  labors  of  those  who  managed  the  Four  Million  Campaign 
in  the  Synods,  Presbyteries  and  churches. 

2.  That  each  Synod,  Presbytery  and  church  be  asked  to  maintain 
the  organization  which  has  so  successfully  conducted  the  campaign 
this  year,  and  that  this  splendid  force  of  workers  be  used  in  carrying 
forward  the  Assembly’s  Progressive  Program. 

3.  That  the  Synodsr  consider  the  advisability  of  securing  managers 
for  their  full  time  to  promote  the  objectives  of  the  Progressive  Pro¬ 
gram. 

4.  That  the  Assembly  request  the  Presbyterial  Committees  of 
Systematic  Beneficence,  in  making  apportionments  for  the  churches, 
to  recognize  the  Assembly’s  schedule  of  percentages  in  providing  for 
the  Assembly’s  causes. 

5.  That  the  Assembly  request  Presbyterial  and  Synodical  causes 
to  bear  their  proportionate  part  of  the  campaign  expense. 

6.  That  the  Systematic  Beneficence  and  Stewardship  Committee 
be  urged  to  continue  its  emphasis  on  the  cultivation  of  Christian 
Stewardship  ideals  throughout  the  Church,  and  to  seek  ways  and 
means  to  lead  our  people  to  a  clearer  recognition  and  a  fuller 
practice  of  the  Christian’s  obligation  of  Stewardship  toward  God 
in  possession,  personality  and  prayer. 

7  Finance. — That  a  budget  of  $75,000  be  provided  to  carry  through 
the  campaign  for  $4,500,000,  and  that  this  fund  be  furnished  by 
the  Executive  agencies  of  the  Assembly,  and  Synodical,  Presbyterial 
and  Educational  Causes  in  proportion  to  the  benefit  they  receive  from 
the  united  campaign. 

Publication  and  Sabbath  Schools. — We  beg  to  state  that  we  have 
given  this  report  as  much  time  as  was  at  our  disposal  and  find 
therein  sources  for  pride  in  the  work  of  this  Committee,  and  ground 
for  gratitude  to  God  for  the  substantial  progress  of  this  branch  of 
our  great  work. 

We  call  your  attention,  not  only  to  the  $60,000  increase  in  sales 
for  the  year  over  last  year  and  to  the  net  profit  of  $54,000,  but 
to  what  is  more  important  than  material  profit,  the  general 
expansion  of  the  work  in  all  of  its  activities,  and  especially  to  the 
very  large  percentage  of  additions  on  profession  that  come  directly 
through  the  Sunday  School  into  the  Church.  And  this  is  as  it 
should  be. 


Sec.  1148] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


731 


Proper  credit  for  this  blessing  under  God’s  guidance  should  be  given 
to  this  Committee  and  for  the  publication  and  distribution  of  Sunday 
School  Iiferature  of  the  utmost  value. 

An  examination  of  the  Educational  and  Editorial  Departmental  re¬ 
ports  shows  the  publication  and  very  wide  distribution  of  literature 
relating  to  Sunday  School  Work  and  Young  People’s  activities  of 
the  highest  value  to  these  organizations. 

We  note  with  pleasure  the  affort  of  Dr.  Glass,  Mr.  Magill,  Dr. 
Lapsley  and  the  staff  of  co-laborers,  not  only  to  meet  the  pressing 
needs  of  the  Church  today  for  literature,  but  to  visualize  the 
need'  of  tomorrow,  recognizing  that  the  Sunday  School  and  Young 
People’s  Societies  are  the  avenues  through  which  our  young  people 
should  come  into  the  Church. 

We  must  congratulate  this  Committee  for  holding  down  the  sale 
price  of  its  publications,  and  indeed,  for  getting  paper  at  any  cost, 
nor  should  there  be  surprise  or  censure  if  the  cost  of  our  Church 
Literature  rises  with  that  of  the  daily  papers. 

We  note  on  page  8  of  the  report  that  the  terms  of  service  of  five 
members  of  the  Committee  expire  this  year.  We  submit  the  names 
of  these  gentlemen  to  succeed  themselves,  and  for  the  two  vacancies, 
we  submit  Mr.  Albert  Sidney  Johnston  and  Dr.  W.  B.  Lorraine,  both 
of  Richmond.  Mr.  Johnston  will  fill  the  unexpired  term  of  Mr. 
James  W.  Sinton,  deceased,  and  Dr.  Lorraine  will  fill  a  vacancy, 
making  the  Committee  15. 

We  believe  no  department  of  our  Church  has  a  more  important 
work  in  its  care  than  the  Committee  of  Publication  and  Sabbath 
School  Extension,  and  for  this  reason  the  Executive  Committee'S  annual 
report  should  be  most  carefully  read  in  comparison  with  past  reports. 
If  at  all  possible  it  should  be  put  in  the  hands  of  all  Sunday  School 
Workers  with  a  special  request  that  it  be  read. 

We  recommend  that  the  quota  of  the  Sabbath  School  Extension  and 
Publication  Committee  for  1921-22  be  $90,000  or  2%  of  $4,500,000. 

We  rejoice  to  hear  from  the  Chairman  of  the  splendid  progress  of 
the  Assembly  Training  School  in  Richmond.  We  see  the  present 
and  future  possibilities  of  large  service  in  this  institution,  and 
urge  that  its  immediate  needs  for  buildings  and  a  support  fund 
be  laid  upon  the  hearts  of  our  people. 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief. — The  receipts  for  the 
Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  to  March 
31,  1920,  were  $283,371.13.  This  is  an  increase  of  $68,567.65  over 
those  of  last  year. 

One  hundred  and  seventy  candidates  for  the  Ministry  and  Mission 
service  received  aid  from  the  Committee  to  the  amount  of  $18,638.50, 
as  compared  with  150  persons  last  year  and  '$14,300.69. 

In  calling  attention  to  the  great  need  for  increase  ill  the  candidates 
for  the  Ministry,  the  statement  is  made  that  there  are  nine  Pres¬ 
byteries  containing  218  churches,  136  Ministers  and  708  Elders,  with 
a  church  membership  of  18,826,  in  which  there  is  no  candidate 
whatever  under  their  care.  This  situation  should  cause  great  anxiety 
and  earnest  prayer. 

Funds  for  Ministerial  Relief  have  gone  into  292  homes  during  the 
past  year,  but  only  to  the  amount  of  $284.32  per  family  for  the  entire 
year. 

Seeing  our  ministers  and  missionaries  have  been  so  sadly  over¬ 
looked,  and  have  literally  worn  themselves  out  in  the  mission  fields 
laboring  on  insufficient  salaries,  it  is  a  matter  of  common  honor 
that  the  Church  care  adequately  for  them  when  on  account  of  sickness 
or  old  age  they  are  forced  to  retire  both  from  labor  and  from  income, 
and  that  the  needy  widows  and  orphans  of  those  who  have  died 
shall  be  cared  for.  The  care  of  these  faithful  servants  of  Christ 
becomes  a  supreme  and  foremost  claim  upon  the  Church. 

We  make  the  following  recommendations: 

First.  That  W.  J.  Rubel,  G.  H.  Mourning,  Wade  Sheltman  and 


73.2 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


A.  J.  A.  Alexander  be  elected  members  of  the  Committee  for  three 
years,  and  H.  P.  Converse  for  one  year. 

Second.  That  the  sum  of  $337,500  be  apportioned  to  this  cause 
for  the  year  1921-22,  this  being  7.5%  of  the  $4,500,000. 

Third.  That  the  extensive  and  aggressive  method  of  the  Executive 
Committee  of  helping  the  youth  of  the  Church  to  discover  the  plan 
of  God  for  their  lives  be  approved  and  be  given  all  assistance  possi¬ 
ble  by  the  pastors  and  Church  officers  . 

Fourth.  That  we  approve  of  the  plans  of  the  Executive  Committee 
for  carrying  out  the  repeated  instructions  of  the  General  Assembly 
to  increase  the  Endowment  fund  for  Ministerial  Relief  to  at  least 
$1,000,000,  and  the  plans  to  meet  the  conditions  of  Mr.  C.  E.  Graham 
who  offers  to  give  $200,000  to  this  fund  if  the  whole  Church  will 
add  $400,00  by  December,  1920,  the  Church  thus  to  invest  $700,000 
in  the  Graham  Building  (formerly  the  Heard  National  Bank  Build¬ 
ing  (of  Jacksonville,  Fla.). 

Fifth.  Inasmuch  as  the  ministers  have  been  leaders  in  the  proper 
financing  of  all  work  of  the  Church,  and  in  this  Presbyterian  Pro¬ 
gressive  Program,  we  recommend: 

That  the  elders,  deacons,  laymen  and  women  of  the  Church  be 
called  upon  to  assume  the  raising  of  this  $400,000  under  the  direction 
of  the  Executive  Committee  with  the  help  of  the  Laymen’s  Missionary 
Movement  and  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary.  That  the  Session  of  each 
church  see  that  on  some  Sunday  in  June  or  September  this  opportu¬ 
nity  and  responsibility  be  put  before  all  our  people. 

Nominations  to  Membership  on  Assembly' s  Committee  on  Syste¬ 
matic  Beneficence  ancl  Stewardship. — The  following  are  the  nominees, 
by  Synods,  for  membership  on  the  Assembly’s  Committee  on  Syste¬ 
matic  Beneficence  and  Stewardship,  the  nominations  being  made  at 
the  meeting  of  the  respective  Synods  in  the  fall  of  1919: 

Alabama — - 

Principals — Rev.  D.  F.  McConnell,  Prattville,  Ala.;  Mr.  W.  A.  Belllng- 
rath,  Montgomery,  Ala. 

Alternates — Rev.  David  Park,  Anniston,  Ala.;  Mr.  B.  T.  Shanks, 
Selma,  Ala. 

Appalachia — 

Rev.  T.  S.  McCallie,  Chattanooga,  Tenn.;  Mr.  R.  T.  Faucett,  Chatta¬ 
nooga,  Tenn. 

Alternates — Rev.  Willis  Thompson,  Jellico,  Tenn,;  Mr.  J.  D.  Faucett, 
Bristol,  Tenn. 

Arkansas — 

Principals — Rev.  C.  H.  H.  Branch,  Texarkana,  Ark.;  Mr.  A.  H. 
Whitmarsh,  Texarkana,  Ark. 

Alternates — 'Rev.  John  Van  Lear,  Little  Rock,  Ark.;  Dr.  E.  R. 
Long,  iBatesville,  Ark. 

Florida — ■ 

Principals — Rev.  E.  D.  Brownlee,  Sanford,  Fla.;  Mr.  D.  B.  Curry, 
Jacksonville,  Fla. 

Alternates — Rev.  E.  W.  Way,  Jacksonville,  Fla.;  Mr.  A.  D.  Campbell, 
Chipley,  Fla. 


Georgia — 


Principals- 

Atlanta, 

— Rev. 
Ga. 

E. 

L. 

Hill,  Athens,  Ga.;  Mr. 

W. 

M. 

Everett, 

Alternates- 

— Rev. 

J. 

H. 

Patton,  Marietta,  Ga. ; 

Mr. 

J. 

R.  Cain, 

Decatur,  Ga. 

Kentucky — 

Principals — Rev.  W.  H.  Hopper,  Louisville,  Ky.;  Dr.  A.  J.  A. 
Alexander,  Spring  Station,  Ky. 

Alternates — Rev.  I.  C.  Hunt,  Covington,  Ky.;  Mr.  W.  G.  Duncan, 
Greenville,  Ky. 

Louisiana— 

Principals — Rev.  U.  D.  Mooney,  1925  Gen.  Pershing  St.,  New  Orleans, 
La.;  Mr.  W.  T.  Hardie,  195  Gravier  St.,  New  Orleans,  La. 


Sec.  1148] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


733 


Alternates — Rev.  Jasper  K.  Smith,  Shreveport,  La.;  Mr.  C.  A.  Weiss, 
New  Orleans,  La. 

Mississippi — 

Principal — Rev.  Fred  R.  Graves,  Sumner,  Miss. 

Alternate — Rev.  WT.  J.  Caldwell,  Yazoo  City,  Miss. 

Missouri — 

Principals — Rev.  R.  S.  Boyd,  Farmington,  Mo.;  Mr.  J.  M.  Chaney, 
St.  Louis,  Mo. 

Alternates — Rev.  W.  P.  Neilson,  Kansas  City,  Mo.;  Hon.  N.  T. 
Gentry,  Columbia,  Mo. 

'North  Carolina — 

Principals — Rev.  D.  C.  Lilly,  Winston-Salem,  N.  C.;  Geo.  W.  Watts, 
Durham,  N.  C. 

Alternates — Rev.  E.  C.  Murray,  St.  Pauls,  N.  C.;  W.  J.  Martin, 
Davidson,  N.  C. 

Oklahoma — 

Principals — Rev.  E.  Hotchkin,  Durant,  Okla.;  Mr.  W.  B.  Morrison, 
Durant,  Okla. 

Alternates — Rev.  J.  V.  McCall,  Hugo,  Okla.;  Mr.  Kib  Warren,  Shaw¬ 
nee,  Okla. 

South  Carolina — 

Principals — Rev.  A.  D.  P.  Gilmour,  Spartanburg,  S.  C.;  Mr.  Jas. 
B.  Spillman,  Columbia,  S.  C. 

Alternates — Rev.  E.  E.  Gillespie,  York,  S.  C.;  Col.  W.  W.  Lewii, 
York,  S.  C. 

"Tennessee — 

Principals — Rev.  Jas.  I.  Vance,  Nashville,  Tenn.;  Mr.  W.  H.  Ray¬ 
mond,  Nashville,  Tenn. 

Alternates — Rev.  W.  L.  Caldwell,  Nashville,  Tenn.;  Mr.  A.  D.  Mason, 
Memphis,  Tenn. 

Texas — 

Principals — Rev.  B.  I.  Dickey,  San  Antonio,  Tex.;  P.  L.  Russels, 
Dallas,  Tex. 

Alternates — Rev.  J.  C.  Oehler,  Palestine,  Tex.;  Mr.  H.  L.  Moseley, 
Weatherford,  Tex. 

Virginia — • 

Principals — Rev.  F'.  T.  McFaden,  Richmond,  Va.;  Dr.  J.  D.  Eggleston, 
Hampden-Sidney,  Va. 

Alternates — Rev.  R.  B.  Grinnan,  Norfolk,  Va.;  Mr.  J.  W.  Friend, 
Petersburg,  Va. 

"West  Virginia — 

Principals — Rev.  J.  Layton  Mauze,  Huntington,  W.  Va.;  Mr.  R.  E. 
Hubbard,  Charleston,  W.  Va. 

Alternates — Rev.  W.  H.  DujBose,  Lewisburg,  W.  Va.;  Mr.  J.  M. 

Raines,  Charleston,  W.  Va. 

From  the  Executive  Committees — 

Foreign  Missions — Rev.  Egbert  W.  Smith,  Nashville,  Tenn. 

Home  Missions — Rev.  Homer  McMillan,  Atlanta,  Ga. 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief — Rev.  W.  Y.  Davis, 
'Louisville,  Ky.;  Mr.  J.  W.  Rubel,  Louisville,  Ky. 

Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Extension — Mr.  R.  E.  Magill,  Rich¬ 
mond,  Va.;  Mi\  Robert  M.  Friend,  Richmond,  Va. 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  appropriate  the  sum  of  $250  or 
so  much  as  may  be  needed  thereof,  for  expenses  of  the  Committee 
-over  and  above  the  expenses  of  members  attending  the  meetings  of 
the  Committee. 

Home  Missions. — Your  sub-committee  appointed  to  examine  and 
make  recommendations  upon  the  report  of  the  Executive  Committee 
-of  Home  Missions,  begs  leave  to  report  as  follows: 

We  have  examined  the  54th  annual  report  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Home  Missions  and’  commend  it  for  its  comprehensive  re- 


Systematic  Beneficence 


734 


[Book  IV 


view  of  the  Home  Mission  task,  and  the  development  of  the  activities 
committed  to  it. 

We  recommend: 

First.  That,  while  we  are  grateful  for  the  excellent  work  that 
is  being  done  in  Evangelism,  and  we  express  our  appreciation  of  the 
work  of  Dr.  R.  F.  Kirkpatrick,  as  Chairman  of  the  Sub-Committee  on 
Evangelism,  we  recommend  that  there  be  elected  a  Superintendent 
of  Evangelism  to  give  his  entire  time  to  the  work,  and  whose  duties 
shall  be  the  same  as  authorized  by  the  Assembly  of  1914  for  that  office. 

Second.  That  we  recommend  the  election  of  Mr.  John  A.  Burgess 
for  a  term  of  two  years!  on  this  Committee. 

Third.  That  we  recommend  the  re-election  of  J.  S.  Fbster,  D.D., 
W.  M.  Everett,  Chas.  J.  Martin,  J.  G.  Patton,  D.D.,  and  J.  R.  McCain, 
as  members  of  the  Committee  for  three  years. 

Fourth.  That  the  following  amount  be  appropriated  to  the  cause, 
namely,  $720,000  for  1921-22,  this  being  16%  of  the  $4,500,000. 

Fifth.  That  in  reply  to  the  paper  of  Dr.  W.  H.  Miley  referred  to 
this  Committee,  we  recommend'  that  we  express  our  sympathy  with 
Dr.  Miley  in  view  of  the  financial  difficulties  that  confronted  the 
support  of  the  Department  of  Evangelism  while  he  was  Superintend¬ 
ent,  and  that  we  refer  him  to  the  action  of  the  Assemblies  in  com¬ 
mending  him  and  his  work  during  his  term  of  office. 

The  Woman's  Auxiliary. — The  annual  report  of  the  Woman’s  Auxil¬ 
iary  reveals  a  year  of  great  activity  and  very  fruitful  service  and 
the  Systematic  Beneficence  Committee  records  its  grateful  apprecia¬ 
tion  of  the  splendid  co-operation  of  the  organization  in  promoting 
the  plans  of  the  Progressive  Program. 

The  Auxiliary  has  been  most  loyal  in  carrying  out  the  directions 
and  suggestions  of  the  Church  courts  from  the  General  Assembly  down 
to  the  Session  and  by  a  systematic  course  of  education  the  women  of 
the  Church  are  being  led  to  see  their  obligation  to  promote  and 
support  every  activity  and  agency  of  the  churches. 

It  is  desirable  that  the  Assembly  shall  make  a  deliverance  which 
will  secure  the  generous  support  of  the  women  for  all  the  benevolent 
causes  of  the  Church,  and  at  the  same  time  provide  a  uniform  system 
of  making  reports  to  Presbyterials. 

We  therefore  recommend: 

First.  That  the  members  of  the  Women’s  Societies  make  their 
regular  contributions  through  the  regular  church  collections  as  mem¬ 
bers  of  the  church. 

Second.  That  additional  self-denial  and  sacrificial  offerings  (over 
and  above  the  individual  gifts  through  the  church)  be  made  through 
the  Societies  and  that  only  such  gifts  be  reported  by  the  Societies. 

Third.  That  the  Women's  Societies  continue  to  include  the  whole- 
program  of  the  Church  in  their  study,  work  and  prayer,  and  in  their 
budgets,  and  in  the  distributions  of  their  gifts  that  they  include  all 
the  approved  causes  of  the  Church  on  the  percentage  basis  approved 
by  the  Assembly. 

Montreat  Association. — Your  Committee  to  whom  was  referred 
the  request  of  the  Mountain  Retreat  Association,  that  the  Assembly 
be  requested  to  place  said  Association  on  the  General  Assembly’s  Bud¬ 
get  for  $150,000,  begs  leave  to  report  as  follows: 

In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  budget  has  been  made  up  for  the 
coming  year,  and  no  change  could  be  made  without  interfering  with 
the  success  of  the  Progressive  Campaign  and  taking  from  the  other 
causes  and  thus  crippling  the  other  departments  of  the  Church,  your 
Committee  does  not  see  its  way  clear  to  recommend  this  request  to> 
the  Assembly. 

It  nevertheless  expresses  the  hope  that  the  Assembly  may  find 
some  other  way  to  raise  the  amount  stated  in  accordance  with  the 
former  action  of  the  General  Assembly. 

General  Recommendations. — That  we  report  to  the  Assembly  for 
information: 


Secs.  1148-1149]  Systematic  Beneficence 


735 


(1)  There  is  a  pressing  demand  by  the  Executive  Committees  for 
necessary  equipment. 

(2)  There  are  several  independent  campaigns  now  in  progress  for 
objects  already  approved  by  the  Assembly. 

(3)  We  are  convinced  that  some  united  provision  should  be  made 
to  meet  this  situation,  but  we  have  been  unable  to  discover  any  wise 
plan  which  we  can  recommend,  without  injury  to  the  Progressive 
Program. 


1149.  Consolidation  of  Agencies 

1920,  p.  53.  The  report  of  the  Ad-Interim  Committee  on  Con¬ 
solidation  of  Agencies  was  presented  by  the  Chairman^  Dr.  J.  P. 
McCallie.  Majority  and  minority  reports  were  presented.  A  mo¬ 
tion  to  docket  both  reports  until  the  next  Assembly  was  adopted. 

1921,  p.  21.  The  report  of  the  Ad-Interim  Committee  on  a  Clear¬ 
ing  House  plan  and  one  Executive  Comlmittee,  docketed  by  the  last 
Assembly  to  be  considered  by  this  Assembly,  was  read.  The  minor¬ 
ity  report  was  substituted  for  the  majority  report  and  adopted.  It 
is  as  follows: 

The  undersigned  members  of  the  Ad-Interim  Committee  of 
the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States,  appointed  by  the  General  Assembly  of  1919  “to  study 
the  whole  matter  of  the  Clearing  House  Plan,”  presented  in  Mr. 
Spillman’s  pamphlet,  and  of  the  one  Executive  Committee  as  pre¬ 
sented  in  the  report  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic 
Beneficence  to  the  last  Assembly,  and  report  to  the  next  Assembly, 
regret  that  they  are  unable  to  approve  of  and  sign  the  report  pre¬ 
pared  by  a  majority  of  the  Committee,  and  respectfully  present  the 
following  as  a  minority  report: 

We  recommend  that  for  the  present  no  action  be  taken  touching 
any  of  the  matters  submitted  to  ou it  Committee,  for  the  following 
reasons : 

1.  Our  Church  is  now  giving  more  per  capita  to  the  causes  of 
benevolence  than  any  other  Church  in  the  country,  with  possibly 
one  exception.  When  God  is  richly  blessing  our  work  as  conducted, 
is  it  wise  for  us  to  tamper  with  the  machinery  whereby  that  work  is 
done? 

2.  The  advantages  proposed  from  the  change  are  purely  theoret¬ 
ical.  Is  the  present  time  of  restlessness  a  time  to  change  funda¬ 
mentally  our  plans  on  such  theoretical  grounds? 

3.  Our  Executive  Committees  are  now  made  up  in  the  main  of 
trained  and  experienced  men.  To  m(ove  them  to  one  city  would 
clearly  lose  to  us  a  large  part  of  this  training  and  experience.  We 
do  not  believe  it  is  the  part  of  wisdom  to  sacrifice  this  very  valuable 
asset,  and  to  commit  our  causes  involving  the  interests  and  very  sup¬ 
port  of  so  many  noble  and  consecrated  workers,  besides  the  interests 
of  the  Church  at  large,  to  new  and  untried  men. 

4.  It  is  the  judgment  of  this  part  of  your  Committee  that  some 
form  of  federal  union  is  very  soon  coming  to  the  Presbyterian  and 
Reformed  Churches  of  our  country.  If  this  be  a  correct  judgment 
it  will  carry  with  it  changes  of  our  Committees  necessarily.  Why 
should  we  change  now  in  so  fundamental  a  fashion,  when  we  may 


736 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


change  again  in  a  year  or  two?  Let  us  wait  and  see  what  comes  of 
the  negotiations  for  union  before  we  change  our  own  machinery. 

5.  We  believe  that  the  proposed  changes  would  mean  a  very  de¬ 
cided  and  unwise  step  toward  the  centralization  of  power  in  the 
hands  of  a  few  in  our  Church.  Such  a  tendency  our  Church  has 
always  feared  and  fought.  To  purchase  increased  efficiency  at  the 
price  of  centralized  power  is  at  too  great  a  cost. 

And  even  though  the  feeling  against  such  centralization  be  re¬ 
garded  as  largely  imaginary  and  unwarranted,  we  know  that  it 
exists,  and  such  consolidation,  while  it  exists,  would,  we  believe,  in¬ 
jure  the  causes. 

6.  We  doubt  whether  any  one  center  in  our  Church  could  fur¬ 
nish  within  a  reasonable  radius  enough  men  of  large  ability,  ample 
time  and  consecrated  interest  to  make  up  all  our  Committees. 

The  work  would  either  be  left  to  a  few,  which  would  mean  cen¬ 
tralized  power,  or  fall  into  the  hands  of  men  unfitted  for  the  great, 
responsibility  placed  upon  them. 

7.  We  do  not  feel  that  our  Church  is  ready  for  so  drastic  a  change  - 
as  that  proposed  in  the  majority  report.  When  the  Church  wants 
this  change  it  will  let  its  voice  be  heard.  From  our  study  of  the 
movement  we  have  not  yet  heard  that  voice. 

For  these  and  many  other  reasons  we  do  not  agree  with  the  ma¬ 
jority  report.  We  disagree  with  reluctance,  for  we  recognize  that 
there  are  some  admirable  features  in  their  plan.  But  we  do  not: 
feel  that  our  Church  should  make  so  radical  a  change  at  this  time. 

1150.  Report  of  the  Standing  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence 

and  Stewardship 

1920,  p.  54.  There  have  come  into  the  hands  of  your  Committee  a. 
number  of  overtures  touching  the  five-year  campaign  for  Benevo¬ 
lences,  fixing  the  time  for  the  canvass,  the  quotas  for  Benevolences, 
an  adequate  budget,  the  m,ode  of  fixing  quotas,  the  reorganizing  andi 
defining  the  duties  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Benefi¬ 
cence  and  Stewardship,  the  providing  for  physical  equipment  of  all: 
Foreign  Mission  Fields,  against  our  Executive  Committee’s  under¬ 
writing  budget  of  the  Inter-Church  World  Movement,  asking  that 
the  Permanent  Committee  be  enjoined  from  assuming  financial 
responsibilities  not  explicitly  authorized  by  the  Assembly,  for  a 
larger  percentage  of  undesignated  contributions  to  Foreign  Missions, 
touching  closer  co-operation  of  the  Assembly’s  Executive  Committees 
in  securing  the  budget,  the  merging  and  reorganizing  of  the  four 
Executive  Committees  and  for  near  East  Relief. 

Many  of  these  overtures  bear  on  the  same  subject,  and  while- 
each  one  is  not!  taken  up  separately,  answer  to  all  will  appear  in 
the  report  that  follows: 

Besides  these  we  have  a  paper,  signed  by  Mr.  Cl  E.  Graham,  and' 
which  is  as  follow: 

In  order  to  provide  the  special  funds  now  urgently  needed  by 
the  Executive  Committees  and  agencies  of  the  Presbvterian  Church 
in  the  United  States  for  the  purposes  of  equipment  and  other  special;' 


Secs.  1149-1150]  Systematic  Beneficence  737 

needs  totaling  not  less  than  one  million  and  a  quarter  dollars,  to 
be  distributed  as  follows: 

Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions . $  625,000 

Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  .  200,000 

Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and 

Ministerial  Relief  for  Student  Loan  Fund .  100,000 

Montreat  .  125,000 

Assembly  Training  School  .  200,000 


$1,250,000 

and  in  consideration  of  the  gifts  of  others  for  the  same  purposes,  I 
hereby  agree  to  pay  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Systematic  Beneficence 
and  Stewardship  Committee  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States  the  sum  of : — 

Two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars . $250,000 

This  proposition  is  made  on  the  condition  that  the  funds  be  raised 
in  such  a  way  as  to  in  no  way  interfere  with  the  plans  and  purposes 
of  the  Presbyterian  Progressive  Program. 

It  is  further  agreed  that  the  funds  stated  above  are  to  be  secured 
on  or  before  December  31st,  1921. 

This  subscription  is  to  become  binding  and  payable  as  follows: 

One-fourth  when  one-fourth  of  the  amount  is  paid; 

One-fourth  payable  when  one-half  of  the  amount  is  paid; 

One-fourth  when  three-fourths  of  the  amount  is  paid; 

One-fourth  payable  when  the  full  amount  is  paid. 

The  payments  of  miy  own  subscription  to  be  included  in  the  partial 
payments  stated  above. 

There  has  also  been  referred  to  your  Committee  portions  of  the 
report  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  and 
Stewardship,  together  with  the  statistical  reports  of  the  Presbyteries. 
Upon  these  papers  your  Committee  would  respectfully  report: 

We  have  read  carefully  the  report  of  the  Permanent  Committee 
on  Systematic  Beneficence  and  Stewardship.  We  find  that  they  have 
held  four  meetings  since  last  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly;  that 
for  the  most  part  they  have  been  faithful  and  diligent  in  their 
attendance. 

Special  mention  should  be  made  of  the  Campaign  Committee, 
whose  diligence  and  efficiency  m|ay  be  seen  in  the  results  in  greatly 
increased  gifts  to  all  causes — as  is  shown  in  the  table  of  benevolent 
offerings  herewith  presented: 


Foreign  Missions  . $1,115,345 

Assembly’s  Home  Missions  .  407,643 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief .  283,371 

S.  S.  Extension  and  Publication  . -  94,892 

Synod’s  Home  Missions  . ~ .  174,386 

Presbytery’s  Home  Missions  . * .  304,138 

Congregational  Home  Missions  .  210,216 

Schools  and  Colleges  . 840,081 

Bible  Cause  . .* . .  22,185 

Orphans  Homes  .  377,569 


738 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


Miscellaneous  Benevolences  . $  447,177 

War  Work  Council  . . . . . . .  26,021 


$4,303,474 

This  is  a  per  capita  of  $11.81  for  benevolences — something  never 
before  surpassed  or  equalled  by  any  religious  denomination. 

We  would  recommend  the  holding  of  a  Stewardship  Conference 
the  last  week  in  July  at  Montreat,  N.  C.,*  to  which  all  Synodical 
Managers  should  be  invited,  as  a  means  of  further  stimulating  the 
cause  of  benevolence  in  the  bounds  of  the  Assembly. 

We  have  examined  carefully  the  relations  of  the  Permanent  Com¬ 
mittee  to  the  Inter- Church  World  Movement,  and  do  not  find  that 
they  in  any  way  exceeded  the  responsibility  laid  upon  them  by  the 
last  General  Assembly,  either  in  the  matter  of  participation  or  in  the 
small  amounts  in  which  the  budget  was  underwritten.  We  feel  sure 
also  that  their  act  in  advising  the  postponing  of  the  date  of  the  Every- 
Member-Canvass  was  prompted  by  a  real  faith  in  increased  results 
there  from). 

We  recommend  that  the  $4,500,000  already  approved  by  the 
Assembly  for  benevolent  work  in  1 9 2 1  -72 2  be  apportioned  among  the 
Synods  on  the  same  basis  as  last  year,  as  follows: 


Alabama . 4 - . 213,590 

Appalachia  . .7. . 196,220 

Arkansas  . .4 .  139,701 

Florida  . . .+ .  136,122 

Georgia  . . - .  341,787 

Kentucky  . 248,366 

Louisiana  . 136,714 

Mississippi  . 201,126 

Missouri  . . 221,294 

North  Carolina  .  743,541 

Oklahoma  . ,4 .  38,074 

Snedecor  Memorial  . 9,428 

South  Carolina  . 355,754 

Tennessee  . .+ . —  239,382 

Texas  .  465,414 

Virginia  .  677,549 

West  Virginia  . . 135,938 

That  the  following  amounts  be  apportioned  for  the  Assembly’s 
causes  for  1921-22 : 

Foreign  Missions  . $  1,498,500 

Home  Missions  . .+ . - .  720,000 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief .  337,500 

Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Extension  .  90,000 

Bible  Society  . - .  27,000 

Training  School  . 27,000 


Assembly’s  Causes  . $  2,700,000 

Synod’s  Causes  . - .  1,800,000 


$  4,500,000 


Sec.  1150]  Systematic  Beneficence  739 

That  the  following  percentages  apply  to  any  undesignated  gifts : 

Foreign  Missions  .  33.3% 

Assembly’s  Home  Missions  . ,4 .  16.0% 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief .  7.5% 

Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Work . * .  2.0% 

Assembly’s  Training  School .  .6% 

Bible  Cause  . „ . * .  .6% 


Total  . . . . . . * .  60.0% 

Synodical  and  Presbyterial  causes  to  be  apportioned 

by  each  Presbytery  and  Synod  . . .  40.0% 


In  answer  to  numerous  overtures  touching  the  Five-Year  Forty 
Million  Dollar  Campaign,  we  would  recommend  the  following: 

Whereas*  under  the  operation  of  the  existing  Progressive  Program, 
the  Church  is  making  splendid  progress  in  its  understanding  and  ap¬ 
preciation  of  its  needs,  and  whereas  its  financial  and  spiritual  in¬ 
terests  are  being  greatly  promoted  without  that  temporary  high  press¬ 
ure  which  is  contrary  to  the  Presbyterian  method  of  action;  and 
whereas  the  proposed  plan  to  raise  forty  million  dollars,  within  five 
years,  cannot  fully  respect  the  needs  and  opportunities  of  each 
year  as  they  come;  and  whereas  such  a  plan  might  tend  to  elim¬ 
inate  the  annual  campaign  of  education  and  the  canvass  for  increas¬ 
ing  subscriptions,  which  have  proven  to  be  of  such  signal  service 
to  our  churches,  we  recommend  that  the  General  Assembly 

(1)  Decline  to  approve  of  the  plan  to  raise  forty  million  dollars  in 
pledges  of  five  years,  and 

(2)  That  we  continue  the  progressive  idea  embodied  in  the  present 
program  from  year  to  year. 

In  response  to  overtures  from  Nashville,  Knoxville  and  Columbia 
Presbyteries  referring  to  adequate  budget  for  benevolent  causes,  Pres¬ 
byterial,  Synodical  and  Assembly,  and  asking  that  the  churches  be 
protected  from  special  appeals  we  would  make  answer  as  follows: 
That  adequate  provision  for  all  Assembly  causes  is  provided  in  the 
four  and  one-half  million  dollar  budget.  The  Assembly  does  not 
consider  itself  competent,  however,  to  prevent  appeals  for  local  and 
Synodical  causes. 

Overtures  from  Muhlenburg  and  Memphis  Presbyteries  relating  to 
the  budget  for  benevolent  causes  and  asking  that  the  proportion  al¬ 
lowed  to  Foreign  Missions  be  increased  so  as  to  provide  for  present 
indebtedness  without  having  to  resort  to  special  appeals,  we  recom¬ 
mend  be  answered  in  the  negative. 

That  overture  from  Muhlenburg  Presbytery,  relating  to  closer  co¬ 
operation  by  the  Assembly’s  Executive  Committees  in  the  work  of 
securing  the  budget,  be  answered  by  stating  that  the  desired  co¬ 
operation  has  been  approximately  attained. 

Overture  from  Macon  Presbytery,  asking  that  the  time  for  mak¬ 
ing  the  Every-Member- Canvass  be  not  changed,  we  recommend  be 
answered  by  saying  that  the  canvass  be  held  before  31st  of  March. 

Overture  from  Enoree  Presbytery,  for  an  all  embracing  budget, 
covering  three  to  five  years,  be  answered  in  the  negative. 


740 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


We  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following: 

We  are  convinced  that  the  Presbyterian  Progressive  Program  pro¬ 
vides  the  best  way  to  finance  the  benevolent  work  of  our  Church,  and 
in  our  opinion  the  Assembly’s  intention  in  adopting  this  Program 
was  not  only  to  finance  the  benevolent  work  more  adequately,  but  also 
to  relieve  the  executive  agencies  of  the  responsibility  of  raising  the 
funds  needed  for  their  work.  All  special  appeals  of  whatever  kind 
interfere  by  so  much  with  the  Presbyterian  Progressive  Program.  We, 
therefore,  recommend  that  the  Assembly  forbid  its  Executive  Commit¬ 
tees,  and  all  agents  thereof,  and  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary,  any  appeals 
for  funds  presented  by  letter,  or  through  the  Church  press,  or  in 
any  other  way,  except  such  appeals  as  have  been  considered  and 
recommended  by  the  Assembly’s  Committee  on  Systematic  Benefi¬ 
cence  and  Stewardship,  and  approved  by  the  Assembly  itself,  and 
included  in  the  budget  of  the  Progressive  Program,  or  otherwise 
definitely  provided  for. 

That  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Paris  asking  for  the 
merging  and  reorganization  of  the  four  Executive  Committees  of  the 

Assembly,  be  answered  in  the  negative. 

♦ 

In  reply  to  overtures  objecting  to  the  fixing  of  quotas  by  the  As¬ 
sembly’s  Committee,  that  the  answer  be  in  the  affirmative,  for  the 
reason  that  the  Synods  are  better  qualified  to  apportion  to  Presby- 
eries  and  Presbyteries  to  churches. 

Overtures  asking  the  Assembly  to  instruct  its  Permanent  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Systematic  Beneficences  and  all  its  Executive  Committees 
not  to  underwrite  the  budget  of  the  Inter- Church  World  Movement 
or  other  undertakings  not  especially  authorized  by  the  General  Assem¬ 
bly,  be  answered  in  the  affirmative. 

Overtures?  Answer:  The  whole  matter  of  these  overtures  is  an¬ 
swered  later  in  recommendation  concerning  the  offer  of  Mr.  C.  E. 
Graham. 

The  overtures  from  Geo.  G.  Mayes  and  others  asking  for  the  ap¬ 
pointment  of  a  commission  to  formulate  an  appeal  for  $1,000,000 
for  Near  East  Relief: 

We  would  answer,  while  the  Assembly  heartily  commends  the 
cause  of  all  suffering  humanity  to  its  constituency,  it  nevertheless 
declines  to  appoint  the  commission  called  for. 

In  answer  to  overtures  touching  the  gifts  by  Sunday  Schools  and 
Women’s  Societies,  we  recommiend  that  they  be  encouraged  to  send 
their  contributions  through  the  regular  church  treasurer. 

In  answer  to  the  overtures  touching  the  powers  and  organization 
of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  and  Stew¬ 
ardship,  we  recommend  that  the  whole  matter,  together  with  these 
overtures,  be  referred  to  an  Ad-Interim  Committee  to  be  appointed 
by  the  Moderator,  which  shall  carefully  consider  and  report  to  the 
next  Assemlbly. 

With  reference  to  the  suggested  outline  program  in  the  calendar 
for  the  year  1921-22,  prepared  by  the  Campaign  Committee,  we 


Sec.  1150] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


741 


recommend  that  the  next  year’s  Committee  print  the  same  for  use 
in  the  churches. 

Your  Committee  would  record  its  comimtendation  of  the  very  great 
work  done  by  Rev.  W.  Fred  Galbraith,  D.  D.,  Secretary,  and  Rev. 
S.  W.  McGill,  Campaign  Manager,  in  connection  with  the  Progress¬ 
ive  Program  Campaign. 

We  recommend: 

(1)  That  the  Assembly  record  its  appreciation  of  the  earnest  and 
self-denying  labors  of  those  who  managed  the  Four  Million  Cam¬ 
paign  in  the  Synods,  Presbyteries  and  churches. 

(2)  That  each  Synod,  Presbytery  and  church  be  asked  to  main¬ 
tain  the  organization  which  has  so  successfully  conducted  the  cam¬ 
paign  this  year,  and  that  this  splendid  force  of  workers  be  used  in 
carrying  forward  the  Assembly’s  Progressive  Program. 

(3)  That  the  Synods  consider  the  advisability  of  securing  man¬ 
agers  for  their  full  time  to  promote  the  objectives  of  the  Progress¬ 
ive  Program,  the  managers  to  co-operate  with  the  campaign  man¬ 
ager  of  the  Assembly. 

(4)  That  the  Assembly  request  the  Presbyterial  Committees  of 
Systematic  Beneficence,  in  making  apportionments  for  the  churches 
to  recognize  the  Assembly’s  schedule  of  percentages  in  providing  for 
the  Assembly’s  causes. 

(5)  That  the  Assembly  request  Presbyterial  and  Synodical  causes 
to  bear  their  proportionate  part  of  the  campaign  expense. 

(6)  That  the  Systematic  Beneficence  and  Stewardship  Committee 
be  urged  to  continue  its  emphasis  on  the  cultivation  of  Christian 
Stewardship  ideals  throughout  the  Church,  and  to  seek  ways  and 
means  to  lead  our  people  to  a  clearer  recognition  and  a  fuller  prac¬ 
tice  of  the  Christian’s  obligation  of  Stewardship  toward  God  in 
possessions,  personality  and  prayer. 

(7)  Finance:  That  a  budget  of  $75,000  be  provided  to  carry 
through  the  campaign  for  $4,500,000  and  that  this  fund  be  fur¬ 
nished  by  the  executive  agencies  of  the  Assembly,  and  Synodical, 
Presbyterial  and  Educational  Causes  in  proportion  to  the  benefit 
they  receive  from  the  united  campaign. 

We  would  recommend  that  the  Assembly’s  Committee  on  System¬ 
atic  Beneficence  and  Stewardship  for  the  Church  year  1920-21  be 
composed  of  the  following  persons: 

Synods  Principals  Alternates 

Alabama  . Rev.  D.  F.  McConnell  . Rev.  David  Park 

Prattville  Anniston 

Appalachia  . Rev.  J.  D.  Faucet  . Rev.  T.  S.  McCallie 

Bristol  Chattanooga 

Arkansas  . Rev.  C.  H.  H.  Branch  . Rev.  Jno.  Van  Lear 

Texarkana  Little  Rock 

Florida  . Rev.  E.  D.  Brownlee . Mr.  A.  D.  Campbell 

Sanford  Chipley 

Georgia  . Mr.  W.  M.  Everett  . Mr.  J.  R.  McCain 

Atlanta  Decatur 


742 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


Kentucky  . _.Rev.  W.  H.  Hopper 

Louisville 

Louisiana  . Rev.  U.  D.  Mooney 

New  Orleans 

Mississippi  . Rev.  Fred  R.  Graves 

Sumner 

Missouri  . Rev.  R.  S.  Boyd . 

Farmington 

North  Carolina  ...Rev.  D.  C.  Lilly  . 

Winston-Salem 

Oklahoma  . W.  B.  Morrison  . 

Durant 

South  Carolina  ...Jas.  B.  Spillman  . 

Columbia 

Tennessee  . A.  D.  Mason  . .. . 

Memphis 

Texas  . Rev.  B.  I.  Dickey  . 

San  Antonio 

Virginia  . Rev.  F.  T.  McFaden 

Richmond 

West  Virginia  . Rev.  J.  L.  Mauze  . 

Huntington 


Dr.  A.  J.  A.  Alexander 
Spring  Station 

Rev.  J.  K.  Smith 
Shreveport 

Rev.  W.  J.  Caldwell 
Yazoo  City 

Mr.  N  T.  Gentry 
Columbia 

Mr.  Geo.  W  Watts 
Durham 

Rev.  J.  V.  McCall 
Hugo 

.Rev.  E.  E.  Gillespie 
York 

.Rev.  Jas.  I.  Vance 
Nashville 

.Mr.  H.  L.  Moseley 
Weatherford 

.Dr.  J.  D.  Eggleston 
Hampden-Sidney 

.Rev.  W.  H.  DuBose 
Lewisburg 


And  that  Rev.  D.  C.  Lilly  be  appointed  Convener  of  the  Committee. 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  appropriate  the  sum  of  $250  or 
so  much  as  may  be  needed  thereof  for  expenses  of  the  Committee 
over  and  above  the  expenses  of  members  attending  the  meetings  of 
the  Committee. 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly’s  Executive  Secretaries  and  the 
superintendent  of  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary,  be  called  into  confer¬ 
ence  with  the  Committee  in  the  planning  of  its  campaigns. 

We  recommend  that  the  generous  offer  of  Mr.  C.  E.  Graham  of 
$250,000  for  equipment  and  other  special  needs,  conditional  on 
the  raising  of  $1,000,000  by  the  Church  for  the  same  purpose,  be 
accepted  with  the  thanks  of  the  Assembly,  and  the  Committee  on 
Beneficence  and  Stewardship  be  directed  to  secure  a  Secretary  and 
Campaign  Manager  and  to  set  up  whatever  machinery  may  be  nec¬ 
essary  for  the  raising  of  this  money,  at  the  earliest  moment  possible, 
as  well  as  prosecuting  all  the  features  of  the  Progressive  Program. 

We  recommend  that  Dr.  E.  W.  Smith,  whose  term  of  office  ex¬ 
pires  with  this  Afesembly,  be  re-elected  as  Executive  Secretary  of 
Foreign  Missions  for  a  term  of  three  years. 


1151.  Report  of  the  Standing  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence 

and  Stewardship 

1921,  p.  44.  The  report  was  adopted. 

The  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  and  Stew¬ 
ardship  has  met  four  times  since  the  last  meeting  of  the  Assembly, 


Secs.  1150-1151]  Systematic  Beneficence 


743 


and  the  members  of  the  Committee  have  been  most  faithful  in  the 
discharge  of  their  duties. 

We  [the  Standing  Committee]  call  special  attention  to  the  work 
of  the  Campaign  Committee,  whose  faithful  and  earnest  efforts  have 
resulted  in  securing  generous  gifts  to  all  causes  as  may  be  seen  in 
the  remarkable  gain  of  $1,590,758  over  the  previous  year.  The 
Benevolent  offerings  of  last  year  are  as  follows : 


Foreign  Missions  . . . . $1,153,629.00 

Assembly’s  Home  Missions  . . . .  536,836.00 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  .  968,955.00 

Synod’s  Home  Missions  . .  207,085.00 

Educational  Institutions  . * . . . .  879,744.00 

Sabbath  School  Extension  . . . .  100,028.00 

Bible  Cause  . . , .  26,099.00 

Orphan’s  Homes  . 373,109.00 

Presbyterial  Home  Missions  . . . r .  454,216.00 

Congregational  Home  Missions  .  238,849.00 


$4,938,550.00 

Miscellaneous . * . .  955,682.00 


Total  Benevolent  Contributions  . . . $5,894,232.00 


This  represents  a  per  capita  gift  of  $14.82,  a  gain  of  $3.01  over 
the  previous  year. 

We  recommend: 

1.  That  the  General  Assembly  undertake  another  three-year  pe¬ 
riod  in  which  all  the  objectives  of  the  Presbyterian  Progressive 
Program  shall  be  advanced  in  the  Synods,  Presbyteries  and  Churches. 

2.  The  minimum  financial  objective  shall  be  $4,500,000  for  the 
year  1922-23;  $4,750,000  for  the  year  1923-24,  and  $5,000,000  for 
the  year  1924-25. 

3.  That  as  the  needs  of  the  various  causes  are  urgent  and  also 
increasing  with  the  growth  of  the  Church,  all  the  resources  of  the 
Church  be  concentrated  in  securing  pledges  for  the  full  quota  and 
in  securing  the  payment  of  the  full  amount  to  each  cause  accord¬ 
ing  to  the  percentage  basis. 

4.  That  we  urge  the  Church  to  exercise  its  utmost  strength  in  at¬ 
taining  the  spiritual  objectives  of  the  Presbyterian  Progressive  Pro¬ 
gram  and  in  raising  the  minimum  amount  of  $4,500,000  for  the  com¬ 
ing  year  which  is  actually  needed  to  finance  the  benevolent  work  of 
the  Church. 

5.  That  we  call  upon  the  Sabbath  Schools,  Young  People’s  Socie¬ 
ties,  Woman’s  Auxiliaries  and  other  Church  organizations  to  lay 
hold  earnestly  of  their  portion  of  the  task  to  make  it  successful. 

6.  For  the  apportionment  for  the  year  1922-23  among  the  Synods, 
see  Minutes  of  1921,  pp.  44-5. 


744 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


Equipment  Fund 

In  response  to  the  appeals  and  recommendations  for  an  adequate 
equipment  fund,  your  Committee  has  given  prayerful  and  careful 
consideration  to  this  matter,  and  while  realizing  that  the  present 
business  depression  does  not  justify  the  launching  of  such  a  cam¬ 
paign,  yet  after  hearing  what  our  needs  are,  what  our  responsibili¬ 
ties  are,  your  Committee  accepts  this  as  a  challenge  to  do  something 
worth  while  for  our  Master.  The  world  is  sick,  and  in  this  period 
of  reconstruction  it  needs  the  religion  of  Jesus  Christ  as  never  be¬ 
fore.  The  securing  of  this  fund  will  prove  a  great  blessing  to  our 
people.  It  will  mean  a  real  sacrifice,  and  when  finished  we  shall 
have  cause  to  thank  God  for  His  great  goodness  in  enabling  us  to 
better  equip  our  workers  at  home  and  abroad. 

We  recommend: 

1.  That  the  Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and 
Ministerial  Relief  be  instructed  to  make  no  other  contracts  for  rais¬ 
ing  funds  for  educational  institutions  until  after  the  Assembly’s 
Campaign  for  the  Equipment  Fund  has  been  completed,  and  that 
existing  contracts  of  the  Committee  be  finished  on  or  before  July  1, 
1922.  ' 

2.  That  the  campaign  for  the  Assembly’s  Equipment  Fund  for 
$5,000,000,  which  includes  the  Equipment  Campaign  Fund  for  $1,- 
250,000  ordered  by  the  Assembly  of  1920,  in  agreement  with  Mr. 
C.  E.  Graham,  be  approved,  and  that  in  the  Synods  in  which  edu¬ 
cational  and  equipment  campaigns  are  now  contemplated  the  amounts 
of  these  several  campaigns  be  added  to  each  Synod’s  quota,  respect¬ 
ively,  of  the  $5,000,000  Equipment  Fund  and  made  as  one  campaign, 
this  campaign  to  begin  April  1,  1922,  and  the  subscription  to  be  paid 
on  or  before  March  31,  1925. 

3.  That  the  several  beneficiaries  share  in  this  Fund  as  follows: 


Foreign  Missions  . . . . . . .$2,500,000 

Home  Missions  . * .  1,500,000 

Assembly’s  Training  School  . . . .  500,000 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  . j...  300,000 

Mountain  Retreat  Association  . . . . .  200,000 


$5,000,000 

This  $200,000  for  the  Mountain  Retreat  Association  is  approved 
provided  the  Committee  on  the  Mountain  Retreat  Association,  of 
which  Dr.  J.  D.  Eggleston  is  Chairman,  reports  to  the  next  Assem¬ 
bly  that  a  satisfactory  title  is  vested  in  the  Trustees  of  the  Assem¬ 
bly,  and  if  title  cannot  be  given  in  a  way  that  protects  the  interest 
of  our  Assembly,  then  and  in  that  event  the  sum  of  $200,000  will 
be  given  to  Foreign  Missions. 

In  the  event  the  amount  actually  raised  by  this  campaign  be  less 


Sec.  1151]  Systematic  Beneficence  745 

or  more  than  $5,000,000,  then  the  division  shall  be  on  the  percent¬ 
age  of : 

Foreign  Missions  . . . * .  50% 

Home  Missions  . - . * . . . -30% 

Assembly’s  Training  School  . , .  10% 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  .  6% 

Mountain  Retreat  Association  . .  4% 


That  when  the  five  million  dollars  ($5,000,000)  named  in  this 
Equipment  Budget  have  been  raised,  if  the  circumstances  favor,  the 
Assembly’s  Committee  on  Stewardship  shall  continue  the  campaign 
until  at  least  three  hundred  thousand  dollars  ($300,000)  additional 
have  been  raised,  and  that  this  first  three  hundred  thousand  dollars 
($300,000)  above  the  five  million  budget  shall  go  exclusively  to  the 
Equipment  Fund  of  Foreign  Missions,  and  shall  not  be  distributed 
according  to  the  percentages  of  this  report,  and  that  thereafter  the  dis¬ 
tribution  be  according  to  the  percentages  in  this  report. 

5.  That  the  organization  of  the  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial 
Relief  Committee  now  working  under  the  leadership  of  Dr.  Melvin, 
be  utilized  to  conduct  the  Equipment  Campaign  Fund. 

6.  That  the  time  between  the  Assembly  of  1921  and  April  1, 
1922,  be  used  by  the  Assembly’s  Stewardship  Committee  for  the 
purpose  of  carrying  on  a  thorough  and  sustained  educational  camt- 
paign,  acquainting  all  our  people  with  the  vital  and  urgent  need  for 
such  an  Equipment  Fund. 

7.  That  the  funds  necessary  for  the  conduct  of  this  campaign  be 
provided  by  the  beneficiaries  sharing  in  the  Equipment  Fund  on  the 
ratio  of  their  participation  therein  not  exceeding  three  per  cent,  of 
the  amounts  secured. 

8.  That  any  amounts  received  from  sources  within  the  bounds 
of  the  Church  between  the  Assembly  of  1921  and  April  1,  1922, 
should  be  applied  as  designated  by  the  donor  and  shall  count  as  a 
part  of  the  total  quota  of  said  beneficiaries.  This  provision  shall 
in  no  wise  affect  any  Synodical  campaign  now  in  progress. 

9.  That  all  designated  gifts  shall  count  as  part  of  the  total  of 
each  beneficiary’s  share  in  this  fund,  and  said  beneficiary  shall  not 
share  in  the  general  fund  until  all  other  beneficiaries  shall  have  re¬ 
ceived  a  like  proportion  from  the  general  fund. 

10.  That  the  General  Assembly  most  earnestly  request  all  Synods 
and  Presbyteries  to  refrain  from  conducing  any  financial  campaign 
for  special  funds  which  would  conflict  with  this  campaign  for  equip¬ 
ment. 

1.  In  view  of  the  misunderstanding  in  some  quarters  as  to  the 
relation  of  the  Auxiliary  Budget  to  the  regular  Church  quota  in 
taking  the  Every-Member-Canvass,  this  Committee  recommends: 

That  such  part  of  the  Auxiliary  Budget  as  goes  to  the  regular 
causes  of  the  Church  be  an  integral  part  of  each  church’s  quota, 
and  should  be  so  recognized  in  future  canvasses;  that  the  major 
portion  of  the  subscriptions  of  individual  women  members  of  the 
local  churches  be  given  to  the  regular  church  budget;  and  that  all 


746 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


contributions  of  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary  to  the  Benevolent  Causes 
should  be  paid  through  the  local  church  treasurer  and  credited  to 
the  Auxiliary. 

2.  That  the  request  of  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary  to  be  furnished 
as  soon  as  possible  with  all  of  the  financial  calls  approved  by  the 
General  Assembly,  in  order  that  they  may  be  included  in  the  Aux¬ 
iliary  Budget  for  the  year,  be  granted. 

3.  That  a  substantial  increase  in  the  Auxiliary  Budget  to  further 
promote  the  efficiency  of  our  women’s  organizations  so  that  the  spirit¬ 
ual  and  educational  work  of  the  Auxiliary  may  keep  pace  with  its 
growth  in  members,  be  granted. 

P.  42.  An  amendment  to  this  part  of  the  report  was  offered  by 
Rev.  J.  S.  Sibley,  D.  D.,  and  placed  on  the  docket. 

1152.  Report  of  the  Standing  Committee  on  Church  Societies 

1921,  p.  77.  In  connection  with  thei  consideration  of  this  report, 
the  resolution  of  Rev.  J.  S.  Sibley,  D.  D.,  on  Woman’s  Work,  was 
taken  from  the  docket  and  adopted.  The  report  as  amended  was 
adopted  and  is  as  follows: 

The  Woman’s  Auxiliary 

In  regard  to  the  report  of  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary,  we  would  em¬ 
phasize  the  opening  sentence  of  this  annual  report:  “The  remark¬ 
able  success  of  the  work  of  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary  for  the  past  year 
is  cause  for  profound  gratitude  to  Almighty  God  for  His  guidance 
and  for  answered  prayer.” 

It  must  be  very  evident  to  all  that  the  Woman’s  Auxiliary  has 
become  a  real  source  of  great  spiritual  power.  They  have  caught  the 
vision  that  came  to  the  China  Inland  Mission  and  truly  believe 
that  “prayer  moves  the  arm  that  moves  the  world.”  We  have  no 
doubt  that  in  the  wonderful  development  and  enlargement  of  our 
Church  during  the  past  year,  the  1,777  prayer  bands  of  the  Woman’s 
Auxiliary  had  a  very  important  part  by  linking  the  whole  Church 
with  God  and  making  it  possible  to  do  great  things  for  Him. 

We  would  also  call  especial  attention  to  the  fine  educational 
work  being  done  in  the  training  of  leaders  through  summer  con¬ 
ferences. 

The  Woman’s  School  of  Missions  at  Montreat  brings  together 
about  400  delegates  from  all  over  the  Church  for  a  week’s  inten¬ 
sive  study  of  the  Bible,  the  Home  and'  Foreign  Mission  Text  Books, 
Parliamentary  Law  and  methods  of  work  in  the  local  Auxiliary. 
Leaders  are  trained  here  for  effective  work  in  their  local  churches 
on  their  return  home. 

The  women  of  the  Church  are  naturally  deeply  interested  in  the 
work  for  young  people  and  in  some  instances  the  Synodical  has 
requested  Synod  to  appoint  a  committee  with  which  they  might  co¬ 
operate  in  establishing  Synodical  Conferences  for  Young  People. 
Such  conferences  are  to  be  held,  this  year  in  nine  of  our  Synods,  and 


Sec.  1152] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


747 


it  is  the;  hope  of  the  Auxiliary  that  eventually  each  Synod  will  have 
its  own  Young  People’s  Conference. 

For  four  years  the  Auxiliary  has  conducted  a  conference  for  col¬ 
ored  women  at  Tuscaloosa,  Ala.,  the  only  one  of  its  kind  ever  held. 
The  last  meeting  enrolled  84  delegates  from  50  towns  in  11  States. 
The  program  included  Bible  study,  lectures  on  better  morals  and 
living  conditions,  community  problems,  care  of  children,  sewing 
classes,  etc. 

The  Auxiliary  has  accepted  the  invitation  of  the  Woman’s  Board 
of  the  Friends’  Church,  of  Philadelphia  to  conduct  a  similar  con¬ 
ference  in  August  at  the  Colored  Industrial  School  of  Christians- 
burg,  Va.  We  are  also  accepting  the  invitation  of  Gammon  Semi¬ 
nary  of  Atlanta,  Ga.,  to  hold  a  conference  for  colored  women  there 
this  fall. 

The  reports  which  have  come  to  us  of  the  practical  betterment 
work  being  undertaken  by  delegates  on  their  return  home  from  this 
conference  indicate  the  wide  influence  of  this  work  among  our  col¬ 
ored  sisters,  and  we  are  grateful  for  the  enlarged  opportunities  af¬ 
forded  by  the  proposed  new  conferences. 

The  spiritual  life  of  the  Auxiliary  has  grown  and  deepened  dur¬ 
ing  the  past  year  as  evidenced  in  greatly  increased  interest  in  Bible 
study  and  in  the  organization  of  large  number  of  Prayer  Bands. 
The  goal  of  the  Auxiliary  is  every  Circle  a  Prayer  Band  and  every 
woman  an  Intercessor.  To  this  end  classes  in  Personal  Work  have 
been  organized  in  many  Auxiliaries. 

The  Auxiliary  cheerfully  and  gladly  accepted  the  responsibility 
placed  Upon  it  by  the  Presbyterian  Progressive  Program  Committee 
in  conducting  the  Mission  Study  work  with  increased  efficiency  and 
enlarged  enrollment.  The  representatives  of  the  Auxiliary  person¬ 
ally  made  the  Survey  canvass  which  added  4,500  subscriptions  to 
that  magazine,  and  also  the  Church  Papers  canvass,  which  totalled 
3,700  new  subscribers  for  the  Church  papers. 

The  Woman’s  Auxiliary  of  the  Church  is  a  great  and  efficient 
organization,  admirably  adapted  for  accomplishing  the  great  spirit¬ 
ual  and  educational  work  among  our  women  as  well  as  for  efficient 
co-operation  in  all  phases  of  the  work  of  our  great  Church. 

The  statistical  report  shows  a  total  of  2,120  Societies  with  a  total 
membership  of  82,099,  and  total  gifts  to  all  causes  of  $1,059,754, 


which  were  distributed  as  follows: 

Foreign  Missions  . $  226,788 

Assembly’s  Home  Missions  .  70,114 

Synod’s  Home  Missions  . . . .  29,685 

Presbytery’s  Home  Missions  . * .  45,187 

Congregational  Home  Missions  . * .  57,571 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  .  110,335 

Sabbath  School  Extension  . .+ .  12,298 

Educational  Institutions  . 48,976 

Bible  Cause  . 4,285 

Orphan’s  Homes  .  91,335 


748 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


Current  Expenses  and  Contingent  Fee . $  87,415 

Miscellaneous  Offerings  . . . .  275,585 

Total  for  all  purposes  . $1,059,574 


We  recommend  that: 

1.  The  General  Assembly  express  its  profound  gratitude  for  and 
appreciation  of  the  work  of  the  Auxiliary  and  of  the  Auxiliary  Circle 
Plan,  and  commend  it  to  pastors  and  Sessions  as  a  most  valuable 
organization  for  the  women  of  the  Church. 

2.  That  Synods  and  Presbyteries  be  urged  to  keep  in  closer 
touch  with  the  Auxiliary  as  requested  by  the  Auxiliary  itself,  and  to 
this  end  that  each  Synod  and  Presbytery  appoint  a  strong  and  active 
Committee  on  Woman’s  Work. 

3.  That  in  addition  to  the  subscriptions  of  the  individual  women 
through  the  Every-Member- Canvass,  a  definite  part  of  each  church’s 
quota  be  assigned  to  the  Auxiliary  as  the  basis  of  the  Auxiliary 
budget. 

4.  That  all  funds  subscribed  for  Beneficence  in  the  Every-Mem- 
ber-Canvass  and  paid  through  the  benevolence  side  of  the  envelope, 
be  paid  to  the  Church  Treasurer  and  not  paid  to  nor  reported  by 
the  Auxiliary. 

1921,  p.  27.  The  following  resolution  on  the  woman’s  work  was 
adopted : 

Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  request  its  Standing  Committee  on 
Systematic  Beneficence  to  include  in  its  report  some  sort  of  definite 
suggestion  regarding  the  proportion  in  which  the  individual  woman 
member  of  the  local  church  should  divide  her  subscriptions  between 
the  Church  budget  and  the  Auxiliary  budget. 

Men’s  Organizations 

1921,  p.  79.  No  reports  from  organizations  of  men  have  been 
submitted  to  this  Committee,  but  in  view  of  the  effective  work  be¬ 
ing  done  by  such  organizations  in  many  churches,  we  recommend 
that  pastors  and  Sessions  be  urged  to  give  more  attention  to  the  work 
of  the  men  in  the  local  churches. 


Home  Missions 

1.  We  recommend  that  all  activities  closely  related  to  the  work 
of  the  Assembly’s  Home  Mission  Committee  be  concentrated  in 
their  hands,  and  we  urge  upon  Synods  and  Presbyteries  the  vital 
necessity  that  this  lays  upon  the  church  to  distribute  their  funds  ac¬ 
cording  to  the  percentages  suggested  by  the  Assembly  so  as  to  give 
to  this  Committee  at  least  the  pro-rata  amount  assigned  to  it  by 
the  Assembly. 


Sec.  1152] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


749 


Calendar 

We  recommend  the  following: 

1.  That  the  campaign  for  “The  Missionary  Survey”  be  made  in 
May  each  year. 

2.  That  the  first  week  in  November  be  designated  “Church  Pa¬ 
per  Week.” 

3.  That  the  last  Sunday  in  September  be  designated  as  Assem¬ 
bly  Training  School  Day,  at  which  time  special  attention  shall  be 
called  to  its  great  work.  Special  prayer  shall  be  offered  for  it  and 
offerings  made  in  such  churches  as  do  not  have  the  budget  system. 

4.  That  a  calendar  be  prepared,  52  sheets,  with  memoranda  for 
the  particular  phases  of  the  Presbyterian  Progressive  Program  to 
be  emphasized  each  week,  literature  available,  etc.,  and  space  for 
private  memoranda,  this  calendar  to  be  issued  by  the  Assembly’s 
Stewardship  Committee  in  sufficient  quantity  to  supply  all  our  pas¬ 
tors  and  Sunday  School  superintendents  and  presidents  of  all  our 
Woman’s  Auxiliaries. 


RECOMMENDATIONS 

1.  That  after  the  expiration  of  the  present  term  of  office  the  sec¬ 
retarial  staff  needed  to  conduct  the  business  of  each  Executive  Comr 
nfittee  shall  be  elected  by  the  Committee  with  the  exception  of  the 
Executive  Secretaries. 

The  General  Assembly  shall  elect  the  Executive  Secretaries  and 
Members  of  the  General  Assembly’s  Executive  Cammjittees.  These 
Executive  Secretaries  and  Members  of  the  Executive  Committees  shall 
be  nominated  to  the  General  Assemjbly  by  the  Assembly’s  Standing 
Committees  on  these  respective  causes. 

2.  That  the  goal  of  the  Progressive  Program  be: 

a.  That  every  church  give  itself  more  earnestly  to  the  salvation 
of  souls. 

b.  Twenty-five  per  cent,  increased  attendance  on  church  services. 

c.  A  Sunday  School  enrollment  at  least  equal  to  the  church  mem¬ 
bership. 

d.  At  least  one  life  enlisted  for  definite  religious  work  for  each 
congregation. 

e.  A  family  altar  in  every  home. 

f.  The  establishment  of  mission  Sunday  Schools  and  churches 
wherever  possible. 

g.  The  organization  of  the  individual  church  along  the  four-fold 
plan  of  Evangelism,  Stewardship,  Spiritual  Resources  and  Mis¬ 
sionary  Education. 

3.  That  a  budget  of  $60,000  be  provided  for  the  work  of  this 
committee  for  the  year  1921-22,  and  that  this  fund  be  furnished  by 
the  Executive  Committees  and  Agencies  of  the  Assembly  in  propor¬ 
tion  to  the  amount  received  the  previous  year. 

4.  For  the  greater  efficiency  of  the  Presbyterian  Progressive  Pro¬ 
gram,  we  recommend  the  printing  of  the  appended  blank  and  that  all 


750 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book'  IV 


Sessions  be  requested  to  fill  them  in  and  send  to  Presbyteries  with 
other  report  blanks  at  the  end  of  the  Church  year.  (See  report  of 
Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  in  Appendix,  page 
164,  for  blank  suggested.) 

This  report  is  to  be  sent  to  Presbytery  and  after  being  used  there 
is  to  be  forwarded  to  the  office  of  the  Presbyterian  Progressive  Pro¬ 
gram,  Times  Building,  Chattanooga,  Tennessee. 

That  the  General  Assembly  recom^mend  to  the  Synods  and  Presby¬ 
teries  that  their  fall  meetings  be  so  arranged  that  Synods  meet  be¬ 
fore  the  fall  meetings  of  Presbyteries. 

Membership  of  the  Assembly’s  Stewardship  Committee 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly’s  Committee  on  Systematic  Benefi¬ 
cence  and  Stewardship  be  composed  of  the  following  persons: 

The  Moderator  shall  be  a  member  ex-officio. 


One  year ■— 

Alabama  . + . 

....Mr.  T.  L.  McGill  . . 

Selma 

Appalachia  . 

....Rev.  T.  S.  McCallie  . . 

...  Chattanooga 

Arkansas  . . 

....Rev.  C.  H.  H.  Branch  . 

...Texarkana 

Florida  . 

....Mr.  H.  C.  DuBose  . . . 

...Sanford 

Georgia  . 

....Mr.  J.  R.  McCain  . 

...  Decatur 

'Two  years — 

Kentucky  . . 

Rev.  D.  Clay  Lilly  . 

...Lexington 

Louisiana  . . 

....Rev.  U.  D.  Mooney  . 

O 

...New  Orleans 

Mississippi  . 

...,Rev.  Fred  R.  Graves  . . . 

...Sumner 

Missouri  . * . 

....Rev.  R.  S.  Boyd  . 

...Kansas  City 

North  Carolina 

...Mr.  E.  B.  Crowe  . 

..Raleigh 

Three  years — 

Oklahoma  . 

Mr.  W.  B.  Morrison  . 

...Durant 

South  Carolina 

...Mr.  J.  B.  Spillman  . 

...  Columbia 

Tennessee  . . . 

....Mr.  R.  B.  Clinton  . 

...Memphis 

Texas  . 

....Rev.  B.  I.  Dickey  . 

...San  Antonio 

Virginia  . . 

....Mr.  H.  B.  Sproul  . 

...  Staunton 

West  Virginia  .. 

...Rev.  J.  L.  Mauze  . 

...  Huntington 

Rev.  D.  Clay  Lilly,  D.  D.,  shall  be  the  convener  of  the  Committee. 

Rev.  M.  E.  Melvin,  D.  D.,  is  elected  General  Secretary  for  a 
term  of  three  years. 

Itemized  Equipment  Budgets 

We  recommend: 

That  the  itemized  equipment  budgets  of  the  various  beneficiaries 
■of  the  Equipment  Fund  be  submitted  to  the  Assembly’s  Committee 
of  Stewardship,  the  budgets  totaling  respectively  the  amounts  speci¬ 
fied  for  each  beneficiary  of  the  Equipment  Fund. 


Secs.  1152-1153]  Systematic  Beneficence 


751 


1153.  Report  of  Ad-Interim  Committee  appointed  to  “ Define  the 
Powers  and  Duties  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  System¬ 
atic  Beneficence  and  Stewardship 

1920,  p.  80e.  The  Moderator  announced  the  following  Ad-Interim 
Committee  to  define  the  powers  and  duties  of  the  Permanent  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  and  Stewardship: 

Rev.  A.  D.  P.  Gilmour,  D.  D. 

Dr.  W.  J.  Martin. 

Rev.  R.  O.  Flinn,  D.  D. 

Rev.  W.  T.  Thompson,  D.  D. 

Elder  E.  B.  LeMaster. 

The  report  was  adopted  (1921,  p.  36.) 

I.  Name 

1921,  p.  191.  This  committee  shall  be  called  the  General  As¬ 
sembly’s  Stewardship  Committee. 

II.  Nature  and  Duties 

This  committee  shall  be  both  advisory  and  administrative. 

1.  As  advisory,  this  committee  shall  have  the  following  duties: 

a.  It  shall  seek,  by  review  and  recommendation,  to  promote  the 
business  betterment  of  our  Assembly;  it  shall  carefully  consider  the 
entire  work  of  all  the  Executive  Committees,  together  with  the  annual 
reports  of  these  committees,  and  shall  submit  these  reports  to  the 
Assembly  with  recommendations  looking  towards  harmonious  co-op¬ 
eration  and  the  highest  efficiency,  in  order  that  the  unity  of  the  As¬ 
sembly’s  work  may  be  kept  in  clear  view  and  that  its  every  enter¬ 
prise  may  be  advancecf  as  much  as  possible.  That  it  may  perform 
these  duties,  this  committee,  or  its  sub-committees,  shall  have  access 
to  the  books  and  files  of  the  various  Executive  Committees,  at  the 
convenience  of  these  committees,  shall  have  the  privilege  of  request¬ 
ing  at  any  time  from  the  Assembly’s  Executive  Secretaries  any  in¬ 
formation  regarding  the  work  of  their  respective  committees,  and 
each  member  of  this  committee  shall  have  mailed  to  him  by  each 
Executive  Committee  not  later  than  May  1  a  copy  of  its  annual  re¬ 
port;  but  no  article  in  this  plan  of  organization  shall  be  construed 
as  giving  this  committee  any  power  to  direct  the  work  of  these  Ex¬ 
ecutive  Committees,  except  by  way  of  recommendation  to  the  As¬ 
sembly. 

b.  It  shall  consider  and  report  on  all  matters  which  may  from 
time  to  time  be  referred  to  it  by  the  Assembly. 

2.  As  Administrative,  this  committee  shall  have  the  following 
duties : 

a.  It  shall  conduct  the  Presbyterian  Progressive  Program,  with 
all  its  objectives,  and  all  special  campaigns  for  benevolent  funds 
authorized  by  the  Assembly;  but  none  of  the  Executive  Committees 


752 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


nor  any  other  agency  shall  conduct  special  Church-wide  campaigns 
for  funds,  unless  authorized  by  the  Assembly  or  by  this  Committee. 

b.  It  shall  also  conduct  special  campaigns  for  benevolent  funds 
for  Synods  and  Presbyteries  when  so  requested  by  these  courts,  but 
all  such  special  campaigns  shall  be  financed  by  their  benficiaries. 

c.  It  shall  recommend  to  the  Assembly  the  goals  for  the  benevo¬ 
lent  causes,  the  percentage  which  the  Assembly’s  causes  are  to  re¬ 
ceive  on  the  one  hand  and  local  causes  on  the  other  hand,  and  the 
percentage  which  each  Assembly’s  cause  shall  receive  of  the  total; 
and  it  shall  apportion  the  total  goal  among  the  Synods  with  the  re¬ 
quest  that  the  Synods,  after  having  added  such  sums  as  they  may 
desire,  will  likewise  apportion  their  quotas  to  their  respective  Pres¬ 
byteries,  with  the  further  request  that  these  Presbyteries  will  then 
apportion  their  own  quotas  to  the  local  churches. 

d.  It  shall  perform  any  duties  which  from  time  to  time  may  be 
assigned  to  it  by  the  Assembly,  and  it  shall  recommend  to  the  As¬ 
sembly  such  action  concerning  the  needs  or  work  of  the  Church  as 
it  may  deem  wise. 

III.  Membership 

1.  This  committee  shall  be  composed  of  seventeen  members.  The 
Moderator  of  the  Assembly  each  year,  ex-officio,  and  one  from  each 
of  the  following  Synods:  Alabama,  Appalachia,  Arkansas,  Florida, 
Georgia,  Kentucky,  Louisiana,  Mississippi,  Missouri,  North  Carolina, 
Oklahoma,  South  Carolina,  Tennessee,  Texas,  Virginia  and  West 
Virginia. 

2.  Eight  of  these  members  shall  be  laymen. 

3.  No  Secretary  or  member  of  any  of  the  Assembly ’s  Executive 
Committees  shall  be  eligible  for  membership  on  this  committee  unless 
he  be  Moderator. 

4.  Any  member  moving  out  of  the  Synod  which  he  represents 
shall  automatically  vacate  his  place. 

5.  Any  member  failing  to  attend  three  consecutive  meetings,  with¬ 
out  rendering  in  writing  a  good  excuse,  shall  automatically  vacate 
his  place. 

6.  This  committee  is  authorized  to  fill  any  vacancies  which  may 
occur  between  the  meetings  of  the  Assembly — its  members  thus  ap¬ 
pointed  to  hold  office  until  the  next  Assembly. 

7.  Nine  shall  constitute  a  quorum  of  this  committee,  provided  notice 
has  been  mailed  to  each  member  fifteen  days  previous  to  the  date 
of  meeting. 

IV.  Term  of  Office 

1.  The  membership  of  this  committee  shall  consist  of  three  classes; 
the  term  of  office  of  each  class  shall  be  three  years — one  class  re¬ 
tiring  each  year;  and  no  member  shall  be  eligible  for  more  than  two 
consecutive  terms. 

2.  In  order  to  inaugurate  this  system,  the  Assembly  of  1921  shall 
elect  the  memberhsip  of  this  committee  as  follows: 


Sec.  1153] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


753 


a.  It  shall  elect  a  member  from  each  of  the  following  Synods  to 

serve  for  a  term  of  one  year:  Alabama,  Appalachia,  Arkansas, 
Florida  and  Georgia;  , 

b.  It  shall  elect  a  member  from,  each  of  the  following  Synods,  to 
serve  for  a  term  of  two  years:  Kentucky,  Louisiana,  Mississippi, 
Missouri  and  North  Carolina; 

c.  It  shall  elect  a  member  from  each  of  the  following  Synods,  to 
serve  for  a  term;  of  three  years:  Oklahoma,  South  Carolina,  Ten¬ 
nessee,  Texas,  Virginia  and  West  Virginia. 

V.  Nomination  and  Election 

1.  The  members  of  this  committee  shall  be  elected  by  the  Assembly. 

2.  Each  Synod  shall  recommend  one  minister  and  one  layman, 
from  which  the  Assembly  shall  elect  members  of  this  Committee  as 
terms  of  office  expire. 

VI.  Time  and  Place  of  Meetings 

1.  This  committee  shall  meet  at  least  once  each  year  for  conference 
with  the  Executive  Secretaries,  and  this  meeting  shall  be  held  at 
any  time  and  place  which  the  committee  may  deem,  best. 

2.  Additional  meetings  may  be  held  at  the  call  of  the  Chairman, 
as  need  requires. 

VII.  Organization 

1.  This  committee  shall  elect  its  own  Chairman. 

2.  It  shall  appoint  at  least  the  following  sub-committees,  and  it 
shall  define  their  duties  and  powers:  (1)  On  Foreign  Missions,  (2) 
On  Home  Missions,  (3)  On  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial 
Relief,  (4)  On  Publication  and  Sunday  School  Work,  (5)  On 
Assembly’s  Training  School,  (6)  On  Bible  Cause,  (7)  On  Nom¬ 
inations,  and  (8)  On  the  Presbyterian  Progressive  Program. 

3.  The  Sub- Committees  on  Foreign  Missions,  Home  Missions, 
Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief,  Publication  and  Sunday 
School  Work,  and  Assembly’s  Training  School  shall  consist  of  two 
members  each;  and  these  sub-committees  may  meet  with  the  As¬ 
sembly’s  Executive  Committees  as  frequently  as  it  may  appear  ad¬ 
visable,  at  which  meetings  they  shall  examine  the  business  systems 
in  use  by  these  various  committees  and  report  in  writing  ther  find¬ 
ings  with  recommendations  to  this  committee. 

VIII.  Sub-Committee  on  the  Presbyterian  Progressive 

Program 

1.  In  order  to  promote  greater  efficiency  and  economy,  this  com¬ 
mittee  shall  be  authorized,  in  appointing  its  Sub-Committee  on  the 
Presbyterian  Progressive  Program,  to  appoint,  if  it  deems  best,  in 
:  addition  to  certain  men  from  among  the  committee’s  own  members,  not 


754 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


more  than  five  others  to  co-operate  with  its  own  members  in  promot¬ 
ing  all  the  objectives  of  this’program;  but  those  additional  men  shall 
not  be  members  of  the  Assembly’s  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic 
Beneficence  and  Stewardship. 

2.  This  Sub-Committee  on  the  Presbyterian  Progressive  Program, 
like  all  other  sub-committees,  shall  be  subject'  to  the  review  and  con¬ 
trol  of  the  Permanent  Committee  which  appoints  it. 

IX.  General  Secretary  and  Secretarial  Staff 

1.  This  committee  shall  nominate  to  the  Assembly  a  General  Sec¬ 
retary,  but  this  does  not  deny  the  right  of  any  individual  member 
of  the  Assembly  to  make  other  nominations  from  the  floor. 

2.  The  General  Secretary,  shall  be  elected  by  the  Assembly,  for  a 
term  of  three  years,  at  a  salary  to  be  fixed  by  this  committee. 

3.  In  order  to  inaugurate  this  plan,  the  Assembly  of  1921  shall 
authorize  this  committee  to  elect  its  own  General  Secretary,  to  serve 
until  die  Assembly  of  1924. 

4.  The  General  Secretary  shall  not  be  a  member  of  this  committee 
nor  of  any  of  its  sub-committees. 

5.  Such  other  officers  and  assistants  as  this  committee  may  deem 
necessary  shall  be  nominated  by  the  General  Secretary  and  elected 
by  this  committee,  at  salaries  to  be  fixed  by  this  committee;  and 
none  of  them  shall  be  members  of  this  committee  or  of  any  of  its 
sub-committees. 

X.  Expenses 

1.  This  committtee  is  authorized  to  draw  on  the  treasuries  of  the 
Assembly’s  Committees  on  Foreign  Missions,  Home  Missions,  Chris¬ 
tian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief,  Publication  and  Sunday 
School  Extension,  and  Assembly’s  Training  School  for  funds  as 
needed  to  conduct  its  work  in  such  amounts  as  shall  be  provided 
each  year  by  the  Assembly  to  be  assigned  among  the  beneficiaries  in 
proportion  to  the  amounts  received  the  preceding  year. 

2.  This  committee  is  authorized  to  endeavor  to  secure  the  payment 
of  a  like  proportion  by  each  Synodical  and  Presbyterial  beneficiary 
of  the  Presbyterian  Progressive  Program  and  from  the  Bible  Cause,  it 
being  understood  that  the  amount  paid  by  each  Synod  will  be  spent 
within  its  bounds. 

3.  This  committee  shall  defray  the  traveling  expenses  of  its  mem¬ 
bers  and  of  the  members  of  its  sub-committees  which  are  contracted 
in  attending  its  meetings  and  the  meetings  of  its  sub-committees. 

XI.  Report  to  the  Assembly 

1.  This  committee  shall  submit  annually  in  printed  form  a 
report  to  the  Assembly  as  soon  after  its  opening  as  possible. 

2.  This  report  shall  include  a  financial  statement,  showing  receipts 
and  their  sources  and  items  of  expenses  for  the  year  under  the  follow¬ 
ing  heads:  (1)  Salaries,  (2)  Rent,  (3)  Traveling  Expenses,  (4) 


.Secs.  1153-1155]  Systematic  Beneeicence 


755 


Official  Expenses,  (5)  Printing  and  Distributing  Books,  Leaflets, 
Posters,  etc.,  (6)  Advertising,  and  (7)  Conferences. 

3.  The  recommendations  of  this  committee  shall  be  considered 
directly  by  the  Assembly. 

XII.  Repeal  of  Former  Deliverances 

All  former  deliverances  and  parts  of  deliverances  referring  in  any 
way  to  the  Systematic  Beneficence  and  Stewardship  Committees  are 
hereby  repealed. 

1154.  Election  of  Dr.  Melvin 

1921,  p.  42.  Rev.  M.  E.  Melvin,  D.  D.,  was  elected  General 
Secretary  of  the  Assembly’s  Stewardship  Committee  for  a  term  of 
three  years,  his  term  beginning  at  once. 

1921,  p.  50.  Dr.  Melvin  accepted  the  office.  The  Assembly  was 
then  led  in  prayer  by  Rev.  E.  W.  Smith,  D.  D.,  for  Dr.  Melvin  and 
the  work  of  this  Committee. 

1155.  Protest 

1921,  p.  80d.  The  following  protest  signed  by  R.  B.  Hudson  and 
others  was  admitted  to  record: 

1.  The  undersigned  wish  humbly  and  respectfully,  yet  most  earn¬ 
estly,  to  protest  against  the  action  of  the  Assembly  in  refusing  to 
submit  to  the  several  Presbyteries  the  matter  of  the  $5,000,000  canv- 
paign  for  equipment,  with  the  request  that  they  accept  their  quotas 
and  co-operate  therein,  as  proposed  in  a  resolution  offered  by  Rev.  C. 
R.  Stribling,  D.  D.,  providing  that  this  action  should  be;  taken  before 
the  actual  inauguration  of  the  said  Equipment  Fund  campaign. 
And  also — 

2.  Against  the  further  action  of  the  Assembly  in  authorizing  a 
further  and  special  campaign  for  a  $300,000  Equipment  Fund  for 
Foreign  Missions. 

The  first  action  complained  of  would  seem,  to  be  a  needless,  and 
worse  than  useless,  ignoring  of  the  constitutional  rights  and  functions 
•of  the  several  Presbyteries,  and  the  invasion  of  their  bounds  with  an 
intensive  campaign  for  immense  funds  without  their  consent  or 
approval. 

While  the  second  matter  of  protest  would  seem  to  constitute  a 
transgression  of  the  whole  theory  and  promise  of  the  Progressive 
Program,  in  the  inauguration  of  which  it  has  certainly  been  implied, 
if  not  expressly  set  out,  that  the  budget  system  and  the  Every-Mem- 
ber-Canvass  would  be  used  to  supply  all  the  needs  of  the  Assembly’s 
causes,  and  that  no  further  special  appeals  or  campaigns  by  any  of 
the  several  Executive  Committees  should  be  allowed. 

Such  a  special  appeal  and  campaign  for  one  of  the  causes,  coming 
:at  the  end  of  an  intensive  campaign  for  all  of  the  causes,  would,  we 


756  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

feel  sure,  inevitably  interfere  seriously  with  the  progress  and  success 
of  the  Progressive  Program. 

Answer  to  Protest 

Your  Special  Committee,  appointed  to  answer  the  protest  of  Robert 
B.  Hudson,  Dr.  Charles  R.  Stribling,  Dr.  F.  J.  Brooke  and  D.  S. 
Poole,  reports  as  follows: 

That  the  Assembly  on  May  25th,  by  practically  unanimous  vote, 
adopted  the  $5,000,000  Equipment  Fund,  and  that  after  a  thorough 
discussion  rejected  the  resolution  of  Dr.  Charles  R.  Stribling  to 
submit  this  matter  to  the  several  Presbyteries. 

Your  Committee  also  reports  that  only  matters  of  constitutional 
character  are  submitted  to  the  Presbyteries,  and  that  this  Assembly  is 
a  representative  body. 

Inasmuch  as  the  $300,000  for  Foreign  Missions  is  to  be  raised 
after  the  $5,000,000  Equipment  Fund  has  been  secured,  your  Com¬ 
mittee  would  answer  that  this  does  not  interfere  with  the  Progressive 
Program,  and  also  that  there  is  no  rule  or  practice,  expressed  or 
implied,  in  the  former  actions  of  the  General  Assembly  that  special 
campaigns  cannot  be  made. 

1156.  Stewardship  Committee 

1922,  p.  44.  The  report  of  the  Standing]  Committee  on  Steward¬ 
ship  was  received  and  the  recommendations  adopted.  The  report 
is  as  follows: 

There  have  been  submitted  to  your  Committee  for  its  consideration 
portions  of  the  annual  report  of  the  Assembly’s  Stewardship  Com¬ 
mittee,  together  with  overtures  relating  to  the  Lord’s  Day  Alliance, 
the  Equipment  Fund,  a  corporation  to  be  known  as  the  Foundation 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.,  the  appointment  of  a  Cen¬ 
tral  Treasurer  for  all  General  Assembly  Benevolences,  delaying  the 
advancement  of  Benevolent  Quotas,  the  making  of  budgets  for 
benevolent  causes,  the  appointment  of  a  Committee  to  investigate  the 
financial  System  of  the  Church,  the  limiting  of  the  scope  of  work  of 
the  Assembly’s  Stewardship  Committee,  the  practice  of  economy  in 
the  work  of  the  Stewardship  Committee,  and  to  Permanent  Men’s 
Work  in  our  Denomination. 

I.  Overtures 

Touching  these  overtures,  we  make  the  following  answers: 

That  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Brazos,  that  a  Cen¬ 
tral  Treasurer  be  appointed,  to  whom  funds  for  all  General  Assem¬ 
bly  Benevolences  may  be  sent  by  the  churches  so  desiring,  be 
answered  in  the  negative. 

To  overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  of  Tuscaloosa,  Brownwood, 
King’s  Mountain,  Missouri,  Holston,  Roanoke,  West  Lexington, 
W  est  Hciiiovci*,,  Asheville,  Floridci,  EiO-st  A-lctbcimct,  IVIecklenbur^, 


Sec.  1156] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


757 


Greenbrier,  Suwanee,  and  Pine  Bluff,  asking  that  the  Lord’s  Day 
Alliance  be  placed  upon  the  benevolent  budget  of  the  Church,  and 
overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  of  Central  Texas,  Winchester,  Louis¬ 
ville,  asking  that  the  Lord’s  Day  Alliance  be  not  placed  upon  the 
budget  of  the  Church,  we  recommend  the  following  answer: 

That  while  heartily  approving  the  general  aims  and  purposes  of 
the  Lord’s  Day  Alliance,  the  Assembly  decline  to  place  it  upon  its 
benevolent  budget. 

We  recommend  that  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Mis¬ 
souri,  asking  that  the  Assembly  instruct  the  Executive  Committees 
in  preparing  their  budgets  for  each  succeeding  year,  not  to  plan  for 
an  increase  of  expenditure  in  excess  of  the  average  per  cent,  of 
increase  of  contributions  to  their  respective  causes  during  the  five- 
year  period  immediately  preceding,  and  that  any  additional  expen¬ 
diture  be  made  only  as  additional  funds  are  actually  contributed,  be 
answered  in  the  negative. 

We  recommend  that  section  1  of  overture  from  the  Synod 
of  Virginia,  asking  that  the  Assembly’s  Stewardship  Committee  be 
directed  to  limit  its  activities  to  the  promotion  of  the  Every-Member- 
Canvass  and  Educational  Campaigns  on  Stewardship  and  such  finan¬ 
cial  plans  as  the  Assembly  may  commit  to  its  hands,  and  overture 
from  the  Presbytery  of  Paris,  touching  the  same  matter,  be  declined. 

Section  2  of  the  same  overture  from  the  Synod  of  Virginia, 

asks  that  the  Stewardship  Committee,  in  shaping  its  financial 
budget  and  recommending  quotas,  be  directed  to  secure  from  each 
Assembly’s  Agency,  estimate  of  amount  needed  for  its  work;  we 
would  answer:  This  is  the  policy  now  being  pursued  by  the  Com¬ 
mittee.  To  the  further  request  that  the  Stewardship  Committee  also 
seek  from  Synods  and  Presbyteries  estimates  of  their  needs  before 
shaping  a  Benevolent  Budget,  we  would  recommend  a  negative 
answer. 

Section  3  of  the  same  overture  from  the  Synod  of  Virginia, 

asks  that  in  suggesting  quotas  of  an  Assembly  Budget  to  Synods 
and  Presbyteries,  an  attempt  be  made  to  distribute  the  same  with 
reference  to  the  financial  condition  of  these  ecclesiastical  bodies  and 
their  churches,  we  w7ould  recommend  that  the  Assembly  endorse  the 
soundness  of  this  principle  of  distribution. 

Touching  Section  4  of  an  overture  from  the  Synod  of  Vir¬ 
ginia,  requesting  that  the  Stewardship  Committee  be  directed  to 

conduct  its  work  with  the  utmost  economy  in  view  of  the  grave  finan¬ 
cial  condition  through  which  the  world  is  passing,  and  that  the  plans 
for  future  activities  have  in  mind  the  ideal  of  developing  a  conscious¬ 
ness  of  responsibility  on  the  part  of  organizations,  officials,  and  indi¬ 
vidual  members  of  the  Church,  we  answer  as  follows:  We  recommend 
that  the  Committee  be  as  economical  as  possible  and  that  the  ideal 
herein  set  forth  be  ever  prominent  in  all  its  planning. 

Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  East  Hanover  asks  for  the 
appointment  of  an  Ad-Interim  Committee  of  five  of  the  best  busi¬ 
ness  men  of  the  Church,  to  investigate  the  business  and  financial 


758 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


system  of  the  Church  with  a  view  to  securing  a  more  efficient  and 
economical  administration  thereof:  This  Committee  is  also  to  be 
directed  to  make  such  general  recommendations  as  in  its  judgment 
shall  result  in  good  to  the  Church;  to  aid  this  Committee}  in  its  work 
it  is  asked  that  every  officer  of  every  Presbytery,  Synod,  and  of  the 
General  Assembly,  who  receives  compensation  for  services,  be  directed 
to  report  to  the  Commiittee  the  duties  of  his  position  and  the  com¬ 
pensation  received.  We  recommend  that  it  be  declined. 

We  recommend  that  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  East 
Hanover,  asking  that  the  General  Assembly  instruct  its  Stewardship 
Committee  not  to  increase  the  apportionment  for  the  various  causes 
for  the  year  1923-24'  to  $4,750,000,  as  instructed  by  the  last  General 
Assembly,  and  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Norfolk,  touching 
the  same  question  with  the  proviso  that  it  be  not  advanced  un¬ 
less  reports  for  the  past  year’s  work  and  from  the  recent  Every- 
Member-Canvass  show  that  the  present  amount  of  $4,500,000  has 
practically  been  subscribed,  be  answered  in  the  negative. 

The  answers  to  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  North  Alabama, 
relating  to  the  establishing  of  a  Foundation  for  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  U.  S.,  and  overtures  from  Pee  Dee  Presbytery,  from 
Winchester  Presbytery,  from  West  Hanover  Presbytery,  and  from 
Atlanta  Presbytery,  relating  to  the  Equipment  Fund,  will  be  found 
in  the  recommendations  of  our  report  of  the  Assembly’s  Stewardship 
Committee. 


II.  Report  of  Assembly’s  Stewardship  Committee 

We  have  carefully  examined  that  portion  of  the  report  of  the 
Assembly’s  Stewardship  Committee,  which  was  referred  to  us.  The 
Committee  held  four  meetings  during  the  year.  The  members  were 
faithful  in  the  discharge  of  their  duties.  The  financial  results  of 
the  great  work  with  which  its  labors  have  been  associated  are  grati¬ 
fying  in  the  light  of  business  conditions.  The  Lord's  blessing  has 
crowned  the  combined  efforts  of  the  Committee,  our  pastors,  elders, 
deacons  and  other  devoted  servants  of  the  Church,  as  is  evidenced 
by  the  following  table : 

Gifts  for  Benevolences  for  the  Year  Ending  March  31,  1922 


Foreign  Missions  . $  1,281,323 

Assembly’s  Home  Missions . * . ., .  543,438 

Synod’s  Home  Missions  . 186,419 

Presbytery’s  Home  Missions .  397,703 

Congregational  Home  Missions  . . .  273,661 

Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief...  380,165 

Sabbath  School  Extension  and  Publication...  96,704 

Educational  Institutions  .  739,776 

Bible  Cause  .  24,007 


Sec.  1156] 

Orphans’  Homes 


Systematic  Beneficence 


759 


$  363,469 


Total  for  our  Church  Causes . 4 . $  4,286,665 

Miscellaneous  Contributions  .  1,185,658 

-  $  5,472,323 

Other  Funds  Collected 


Current  Expenses  and  Presbyterial  Tax  . $  3,608,210 

Pastors’  Salaries  actually  paid  .  2,663,192 

-  $  6,271.402 

Grand  Total  to  all  Causes .  $11,743,725 

Benevolent  per  capita  . $  13.28 

Current  Expenses  per  capita .  15.22 

Per  Capita  to  all  Causes . $  28.50 


III.  Membership  of  the  Assembly’s  Stewardship  Committee 

The  Moderator  shall  be  a  member  ex-officio. 

As  the  terms  of  the  members  on  this  Committee  from  Alabama, 
Appalachia,  Arkansas,  Florida  and  Georgia  expire  at  this  time,  we 
recommend  that  the  following  be  elected  for  a  period  of  three  years: 

Alabama — Mr.  T.  L.  McGill,  Selmia. 

Appalachia — Mr.  H.  E.  Hyatt,  Norton,  Va. 

Arkansas — Rev.  C.  H.  H.  Branch,  Texarkana. 

Florida — Mr.  H.  C.  DuBose,  Sanford. 

Georgia — Mr.  J.  R.  McCain,  Decatur. 

South  Carolina — Rev.  W.  H.  Boggs,  Columbia,  to  fill  unexpired 
term  of  J.  B.  Spillman. 

IV.  Proposed  Presbyterian  Foundation 

We  have  considered  the  overture  of  North  Alabama  Presbytery 
and  the  recommendation  of  the  Stewardship  Committee  that  a  Foun¬ 
dation  for  receiving  and  disbursing  funds  be  erected  to  be  known  as 
the  Foundation  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S. 

We  would  recommend — That  the  matter  of  the  Foundation  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.  be  referred  to  an  Ad-Interim  Com¬ 
mittee,  to  be  appointed  by  the  Moderator,  consisting  of  three  laymen, 
of  which -at  least  one  shall  be  a  lawyer,  and  two  ministers,  which 
Committee  shall  thoroughly  investigate  the  whole  matter  and  report 
to  the  next  General  Assembly. 

P.  73.  Following  is  the  Committee:  Rev.  J.  S.  Foster  and  E.  L. 
Hill;  Elders  A.  R.  Brand,  W.  M.  Everett  and  D.  W.  Robinson, 


760 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


V.  Equipment  Fund 

Touching  the  Equipment  Fund,  we  have  considered  the  recom¬ 
mendations  of  the  Stewardship  Committee,  together  with  several  over¬ 
tures  relative  to  the  same  subject,  from  the  Pee  Dee  Presbytery,  Win¬ 
chester,  and  West  Hanover  Presbytery,  asking  the  reopening  and  re¬ 
scinding  of  the  action  of  the  last  Assembly,  and  from  Atlanta  Presby¬ 
tery,  asking  for  the  postponement  of  the  Campaign  till  business  con¬ 
ditions  improve. 

We  would  make  the  following  explanation  and  recommendation 
as  covering  the  entire  matter: 

1.  We  gave  no  consideration  to  the  recommendation  of  the  Stew¬ 
ardship  Committee  concerning  a  request  from  the  Home  Mission 
Committee  of  the  Synod  of  North  Carolina,  in  view  of  the  following 
paper  placed  in  our  hands  by  Rev.  A.  W.  Crawford,  Chairman  of 
Synod’s  Committee  on  Home  Missions  for  that  State: 

“Inasmuch  as  the  plan  proposed  by  the  Home  Mission  Committee 
of  the  Synod  of  North  Carolina  for  the  raising  of  an  equipment  fund 
for  churches  and  manses  in  its  work  is  not  approved  by  the  Assem¬ 
bly’s  Permanent  Committee  on  Stewardship,  request  is  hereby  made 
for  permission  to  withdraw  the  whole  matter  from  consideration, 
that  it  may  be  re-submitted  to  the  Home  Mission  Committee  of  the 
Synod  and  to  the  Synod  for  further  instructions. 

2.  That  the  amount  of  equipment  fund  remain  $5,000,000,  but 
that  the  time  limit  for  raising  it,  as  stipulated  by  the  Assembly  of 
1921,  be  rescinded. 

3.  That  of  the  $5,000,000,  earnest  effort  be  made  to  raise  at 
least  $500,000  during  the  Church  year  1922-23,  and  the  same  or  any 
portion  thereof  to  be  distributed  according  to  the  ratio1  adopted  by 
the  Assembly  of  1921  for  the  $5,000,000.  The  immediate  and  press¬ 
ing  need  of  thei  Church  is  $500,000. 

4.  That  the  Stewardship  Committee  be  directed  to  employ  and  di¬ 
rect  a  force  of  trained  canvassers  to  carry  on  a  quiet  solicitation  of  a 
selected  number  of  individuals  who  may  be  able  to  give  in  larger 
sums  to  the  equipment  fund. 

5.  That  the  Assembly  authorize  the  Stewardship  Committee  to 
appoint  a  Treasurer  to  collect  and  distribute  the  equipment  fund. 

6.  That  the  Presbyterian  Progressive  Program  be  strictly  guarded 
against  all  special  appeals  by  whomsoever  or  for  whatsoever  that 
Would  in  any  way  impair  its  success,  and  that  from  now  on  the 
Program  be  pressed  with  renewed  and  sustained  vigor. 

7.  That  the  beneficiaries  receiving  their  share  of  the  designated 
funds  shall  have  no  part  of  the  undesignated  fund  until  all  other  ben¬ 
eficiaries  shall  receive  their  quota,  and  after  all  quotas  have  been  met, 
all  beneficiaries  shall  share  in  further  undesignated  funds  on  the 
pro  rata  basis  already  agreed  on. 

8.  That  the  agencies  participating  in  the  Equipment  Fund  be 
directed  to  finance  the  campaign  by  advancing  from  their  respective 
funds  in  the  ratio  in  which  each  shares  in  the  fund. 

9.  That  the  first  Sunday  in  December  be  designated  “Equipment 


Sec.  1156] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


761 


Day”  and  that  pastors  and  Sessions  be  requested  to  call  attention 
to  the  purpose  of  the  day  and  take  a  cash  offering  for  the  fund. 

10.  The  adoption  of  that  portion  of  the  Stewardship  Committee’s 
report  asking  that  the  Assembly  rescind  its  action  of  1921  touching 
the  duties  of  this  Committee  as  recorded  on  page  192,,  section  B, 
which  reads  as  follows:  “It  shall  also  conduct  special  campaigns 
for  benevolent  funds  for  Synods  and  Presbyteries  when  so  requested 
by  the  courts,”  etc. 

VI.  Men’s  Work  in  the  Church 

We  have  carefully  considered  the  recommendation  of  the  Steward¬ 
ship  Committee  that  the  Assembly  appoint  an  Ad- Interim  Committee 
to  take  under  advisement  the  Whole  question  of  men’s  work  of  the 
Church  and  report  to  the  next  Assembly;  also  overture  from  the 
Presbytery  of  Kanawha  on  a  Permanent  Committee  on  Men’s  Work 
in  our  Denomination. 

In  the  conviction  that  the  time  has  come  for  the  men  of  the  Pres¬ 
byterian  Church  in  the  U.  S„  to  come  together  for  aggressive  organ¬ 
ized  work  in  facing  the  problems  of  the  Church,  we  would  make  the 
following  recommendations  concerning  the  matter  involved: 

1.  That  this  General  Assembly  direct  its  Stewardship  Committee 
at  its  meeting  in  July  to  elect  a  Committee  of  seven,  composed  of 
ministers  and  elders,  said  Committee  to  name  its  own  Chairman,  and 
to  be  known  as  the  Assembly’s  Permanent  Committee  on  Men’s 
Work,  whose  duties  it  shall  be  to  effect  such  organization  for  the 
denomination  as  is  in  accordance  with  denominational  procedure  and 
in  harmony  with  the  Presbyterian  Progressive  Program  of  the  Church 
which  shall  have  charge  of  the  entire  men’s  work  of  the  Church,  and 
which  shall  be  empowered  to  organize  the  work  in  Synod,  Preshw 
tery  and  local  congregation. 

2.  That  the  Stewardship  Committee  be  directed  to  finance  inc 
work  of  this  Committee  fort  the  first  year  to  an  amount  not  to  exceea 
$2,500.00 

[The  following  Committee  was  appointed:  J.  P.  McCallie,  W.  J. 
Martin,  R.  S.  Baker,  Alfred  Hume,  W.  R.  Dobyns,  H.  W.  DuBose, 
J.  L.  Mauze.] 

1922,  p.  28.  The  report  of  the  Assembly’s  Stewardship  Commit¬ 
tee  was  read.  Those  portions  of  the  report  referring  to  Home  Mis¬ 
sions,  Foreign  Missions,  Publication  and  Sabbath  School  Work, 
Assembly’s  Training  School,  Bible  Cause,  Woman’s  Auxiliary,  and 
Stewardship  were  referred  to  the  respective  committees  considering 
these  subjects.  The  general  recommendations  were  amended  and 
adopted,  and  the  budget  approved  as  follows:  (See  below  for  item 
concerning  Equipment  Fund.) 

PRESBYTERIAN  PROGRESSIVE  PROGRAM  BUDGET 

There  have  been  referred  to  us  the  recommendations  contained  in 
the  Campaign  Committee’s  report;  also  a  portion  of  the  report  of 


Systematic  Beneficence 


762 


[Book  IV 


the  sub-commitee  of  the  report  on  Foreign  Missions.  We  recom¬ 
mend: 

1.  The  adoption  of  the  first  recommendation  of  the  Campaign 
Committee,  viz:  to  appropriate  $1,000  for  the  work  of  the  Assembly’s 
Permanent  Committee  on  Sabbath  and  Family  Religion. 

2.  As  a  substitute  for  the  second  recommendation  of  the  Cam¬ 
paign  Committee  to  place  the  Lord’s  Day  Alliance  on  the  benevolent 
budget  we  recommend  inasmuch  as  there  are  several  overtures  on 
this  subject  coming  before  the  Assembly,  that  no  action  be  taken. 


General  Recommendations 

1.  That  the  Assembly  request  the  Synods  to  meet  in  advance  of 
the  fall  meetings  of  the  Presbyteries,  in  order  that  the  church  may 
know  its  quotas  in  the  Presbyterian  Progressive  Program  by  Decem¬ 
ber  1st,  prior  to  the  canvass  in  March. 

2.  The  reports  of  the  Synods  of  Arkansas  and  Florida,  which  have 
been  made  to  our  Committee,  to  conduct  campaigns  were  authorized 
by  the  respective  Synods  and  tentatively  agreed  to  by  the  Steward¬ 
ship  Committee.  These  were  undertaken  and  conducted  by  the  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief  as  far  as  pos¬ 
sible  in  accord  with  the  plans  of  the  respective  Synods. 

3.  We  recommend  that  the  General  Assembly  authorize  the  Stew¬ 
ardship  Committee  to  re-state  the  objectives  and  departments  of  the 
Presbyteran  Progressive  Program  and  the  working  out  of  a  plan  of 
organization  of  the  local  church  for  the  promotion  of  the  Program. 


Equipment  Fund 

1922,  p.  208.  Your  special  committee  on  the  equipment  fund  beg 
to  report  as  follows: 

There  have  been  placed  in  our  hands  communications  from  Mr.  W. 
E.  Minter,  Rev.  R.  C.  Anderson,  Rev.  S.,  L.  Morris,  D.  D.,  and  the 
Rev.  A.  W.  Crawford.  We  have  also  held  a  conference  with  the 
several  executive  secretaries,  Mrs.  W.  C.  Winsborough  and  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Crawford.  We  recommend: 

1.  That  in  reply  to  the  request  of  the  Home  Mission  Committee  of 
the  Synod  of  North  Carolina,  presented  by  their  Superintendent  and 
stating  that  “in  the  campaign  for  the  equipment  fund  of  the  General 
Assembly,  we  shall  expect  the  Assembly’s  Stewardship  Committee  to 
add  this  amount  ($100,000)  to  the  quota  of  the  North  Carolina 
Synod,”  we  advise  the  committee  of  the  Synod  of  North  Carolina 
that  it  is  putting  the  wrong  interpretation  on  the  action  of  the 
Assembly.  (See  Minutes,  page  46,  article  2.)  That)  action  was 
taken  to  provide  for  two  Synods  contemplating  at  the  time  campaigns 
for  the  endowmjent  and  equipment  of  educational  institutions.  The 
request  of  the  Home  Mission  Committee  of  the  Synod  of  North 
Carolina  is  declined. 

2.  That  the  amount  of  the  equipment  fund  remain  $5,000,000, 


Sec.  1156] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


763 


but  that  the  time  limit  for  raising  it  as  stipulated  by  the  Assembly 
of  1921  be  rescinded. 

3.  That  of  the  $5,000,000  earnest  effort  be  made  to  raise  at  least 
$500,000  during  the  church  year  1922-23,  and  the  same  or  any 
portion  thereof  to  be  distributed  according  to  the  ratio  adopted  by 
the  Assembly  of  1921  for  the  $5,000,000.  The  immediate  and 
pressing  need  of  the  Church  is  $500,000. 

4.  That  the  several  agencies  participating  in  this  fund  be  in¬ 
structed  to  set  aside  annually  from  out  of  their  receipts  ten  per  cent, 
for  an  equipment  fund,  the  same  to  be  credited  to  the  $5,000,000. 

5.  That  Dr.  Melvin  be  directed  to  employ  and  direct  a  force  of 
trained  canvassers  to  carry  on  a  quiet  solicitation  of  a  selected  num¬ 
ber  of  individuals  who  may  be  able  to  give  in  larger  sums  to  the 
equipment  fund. 

6.  That  all  amounts  received  from  individuals  may  be  counted  by 
the  agency  receiving  them  in  lieu  of  the  ten  per  cent,  provided  for 
above. 

7.  That  the  Assembly  be  requested  to  authorize  a  committee  to 
appoint  a  treasurer  to  collect  and  distribute  the  equipment  fund. 

8.  That  the  Presbyterian  Progressive  Program,  be  strictly  guarded 
against  all  special  appeals  by  whomsoever  or  for  whatsoveer  that 
would  in  any  way  impair  its  success,  and  that  from  now  on  the 
Program  be  pressed  with  renewed  and  sustained  vigor. 

9.  That  the  beneficiaries  receiving  their  share  of  the  designated 
funds  shall  have  no  part  of  the  undesignated  funds  until  all  other 
beneficiaries  shall  receive  their  quota,  and  after  all  quotas  have  been 
met,  all  beneficiaries  shall  share  in  further  undesignated  funds  on 
the  pro  rata  basis  already  agTeed  on. 

10.  That  the  agencies  participating  in  the  Equipment  Fund  be 
directed  to  finance  the  campaign  by  advancing  from  their  respective 
funds  in  the  ratio  in  which  each  shares  in  the  fund. 


CHAPTER  VJI 


GENERAL  REGULATIONS  FOR  THE  CONDUCT  OF  THE 
ASSEMBLY’S  SCHEMES  OF  BENEVOLENCE  AND 
THE  GUIDANCE  OF  HER  AGENCIES 

1157.  The  Executive  Committees  to  be  all  constituted  alike 

1861,  p.  14.  Resolved,  That  the  principles  of  organization  in¬ 
volved  in  the  establishment  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign 
Missions  be  considered  as  applying  to  all  the  Executive  Committees 
to  be  appointed. 

1158.  Constitution  ofr  Executive  Committees 

1905,  p.  19.  1.  It  is  ordered  that  hereafter  the  Executive  Com¬ 

mittees  of  the  General  Assembly  shall  be  constituted  of  not  fewer 
than  nine  nor  more  than  fifteen  members,  exclusive  of  the  Secretary 
or  Secretaries,  to  be  elected  by  the  Assembly  and  divided  into  three 
classes,  of  which  one  class  shall  be:  elected  each  year.  Upon  the 
election  of  the  members  of  these  Committees  at  the  present  meeting 
of  the  Assembly,  the  Assembly  shall  designate  the  classes  to  which 
members  shall  belong. 

2.  The  Secretaries  are  to  be  elected  by  the  Assembly  on  the 
nomination  of  the  Executive  Committees,  respectively,  but  the  right 
of  members  of  the  General  Assembly  to  naake  other  nominations  is 
not  hereby  restricted.  The  tenure  of  the  office  of  Secretary  shall  be 
for  a  period  of  three  years,  beginning  September  1st  following  the 
sessions  of  the  Assembly  at  which  the  Secretary  was  elected.  It  is 
competent,  however,  for  the  Assembly  at  any  meeting  to  remove  any 
one  of  the  Secretaries  for  cause. 

3.  A  majority  of  the  members  of  an  Executive  Committee  shall 
constitute  a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business.  Three- fourths 
of  the  whole  number  of  members  shall  be  necessary  for  the  nomina¬ 
tion  of  a  Secretary. 

4.  The  Secretary  shall  be  a  member  of  the  Executive  Committee, 
but  shall  have  no  vote  in  the  nominating  of  the  Secretary. 

« 

This  plan  superseded  the  one  adopted  in  1861.  See  Alexander's 
Digest ,  p.  301. 

1904,  p.  48.  The  Assembly  disapproved  of  the  election  of  a 
member  of  one  of  the  Executive  Comfnittees  by  the  Committee, 
when  the  Assembly  had  inadvertently  failed  to  do  so. 

1922,  p.  77.  Overtures  from  Central  Texas  and  Paris  Presby¬ 
teries  asking  the  Assembly  to  return  to  the  former  plan  by  which  all 
Secretaries  of  our  Church  shall  be  elected  by  the  Assembly  itself  upon 


Secs.  1157-1162]  Systematic  Beneficence 


765 


the  nomination  of  the  Assembly’s  Standing  Committee  of  the  respec¬ 
tive  cause.  Your  Committee  recommend  that  these  overtures  be 
answered  in  the  affirmative. 

1159.  Committee  to  Examine  Charters 

1905,  p.  57.  Resolved,  That  a  Judiciary  Committee,  consisting 
of  nine  persons,  be  appointed  by  the  Moderator,  to  whom  all  charters 
of  incorporation  under  the  authority  of  the  General  Assembly  shall 
be  referred  for  examination  and  approval  before  incorporation,  and 
such  other  business  as  the  General  Assembly  may  determine. 

1160.  Laymen  to  manage  the  enterprises  of  the  church 

1907,  p.  31.  In  answer  to  the  overture  of  East  Alabama  Presby¬ 
tery  recommending  the  appointment  by  ‘he  Assembly  of  godly  lay¬ 
men  instead  of  ministers  to  manage  the  great  enterprises  of  the 
church  at  large,  your  Committee  on  Ministerial  Education  and  Relief 
recommends  that  the  Assembly  make  no  recommendation. 

1908,  p.  33.  Resolved,  That  the  Assembly  in  the  future  try,  as 
far  as  may  be  consistent  with  wisdom,  to  secure  competent  laymen 
for  the  various  causes  of  the  church,  and  use  such  pious  men,  officers 
and  members  of  the  church  as  may  be  available. 

1909,  p.  47.  Overture  touching  the  employment  of  non-ministerial 
members  of  the  Church  in  the  work  of  collecting  and  disbursing  the 
money  that  is  required  for  the  conduct  of  all  the  work  of  our  Assem¬ 
bly. 

Answer:  Since  the  Assembly  has  at  present  financial  and  execu¬ 
tive  agents  who  are  not  preachers,  and  is  committed  to  the  policy  of 
selecting  from  its  general  membership,  eldership  or  diaconate,  avail¬ 
able  and  efficient  men  to  conduct  its.  financial  affairs  (see  printed 
Minutes  of  1908,  p.  33),  no  further  action  is  necessary. 

1161.  Economy  to  be  used  by  Committees 

1921,  p.  43.  In  reply  to  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  South 
Carolina,  and  from  the  Presbytery  of  Greenbrier,  urging  the  various 
Committees  of  the  Assembly  to  use  more  econonfy  in  the  administra¬ 
tion  of  expenses,  we  answer  as  follows:  We  recommend  that  the 
various  Committees  be  as  economical  as  possible. 

I 

1162.  Salaries  of  Secretaries  to  be  fixed  by  Executive  Committees 

1900,  p.  614.  On  the  overture  asking  the  Assembly  to  with¬ 
draw  from  its  Executive  Committees  the  right  to  fix  the  salary  of 
Secretaries,  and  that  the  Assembly  itself  fix  such  salary,  it  is  rec¬ 
ommended  that  a  negative  answer  be  returned.  This  answer  was 
put  upon  the  docket. 

P.  643.  This  answer  was  adopted. 


766 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


1163.  A  single  Treasurer  for  all  the  funds  of  the  Assembly 

1861,  p.  13.  Resolved,  That  the  Committee  on  Finance  be  in¬ 
structed  to  inquire  into  the  expediency  of  having;  but  one  Treas¬ 
urer,  by  whom  all  the  funds  under  the  control  of  the  General  As¬ 
sembly  shall  be  received  and  disbursed.  1 

P.  39.  This  Committee  asked  to  be  discharged  from  this  duty 
seeing  that  that  matter  has  been  covered  by  the  action  of  this  As¬ 
sembly  in  electing  separate  Treasurers  for  the  Executive  Committees. 
Adopted. 

1164.  Bond  of  the  Treasurers  of  the)  Executive j  Committees  payable 

to  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly 

1890,  p.  58.  Resolved ,  That  the  bonds  of  the  Treasurers  of  the 
Executive  Committees  in  future  be  executed  and  payable  to  the  Board 
of  Trustees  of  the  Assembly,  and  the  character  and  amounts  of 
said  bonds  be  left  to  the  discretion  of  said  Committees  except  when 
otherwise  ordered  by  Assembly. 

1165.  All  Treasurers  to  give  bond 

1909,  p.  30.  Your  committee  would  recommend  that  the  General 
Assembly  require  all  the  Treasurers  of  the  various  Boards  and 
Funds  of  the  General  Assembly  to  give  bonds  to  secure  the  funds  in 
their  custody,  so  that  there  may  be  a  uniform  system,  as  some  of 
the  Treasurers  are  under  bond  and  some  are  not.  Ajd opted. 

1166.  Books  of  Treasurers  not  to  be  kept  open  until  April  15 

1914,  p.  78.  The  Presbytery  of  Upper  Missouri  respectfully 
overtures  the  General  Assembly  “That  the  books  of  the  Treasurers 
of  Assembly’s  Executive  Comjmittees  be  kept  open  until  April  15, 
so  that  the  reports  of  the  churches  closing  their  books  on  March 
31st  may  reach  the  General  Assembly’s  Treasurers  before  their 
books  are  closed.” 

We  recommend  that  this  overture  be  answered  in  the  negative. 

1167.  Term  of  the  Secretaries 

1894,  p.  245.  Resolved,  That  the  Manual  of  each  of  the  As¬ 
sembly’s  Executive  Committees  be  amended  by  the  insertion  of  the 
following:  “The  term  of  service  of  the  Secretary  shall  begin  on  the 
first  day  of  September  and  end  on  the  first  day  of  the  next  Sep¬ 
tember.” 

Resolved,  That  the  Secretaries  elected  by  this  General  Assembly 
shall  hold  office  until  the  first  day  of  September,  1895. 

1168.  Salaries  of  Secretaries  and  Treasurers  to  be  reported 

1897,  p.  57.  It  was  ordered  that  hereafter  the  Assembly’s  Execu- 


•Secs.  1163-1173]  Systematic  Beneficence 


767 


tive  Committees  show,  in  the  reports  of  their  Treasurers,  the  sal¬ 
aries  paid  to  the  Secretaries  and  Treasurers. 

1169.  Separate  Treasurers  for  benevolent  funds. 

1898,  p.  216.  We  direct  the  attention  of  the  Presbyteries  to  the 
suggestion  made  Lv  our  Executive  Committee,  that  separate  Treas¬ 
urers  be  appointed  to  have  charge  of  all  benevolent’  funds. 

1170.  Weekly  Sabbath  collections 

1863,  p.  135.  Without  dictating  any  particular  mode  for  col¬ 
lecting  the  charities  of  the  Church,  the  committee  would  nevertheless 
respectfully  recommend,  in  all  cases  where  it  is  practicable,  the 
adoption  of  the  system  of  weekly  Sabbath  collections;  believing  that 
it  best  accords  with  the  order  of  the  apostle,  “Upon  the  first  day 
of  the  week  let  every  one  of  you  lay  by  him  in  store  as  God  hath 
prospered  him,”  aud  that  it  is  the  means  of  securing  the  largest 
possible  amount  of  funds  for  the  benevolent  operations  of  the 
Church. 

This  recommendation  was  renewed  by  the  Assemblies  of  1866, 
1867,  1870  and  1872,  and  the  practice  urged  upon  the  churches,  to 
make  stated  giving  a  part  of  worship,  and  so  a  means  of  elevating 
the  general  standard  of  piety. 

1171.  The  envelope  system 

1888,  p.  402.  The  Assembly  recommends  that  the  Presbyteries 
encourage  the  use  of  the  envelope  system  wherever  practicable,  and 
when  it  is  not,  to  adopt  such  other  system  or  systems  as  will  in  the 
circumstances  be  most  efficient. 

1172.  Presbyteries  to  inquire  as  to  contributions  by  their  churches 

to  our  stated  objects  of  benevolence 

1866,  p.  35.  Resolved,  That  our  Presbyteries  be  directed  to  make 
it  a  standing  rule  to  inquire,  at  their  spring  meetings,  of  all  their 
ministers  and  congregations,  if  they  have  had  contributions  taken 
up  within  a  year  for  all  our  stated  objects  of  benevolence,  and  to 
take  such  measures  as  will  secure  such  contributions. 

1173.  Schedule  of  Collections 

1896,  p.  575.  In  answer  to  an  overture  asking  that  the  Stated 
Clerk  be  instructed  to  make  out  and  issue  a  complete  schedule  of 
the  collections  ordered  by  the  General  Assembly,  the  time  they  are  to 
be  taken,  and  the  address  of  the  Treasurers  to  whom  they  are  to  be 
sent,  and  that  the  schedule  be  published  each  year  in  the  Appendix  of 
the  Minutes  of  the  Assembly,  and  for  at  least  a  month  in  six  of  the 
principal  church  papers  throughout  our  bounds,  and  also  on  a  sep- 


768 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


arate  sheet,  and  three  copies  of  this  sheet  be  sent  to  every  Session  in 
our  bounds,  your  committee  recommend  that  the  reply  be  in  the 
affirmative,  in  so  far  as  to  instruct  the  Stated  Clerk  to  make  out  a 
complete  schedule  of  the  collections  ordered  by  the  Assembly,  the 
time  at  which  they  are  to  be  taken,  the  address  of  the  Treasurers  to 
whom  they  are  to  be  sent,  and  to  publish  the  schedule  each  year  in 
the  Appendix  to  the  Minutes  of  the  Assembly.  Adopted. 

1903,  p.  499.  An  ad  interim  committee  was  appointed  to  report 
to  the  next  Assembly  on  a  rearrangement  of  the  schedule  of  collec¬ 
tions  and  on  the  whole  matter  of  Systematic  Beneficence  “with  a 
view  to  devising  ways  and  means  to  increase  the  amount  of  collec¬ 
tions.” 

1904,  p.  24.  This  committee  recommended  that  no  change  be 
made. 

1174.  Location  of  the  Committees 

1871,  p.  25.  The  Presbytery  of  Memphis,  believing  that  the 
true  interests  of  our  whole  Zion  would  be  greatly  promoted  by  the 
returning  of  the  Committees  of  Education  and  Sustentation  to  the 
places  where  they  were  first  located,  and  from  which  the  war  neces¬ 
sitated  their  removal,  would  hereby  overture  the  General  Assembly 
to  make  the  said  change,  and,  remove  the  Committee  of  Education  to 
Memphis,  and  the  Committee  of  Sustentation  to  New  Orleans. 

Reply :  There  appears  no  evidence  that  the  above  changes  are 
required  by  the  general  sentiment  of  the  churches  and  Presbyteries; 
and  the  Assembly  therefore  respectfully  declines  action  at  this  time. 

1872,  p.  169.  Overture  from  the  Synod  of  Memphis,  requesting 
the  return  of  the  Committees  of  Publication  and  Education  to  their 
original  locations;  overture  of  the  Presbytery  of  Red  River  to  the 
same  effect;  the  memorial  of  the  Presbytery  of  Chickasaw  touching 
the  Committee  of  Education;  overture  of  the  Presbytery  of  Mont¬ 
gomery  of  the  same  import;  and  the  resolution  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Western  District,  protesting  against  the  action  of  the  Synod  of 
Memphis  asking  for  the  removal. 

Answer :  Resolved,  That  no  change  be  made  for  the  present,  either 
as  to  the  division  or  removal  of  the  Executive  Committees  of  Pub¬ 
lication  and  Education. 

1872,  p.  165.  The  Committees  of  Sustentation  and  Foreign 
Missions,  in  joint  session,  have  carefully  considered  the  questions 
committed  to  them  by  the  General  Assembly  touching  the  division  and 
removal  of  the  Committees  of  Sustentation  and  Foreign  Missions, 
and  respectfully  report  to  the  General  Assembly  for  their  adoption  the 
following  resolution,  viz. : 

Resolved,  That  in  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly  it  is  inexpedient 
to  make  any  change  atj  present  in  the  location  or  constitution  of  these 
Committees. 

1175.  Consolidating  the  Executive  Committees 

1863,  p.  146.  Resolved,  1,  That  the  Executive  Committees  of 


Secs.  1173-1177]  Systematic  Beneficence 


769 


Education  and  Publication  shall  consist  of  the  same  persons,  under 
one  Secretary,  and  shall  be  empowered  to  take  in  charge  the  work 
hitherto  entrusted  to  these  two  Committees;  and  that  the  Executive 
Committees  of  Foreign  and  Domestic  Missions  shall  be  composed  of 
the  same  persons,  under  one  and  the  same  Secretary,  and  that  the 
whole  work  of  Foreign  and  Domestic  Missions  be  committed  to  their 
care. 

Resolved ,  2,  That  the  business,  records,  and  funds  of  the  four 
Executive  Committees  shall  be  kept  distinct  from  each  other,  not¬ 
withstanding  this  arrangement,  and  that  the  arrangement  now 
adopted  continue  in  force  till  the  next  meeting  of  the  General  As¬ 
sembly. 

1870,  p.  535.  Overture  relative  to  the  separation  of  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committees  of  Publication  and  Education,  and  the  removal  of 
the  Education  Committee  to  another  point  than,  Richmond. 

Answer :  There  seems  to  be  no  imperative  or  general  call  for  such 
change,  and  therefore  it  is  at  present  inexpedient  to  make  the  change 
proposed. 

Same  action  in  1890  (p.  46)  and  1895  (p.  424).  See  also  1898,. 
p.  223. 

1894,  p.  201.  The  Assembly  declined  an  overture  asking  that 
the  Executive  Committees  of  Home  Missions  and  Education  for  the 
Ministry  be  united. 

1900,  p.  611.  The  Assembly  declined  to  unite  the  cause  of 
Church  and  Christian  Education  with  that  of  Education  for  the  Min¬ 
istry. 

1176.  Presbyteries  are  to  make  annual  reports  on  Systematic  Ben¬ 

evolence 

1862,  p.  12.  The  Assembly  recognized  as  still  in  force  a  paper 
adopted  by  the  Assembly  of  1854,  testifying  to  the  Christian  obliga¬ 
tion  of  the  regular  systematic  contributions  to  the  various  objects 
of  Christian  benevolence,  and  to  the  importance  of  instituting  some 
well  ordered  plan  by  which  these  objects’  should  be  brought  before 
the  people,  and  an  opportunity  given  them  to  make  such  contributions. 
Every  Presbytery  is  directed  annually,  at  its  sessions  immediately 
preceding  the  meeting  of  the  Assembly,  to  make  inquiry  as  to  the 
performance  of  these  duties  in  its  general  character,  and  to  report  to 
the  Assembly  the  results  of  that  inquiry.  These  reports  are  to  be 
referred  to  the  Standing  Committee  on  Systematic  Benevolence,  by 
whom  a  general  view  of  the  facts  for  exhibition  is  to  be  presented  to 
the  Assembly,  and  through  that  body  to  the  Church  at  large,  with  the 
recommendation  of  such  further  action  as  may  seem  to  be  required. 

1177.  Duty  of  the  Standing  Committee  on  Systematic  Benevolence 

1864,  p.  268.  The  duty  specially  incumbent  upon  this  Commit¬ 
tee  is  to  give  a  condensed  summary  of  the  reports  received  from  the 
several  Presbyteries,  so  that  the  General  Assembly  may  be  fully  in- 


770 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


formed  as  to  the  condition  of  the  churches  with  respect  to  the  grace 
of  giving,  and  that  such  action  may  be  taken  as  seems  to  be  de¬ 
manded  and  wisdom  may  direct  for  attaining  the  great  end  for 
which  the  General  Assembly  has  been  laboring  for  many  years. 

1178.  Opportunity  to  be  afforded  every  member  to  give 

1865,  p.  368.  The  committee  recommend  that  it  be  enjoined 
upon  the  church  Sessions  to  adopt  some  plan  by  which  every  mem¬ 
ber  of  their  congregations  may  have  an  opportunity  and  be  appealed 
to,  whether  poor  or  rich,  young  or  old,  even  in  these  times  of  trial, 
to  contribute  something  to  the  various  objects  of  benevolence  which 
demand  their  benefactions;  that  the  Sessions  report  to  the  Presby¬ 
teries,  and  that  the  Presbyteries  report  to  the  Assembly,  the  plans 
they  have  adopted  and  their  results.  Adopted. 

See  also  Minutes  for  1867,  1871  and  1884. 

1871,  p.  20.  Resolved,  That  the  Presbyteries  earnestly  recom¬ 
mend  all  their  pastors,  stated  supplies  and  missionaries,  to  give 
frequent  instructions  to  their  respective  churches  as  to  their  duty 
in  this  matter,  which  is  not  only  of  prime  importance  to  the 
progress,  but  even  indispensable  to  the  continued  life  and  permanent 
existence  of  the  Qhurch. 

1179.  Presbyterial  supplies  for  vacant  churches  should  take  up 
collections  for  the  schemes  of  the  Assembly 

1868.  p.  279.  Resolved,  That  the  Presbyteries  are  hereby  en¬ 
joined  to  require  of  their  ministers  sent  as  occasional  supplies  to 
vacant  congregations,  to  take  up  collections  for  the  schemes  of  the 
Assembly  during  such  visits  of  said  supplies  to  said  congregations. 
(A  similar  resolution  adopted  1875,  p.  38,  and  1876,  p.  225.  See 
Resolution  6  of  the  next  Section.) 

1180.  Apportionment  for  the  causes  of  Systematic  Benevolence 

1873,  p.  335.  In  view  of  the  necessity  for  greatly  increased  con¬ 
tributions  to  sustain  the  benevolent  enterprises  of  the  Church,  and 
also  of  the  fact  that  from  so  large  a  portion  of  our  people  there  is  a 
lamentable  failure  of  co-operation  in  this  work: 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  take  into  careful  con¬ 
sideration  this  whole  subject,  and  especially  the  practicability  and 
efficiency  of  some  plan  by  which  the  funds  to  be  raised  for  the 
purpose  above  referred  to  may  be  apportioned  among  the  Presby¬ 
teries,  and  through  them  among  the  churches.  Said  committee  shall 
report  to  the  next  General  Assembly.  Adopted. 

1874,  p.  487.  This  committee  made  a  report,  which  was  ordered 
to  be  sent  down  to  the  Presbyteries  for  their  consideration,  with  a 
request  that  an  expression  of  their  opinion  on  the  plan  proposed  be 
sent  up  to  the  next  Assembly. 


Secs.  1177-1180]  Systematic  Beneficence 


771 


This  report  is  printed  in  the  Appendix  of  the  Minutes,  p.  584. 
After  discussing  the  necessity  for  greatly  increased  contributions  to 
sustain  the  benevolent  enterprises  of  the  Church,  and  the  failure  of 
co-operation  in  this  work  from  so  large  a  portion  of  our  people,  as 
being  probably  the  chief  cause  for  this  smallness  of  results,  the  re¬ 
port  proceeds  to  elaborate  a  plan  designed  to  remedy  this  state  of 
affairs.  This  plan  was,  that  the  funds  to  be  raised  for  the  purposes 
of  Systematic  Benevolence  be  apportioned  among  the  Presbyteries* 
and  through  them  among  the  churches.  The  report  outlines  in  de¬ 
tail  the  features  that  might  be  incorporated  in  the  working  of  such 
plan.  The  committee  say,  in  the  report,  that  they  are  encouraged  to 
regard  this  plan  with  favor,  both  as  to  its  practicability  and  efficiency. 
They  also  discuss  objections  likely  to  be  urged  against  the  plan. — A. 

1875,  p.  39.  The  Presbyteries  having  sent  up  their  opinions, 
they  were  collated,  and  were  as  follows:  Twenty-seven  Presbyteries 
only  report.  Of  these,  twenty-two  reject  the  plan  unconditionally, 
one  approves,  two  accept  with  qualifications,  and  two  say  that  they 
have  taken  no  action.  Thereupon  the  Assembly  adopted  another 
plans,  as  follows: 

1.  The  Assembly  solemnly  urges  upon  all  pastors  and  other  min¬ 
isters  their  obligation  to  expound  fully  to  the  people  the  duty  and 
privilege  of  giving  to  Christ  as  an  essential  part  of  acceptable  wor¬ 
ship. 

2.  The  Assembly  urges  upon  all  its  constituent  Presbyteries  to 
include  this  branch  of  ministerial  duty  in  their  stated  conferences 
upon  the  state  of  religion  in  their  bounds. 

3.  The  Assembly  hereby  solemnly  enjoins  upon  the  Presbyteries 
to  require  of  church  Sessions,  in  case  of  failure  to  take  up  any  one 
of  the  collections  ordered,  to  report  in  writing  the  reason  thereof,  upon 
the  validity  of  which  the  Presbytery  shall  pass  judgment,  approving 
or  disapproving,  as  the  case  may  be.  And  the  Presbyteries  shall 
state  upon  the!  face  of  their  annual  reports  on  Systematic  Beneficence 
in  regard  to  their  compliance  with  this  injunction. 

4.  It  is  made  the  duty  of  the  Standing  Committee  on  Systematic 
Beneficence  of  each  General  Assembly  to  ascertain  from  the  Presby- 
terial  reports  on  this  subject  how  far  the  above  injunctions  have  been 
complied  with,  and  to  report  to  the  Assembly  what  Presbyteries  (if 
any)  have  failed  to  comply  with  them.  It  is  also  hereby  made  the 
duty  of  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the  General  Assembly,  to  enter  upon  the 
docket  the  duties  herein  imposed  upon  the  said  Committee,  as  an 
item  of  business,  so  that  the  attention  of  the  Cbmmittee  may  be  ex¬ 
pressly  called  thereto. 

5.  In  case  any  Presbytery  fails  to  report  on  the  subject  of  Sys¬ 
tematic  Beneficence,  or  to  report  in  due  and  proper  form,  as  ordered 
by  the  Assembly,  or  to  report  in  regard  to  either  of  the  requirements 
made  in  the  above  injunction;  or  if  the  report  in  the  case  of  any 
Presbytery  shows  that  it  has  not  complied  with  the  injunction  first 
named,  in  Section  3  above,  viz. :  in  regard  to  the  requirement  from 
church  Sessions  of  the  reasons  for  their  failure  in  any  case  to  give 
the  people  an  opportunity  to  contribute — the  Moderator  of  the  As¬ 
sembly  shall  thereupon  appoint  some  member  of  said  Presbytery  as 
the  Assembly’s  commissioner  thereto,  to  bring  the  failure  to  the 


772 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


attention  of  the  Presbytery.  And  the  Presbytery  shall  send  up  to 
the  next  Assembly,  along  with  its  report  on  Systematic  Beneficence, 
a  statement  of  the  reasons  for  said  failure. 

6.  In  order  the  more  surely  to  obtain  collections  from,  vacant  con¬ 
gregations  (without,  however,  at  all  lessening  the  separate  and  full 
responsibility  of  the  Sessions  thereof  in  the  premises,  and  in  the 
absence  of  supplies),  the  Presbyteries  are  hereby  enjoined  to  require 
supplies  sent  to  such  vacant  congregations  to  attend  to  this  business, 
and  in  case  of  failure  to  do  so,  to  render  a  reason  therefor. 

1876,  p.  224.  By  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Abingdon,  and 
from  remarks  made  by  other  Presbyteries,  we  find  strong  exception 
taken  to  the  fifth  injunction  of  the  report  adopted  by  the  last  Assem¬ 
bly.  To  the  overture  we  respectfully  make  answer — 

1st,  That  in  its  nature  the  section  referred  to  is  necessarily  in¬ 
operative,  and  as  such  will  only  serve  to  weaken  the  authority  of 
this  venerable  court. 

2nd,  That  the  powers  therein  granted  to  the  Moderator,  as  to 
the  “appointment  of  a  commissioner,”  etc.,  are  excessive,  and  in 
interference  with  the  powers  delegated  to  the  Presbyteries  by  our 
Form  of  Government.  (See  Section  VIII.,  page  170,  Form  of  Gov¬ 
ernment.  ) 

We  would  therefore  recommend  that  the  provisions  of  Sction  3 
of  the  report  of  last  year’s  committee  be  stricken  out.  In  order  to 
obviate  other  difficulties  which  trouble  our  brethren  upon  the  points 
of  the  report  adopted  as  the  injunctions  of  the  Assembly  to  the 
Presbyteries  last  year,  we  would  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  fol¬ 
lowing  as  a  substitute  for  that  report: 

Here  follow  resolutions,  the  same  a&  adopted  above  in  1875  with 
the  omission  of  the  fifth,  and  a  recommendation  that  supplies  sent  to 
vacant  churches  should  solicit  collections  from  the  same. — A. 

1877,  p.  421.  Overture  from  Rev.  J.  W.  Kerr;  and  others  of  the 
Presbytery  of  Ouachita,  complaining  of  the  action  of  the  General 
Assembly  of  1875,  pages  40  and  41,  as  extra-constitutional  and 
practically,  in  some  hands,  offensive  and  alienating. 

The  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  recommend  this  reply; 
The  action  complained  of  evidently  arises  from  a  misapprehension 
of  the  purpose  of  said  action,  which  simply  provides  for  inquiring 
of  church  courts  respecting  their  diligence  in  affording  the  people 
opportunities  for  contributing  to  our  schemes  of  benevolence. 
Adopted. 

1883,  p.  60.  Resolved,  That  all  the  Presbyteries  be  enjoined  to 
prepare  and  send  up  to  the  General  Assembly  full  reports  on  this 
subject,  and  to  carry  out  the  order  of  the  Assembly  in  calling  on  the 
delinquent  church  Sessions  to  give  reasons  wby  collections  have  not 
an  any  case  been  taken  up. 

-  1181.  Apportionment,  not  assessment 

1866,  p.  38.  Overture  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Orleans,  “call- 


Secs.  1180-1185]  Systematic  Beneficence 


773 


ing  attention  to  the  present  method  of  assessing  Presbyteries  for 
benevolent  objects,”  and  asking  that  it  be  discontinued. 

Answer :  1,  The  present  method  of  naming  definite  amounts  for 
each  Presbytery  to  raise  is  not  an  assessment,  but  an  apportionment, 
and  is  designed  simply  to  indicate  to  each  Presbytery  how  much  it 
must  give  if  the  great  causes  of  the  Church  are  to  be  successfully 
prosecuted. 

2.  As  the  plan  is  found  on  the  whole  to  work  well,  and  in  many  in¬ 
stances  very  much  to  increase  contributions,  it  is  considered  better 
to  continue  it. 

1182.  Synod  has  no  power  to  enjoin  assessments 

1892,  p.  434.  Overture  from,  the  Presbytery  of  Florida  as  to  the 
right  of  Synod  to  enjoin  an  assessment  upon  Presbytery  for  the 
benevolent  causes  of  the  Assembly. 

Answer :  It  has  no  such  constitutional  right.  See  also  1900,  p. 
641. 

1183.  Failure  to  take  up  collections 

1890,  p.  51.  Resolved \  That  the  Presbyteries  be  earnestly  en¬ 
joined  to  institute  particular  inquiry  at  every  spring  meeting  into 
the  reasons  for  failure  on  the  part  of  churches  to  make  any  of  the 
collections  ordered  by  the  General  Assembly,  and  to  urge  pastors 
and  supplies  to  instruct  the  people  in  the  duty  of  systematic,  pro¬ 
portionate  giving. 

Substantially  repeated  1891,  p.  259. 

1184.  Pastors  to  preach  on  giving 

1882,  p.  547.  Resolved,  That  the  Presbyteries  be  requested  to 
call  the  attention  of  pastors  to  the  great  principle  of  systematic 
giving  as  an  act  of  worship,  and  enjoin  upon  them  to  preach  to  their 
congregations,  on  that  subject  at  least  once  a  year. 

That  the  Assembly  enjoin  upon  Presbyteries  to  urge  the  pastors 
to  hold  monthly  meetings  in  the  interest  of  Missions  in  their  several 
churches,  giving  the  people  such  information  touching  the  progress 
of  the  work  in  this  and  other  lands,  and  bringing  to  bear  upon  them 
such  truths  of  God’s  Word  as  may  tend  to  intensify  their  zeal  for  the 
evangelization  of  the  world,  and  that  they  encourage  large  special 
gifts  from  those  upon  whom  God  has  bestowed  special  blessings. 

1185.  Concerts,  suppers,  etc.,  for  church  purposes 

1888,  p.  402.  Whereas  it  appears  to  have  become  quite  common 
for  our  people  to  secure  money  for  church  purposes  by  concerts, 
suppers,  etc.,  be  it — 

Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  advise  against  all  such 
means  for  securing  money  to  be  used  in  the  Master’s  work.  This 


774 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


advice  is  given  because  we  believe  that  the  Lord  has  ordained  that 
giving  should  be  an  act  of  worship,  and  thus  a  means  of  grace. 

Reaffirmed  1891,  p.  260. 

1186.  Presbyterial  Committees  on  Systematic  Beneficence 

1873,  p.  332.  Resolved,  That  each  Presbytery  be  enjoined  to 
appoint  an  Executive  Committee  on  Systematic  Benevolence,  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  correspond  with  the  Sessions  of  vacant  churches 
in  the  intervals  of  meetings  of  Presbytery,  calling  their  attention  to 
the  time  and  objects  of  the  various  collections,  and  urging  them  to 
see  to  it  that  the  members  of  their  respective  churches  be  kept  in¬ 
formed  of  the  various  operations  of  our  Church,  and  have  an  oppor¬ 
tunity  afforded  them  of  contributing  to  each  one  of  her  six  objects, 
either  by  public  collection  or  by  personal  application,  and,  if  possible, 
within  the  two  months  allotted  to  each  of  these  objects. 

1187.  Synodical  Secretaries  and  financial  agents 

1892,  p.  461.  The  Assembly  approves  the  records  of  the  Synod 
of  Georgia,  with  the  exception  of  its  action  in  appointing  a  Synodical 
Secretary  for  one  of  the  Assembly’s  causes. 

P.  456.  The  Minutes  of  the  Synod  of  North  Carolina  were 
approved,  except  the  appointment  of  a  financial  agent  for  the  pur¬ 
pose  of  raising  the  benevolences  of  the  church. 

P.  442.  It  has  been  the  policy  of  the  Assembly  in  the  past  to 
rely  upon  the  pastors,  elders  and  deacons  of  churches  under  God  to 
develop  the  graces  of  those  who  are  under  their  care;  and  to  bring 
their  churches  systematically  into  the  work  of  the  Assembly  by  con¬ 
tributing  regularly  of  their  means  as  God  has  prospered  them,  and 
it  is  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly  that  no  lower  court  ought  to 
appoint  any  financial  agents  to  work  in  behalf  of  the  Assembly’s 
causes,  as  assigned  by  the  Assembly  to  its  Executive  Comfiiittees, 
except  that  this  shall  not  hinder  the  chairmen  of  Presbyterial  com¬ 
mittees  in  the  discharge  of  their  proper  duties  in  the!  months  assigned 
to  their  work. 

1188.  Statistical  Report  and  Systematic  Beneficence 

1899,  p.  431.  To  an  overture  asking  “whether  the  figures  in 
the  Statistical  Report  should  be  copied  into  the  Report  on  Syste¬ 
matic  Beneficence,  or  should  the  figures  in  the  Systematic  Benefi¬ 
cence  Report  indicate  simply  what  has  actually  been  contributed'  to 
the  various  causes  under  the  care  of  our  Executive  Committees” — 
the  Assembly  adopted  the  following  answer: 

It  is  the  judgment  of  the  Assembly  that  the  reports  on  Statistics 
and  Systematic  Beneficence  are  different  reports,  and  are  intended  to 
gather  information  on  different  subjects;  the  figures  in  the  Statistical 
Report  should  not,  therefore,  necessarily  be  copied  into  the  Report 
on  Systematic  Beneficence. 


1 


Secs.  1185-1194]  Systematic  Beneficence  775 

1189.  Presbyteries  must  send  up  report  on  Systematic  Beneficence 

1900,  p.  630.  Those  Presbyteries  which  have  failed  to  send  up 
reports  on  Systematic  Beneficence  for  several  years  past  were  directed 
to  request  their  Stated  Clerks  hereafter  to  prepare  and  submit  their 
reports  at  the  proper  time. 

1190.  Executive  Committees  not  required  to  itemize  expenditures 

1888,  p.  387.  As  all  the  items  of  expenditures  of  the  several 
committees  of  the  church  are  laid  before  the  Auditing  Committees 
of  the  Assembly,  and  are  passed  upon  by  them;  and  as  the  annual 
publication  of  these  items  would  involve  much  detail  and  some 
expense  to  the  church;  and  further,  as  there  may  be  items  of  expen¬ 
diture  which  it  would  not  be  desirable  to  make  public,  especially  in 
the  disbursement  of  the  Invalid  Fund  and  like  benefactions,  the 
Assembly  deems  it  unnecessary  to  spread  all  these  items  in  detail 
before  the  church. 

1191.  Executive  Committees  must  publish  their  expense  account  in 

detail. 

1900,  p.  643.  An  overture  asking  that  the  Executive  Committees 
be  required  to  publish  in  detail  their  expense  account.  The  request 
was  granted. 

1192.  Figures  for  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence 

1907,  p.  26.  We  recommend  that  the  Secretaries  of  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committees  furnish  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the  Assembly  the  total 
amounts  contributed  to  their  respective  causes  for  the  fiscal  year, 
which  shall  be  placed  with  the  reports  of  the  Presbyteries  on  Sys¬ 
tematic  Beneficence;  and  that  the  Assembly’s  Committee  on  Syste¬ 
matic  Beneficence  shall  in  their  report  enter  under  the  head,  “Totals 
of  Executive  Committees,”  the  amounts  contributed  to  the  different 
benevolent  causes  through  these  Committees.  Adopted. 

1193.  Interpretation  of  “ contributed 5” 

1907,  p.  56.  An  overture  asking  for  an  interpretation  of  the 
word  “contributed”  in  Statistical  blank.  It  is  recommended  that  the 
answer  be,  that  “contributed”  means  all  funds  collected  in  the  con¬ 
gregation  for  the  work  of  the  Lord.  Adopted. 

1194.  Items  not  called  for  in  reports  on  Systematic  Beneficence 

1883,  p.  60.  Ordered  by  the  Assembly:  That  the  blank  forms 
on  Systematic  Beneficence  be  corrected  by  leaving  out  the  items, 
Presbyterial,  Pastors’  Salaries  and  Congregational. 


776  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

1195.  Printed  copies  of  the  reports  of  the  Executive  Committees 

not  required 

1871,  p.  10.  Resolved,  That  the  reports  of  the  Secretaries  and 
Treasurers  of  the  Executive  Committees  of  Education,  of  Foreign 
Missions,  of  Publication,  and  of  Sustentation,  be  printed  and  laid 
before  the  Assembly,  so  that  time  be  allowed  each  member  of  the 
Assembly  to  examine  the  same  before  he  is  called  upon  to  vote,  in 
order  that  he  may  know)  what  he  endorses  by  his  vote. 

This  resolution  was  rejected. 

1196.  Publishing  the  reports  of  Executive  Committees 

1870,  p.  505.  The  Assembly  was  overtured  to  discontinue  the 
separate  publication  of  the  reports  of  the  Executive  Committees,  and 
in  lieu  thereof  to  publish  these  reports,  or  extracts  thereof,  in  the 
Minutes  of  the  Assembly,  and  that  these  Minutes  be  gratuitously 
distributed  to  pastors  and  Sessions,  the  Executive  Committees  bear¬ 
ing  a  proportion  of  the  expense.  Matter  referred  to  the  Executive 
Committees.  This  same  proposition,  renewed  1872  (p.  158),  was 
declined  by  the  Assembly. 

1197.  Uniform^  size  for  reports 

1903,  p.  504.  It  was  resolved  that  the  Secretaries  of  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committees  of  this  body  be,  and  are  hereby,  directed  to  publish 
their  reports  in  a  size  conformed  to  the  size  of  the  Minutes  of  the 
General  Assembly. 

1198.  Abstracts  of  annual  reports 

1875,  p.  46.  The  Stated  Clerk  was  directed  to  publish  hereafter, 
in  the  Appendix  to  the  Minutes,  abstracts  of  the  annual  reports  of 
the  Executive  Committees  of  the  Assembly,  instead  of  the  full  reports, 
as  heretofore. 

1909,  p.  60.  1.  From  the  Presbyteries  of  Wilmington,  Winchester, 

Fort  Worth  and  Lexington,  asking  that  the  action  of  the  Assembly 
of  1908  recorded  on  page  26,  directing  the  Stated  Clerk  to  make  up 
his  statistical  reports  on  benevolent  causes  from  the  report  of  the 
Executive  Committees  instead  of  from  that  of  the  Stated  Clerks  of  the 
Presbyteries,  be  rescinded. 

We  recommend  the  following  answer: 

That  the  action  of  the  Assembly  complained  of  does  not  refer 
to  the  detailed  reports  from  the  churches  as  given  in  the  Minutes  by 
Presbyteries,  but  only  to  the  general  comparative  summary  given  in 
the  back  of  the  Minutes. 

1199  Executive  Committees  to  make  appeals 

1905.  p.  40.  An  overture  asking  the  Assembly  to  request  our 


Secs.  1195-1202]  Systematic  Beneficence 


777 


Executive  Committees  to  return  to  the  practice  of  issuing  appeals 
for  their  causes  on  a  date  immediately  preceding  the  time  fixed  by 
the  Assembly  for  their  respective  collections. 

Answered  in  the  affirmative. 

1200.  Itemized  reports  from  the  Treasurers  of  the  various  Church 

funds 

1871,  p.  19.  Overture  praying  the  Assembly  to  require  of  all 
the  Treasurers  of  church  funds  “a  specific,  itemized  report  of  all 
receipts  from  all  and  every  source,  and  also  of  all  disbursements 
in  the  same  specific  itemized  manner,  and  that  the  same  be  published 
in  the  Minutes  of  the  Assembly.” 

Answer :  The  detailed  accounts  of  all  the  Executive  Committees 
are  annually  exhibited  to  the  Assembly,  and  by  its  Auditing  Com¬ 
mittees  examined  and  settled.  The  Assembly  regards  this  measure 
as  substantially  securing  the  faithful  disbursements  of  the  funds. 

1201.  The  Executive  Committees  to  audit  the  reports  of  their 

T  reasurers 

1882,  p.  554.  Each  of  the  Executive  Committees  was  directed 
to  appoint  from  among  its  own  number  respectively  a  sub-committee 
to  audit  the  accounts  of  their  respective  Treasurers,  who  shall  sub¬ 
mit  a  written  report,  which  shall  accompany  the  report  of  the  Com¬ 
mittee  as  made  to  the  General  Assembly  and  form  part  of  the  same. 

1202.  Local  Auditing  Committees 

1889,  p.  593.  The  Auditing  Cpmmittee  would  respectfully 
recommend  to  the  Assembly  that  it  is  eminently  desirable  that  the 
Assembly  should  appoint  for  each  of  its  committees — Foreign  Mis¬ 
sions,  Home  Missions,  Publication  and  Education — an  auditing  com¬ 
mittee  of  three,  who  are  not  members  of  said  Committees,  but  resi¬ 
dents  in  those  cities  where  the  committees  are  located,  whose  duties 
shall  be  to  examine  the  accounts  of  the  Treasurers  thereof,  and  audit 
the  same  prior  to  their  being  submitted  annually  to  the  Assembly. 
Adopted. 

P.  598.  The  Assembly  authorized  the  appointment  of  a  similar 
committee  to  audit  the  accounts  of  the  Treasurer  of  Tuscaloosa 
Institute. 

This  committee  reported  from  year  to  year  to  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Home  Missions,  and'  not  to  the  Assembly. — A. 

1890,  p.  48.  It  was  ordered  that  an  expert  accountant,  resident 
in  Charlottee,  N.  C.,  be  appointed  to  audit  the  accounts  of  the  Treas¬ 
urer  of  the  Board  of  Trustees. 

1891,  p.  240.  Your  committee  recommend  that  the  order  of  the 
General  Assembly  passed  in  1889,  requiring  the  accounts  of  the 
Treasurer  to  be  examined  by  a  local  auditing  committee,  be  placed 


778 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


in  the  Constitution  of  the  Home  Mission  Committee,  instead  of  the 
former  rule,  which  required  the  Treasurer’s  report  and  vouchers  to 
be  brought  to  each  General  Assembly  for  examination  by  the  Assem¬ 
bly’s  Standing  Auditing  Committee.  Adopted. 

The  Manual  of  1896,  III.,  8  is  to  be  construed  in  the  light  of  this 
action. — A. 


1203.  Detailed  Statement  of  Audits 

1898,  p.  231.  There  is  no  itemized  statement  to  show  in  detail 
what  the  auditing  committees  approve,  excepting  in  the  case  of  the 
Home  Mission  Committee,  which  furnished  a  statement  of  accounts 
in  detail;  and  therefore  your  committee  can  go  no  further  than  accept 
as  correct  those  statements  of  approval.  It  certainly  would  be  better 
to  have  a  detailed  statement  of  account  to  accompany  each  approval 
of  the  respective  auditing  committees  of  the  General  Assembly,  and 
your  committee  would  recommend  this  as  a  rule  to  be  observed  in  the 
future. 

In  most  cases  the  several  auditing  committees  fail  to  certify  that 
disbursements  were  made  upon  proper  authority.  This  is  the  main 
duty  resting  upon  these  committees,  and  we  recommend  that  the 
auditing  committees  be  so  instructed  by  the  General  Assembly. 
Adopted. 

1899,  p.  425.  The  reports  of  committees  to  audit  accounts  of 
the  Treasurers  of  the  Executive  Committees  of  Foreign  and  Home 
Missions,  Education,  Publication  and  Colored  Evangelization  have 
been  before  us,  each  certifying  to  the  correctness  of  the  accounts 
audited  by  them.  The  appointment  of  these  committees  is  not 
a  mere  matter  of  form,  but  carries  with  it  a  duty;  upon  which 
much  of  the  correctness  in  details,  so  necessary  to  the  efficient  work 
of  the  arms  of  the  Assembly,  must  rest;  and  we  recommend  to  this 
Assembly  for  adoption  the  following  form,  employed  this  year  by  the 
Richmond  Auditing  Committee,  as  the  one  to  be  used  hereafter  by 
all  the  Auditing  Committees  appointed  by  the  General  Assembly: 

We,  the  undersigned  appointed  to  audit  the  accounts  of  the  Trea¬ 
surer  of  .  .  by  the  Assembly  of  ...  ,  beg  leave  to  re¬ 

port  that  they  have  performed  that  duty,  and  find  the  accounts  cor¬ 
rect,  sustained  by  proper  vouchers,  and  the  disbursements  made  upon 
proper  authority.  A  statement  of  receipts  and  disbursements  is 
hereto  attached.  The  balance  in  the  treasury  April  1,  is 

$  .  .  .  Adopted. 

1918,  p.  39.  We  [the  Standing  Committee  on  Audits]  cordially 
approve  the  plan  adopted  by  some  of  the  committees  of  having  the 
books  of  treasurers  audited  by  and  their  reports  submitted  to  the  As¬ 
sembly  certified  to  by  practicing  accountants  and  we  suggest  that  this 
be  adopted  as  the  policy  of  the  General  Assembly,  to  be  adhered  to 
whenever  it  is  feasible,  and  we  recommend  that  this  method,  be  re¬ 
quired  of  the  four  important  committees,  viz. :  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Foreign  Missions,  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions, 


Secs.  1202-1205]  Systematic  Beneficence 


779 


Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  Ministerial  Relief, 
and  Executive  Committee  of  Publication. 

1922,  p.  38.  The  Committee  on  Audits  made  its  report,  which 
was  adopted,  as  follows: 

We  have,  following  the  custom  which  has  prevailed  in  previous 
Assemblies,  accepted  the  audits  made  and  attested  by  certified  pub¬ 
lic  accountants  and  reputable  individuals. 

1204.  Retrenchment  and  Reform 

1878,  p.  608.  Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  con¬ 
sider  the  expediency  of  devising  some  plan  for  simplifying  our  ec¬ 
clesiastical  machinery,  diminishing  the  expense  of  our  benevolent 
operations,  and  increasing  the  contributions  from  our  churches;  and 
that  this  committee  report  to  this  Assembly. 

P.  641.  The  report  of  this  committee  was  tabled. 

1879,  p.  35.  Overtures  ask  the  Assembly  to  take  measures  to 
secure  retrenchment  of  expenses  in  the  management  of  its  various 
schemes,  and  to  consolidate  the  Committees  of  Education  and  Pub¬ 
lication. 

The  committee  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following  minute 
in  answer  to  the  foregoing  overtures: 

1.  While  this  Assembly  has  not  sufficient  data  before  it  to  justify 
any  important  changes  in  the  management  of  its  various  schemes 
of  benevolence,  or  even  to  determine  whether  such  changes  are 
needed,  yet,  in  deference  to  these  overtures,  it  hereby  appoints  a 
committee  to  investigate  this  whole  subject  and  make  a  report  to 
the  next  Assembly. 

2.  The  question  of  the  consolidation  of  the  Committees  of  Edu¬ 
cation  and  Publication  is  hereby  referred  to  said  committee.  Adopted. 

1880,  p.  203.  The  whole  subject  was  referred  to  the  next  As¬ 
sembly. 

1881,  p.  366.  “Resolved,  1,  That  the  five  Executive  Committees 
be  continued  as  at  present,  and  that  the  Publication  and  Education 
Executive  Committees  shall  hereafter  publish  monthly  acknowledg¬ 
ments  of  all  receipts  into  their  treasuries  in  the  Earnest  Worker 

“2.  That  the  General  Assembly  shall  exert  its  influence  upon  the 
lower  courts  to  bring  about  their  rigid  inspection  of  all  accounts, 
and  systematic  and  exact  management  of  money  matters  by  all  di- 
aconal  officers  of  our  congregations.’ ’ 

1885,  p.  400.  Similar  action  was  taken. 

1205.  Statistical  tables  to  be  published 

1863,  p.  154.  The  Stated  Clerk  is  hereby  directed  to  publish 
the  statistical  tables  of  the  Presbyteries  in  the  Appendix  to  the 
Minutes;  also  to  supply  deficiencies  in  these  tables  from  the  latest 
copies  that  can  be  procured  of  the  Minutes  of  the  General  Assem¬ 
bly  in  the  United  States  (of  America),  and  to  use  any  moneys 
in  the  treasury  to  defray  the  expenses  of  this  publication. 


780 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book'  IV 


1206.  The  Tithe 

1876,  p.  241.  Overtures  asking  the  Assembly  to  determine  the 
question  whether  the  law  of  the  tithe  is  of  universal  and  perpetual 
obligation.  The  committee  recommend  that  this  subject  be  referred 
to  the  next  General  Assembly.  Adopted. 

1889,  p.  607.  In  connection  with  its  action,  elsewhere  given,  send¬ 
ing  down  an  overture  to  the  Presbyteries  on  the  subject  of  societies 
within  and  without  the  church,  the  Assembly  also  submitted  the 
subject  of  tithing  as  a  means  of  raising  the  funds  of  the  church, 
with  the  direction  that  the  Presbyteries  return  carefully  formulated 
papers  upon  these  points  to  the  next  Assembly. 

1890,  p.  26.  In  response  to  the  overture  of  the  last  Assembly, 
sixty-eight  Presbyteres  of  the  seventy-one  on  the  roll  have  sent  up 
papers  on  the  law  of  the  tithe  as  a  means  of  raising  the  funds  of  the 
church.  All  the  shades  of  opinion  expressed  could;  not  be  presented 
without  giving  the  papers  in  full,  some  of  which  are  quite  volumi¬ 
nous.  The  following  summary,  however,  is  substantially  correct: 

Of  the  sixty-eight  reporting,  fifty-one  express  the  opinion  that 
the  law  of  the  tithe  is  not  binding  under  the  New  Testament  dis¬ 
pensation;  ten  regard  it  as  still  binding,  either  upon  the  church  or 
the  individual,  or  both;  one  is  not  clear  enough  to  be  put  on  either 
side,  six  decline  to  express  an  opinion. 

Of  the  fifty-one  that  do  not  regard  the  law  as  binding  under  the 
present  dispensation,  sixteen  refer  to  it  as  suggestive  in  the  matter 
of  systematic  giving,  or  useful  to  guide  the  Christian  in  determin¬ 
ing  his  duty. 

Of  the  ten  that  believe  the  law  to  be  binding,  three  advise  against 
formal  enactment  of  measures  to  enforce  the  law. 

The  larger  number  of  Presbyteries  enjoin  greater  consecration  to 
the  Lord,  and  liberal  and  systematic  giving  according  to  one’s  abil¬ 
ity;  and  quote,  as  setting  forth  the  Scripture  principles  that  should 
guide  in  the  discharge  of  this  duty,  such  passages  as  these:  “Let 
everyone  lay  by  him  in  store  as  God  hath  prospered  him;”  “The 
Lord  loveth  a  cheerful  giver;”  “As  a  man  purposeth  in  his  heart, 
so  let  him  give.” 

The  committee  recommend  that  these  facts  be  spread  upon  the 
Minutes,  and  that  no  further  action  be  taken  upon  the  subject  by 
the  General  Assembly.  Approved. 

P.  27.  Abingdon  Presbytery  overtures  the  General  Assembly: 

1.  Not  to  let  the  general  subject  of  giving  and  of  raising  funds 
for  the  Lord’s  work  drop  at  this  stage,  but, 

2.  That  it  “make  a  deliverance  as  to  what  are  the  fundamental 
principles  laid  down  in  the  sacred  Scriptures  for  the  government 
and  guidance  of  God’s  people  in  the  giving  of  their  substance  to 
the  advancement  of  His  kingdom.” 

Answer:  A  sufficient  answer  is  found  in  the  action  already  taken 
on  the  papers  reported  from  the  Presbyteries. 

1892,  p.  432.  An  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Nashville  in 
reference  to  the  tithe  was  answered  in  the  negative,  for  the  reason 


Sec.  1206] 


Systematic  Beneficence 


781 


that  only  two  years  ago  the  question  was  fully  discussed  by  the 
Presbyteries,  and  a  decision  was  reached  by  the  Assembly. 

1891,  p.  260.  The  principle  of  the  tithe  is  recommended  as 
suggestive  and  useful  in  all  matters  of  Christian  giving,  and  that 
proportionate  giving  is  binding  on  the  consciences  of  God’s  people. 

1900,  p.  605.  The  Assembly  answered  in  the  negative  an  over¬ 
ture  asking  the  Assembly  to  request  the  ministers  and  churches  to 
discuss  the  binding  obligation  of  the  tithe  law. 

1908,  p.  26.  Resolved,  That  an  ad  interim  committee  of  seven,, 
of  which  the  Moderator  shall  be  chairman,  be  appointed  to  con¬ 
sider  the  whole  question  of  the  tithe,  and  report  to  the  next  General 
Assembly. 

1909,  p.  128.  This  Committee  made  the  following  report,  which 
was  adopted: 

1.  The  General  Assembly  would  by  no  means  discourage  the  giv¬ 
ing  of  one-tenth  of  their  income  by  individuals  who  may  con¬ 
scientiously  fix  upon  this  proportion  for  themselves.  Many  who 
previously  had  no  system  have  unquestionably  found  blessings,  both 
temporal  and  spiritual,  in  the  practice  of  the  tithe.  Any  definite 
system  of  giving  is  vastly  better  than  the  far  too  common  haphazard 
habit  of  mving  without  regard  to  any  system  whatever.  This  is 
true  whether  the  fraction  fixed  be  one-tenth  or  one-fourth  or  one- 
half,  or  any  other  definite  proportion;  and,  other  things  being  equal, 
the  larger  proportion  will  bring  the  larger  blessing,  as  recorded  in 
the  case  of  the  churches  of  Macedonia,  which  gave,  out  of  “deep 
poverty,”  “to  their  power,  yea,  and  beyond  their  power,”  and  as 
verified  in  the  experience  of  many  Christians  since. 

2.  But  the  Assembly,  while  encouraging  and  even  enjoining  the 
personal  adoption  of  some  definite  proportion  as  a  minimum,  does 
not  feel  authorized  to  fix  that  proportion,  which,  under  the  gospel, 
has  been  left  to  the  enlightened  conscience  of  the  individual,  in  the 
exercise  of  “the  liberty  wherewith  Christ  hath  made  us  free.”  The 
Mosaic  Law  prescribed  rules;  the  gospel  promulgates  principles. 
Rules  are  for  childhood,  principles  for  maturity;  and  the  Assem¬ 
bly  cannot  bring  into  bondage  to  the  letter  those  who,  having  re¬ 
ceived  the  spirit  of  adoption,  are  no  longer  “under  tutors  and  gov¬ 
ernors.” 

3.  The  Assembly,  recognizing  the  need  and  duty  of  a  much 
larger  liberality  on  the  part  of  God’s  people  for  the  support  and  ex¬ 
tension  of  the  gospel  in  response  to  the  enlarged  providential  op¬ 
portunities  of  this,  our  day,  would  call  attention  to  the  following 
clear  principles  of  God’s  Word  as  bearing  on  this  whole  subject: 

(a)  Christian  liberality  is  a  grace  of  the  Spirit,  imparted  to  the 
churches  by  the  sovereign  power  of  God,  in  answer  to  prayer.  This 
grace  bestowed  on  the  churches  of  Macedonia  caused  “the  abundance 
of  the1’”  ioy  and  their  deep  poverty  to  abound  unto  the  riches  of 
their  liberality”  (2  Cor.  8:  1,  2). 

(b)  As  a  grace  of  the  Spirit,  Christian  liberality  is  to  be  culti¬ 
vated.  iVst  as  other  graces  are,  by  the  diligent  use  of  the  means  that 


'782 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


God  has  appointed.  “Therefore  as  ye  abound  in  everything,  in 
faith,  and  utterance,  and  knowledge,  and  in  all  diligence,  and  in 
your  love  to  us,  see  that  ye  abound  in  this  grace  also”  (2  Cor.  8 7). 

(c)  It  is  an  important  part  of  the  work  of  the  ministry  to  in¬ 
crease  this  grace  in  the  hearts  of  the  people.  “We  desired  Titus, 
that  as  he  had  begun,  so  he  would  also  finish  in  you  the  same  grace 
also”  (2  Cor.  8:  6). 

(d)  Ministers  of  the  Word,  in  seeking  to  increase  the  grace  of 
liberality  in  the  hearts  of  the  people,  are  to  remind  them  of  “the 
grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who,  though  he  was  rich,  yet  for 
our  sakes  became  poor,  that  we  through  His  poverty  might  be 
Hch”  (2  Cor.  8:  9),  and  of  the  goodness  of  God  “who  giveth  us 
all  things  richly  to  enjoy,”  and  who  gave  His  only  begotten  Son 
for  our  redemption. 

(e)  Our  recognition  of  God’s  claimj  on  what  we  have  depends 
on  our  recognition  of  God’s  claimj  on  ourselves.  The  churches  of 
Macedonia  abounded  in  liberality,  giving  of  their  own  accord, 
because,  says  the  apostle,  “they  first  gave  their  own  selves  to  the 
Lord,  and  to  us  by  the  will  of  God.”  Self-consecration  to  God 
and  to  His  work  furnishes  a  perennial  fountain,  which,  even  in 
deep  poverty,  overflowing  in  riches  of  liberality,  “not  only  sup- 
plieth  the  want  of  the  saints,  but  is  abundant  also  by  many  thanks¬ 
givings  unto  God”  (2  Cor.  9:  12). 

In  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly  the  general  recognition  and 
application  of  these  principles  would  produce  a  larger  liberality 
than  any  ecclesiastical  deliverance  which  should  bind,  even  by  its 
moral  weight,  the  conscience  or  the  conduct  of  God’s  people  in  ac¬ 
cordance  with  the  Mosaic  Law  of  the  tithe,  and  would  have  the 
further  advantage  of  being  securely  based  on  the  teaching  of  our 
Standards  and  of  the  Scriptures.  The  mightiest  of  all  motives  is 
the  constraining  love  of  God. 

1207.  Appeals  of  other  Committees  must  he  made  at  such  time  as 
will  not  encroach  on  the  collection  for  Publication 

1886,  p.  39.  Attention  having  been  called  to  the  fact  that  dur¬ 
ing  the  month  of  March,  which  is  set  apart  foil  collections  for  Pub¬ 
lication,  appeals  are  made  to  the  churches  in  behalf  of  the  other 
causes,  the  following  was  adopted: 

The  attention  of  the  other  Executive  Committees  is  called  to  the 
matter  of  which  complaint  is  made,  and  they  are  directed  to  make 
their  appeals  to  the  churches  at  such  times  as  will  not  encroach 
upon  the  time  specially  set  apart  for  collections  for  the  cause  of 
publication. 

1208.  Freewill  offerings 

1887,  p.  203.  The  Secretaries  of  the  Executive  Committees  re¬ 
spectfully  memorialize  the  Assembly  to  instruct  its  Committee  on 
Systematic  Beneficence  to  consider  the  scheme  of  collections  now  in 
use  in  our  Assembly,  and  to  report  any  changes  or  recommendations 


Secs.  1206-1210]  Systematic  Beneficence 


783 


which  they  may  think  to  be  wise,  aiming  to  make  the  system  more  effi¬ 
cient,  and  to  increase  its  harmony. 

P.  242.  Answered  as  follows: 

Resolved,  That  the  order  taken  by  the  last  General  Assembly, 
authorizing  an  appeal  for  freewill  offerings  to  supplement  the  funds 
of  the  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions,  shall  stand;  which  order  is 
as  follows,  to-wit,  that  the  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  be  per¬ 
mitted  to  appeal  to  the  churches  for  freewill  offerings  in  October 
and  February. 

That  permission  be  given  to  the  committees  to  make  appeals  for 
freewill  offerings  to  supplement  the  collections,  as  follows,  viz. : 
Education  in  April,  Evangelistic  fund  in  June,  and  Sustentation  in 
August. 

Yet,  to  avoid  misunderstanding  on  the  part  of  the  churches  and 
embarrassment  between  the  Committees,  the  General  Assembly  calls 
the  attention  of  the  churches  to  the  distinction  between  freewill  offer¬ 
ings  and  collections,  and  directs  the  Secretaries  to  keep  the  Church 
advised  of  the  fact  that  no  collections  are  enjoined  by  the  authority 
of  the  Assembly,  except  the  regular  collections  (according  to  sched¬ 
ule  now  in  use). 

And  the  Assembly  would  define  its  action  in  regard  to  freewill 
offerings  to  mean  this:  that  the  Secretaries  may  at  such  times  as 
designated  (and  at  no  other)  lay  the  needs  of  their  several  causes 
before  the  public  in  such  ways  as  may  seem  best,  and  that  they  shall 
in  all  their  calls  let  the  churches  understand  that  the  Assembly  has 
not  enjoined  a  supplemental  collection,  but  has  merely  designated 
this  as  the  tim|e  at  which  said  committee  is  authorized  to  ask  for 
special  supplemental  freewill  offerings. 

1209.  Appeal  for  freewill  offerings  withdrawn 

1889,  p.  619.  Resolved,  That  all  previous  acts  of  the  Assembly 
appointing  collections  and  authorizing  special  appeals  for  freewill 
offerings  be  now  repealed. 

1210.  Distribution  of  miscellaneous  gifts 

1904,  p.  34.  When  miscellaneous  gifts  or  legacies  are  made  to 
the  General  Assembly,  the  following  schedule  shall  be  applied  in  dis¬ 
tributing  the  same  among  our  various  causes,  viz.:  Foreign  Mis¬ 
sions,  30  per  cent.;  Home  Missions,  30  per  cent,  (viz.:  Sustenta¬ 
tion,  Evangelistic  Work  and  Church  Erection,  10  per  cent,  each) ; 
Publication  and  Sabbath  Schools,  10  per  cent.;  Education,  10  per 
cent.;  Colored  Evangelization,  10  per  cent.;  Ministerial  Relief,  10 
per  cent. 

1906,  p.  48.  Whenever  miscellaneous  gifts  and  legacies  come 
into  the  hands  of  the  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly,  the  fol¬ 
lowing  schedule  shall  govern  in  the  distribution  of  such  funds,  un¬ 
less,  in  the  judgment  of  the  Trustees,  there  is  sufficient  reason  for 
referring  the  matter  to  the  Assembly  for  advice,  such  schedule  to 


784 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


stand  until  July  1st,  1908,  when  it  is  hoped  the  endowment  fund 
for  Ministerial  Relief  will  have  reached  $250,000:  Foreign  Mis¬ 
sions,  25  per  cent.;  Home  Missions,  25  per  cent.;  Ministerial  Edu¬ 
cation  and  Relief,  25  per  cent.  (i.  e.,  10  per  cent,  for  Endowment 
Fund  for  Ministerial  Relief,  10  per  cent,  for  Annual  Fund  for  Min¬ 
isterial  Relief,  and  5  per  cent,  for  Education  for  the  Ministry) ; 
'Colored  Evangelization,  10  per  cent.;  Publication,  10  per  cent,  and 
i Schools  and  Colleges,  5  per  cent. 

1211.  Uniform  ecclesiastical  year 

1886,  p.  47.  Overture  asking  the  Assembly  “to  establish  an  ec¬ 
clesiastical  year  which  shall  be  uniform  in  all  our  Church  work.” 
Answer :  The  Assembly  does  not  consider  this  course  practicable. 
Adopted. 

1887,  p.  202.  Overture  asking  that  all  the  Executive  Committees 
be  ordered  to  begin  their  fiscal  year  with  the  first  of  April,  or  at 
some  uniform  date,  for  the  convenience  of  Presbyterial  arrangement. 
Answer:  It  would  be  unwise  to  make  the  change  referred  to  in 
the  overture. 

1212.  Fiscal  Year 

1900,  p.  604.  The  Assembly  declined  to  change  the  beginning  of 
the  fiscal  year  from  April  1st  to  January  1st. 

Same  action  1913,  p.  7 Oe ;  1914,  p.  25;  1919,  p.  51. 

1213.  Directory  for  the  Oblation 

1868,  p.  278.  The  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  would 
suggest  to  the  Assembly  the  appointment  of  a  committee  to  prepare 
a  “Directory  for  the  Oblation,”  to  be  inserted  in  the  Directory  of 
Worship,  consisting  mainly  of  references  to  passages  of  Scripture 
containing  the  doctrine  of  oblation,  which  might  be  recited  by  the 
minister  before  or  during  the  offering  of  their  gifts  by  the  congre¬ 
gation.  In  the  opinion  of  your  committee,  such  a  directory  would 
serve  to  keep  this  great  doctrine  before  the  faith  and  consciences  of 
believers.  Adopted. 

Rev.  Drs.  M.  D.  Hoge  and  T.  E.  Peck  were  appointed  such  a 
committee  (p.  281.)  (There  is  no  record  of  a  report  from  this 
committee. ) 

1214.  Voluntary  associations  and  societies 

1864,  p.  286.  The  following  overture  was  presented,  and  the 
same  referred  to  a  committee  of  three,  of  which  Rev.  Dr.  E.  T. 
Baird  shall  be  chairman,  with  instructions  to  report  upon  the  sub¬ 
ject-matter  thereof  to  the  next  Assembly.  The  other  members  of 
this  committee  were  anounced  by  the  Moderator  as  follows:  Rev. 
Dr.  J.  R.  Wilson  and  Rev.  Dr.  Lyon. 

“In  view  of  the  fact  that  efforts  have  already  been  made  to  secure 
the  permanent  organization  among  us  of  voluntary  societies,  to 


Secs.  1210-1214]  Systematic  Beneficence 


785 


take  the  place  of  certain  national  societies  from  which  we  have  been 
separated  by  the  present  revolution,  the  General  Assembly  is  hereby 
overtured  to  take  the  subject  under  consideration,  and  to  appoint  a 
committee  to  report  to  the  next  Assembly  whatever  action  they  may 
deem  needful,  in  order  to  secure  the  rights  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  so  many  of  them  as  that  venerable  court  may  find  needful,  and 
may  be  prepared  to  recommend  to  the  churches  under  its  care  for 
their  co-operation.  It  is  further  overtured  that  the  said  committee 
be  instructed  to  take  into  consideration  the  propriety  of  the  Assem¬ 
bly’s  making  a  deliverance  announcing  her  position  in  the  following 
particulars  : 

“1.  The  Presbyterian  Church  holds  that  God  has  committeed 
the  whole  work  of  the  publication  of  the  gospel  and  the  ingather¬ 
ing  of  sinners  into  His  kingdom  to  His  Church  in  its  organized  ca¬ 
pacity,  which  is  a  divinely  called  and  constituted  Missionary  and 
Bible  Society.  The  officers  of  that  Church  are  those  to  whom,  by 
Divine  vocation,  the  executive  administration  of  the  affairs  of  the 
Church  has  been  committeed,  insomuch  that  no  part  of  the  work 
has  been  left  entrusted  to  irresponsible  organizations,  associations, 
or  societies;  nor  does  God  confer  authority  on  any  in  the  conduct¬ 
ing  of  the  affairs  of  His  kingdom  for  a  pecuniary  consideration. 

“2.  The  national  societies  of  the  North  have  been  a  source  of 
much  trouble  and  a  cause  of  constant  anxiety  to  the  Presbyterian 
Church.  Some  of  them  she  was  compelled,  many  years  ago,  to 
exclude  from  her  pulpits,  and  others  of  them  have  frequently  given 
her  much  cause  of  complaint;  and  several  times  she  has  been  con¬ 
strained  to  interfere  in  order  to  prevent  proceedings,  hurtful  in 
their  tendency  or  wrong  in  principle,  which  she  could  not  tolerate. 

“3.  The  principle  on  which  these  national  societies  are  organized, 
viz. :  that  of  voluntary  association,  is  contrary  to  the  doctrine  of  the 
Bible,  and  of  the  mass  of  Protestant  Christendom,  that  the  Church 
is  a  divine  organization,  and  its  duties  are  obligatory  on  all  of 
Christ’s  people.  The  terms  of  membership,  moreover,  and  the  prin¬ 
ciple  on  which  men  secure  influence  and  gain  control  in  these  so¬ 
cieties  is  a  species  of  simony,  since  the  one  and  the  other  are  pur¬ 
chased  by  money.  Against  this  principle  and  practice  the  Presby¬ 
terian  Church  must  ever  protest. 

“4.  The  constitution  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  the  sym¬ 
bols  of  the  bulk  of  Protestant  churches,  recognize  the  propriety  of 
holding  general  councils  of  the  Church,  either  national  or  ecumenical. 
This  principle  may  be  made  available  here,  and  councils  or  con¬ 
ventions  of  the  Protestant  and  Evangelical  Church  can  be  held,  with 
reference  to  any  particular  subject,  or  to  the  interests  of  the  Church 
in  general,  according  to  the  emergencies  of  the  cause. 

“5.  This  is  the  proper  time  to  settle  these  questions  of  vital  in¬ 
terest  on  a  true,  scriptural  and  satisfactory  basis,  before  any  of 
these  national  organizations  have  become  naturalized  among  us.  It 
is  our  belief  that  the  church  ought  to  determine  how  many  of  these 
organizations  the  interests  of  our  common  Christianity  may  require, 


786 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


and  that  she  ought  to  hold  in  check  the  disposition  to  an  undue 
multiplication  of  outward  and  irresponsible  agencies  for  doing  her 
own  appropriate  work.  Moreover,  we  hold  that  so  many  national 
organizations  as  may  be  deemed  needful  should  be  founded  by  the 
Church  herself;  and  that,  therefore,  the  different  branches  of  the 
Protestant  Church  which  recognize  each  other  as  evangelical  ought 
to  form  an  alliance  for  the  management  of  these  important  inter¬ 
ests.  The  members  of  these  national  organizations  ought  to  be  ap¬ 
pointed  by  the  proper  authority  of  the!  respective  churches,  accord¬ 
ing  to  their  several  constitutional  forms  and  thus  the  whole  of  this 
difficult  subject,  as  to  how  many  of  these  societies  may  be  needed 
and  as  to  what  their  powers  should  be,  and  how  they  should  be 
managed,  would  be  kept  under  church  control. 

“6.  The  national  societies  which  it  is  now  attempted  to  organize 
on  the  New  England  principle,  ought  to  be  notified  at  once  of  the 
views  of  the  Assembly,  and  they  ought  to  be  informed  that  any 
co-operation  which  we  may  extend  to  them  will  be  temporary,  and 
only  continue  until  wfe  are  able  to  see  the  above  views  carried  out. 

This  committee  not  reporting  in  1865,  was  continued. 

1866,  p.  37.  The  Committee  on  Voluntary  Associations  and  So¬ 
cieties  beg  leave  to  report  that  the  action  of  this  General  Assembly 
on  the  Form  of  Government  has  rendered  any  further  action  un¬ 
necessary.  The  doctrine  that  “the  Church  in  its  organized  capacity, 
with  its  officers  and  courts,  is  the  sole  agency  which  Christ  hath 
ordained  for  its  own  edification  and  government,  and  for  thei  prop¬ 
agation  of  the  faith  and  the  evangelization  of  the  world,”  as  set 
forth  in  that  formulary,  clearly  teaches  that  the  Church  is  God’s 
Bible  and  Missionary  Society,  and  asserts  all  that  it  is  needful  for 
this  court  at  present  to  announce.  Adopted. 

1889,  p.  605.  An  elaborate  overture  was  submitted  to  the  As¬ 
sembly,  discussing  the  relation  of  various  voluntary  agencies  and 
societies  within  the  church  to  the  church  in  its  organized  capacity, 
and  to  the  executive  arms  by  which  it  seeks  to  do  its  divinely  or¬ 
dained  work,  citing  deliverances  of  the  Assembly,  1866,  pp.  37,  38 
and  1888,  p.  430,  and  asking  the  Assembly  to  make  such  a  deliver¬ 
ance  as  will  reconcile  the  above  recited  acts  of  1866  and  1888  and 
clearly  define  the  relation  of  the  church  to  such  associations,  defend 
it  from  confusion  resulting  from  the  enlargement,  and  leaguing  to¬ 
gether  of  such  societies,  and  prevent  any  undue  prominence  to  one 
object  of  church  work  to  the  injury  of  others,  resulting  from  the 
concentration  of  sympathy,  interest  and  offerings  to  that  one  cause, 
and  check  all  tendencies  toward  independency  or  alienation  from  the 
organized  church  which  rival  institutions  invite;  and  furthermore, 
asking  the  Assembly  to  discourage  Presbyterial  unions  for  foreign 
missionary  and  other  purposes. 

P.  606.  The  Assembly,  without  expressing  any  opinion  on  the 
subject  involved,  sent  down  this  overture  to  the  Presbyteries  with 
the  direction  that  they  patiently  consider  the  whole  subject  of  so¬ 
cieties  within  and  without  the  church,  together  with  the  subject  of 


Secs.  1214-1215]  .  Systematic  Beneficence 


787 


tithing  as  a  means  of  raising  the  funds  of  the  church,  and  return 
carefully  formulated  papers  upon  these  points  to  the  next  Assembly. 

1890,  p.  39.  The  Committee  on  Voluntary  Societies  would  re¬ 
spectfully  report,  that  answers  have  been  received  from,  sixty-eight 
Presbyteries.  Of  these,  one  answers  at  length  the  objections  to  vol¬ 
untary  societies  in  the  Concord  overture,  such  as,  that  “they  pro¬ 
duce  confusion,”  “give  undue  prominence  to  one  cause,”  etc.;  six 
emphasize  the  cautions  in  the  use  of  these  societies — four  in  elaborate 
detail;  nine  deny  that  there  is  any  inconsistency  between  the  Acts 
of  the  Assemblies  of  1866  and  1888;  twenty-two  affirm  their  belief 
that  the  church  is  the  agent  appointed!  of  God  to  evangelize  the  world, 
and  is  competent  for  that  work;  twenty-four  are  conservative  as  to 
societies  “without”  the  church — in  general,  affirming  the  “Chris¬ 
tian  liberty  of  church  members,  and  recognizing  the  good  in  many 
of  them;  one  Presbytery  insists  upon  no  society  but  the  church  itself; 
two  deprecate  any  action  of  the  Assembly;  nine  (including  last  two) 
express  general  approval  of  missionary  societies  by  inference,  one 
seeming  to  approve  of  Presbyterial  and  other  unions,  and  one  to 
oppose  anything  beyond  those  under  control  of  Sessions;  eighteen 
favor  “Unions”  (Presbyterial  and  other),  one  of  these  objecting  to 
anything  beyond  the  Presbytery;  thirty-eight  object  to  anything  be- 
ond  local  societies  under  the  control  of  a  Session,  though  three  of 
these  do  not  object  to  an  informal  conference  of  local  societies.  We 
have  then,  eighteen  favoring  unions  corresponding  to  all  the  church 
courts;  one  favoring  Sessional  and  Presbyterial  societies,  and  thirty- 
nine  opposed  to  anything  beyond  the  local  society  under  the  control 
of  a  Session;  one  presents  an  argument  in  detail  against  any  further 
organization. 

Your  comimittee  has  simlply  aimed  to  present  a  digest  of  Pres¬ 
byterial  action.  Adopted. 

P.  26.  Overture  from  Abingdon  Presbytery,  asking  that  the 
Presbyteries  be  directed  to  require  reports  from  the  Sessions  as  to 
societies  within  their  bounds,  and  that  blank  forms  be  provided 
therefor. 

Answer :  The  request  is  declined.  In  their  narratives,  Sessions 
can  report  on  this  subject  what  may  be  deemed  expedient. 

1215.  Blanks  for  statistical  reports 

1861,  p.  34.  Resolved,  That  the  Executive  Committee  of  Pub¬ 
lication  be  requested  to  prepare  a  blank  form  for  statistical  reports, 
to  be  submitted  to  the  next  General  Assembly. 

1867,  p.  148.  Resolved,  That  the  Committee  of  Publication  be 
directed  to  print  and  keep  on  hand  for  sale  blank  forms  for  Ses¬ 
sional  and  Presbyterial  statistical  reports,  reports  on  Systematic 
Benevolence,  blank  commissions  to  the  General  Assembly,  and  such 
other  blank  forms  as  may  be  required  by  Clerks  of  Sessions  and 
Presbyteries. 

1871,  p.  20.  Resolved,  That  the  Stated  Clerks  of  Presbyteries 
be  recommended  to  furnish  to  all  their  respective  churches  blanks  on 


Systematic  Beneficence 


788 


[Book  IV 


which  to  report  what  they  have  done  during  the  ecclesiastical  year 
for  the  various  objects  of  general  benevolence. 

1874,  p.  510.  It  is  recommended  that  the  Executive  Committee 
of  Publication  be  directed  to  print  an  adequate  supply  of  Sessional 
reports,  to  be  sent  without  charge  to  the  Stated  Clerks  of  Presby¬ 
teries,  so  that  all  the  church  Sessions  may  be  regularly  supplied 
without  cost;  and  also,  that  supplies  of  Presbyterial  reports  be 
sent  without  charge  to  Stated  Clerks  of  Presbyteries. 

1876,  p.  224.  This  court  solemnly  enjoins  upon  its  constituent 
Presbyteries  to  require  their  Stated  Clerks  to  furnish  every  church, 
vacant  or  otherwise,  with  printed  blanks  (for  Systematic  Benev¬ 
olence),  at  least  six  weeks  before  their  spring  meeting. 

1881,  p.  271.  Overture:  That  inasmuch  as  the  blanks  for  Pres¬ 
byterial  reports  on  Sabbath  Schools  do  not  correspond  with  the  blanks 
for  Sessional  reports  on  the  same  subject,  the  General  Assembly  in¬ 
struct  the  Secretary  of  Publication  to  so  alter  one  of  the  two  blanks 
as  to  make  it  correspond  with  the  other,  that  more  accurate  and 
definite  information  on  the  subject  may  be  given. 

Answer :  There  is  no  important  discrepancy  between  the  two 

forms  referred  to  by  the  Presbytery. 

1885,  p.  411.  Overture,  calling  attention  to  the  inaccuracies  of 
the  blank  forms  sent  down  for  the  use  of  churches. 

Answer:  The  Assembly  hereby  appoints  the  Stated  and  Perma¬ 
nent  Clerks  a  committee  to  arrange  blank  forms  for  all  the  uses  of 
the  Assembly,  which  forms  shall  agree  each  with  each  and  all 
with  one  another. 


1216.  What  items  are  to  be  reported 

1861,  p.  35.  Ordered,  That  all  the  funds  for  Domestic  Missions, 
whether  dispensed  by  the  Presbyteries  themselves,  or  transmitted 
together  with  its  missionary  operations  to  the  Committee,  be  fully 
and  accurately  reported  by  each  Presbytery  to  the  General  Assem¬ 
bly,  through  the  Executive  Committee,  and  that  this  report  be  made 
in  time  to  be  incorporated  in  the  Committee’s  annual  report. 

1870,  p.  505.  Resolved,  That  the  Stated  Clerk  be  directed  to  pre¬ 
pare  a  separate  column  in  the  statistical  tables  for  the  contributions 
for  disabled  ministers  and  the  families  of  deceased  ministers;  also, 
separate  columns  for  pastors’  salaries  actually  paid,  and  for  congre¬ 
gational  expenses;  and  that  Presbyterial  assessments  be  reported  in 
the  miscellaneous  collections. 

1871,  p.  16.  The  Presbytery  of  New  Orleans  having  prayed  the 
Assembly  to  reconsider  this  rule  so  far  as  it  applies  to  a  column  in 
the  statistical  reports  for  pastors’  salaries  actually  paid  in,  the  fol¬ 
lowing  was  adopted: 

“That  the  Assembly,  believing  the  evil  effect  feared  by  the  memo¬ 
rialists  will  not  follow,  declines  to  rescind  a  rule  so  recently  adopted 
by  the  Assembly,  and  promising  good  results.” 

A  similar  request  (1881,  p.  358)  was  not  granted. 


Secs.  1215-1216]  Systematic  Beneficence 


789 


1871,  p.  20.  Resolved,  That  the  Presbyteries  require  from  all 
their  churches  statistical  reports  of  what  they  (the  churches)  have 
done  during  the  ecclesiastical  year  for  the  various  objects  of  general 
benevolence. 

1873,  p.  307.  Overture,  asking  that  another  column  be  added  to 
the  statistical  tables,  exhibiting  the  amount  of  salary  stipulated  to 
be  paid  to  the  minister  in  charge.  The  committee  recommend  that 
this  overture  be  not  granted.  Adopted. 

1873,  p.  311.  Overture  touching  Presbyterial  reports.  Ordered, 
That  the  whole  subject  of  statistical  reports,  together  with  the  forms 
submitted  in  {this  overture,  be  referred  to  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the 
General  Assembly,  together  with  the  Permanent  Clerk  and  Secre¬ 
taries  of  the  Executive  Committees,  to  prepare  a  form,  if  in  their 
judgment  it  is  advisable,  to  be  submitted  to  the  next  Assembly  for 
action. 

P.  312.  In  response  to  an  overture,  it  was  ordered  that  the  sub¬ 
ject  of  an  additional  column  for  non-communing  members  (infant 
and  adult),  in  the  statistical  column,  be  referred  to  the  committee 
mentioned  above. 

On  the  report  of  this  committee,  the  following  was  adopted: 

1874,  p.  510.  1.  That  four  new  columns  be  added  to  the  sta¬ 

tistical  tables — the  first  for  elders,  the  second  for  deacons,  the  third 
for  baptized  non-communicating  members,  and  the  fourth  for  the 
evangelistic  fund;  and  that  these  be  arranged  in  the  statistical  tables 
as  in  the  accompanying  tabular  statement. 

2.  It  is  also  recommended  that  certain  directions,  as  are  herewith 
presented,  accompany  the  statistical  table. 

1875,  p.  19.  Overture  calling  attention  to  the  fact  that  the  phrase¬ 
ology  of  the  Presbyterial  reports,  issued  in  blank  under  the  direc¬ 
tion  of  the  Assembly,  conveys  an  erroneous  impression  as  to  the 
composition  of  a  Presbytery,  and  asking  that  the  defect  be  corrected. 

The  Assembly  ordered  the  substitution  of  the  following  form 
for  that  now  employed,  viz. : 

“The  Presbytery  of  .  reports  to  the  General  As¬ 
sembly  that  it  comprises  .  ministers  and  .  churches, 

and  has  under  its  care  . * .  licentiates  and  candidates.” 

1876,  p.  217.  Overture  asking  that  the  Assembly  order  the  pub- 
lcation  in  its  Minutes  of  statistics  showing  the  strength,  condition, 
and  work  of  each  of  the  Sabbath  Schools  under  its  care;  and  also*  the 
publication  of  separate  and  full  statistics  of  the  number  and  condi¬ 
tion  of  the  colored  churches  under  the  care  of  the  Assembly. 

Answer:  No  change  should  be  made  in  the  arrangement  of  the 
statistical  tables  of  the  Minutes  of  the  Assembly,  one  column  of  which 
shows  the  number  of  children  in  each  Sabbath  School. 

As  to  the  publication  of  statistics  concerning  the  condition  of  the 
colored  churches,  we  think  the  end  proposed  would  be  gained  by  pub¬ 
lishing  any  information  and  reports  of  special  interest  in  relation 
to  the  evangelization  of  the  colored  people  in  the  Appendix  to  the 
Minutes  of  the  Assembly. 


790 


Systematic  Beneficence 


[Book  IV 


1878,  p.  635.  Overture  asking  the  Assembly  to  “omit  the  word 
‘children’  from  the  heading  of  the  column  in  the  statistical  reports, 
so  as  to  read  ‘No.  in  Sabbath  Schools  and  Bible  classes.’  ”  The 
Assembly  ordered  the  change  proposed. 

Reiterated  1880,  (p.  215). 

1880,  p.  196.  Overture  asking  the  Assembly1  to  rescind  the  or¬ 
der  requiring  from  church  Sessions  a  separate  report  on  Systematic 
Beneficence  (see  Minutes,  1876,  pp.  224,  225,  and  1877,  p.  416), 
it  being  a  duplicate  report,  and  therefore  unnecessary,  expensive  and 
confusing.  Not  granted.  / 

1882,  p.  547.  The  Assembly  ordered  a  column  for  contributions 
to  Tuscaloosa  Institute  to  be  inserted  in  the  statistical  table. 

1882,  p.  573.  Ordered:  1.  That  the  question  calling  for  the 
number  of  Sabbath  School  scholars  added  to  the  Church  be  changed 
so  as  to  read,  “Number  of  pupils  of  the  Sabbath  School  added  to  the 
communion  of  the  Church.” 

2.  That  the  question  calling  for  the  number  of  Sabbath  School 
teachers  added  to  the  Church  be  omitted  altogether. 

1883,  p.  17.  Overture  asking  that  an  additional  column  be  added 
to  the  statistical  tables  for  the  Bible  cause,  received  the  following 
answer:  It  is  unwise  to  multiply  statistical  columns  so  as  to  in¬ 
clude  causes  not  ordered  by  the  Assembly,  as  leading  to  indefinite 
enlargement. 

1883,  p.  32.  See  chapter  on  Foreign  Missions  (p.  151),  for  di¬ 
rections  as  to  statistics  of  the  foreign  work. 

1884,  p.  214.  The  Assembly  was  asked: 

1.  To  add  a  column  for  non-resident  members  to  the  statistical 
tables. 

2.  That,  should  the  Assembly  decline  this  request,  explicit  in¬ 
structions  be  given  as  to  whether  these  non-resident  members  should 
be  reported  in  the  statistical  reports. 

Answer :  1.  The  General  Assembly  declines  the  request  for  an 

additional  column  in  our  statistical  tables  for  non-resident  members. 

2.  It  is  the  sense  of  this  Assembly  that  the  names  of  all  mem¬ 
bers  whose  residences  are  known  should  be  reported  by  the  Sessions. 

3.  That  the  Presbyteries  be  enjoined  to  endeavor  to  secure  the 
enforcement  by  Sessions  of  the  rule  found  in  Book  of  Discipline, 
Chap.  XV.,  Art.  II. 

1885,  p.  401.  Presbytery  of  Memphis  asks  the  Assembly  to  pro¬ 
vide  a  column  in  the  statistical  tables,  showing  rental  value  of 
manses. 

Answer :  It  is  inexpedient  to  add  another  column  to  our  sta¬ 

tistical  tables  as  requested. 

1217.  Other  statistical  columns 

1890,  p.  52.  Place  a  column  for  Church  Erection  in  statistical 
blank.  (See  1889,  p.  620.)  The  column  for  Tuscaloosa  Institute 
shall  be  changed  to  Colored  Evangelization. 


Secs.  1216-1223]  Systematic  Beneficence 


791 


1218.  Declines  a  statistical  column  for  stations 

1891,  p.  243.  Pee  Dee  Presbytery  asks  for  the  addition  of  a 
column,  next  to  that  of  churches  in  the  statistical  tables,  “for  sta¬ 
tions.” 

Answer :  Your  committee  recommend  that  the  Assembly  decline 
to  accede  to  the  request,  and  suggest  that  a  numeral,  as  1,  2,  or 
3,  representing  the  stations,  be  placed  after  the  name  of  the  church, 
showing  the  number  of  stations  or  preaching  places  in  the  congre¬ 
gation.  Adopted. 

1219.  Items  to  be  embraced  in  report  on  Systematic '  Beneficence 

1897,  p.  26.  The  Systematic  Beneficence  reports  shall  embrace  only 
the  following  items:  Foreign  Missions,  Assembly’s  Home  Missions, 
Local  Home  Missions,  Colored  Evangelization,  Relief  Fund,  Edu¬ 
cation,  Publication,  Bible  Society. 

1220.  Value  of  Church  property  on  Statistical  Report 

1916,  p.  80a.  A  resolution  asking  that  another  column  in  the 
statistical  table  be  added,  giving  the  value  of  property  owned  by 
the  local  church,  was  also  placed  on  the  docket  to  be  considered 
at  the  next  Assembly.  It  is  as  follows: 

That  another  column  be  added  to  the  Statistical  Report  calling 
for  the  value  of  all  property  owned  by  the  local  church. 

1221.  Question  18  defined 

1921,  p.  65.  The  Assembly  defined  the  meaning  of  question  18, 
as  referring  both  to  outpost  work  and  evangelistic  meetings  held  by 
pastor  or  laymen  outside  the  bounds  of  their  own  work. 

1222  Contributions  for  outside  causes 

1904,  p.  20.  In  answer  to  an  overture  asking  instruction  as 
to  whether  money  given  by  individual  members  of  the  church  to 
local  rergious  and  philanthropic  causes  outside  the  Presbyterian 
Church  (such  as  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.,  the  Salvation  Army,  etc.),  shall 
be  included  in  the  reports  of  the  Church. 

Your  committee  recommended  that  only  such  sums  as  are  used 
by  some  agency  of  the  Church,  be  included  in  its  report.  But 
such  sums  as  may  be  contributed  for  other  causes,  and  reported  to 
the  Treasurer  of  the  churches,  may  come  under  the  head  of  mis¬ 
cellaneous  contributions. 

1223.  Other  proposed  charges 

1922,  p.  36.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Paris,  to  print  each 
of  the  Sessional  blanks  on  paper  of  different  colors. 


792  Systematic  Beneficence  [Book  IV 

We  recommend  that  this  be  referred  to  the  Committee  of  Publi¬ 
cation  without  comment. 

In  answer  to  Overtures  from  the  Synods  of  North  Carolina  and 
Virginia  and  the  Presbytery  of  Arkansas,  together  with  a  recom¬ 
mendation  referred  to  us  from  the  Stewardship  Committee  report  con¬ 
cerning  certain  proposed  changes  in  the  printing  of  the  Statistical 
Sessional  report  blank, 

Your  Committee  recommends  that  no  change  be  made  in  the 
statistical  report  blanks  as  now  printed,  for  the  reason  that  all  needs 
are  adequately  provided  for  in  the  present  form. 

Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Concord,  regarding  changes  in 
statistical  blanks  for  reporting  all  money  given  to  regular  Presby¬ 
terian  inslitutions  and  committees,  we  recommend  that  it  be  answered 
in  the  negative. 

Overture  from  Presbytery  of  East  Hanover,  to  provide  a  column 
or  place  in  the  statistical  blanks  to  show  the  cost  of  church  build¬ 
ings,  we  recommend  that  it  be  answered  in  the  negative. 

1922,  p.  37.  In  reply  to  Overture  from,  Presbytery  of  Brazos, 
asking  changes  on  the  Sessional  blank  on  the  Narrative  of  Christian 
Life  and  Work,  we  suggest  the  following  reply: 

Much  time,  thought  and  prayer  has  been  given  to  this  question  by 
this  and  other  committees,  always  arriving  at  this  conclusion,  namely, 
that  the  questions  are  as  near  clear  and  simple  as  can  be  made. 
We  would,  therefore,  refer  this  overture  back  to  the  Presbytery  of 
Brazos,  requesting  them  to  suggest  such  changes  as  they  see  fit  and 
send  it  to  the  next  Assembly. 

1224.  Investment  of  Church  funds 

1915,  p.  41.  Overture  from  Rev.  H.  R.  McFaden,  touching  the 
investment  of  Church  funds. 

Answer:  The  Assembly  prefers  that  the  investments  of  the  funds 
of  the  Church  be  left  in  the  hands  of  the  Executive  Committees  hav¬ 
ing  charge  of  them. 

1225.  The  Church  papers  to  be  requested  to  print  a  complete  list 
of  the  Treasurers  of  Benevolent  Causes 

1916,  p.  78.  The  Assembly  requests  the  Church  papers  to  carry 
at  the  head  of  the  space  devoted  to  Church  news  a  complete  list  of 
the  Treasurers  of  the  Benevolent  Causes  of  the  General  Assembly  and 
their  addresses. 


CHAPTER  VIII 


TRUSTEES  AND  THE  CHARTER 

The  details  of  securing  and  amending  the  charter  will  be  found 
in  Alexander’s  Digest  1910,  pp.  435ff,  439. 

1226.  Securities  of  the  Executive  Committees  a$  ex-officio  members 

of  the  Board 

1872,  p.  166.  The  Trustees  having  complained  of  the  embarrass¬ 
ment  produced  by  the  order  of  1870  constituting  the  Secretaries  of 
the  Executive  Committees  ex-officio  members  of  the  Board  of  Trus¬ 
tees,  having  set  forth  the  legal  difficulties  that  such  order  gives  rise 
to  (1872,  p.  210),  the  following  resolution  was  adopted: 

Resolved,  That  the  Assembly  concur  with  the  Trustees  of  the 
General  Assembly  as  to  the  difficulty  of  the  Secretaries  of  our  Execu¬ 
tive  Committees  being  ex-officio  members  of  the  corporation  of  the 
Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly;  but  if  members  at  all,  they  should, 
as  persons  by  name,  be  duly  appointed  members  of  the  corporation. 

1227.  Form  of  bequest  or  testamentary  donation  recommended  by 

the  Board  of  Trustees 

1868,  p.  299.  “I  give,  devise,  and  bequeath  to  ‘the  Trustees  of 
the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States,’ — (here  insert  the  estate  devised  and  bequeathed) — for  the 
use  and  benefit  of  said  Church.” 

In  case  the  testator  desires  to  give  a  special  direction  to  his  devise 
or  bequest,  omit  the  words  “for  the  use  and  benefit  of  said  Church,” 
and  add,  “for  the  use  and(  benefit  of  the  Committee  of  Sustentation 
of  said  Church,”  or  “for  the  use  and  benefit  of  the  Committee  of 
Foreign  Missions  of  said  Church,”  or  “for  the  use  and  benefit  of  the 
Committee  of  Publication  of  said  Church,”  or  “for  the  use  and  bene¬ 
fit  of  the  Committee  of  Education  of  said  Church.” 

1886,  p.  55.  The  Board  of  Trustees  is  authorized  to  have  printed 
a  form  of  devise,  bequest  or  grant  to  the  Board,  such  as  will  be 
effectual  in  law  to  make  the  gift  valid;  which  forms  may  be  printed 
in  such  shape  as  will  be  adapted  for  hanging  upon  the  walls  of 
church  buildings,  and  be  distributed  for  that  purpose  in  such  manner 
as  the  Board  deems  best. 

1887,  p.  246.  The  Board  of  Trustees  is  directed  to  prepare  and 
publish  “Forms  of  Bequest’  ’adapted  to  each  of  the  Assembly’s 
benevolent  schemes,  and  suitably  advertise  these  “Forms.” 


794 


Trustees 


[Book’  IV 


1228.  By-laws  of  the  Trustees 

See  Alexander’s  Digest,  1897,  p.  332. 

1229.  Trustees  divided  into  three  classes 

1868,  p.  270.  The  Trustees  having  suggested  in  their  report  that 
the  number  of  Trustees  be  reduced  by  the  General  Assembly  to  nine, 
the  committee  recommend  that  no  change  be  made  in  this  particular. 
It  is  further  recommended  that  the  present  number  of  Trustees,  which 
is  fifteen,  be  divided  into  three  classes  of  five  each,  of  whom  the 
first  class  shall  be  appointed  to  hold  office  for  one  year,  the  second 
class  for  two  years,  the  third  class  for  three  years,  and  that, 
as  the  term  of  office  of  these  classes  shall  severally  expire,  the  vacancy 
annually  occurring  shall  be  filled  by  the  appointment  of  five  trus¬ 
tees,  who  shall  serve  for  three  years. 

The  number  was  reduced  gradually  to  nine,  beginning  in  1870 
(See  p.  438). 

1922,  p.  39.  We  observe  that  the  terms  of  the  following  Trustees 
of  Assembly  expire  with  this  meeting:  Alexander  Martin,  D.  D., 
John  R.  Ross,  John  R.  Pharr.  Concurring  in  the  suggestion  of  the 
Board,  we  recommend  that  these  worthy  gentlemen  be  re-elected. 

1230.  Treasurer  of  the  Board 

1883,  p.  54.  The  Trustees  are  authorized  to  allow  their  Treas¬ 
urer  reasonable  compensation,  and  they  are  allowed  to  appoint  a 
Treasurer  who  is  not  a  Trustee,  if  they  deem  such  an  appointment 
desirable. 

1231.  Executive  Committees  to  defray  the  expense  of  securing  cer¬ 
tain  legacies 

1870,  p.  532.  Resolved,  That  the  Executive  Committees  of  Edu¬ 
cation,  Foreign  Missions,  Publication  and  Sustentation  be  authorized 
to  defray,  pro  rata,  the  necessary  expenses  of  the  Trustees  which 
may  be  incurred  in  securing  the  Fitzgerald  and  Kennedy  legacies,  to 
be  refunded  out  of  said  legacies. 

1232.  Reports  to  be  published 

1879,  p.  56.  It  was  ordered  that  the  annual  reports  of  the  Board 
be  published  in  the  Appendix  to  the  annual  Minutes. 

1233.  Trustees  holding  over 

1879,  p.  57.  When,  for  any  reason,  the  places  of  members  of  the 
Board  whose  tennis  expire  are  not  filled  at  a  meeting  of  the  Assembly, 
such  members  hold  over  until  their  successors  are  elected. 


Secs.  1227-1234] 


Trustees 


795 


1234.  Method  of  distributing  legacies 

1873,  p.  319ff.  Hereafter,  when  the  Trustees  shall  receive  any 
gift,  devise,  or  bequest,  without  direction  from  the  donor  as  to  the 
particular  use  or  charity  for  which  it  is  designed,  the  same  shall  be 
retained  by  them  until  the  meeting  of  the  next  General  Assembly. 

Whenever  the  donor  declares  the  particular  use,  and  the  manner 
of  its  use,  the  Trustees  shall  pay  over  the  same  to  the  appropriate 
committees. 

When  the  donor  declares  the  particular  object  of  his  charity,  but 
not  the  manner  of  its  use,  the  same  shall  be  paid  over  to  the 
Executive  Committee  of  such  use,  unless  the  gift  or  bequest  to  that 
use  shall  exceed  the  sum  of  $3,000,  in  which  case"  the  Trustees  shall 
pay  over  only  the  interest  as  it  accrues,  andl  the  next  General  Assem¬ 
bly  shall  dispose  of  the  principal. 

In  all  other  cases  not  embraced  in  the  above  resolutions,  the  Trus¬ 
tees  shall  retain  and  control  the  fund  until  instructed  by  the  Assembly 
as  to  its  disposition. 

The  several  Executive  Committees  which  have  been  and  are  now 
at  work  as  the  Assembly’s  agents  be,  and  they  are  hereby,  established 
as  the  Executive  Committees  for  the  purpose  recited  in  the  first  Sec¬ 
tion  of  the  act  of  incorporation;  and  all  the  actings  and  doings  of 
said  Committees  which  have  been  heretofor  approved  by  the  Assembly 
are  now  ratified  and  confirmed. 

The  regulation  adopted  above,  restricting  the  Trustees  in  pay¬ 
ing  over  to  the  Executive  Committees  amounts  in  excess  of  the  sum 
of  $3,000,  was  repealed  1886  (p.  55).  (See  below.) 

1886,  p.  55.  Resolved,  1,  When  a  bequest  has  been  made  to 
the  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly,  to  be  paid  to  two  or  more  of 
the  Executive  Committees  of  the  Church,  and  the  terms  of  the  bequest 
do  not  specify  the  proportion  according  to  which  the  amount  of  the 
bequest  shall  be  divided  among  the  Committees,  the  Board  of  Trus¬ 
tees  is  authorized  and  instructed  to  divide  the  amount  between  the 
several  Executive  Committees  for  whom  the  bequest  is  intended, 
according  to  the  proportion  of  the  annual  contributions  of  the 
churches  (excluding  legacies  to  these  Committees  for  the  three  years 
next  preceding  the  time  when  the  warrant  is  divided). 

2,  When  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  shall 
have  in  its  hands  any  sum)  of  money  which  is  specifically  directed  by 
the  donor  to  be  paid  in  prescribed  amounts  to  any  of  the  Executive 
Committees  of  the  Church,  or  to  any  other  person,  the  Board  of 
Trustees  is  authorized  to  pay  such  money  without  waiting  for  any 
action  to  be  taken  by  the  Assembly. 

3,  So  mluch  of  any  orders  heretofore  made  by  the  General  Assem¬ 
bly  as  conflicts  with  the  provisions  of  the  above  resolutions  is  hereby 
repealed. 

Section  2  was  adopted  in  response  to  the  request  of  the  Board 
of  Trustees  that  the  Assembly  would  remove  the  restriction  prevent¬ 
ing  the  Board  from  paying  out  to  parties  named  in  the  deeds  of  gift 


Trustees 


796 


[Book  IV 


any  sums  that  may  exceed  three  thousand  dollars.  (1886,  p.  90.)  — 
A.  D.  see  p.  441.) 


1235.  Distribution  of  miscellaneous  legacies 

See  Section  1210. 

1236.  Cost  of  litigating  in  the  matter  of  legacies 

1887,  p.  246.  The  overture  of  the  Trustees  asking  for  power, 
where  expenses  are  necessarily  incurred  in  litigation  as  to  legacies, 
to  appropriate  for  this  object  amounts  needed  from  any  funds  in  hand 
not  otherwise  appropriated,  was  granted. 

1901,  p.  28.  The  Board  was  instructed  to  hand  to  George  E. 
Wilson,  Esq.,  the  annual  sum  of  $100  to  defray  the  expenses  incident 
to  his  gratuitous  services  as  the  Board’s  attorney. 


1237.  Expenses  of  Trustees 

1873,  p.  33 7.  It  is  ordered  that  the  Trustees  of  the  Assembly  be 
authorized  to  pay  expenses  incurred  in  the  discharge  of  their  duties 
out  of  any  funds  not  otherwise  appropriated* 

1238.  Five  per  cent,  deduction 

1898,  p.  231.  The  charge  of  five  per  cent,  has  been  deducted 
from  bequests  and  legacies  and  credited  to  account  of  contingent 
fund.  Some  of  these  gifts  seem;  to  require  nothing  beyond  turning 
them  over  to  another  committee  of  our  church.  While  disclaiming 
the  least  reflection  upon  any  one,  your  committee  would  state  that 
they  find  no  authority  for  such  deduction  beyond  expense  actually 
paid  in  each  case. 

1899,  p.  425.  Some  explanation  seemed  needed  of  the  charge 
of  five  per  cent,  deducted  from  bequests  and  legacies  and  credited 
to  contingent  fund.  In  our  judgment,  the  actions  taken  by  the 
Assemblies  of  1873,  1883,  and  1887  (see  page  334,  Alexander’s 
Digest),  and  the  repeated  endorsement  of  its  financial  reports,  were 
sufficient  to  justify  the  Board  of  Trustees  in  the  putting  aside  from 
funds  coming  into  their  possession  of  a  percentage  to  constitute  a  con¬ 
tingent  fund  for  necessary  expenses,  and  we  would  recommend,  in 
order  to  quiet  all  discussion,  the  following  action  by  this  Assembly: 

Resolved,  That  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly 
be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  authorized  to  retain  in  possession  and 
pass  to  contingent  fund  such  a  percentage  of  bequests  and  legacies 
as  shall  be  sufficient,  and  only  sufficient,  to  cover  the  necessary  ex¬ 
penses  of  said  Board  of  Trustees. 

1239.  Expenses  of  the  President  of  the  Board 

1881,  p.  372.  The  Board  having  asked  the  Assembly  to  provide 
for  defraying  the  necessary  expenses  of  the  President  of  the  Board 


Secs.  1235-1244] 


Trustees 


797 


in  attending  the  sessions  of  the  General  Assembly  (p.  422),  the  mat¬ 
ter  was  referred  to  the  Auditing  Committee,  who  reported  as  follows, 
which  was  adopted: 

Your  Committee  cannot  realize  a  necessity  for  the  attendance  at 
the  General  Assembly  of  the  President  of  the  Board  of  Trustees,  and 
therefore  offer  no  recommendations  as  to  that  matter. 

1240.  Quorum  of  the  Board 

The  Assembly  of  1864  fixed  on  five  as  a  quorum  of  the  Trustees 
competent  to  transact  business.  (P.  289.) 

1240.  President  of  the  Board  ex-officio  a  member  of  the  Assembly 

1879,  p.  56.  The  following  suggestion  of  the  Auditing  Com¬ 
mittee  was  adopted: 

Your  Committee  would  respectfully  suggest  that  it  is  the  desire 
of  the  Board  of  Trustees  that  their  President  should  be  ex-officio  a 
member  of  the  General  Assembly,  the  same  as  the  Secretaries  of  the 
various  Executive  Committees  are,  that  he  may  be  present  at  the 
meetings  of  the  Assembly,  so  as  to  explain  the  business  of  the  Board 
if  desired.  We  recommend  that  the  desire  be  granted,  if  in  the 
wisdom  of  the  Assemblv  it  can  be  done. 

1242.  Members  of  the  Board  entitled  to  the  privileges  of  the  floor 

1886,  p.  55.  Any  member  or  officer  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of 
the  General  Assembly,  chosen  by  said  Board  for  that  purpose,  shall 
have  the  privilege  of  speaking  upon  the  floor  of  the  Assembly  on  any 
matter  pertaining  to  the  business  of  the  Board  which  is  under  con¬ 
sideration  by  the  Assembly. 

1243.  Treasurer  to  state  character  of  the  investment  of  permanent 

funds 

0 

1919,  p.  68.  Audit  No.  6,  the  report  of  Trustees  of  the  Assem¬ 
bly.  We  find  the  Treasurer  fails  to  state  the'  character  of  the  in¬ 
vestment  of  its  permanent  funds.  We  recommend  that  hereafter, 
year  by  year,  this  information  be  furnished  the  Assembly. 

1244.  Judicial  powers  of  Trustees — Ad  Interim  Committee 

1921,  p.  59.  Resolved :  1.  That  an  Ad  Interim  Committee  be 
appointed,  consisting  of  Judge  W.  H.  Baker,  Jacksonville,  Fla.;  Mr. 
Helm  Bruce,  Louisville,  Ky. ;  Mr.  George  Bryan,  Richmond,  Va., 
to  consider  the  whole  question  of  the  legal  title  of  individual  con¬ 
gregations  to  its  Church  property,  the  rights  of  Presbyteries  through 
their  churches  to  hold  property  of  churches  which  have  been  dis¬ 
solved;  also  the  powers  of  trustees  in  all  our  Church  Courts,  suggest- 


Trustees 


798 


[Book  IV 


ing  any  amendment  to  our  Book  of  Church  Order  which  may  be 
needed  to  cover  the  mjatters  referred  to  above. 

2.  That  they  prepare  a  standard  set  of  by-laws  for  the  Government 
of  Church  Corporations  in  the  exercise  of  their  corporate  functions, 
especially  defining  the  duties  and  powers  of  trustees,  in  accordance 
with  the  laws  of  each  State,  and  make  a  report  to  the  next  General 
Assembly. 

1922,  p.  55.  We  recommend  that  the  report  of  the  Ad-Interim 
Committee  on  Judicial  Powers  of  Trustees  be  referred  to  the  Ad- 
Interim  Committee  on  the  Revision  of  the  Book  of  Church  Order, 
with  request  that  they  carefully  consider  the  whole  matter  and  report 
their  recommendations  to  the  next  Assembly;  and  that  the  report  of 
said  Committee  on  Judicial  Powers  of  Trustees  be  printed  in  the 
Appendix  of  the  Minutes  of  this  Assembly.  (See  page  193  of 
Appendix.) 

1922,  p.  75.  An  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Central  Louisi¬ 
ana  asking  advice  on  the  matter  of  Trustees  and  incorporation  of 
churches. 

Your  Committee  recommends  that  the  Presbytery  of  Central 
Louisiana  be  referred  to  the  report  made  to  this  Assembly  by  the 
Ad-Interim  Committee  on  Judicial  Powers  of  Trustees,  in  which  the 
desired  information  is  fully  set  forth. 


CHAPTER  IX 


VOLUNTARY  AGENCIES 

1245.  National  Bible  Society  for  the  Confederate  States 

1861,  p.  36.  Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  contemplates 
with  the  highest  satisfaction  the  proposed  organization  of  a  National 
Bible  Society  for  the  Confederate  States  of  America,  and  for  which 
a  meeting  or  convention  is  proposed  to  be  held  in  the  city  of  Augusta, 
Ga.,  on  the  third  Wednesday  in  March,  1862;  and  we  take  the  pres¬ 
ent  suitable  occasion  to  express  a  hope  that  a  work  so  sacred  and 
great  as  that  to  be  embraced  by  this  catholic  institution,  may  receive 
the  hearty  and  liberal  support  of  all  our  people,  churches  and  ju¬ 
dicatories. 

1862,  p.  19.  Resolved,  That  this  Presbytery  send  up  to  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  the  following  overture,  viz. : 

“That  the  General  Assembly  would  take  proper  measures  to  ascer¬ 
tain  and  keep  itself  informed  whether  or  not  the  Bible  Society  of  the 
Confederate  States  publishes,  or  will  publish,  the  Word  of  God  pure 
and  entire,  and  in  case  it  does,  and  affords  sufficient  assurance  that 
it  will  continue  so  to  do,  that  the  Assembly  adopt  that  Society  as  its 
organ  for  publishing  and  circulating  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  enjoin 
upon  the  ministers  and  churches  under  its  care  to  support  it  by  regu¬ 
lar  annual  contributions,  and  require  such  contributions  to  be  reported 
by  the  Presbyteries  and  exhibited  in  the  Minutes  of  the  Assembly.” 

Resolved,  That  this  Presbytery  send  also  a  miemorial  to  the  General 
Assembly  in  favor  of  the  above  overture. 

Answer :  This  General  Assembly  has  heard  with  much  gratifica¬ 
tion  of  the  organization  of  the  Bible  Society  of  the  Confederate  States, 
and  cordially  reconimends  it  to  the  favor  and  patronage  of  our 
churches  and  people. 

It  does  not  appear  from  the  record  in  what  Presbytery  this 
overture  originated. — A. 

1246.  American  Bible  Society 

1866,  p.  38.  Although  it  is  the  opinion  of  your  committee  that 
this  Society  ought  to  be  composed  of  representatives  of  the  different 
churches,  appointed  through  their  constitutional  forms,  yet,  as  there 
is  nothing  in  its  Constitution  to  prevent  the  free  action  of  every 
church  in  carrying  forward  the  work,  and  as  its  organization  is 
simply  for  the  printing  and  circulation  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  your 
committee  reconfmend  the  adoption  of  the  following  resolutions: 

Resolved,  1,  That  our  ministers  and  churches  be  earnestly  recom¬ 
mended  to  use  all  proper  efforts  to  promote  the  circulation  of  the 


800 


Voluntary  Agencies 


[Book  IV 


Holy  Scriptures,  and  that  the  efforts  of  the  American  Bible  Society 
in  this  behalf  deserve  the  cordial  approbation  of  this  Assembly,  and 
recommend  it  to  the  confidence  and  support  of  our  Christian  people. 

2.  That  our  ministers  and  Sessions  be  earnestly  recommended  to 
make  the  Bible  cause  a  special  object  in  connection  with  their  con¬ 
tributions  for  Systematic  Benevolence. 

1868,  p.  272.  Resolved,  That  this  General  Assembly  express  its 
confidence  in  the  work  of  the  American  Bible  Society,  with  acknowl¬ 
edgment  of  the  extent  and  generosity  of  their  benefactions  to  our 
people,  both  in  the  large  donations  they  have  made  and  are  making 
to  supply  the  destitute,  and  their  magnanimous  recognition  of  the 
inability  of  many  of  their  Auxiliary  Societies  within  our  bounds  to 
meet  their  engagements  to  the  parent  Society,  or  to  contribute  to  their 
treasury. 

1876,  p.  237.  Whereas  the  Bible  is  the  foundation  on  which  rest 
all  our  benevolent  enterprises  underlying  the  missionary  work,  the 
Sabbath  School,  and  the  Church  itself;  and  whereas  the  American 
Bible  Society  has  been,  and  still  is,  an  efficient  instrumentality  in 
accomplishing  the  great  work  of  the  distribution  of  the  Scriptures: 
therefore, 

Resolved,  That  this  General  Assembly  renewedly  commends  the 
Ainerican  Bible  Society  to  the  confidence  and  support  of  all  our 
churches  and  congregations. 

1878,  p.  612.  Resolved,  1,  That  we  cordially  recommend  to  all 
our  ministers  and  churches  to  co-operate  with  said  society  in  its 
most  comjnendable  efforts,  by  colporteurs  and  otherwise,  to  supply 
the  World  with  the  Holy  Scriptures. 

2.  That  our  ministers  be  requested  to  present  the  claims  of  the 
American  Bible  Society  to  their  congregations,  and  take  up  collec¬ 
tions  for  it  or  its  auxiliary  at  such  times  as  may  be  deemed  most 
suitable. 

At  other  places,  such  as  1874,  p.  492;  1877,  p.  409;  1S82,  p.  553; 
1883,  p.  48;  1885,  p.  434,  the  Assembly  commented  this  society  to 
the  confidence  and  contributions  of  its  churches. — A. 

1247.  Assembly  declines  to  add  the  Bible  Society  to  the  list  of  ben¬ 
evolent  causes  for  which  it  asks  collections 

1877,  p.  409.  The  General  Assembly  respectfully  declines  com¬ 
plying  with  the  requests  of  the  Synods  of  Memphis  and  Alabama, 
while  cordially  commending  their  zeal  in  the  great  work  of  promoting 
the  circulation  of  the  Word  of  God. 

The  overture  of  the  Synod  of  Memphis  was  that  the  Assembly 
would  “place  the  Bible  cause  on  the  list  of  benevolent  causes,  and 
designate  a  time  when  collections  shall  be  taken.”  The  overture  of 
the  Synod  of  Alabama  was  for  the  same,  with  the  further  request 
that  “a  column  be  added  to  our  blank  forms  for  statistical  reports, 
that  the  result  of  such  collections  may  appear  in  the  summary  of 
the  benevolent  work  of  the  Church.” — A. 


Secs.-  1246-1248] 


Bible  Society 


801 


1248.  The  American  Bible  Society  adopted  as  an  agency 

1890,  p.  11.  Resolved,  1,  That  the  Assembly  again  recognizes 
the  American  Bible  Society,  according  to  the  constitution  upon  which 
it  is  organized  and  the  principles  upon  which  it  is  at  present  con¬ 
ducted,  as  an  aid  of  our  church  in  the  distribution  of  the  Scriptures, 
and  as  such  commends  it  to  the  confidence  and  support  of  all  our 
people. 

2.  That  we  recommend  to  our  churches  to  place  the  Bible  cause 
among  the  objects  of  beneficence,  and  to  make  an  annual  contri¬ 
bution  to  it,  to  be  turned  over  to  the  Auxiliary  Societies  in  their 
neighborhood,  or  directly  to  the  parent  Society  in  New  York. 

3.  That  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the  Assembly  be  instructed  to  add 
to  the  statistical  blanks  sent  out  to  the  Sessions  and  the  Stated 
Clerks  of  the  Presbyteries  a  column  for  the  contributions  to  the 
Bible  cause,  in  order  that  our  churches  may  be  thereby  reminded  of 
their  duty,  and  an  annual  exhibit  be  made  of  the  amounts  contributed. 
(1896,  p.  581.  Declined  an  overture  to  omit  this  column  from  the 
statistical  blank.) 

4.  That  the  General  Assembly  at  each  meeting  appoint  a  Stand¬ 
ing  Committee  on  the  Bible  cause  in  our  own  and  other  lands,  es¬ 
pecially  within  our  own  church. 

1891,  p.  254.  1.  The  Assembly  reaffirms  and  emphasizes  the 

deliverance  of  the  last  Assembly,  by  which  the  relation  of  the  Amer¬ 
ican  Bible  Society  to  the  church  is  clearly  defined,  and  the  cause 
represented  by  it  is  made  one  of  the  objects  of  systematic  benefi¬ 
cence,  and  this  Society  is  again  recommended  to  the  confidence  and 
support  of  the  church. 

2.  That  whereas  discussions  to  some  extent  prevalent  immediately 
touching  the  Holy  Scriptures  must  inevitably  result  in  awakening 
increased  interest  in  the  study  of  the  Word  of  God,  and  as  it  is  its  own 
best  interpreter,  we  deem  this  an  opportune  time  to  encourage  in  the 
most  substantial  manner  the  circulation  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  among 
all  the  people. 

3.  While  not  discouraging,  but  rather  commending,  the  annual 
union  meetings  held  in  many  places  in  the  interest  of  the  Bible 
cause,  as  expressive  of  the  unity  of  the  Protestant  Christianity,  it 
is  recommended  that  the  collections  fori  this  cause  be  taken  up  in 
all  our  churches  on  the  third  Sabbath  in  October,  or  as  soon  there¬ 
after  as  practicable,  and  that  these  contributions  be  forwarded  di¬ 
rectly  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Bible  Society  in  New  York  city. 
(Because  incompatible  with  existing  schedule,  the  Assembly,  1895, 
p.  401,  declined  to  set  apart  a  whole  month  for  this  cause.) 

4.  It  is  further  recommiended  that  Presbyterial  Standing  Com¬ 
mittees  upon  the  Bible  Cause  be  appointed,  who  shall  take  charge 
of  this  subject  in  their  respective  Presbyteries.  (See  1896,  p.  581.) 

1899,  p.  432.  The  Assembly  declined  to  set  apart  the  month  of 
June  for  the  collection  for  the  Society  instead  of  the  third  Sabbath 
of  October. 


802 


Voluntary  Agencies 


[Book  IV 


1912,  p.  32.  The  Assembly  urges  our  churches  to  contribute 
faithfully  and  cheerfully  the  small  amount  of  $10,000  named  by 
the  Assembly  in  its  budget  for  this  cause.  It  is  an  average  of  less 
than  4  cents  per  member,  and  ought  easily  to  be  given.  Let  us  thus 
prove  our  sincerity  in  placing  this  important  object  among  the  five 
great  causes  of  Beneficence  embraced  in  the  Assembly’s  scheme. 

2.  Our  pastors  and  people  are  urged  to  co-operate  with  the  Bible 
Society’s  agents  in  meeting  the  vast  destitution  at  home. 

3.  In  view  of  the  great  success  which  through  the  divine  blessing 
has  crowned  our  Congo  mission,  its  prospective  enlargement  through 
the  re-inforcements  now  going;  forward,  and  also  the  probable  es¬ 
tablishment  very  soon  of  a  new  mission  in  the  same  region  by  the 
M.  E.  Church,  South,  the  American  Bible  Society  is  respectfully 
invited  to  consider  the  matter  of  entering  formally  this  most  needy 
and  promising  field  which  the  great  Head  of  the  Church  has  given 
us  the  great  privilege  of  opening  up. 

1249.  Permanent  Committee  on  Bible  Cause 

1903,  p.  488.  The  Assembly  appointed  a  Permanent  Committee 
on  the  Bible  Cause,  consisting  of  Rev.  T.  H.  Law,  Rev.  J.  S.  Wat¬ 
kins,  Rev.  J.  T.  Plunket  and  Elders  T.  J.  Moore  and  G.  B.  Hanna. 

1250.  A  Bible  for  every  child  in  the  land 

1892,  p.  420.  The  Assembly  especially  commends  the  effort  to 
place  the  whole  Bible  in  the  hands  of  every  child  in  the  land  who 
can  read,  and  urges  our  pastors,  Sessions  and  Sabbath  School  super¬ 
intendents  to  aid  this  effort  by  seeing  that  the  children  and  youth 
of  our  country  are  supplied  with  the  Scriptures. 

1893,  p.  27.  The  Society  offers  to  supply  our  Sabbath  Schools 
wdth  Bibles  at  half-price,  and  in  case  a  pupil  is  unable  to  pay,  it 
proposes  to  give  a  Bible. 

1251.  The  Bible  Society  and  Foreign  Missions 

1891,  p.  254.  Regarding  this  agency  as  most  closely  allied  to 
every  effort  made  by  the  church  to  carry  the  gospel  by  a  living 
ministry  to  foreign  lands,  we  emphasize  the  great  importance 
of  the  work  of  this  Society  in  publishing  and  circulating  the  Holy 
Scriptures  in  foreign  tongues. 

1892,  p.  420.  That  the  Assembly  recognizes  its  obligation  to 
the  American  Bible  Society  for  the  generous  and  valuable  aid  it 
has  rendered  our  missionaries  in  the  foreign  field  in  translating, 
printing,  and  distributing  the  Scriptures  in  connection  with  their 
work,  and  to  our  church  at  home  in  supplying  our  people  with  the 
Word  of  God,  while  we  have  contributed  so  little  to  the  cause,  and 
hopes  that  its  operations  may  not  be  curtailed  for  the  lack  of  adequate 
means. 


Secs.  1248-1253] 


Bible  Society 


803 


1252.  The  Bible  Society  and  our  Colporteurs 

1892,  p.  420.  The  Committee  of  Publication  is  instructed  to 
see  that  our  colporteurs  give  such  assistance  to  the  Bible  Society  in 
disseminating  the  Bible  as  m,ay  not  interfere  with  their  regular  work. 
(1894,  p.  207.) 

1253.  Report  of  Standing  Committee  on  Bible  Cause 

1911,  p.  24.  Your  Committee  on  the  Bible  Cause  begs  leave  to 
report  that  the  report  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  the  Bible 
Cause  and  the  Ninety-first  Ainnual  Report  of  the  American  Bible 
Society  have  been  placed  in  our  hands,  both  of  which  contain  much 
general  information  which  is  interesting  and  encouraging. 

The  American  Bible  Society  reports  great  progress  in  its  work 
and  has  manifestly  entered  upon  a  new  era  of  usefulness  by  the 
munificence  of  Mrs.  Russell  Sage,  the  late  Mr.  J.  Stuart  Kennedy 
and  the  increased  gifts  gathered  from  the  Churches;  these  have  made 
an  enlargement  of  the  scope  of  the  work  possible  and  this  in  turn 
calls  for  sustained  interest  on  the  part  of  the  Churches. 

The  attention  of  the  Assembly  is  called  to  the  work  of  the  Bible 
Society  in  meeting  the  immigrant  with  a  Bible  as  he  comes  to  our 
shores,  it  matters  not  from  what  country  he  comes  nor  at  what  port 
he  enters.  Vigorous  efforts  have  been  put  forth  in  the  endeavor  to 
put  the  Bible  in  the  hands  of  the  negroes  so  steeped  in  ignorance 
and  superstition. 

Through  the  noble  efforts  of  the  “Gideons,”  an  organization  among 
Christian  commercial  traveling  men,  the  Bible  is  being  placed  in 
the  rooms  of  hotels  that  the  Book  of  all  books  may  be  in  easy  reach 
of  that  great  and  ever  increasing  number  of  men  and  women  who 
are  compelled  to  spend  much  of  their  time  in  hotels  and  boarding 
houses.  So  that  if  we  are  called  to  deplore  the  fact  that  the  Bible 
is  being  neglected  in  the  home,  we  are  also  permitted  to  rejoice  that 
it  has  established  itself  in  the  hotel  through  the  instrumentality  of 
the  “Order  of  the  Gideons.” 

Attention  is  called  to  the  fact  that  the  year  of  our  Lord  1911  is 
the  three  hundredth  anniversary  of  the  publication  of  the  King  James 
Version  of  the  English  Bible  and  is  being  celebrated  in  Churches  and 
Assemblies  all  over  the  world. 

The  following  recommendations  are  made: 

1.  That  the  Assembly  call  upon  the  churches  to  rally  with  in¬ 
creased  zeal  to  the  support  of  the  Bible  Cause  and  that  they  be 
urged  to  contribute  this  year  in  the  aggregate  not  less  than  $10,000. 

2.  That  the  work  of  the  “Gideons”  be  heartily  commended  by 
the  Assembly  and  our  people  be  urged  to  support  them  in  this  most 
noble  enterprise. 

3.  That  pending  the  adoption  of  this  report,  a  program,  which 
has  been  prepared,  be  given  in  celebration  of  the  three  hundredth 
anniversary  of  the  publication  of  the  King  James  Version  of  the 
English  Bible. 


804  Voluntary  Agencies  [Book  IV 

This  cause  has  been  commended,  in  varying  language,  to  th« 
churches  every  year. 

1915,  p.  80.  The  Assembly  endorsed  the  plan  for  the  proposed 
World’s  Bible  Congress,  in  connection  with  the  Panamia-Pacific 
Exposition,  and  commended  the  Society  for  thus  exalting  the  Word 
of  God. 

The  Assembly  approved  of  the  plan  to  hold  a  Centennial  Celebra¬ 
tion  in  connection  with  the  next  Assembly;  the  first  Sabbath  even¬ 
ing  during  the  session  of  that  Assembly  to  be  placed  upon  the 
docket  as  the  time  for  this  celebration;  and  the  Permanent  Com¬ 
mittee  on  the  Bible  Cause  was  appointed  and  directed  to  arrange 
the  programj  and  details  for  said  celebration. 

1254.  Distribution  of  the  Bible  among  the  soldiers 

1917,  p.  54.  The  Assembly  expresses  its  special  approval  of  the 
great  w'ork  of  distributing  the  Bible  among  the  millions  of  soldiers 
in  Europe,  in  their  own  language,  and  to  the  thousands  of  soldiers 
being  assembled  and  trained  in  our  land.  In  view  of  the  special 
opportunities  and  needs  arfiong  the  soldiers,  the  Assembly  would  ap¬ 
peal  to  our  people  to  make  special  contributions  to  the  Emergency 
Fund  of  $150,000  which  is  now  needed  by  the  Society  to  do  this 
work. 

1255.  Pocket  Testament  League 

1917,  p.  55.  We  call  attention  to  the  fact  that  the  Business  Men’s 
Committee  of  the  American  Pocket  Testament  League,  of  which  Dr. 
J.  Wilbur  Chapman  is  President,  is  furnishing  a  well-bound  Testa¬ 
ment  to  every  soldier  and  sailor  who  will  sign  up  that  he  will 
carry  the  Word  upon  his  person  and  read  a  chapter  each  day.  Two 
hundred  and  fifty  thousand  British  soldiers  now  on  the  fighting  line 
are  members  of  the  Pocket  Testament  League.  It  is  imperative 
that  our  own  soldiers  and  sailors  should  be  as  thoroughly  prepared. 

We  recommend  that  the  General  Assembly  heartily  endorse  the 
Pocket  Testament  League,  and  that  our  ministers  and  churches  be 
urged  to  encourage  and  aid  it  in  every  way  possible  in  its  effort  to 
put  a  copy  of  the  New  Testament  into  the  hands  of  each  of  our 
soldiers  and  sailors. 

1256.  Relations  with  the  American  Bible  Society 

1917,  p.  55.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  the  Permanent  Com¬ 
mittee  on  the  Bible  Cause,  asking  the  Assembly  to  “define  the  status 
of  said  Committee,  both  in  relation  to  the  Assembly  and  also  in 
relation  to  the  American  Bible  Society,  together  with  the  duties,  ob¬ 
ligations,  and  privileges  growing  out  of  these  relations:” 

It  seems  clear  to  your  Committee,  after  studying  carefully  the 
deliverances  of  the  Assembly  relative  to  the  American  Bible  Society, 
that  the  Assembly’s  Permanent  Committee  on  the  Bible  Cause  was 


-Secs.  1253-1257] 


Bible  Society 


805 


erected  simply  to  be  a  medium  of  communication  between  the  Bible 
Society  and  the  Assembly,  especially  with  a  view  to  making  it  easier 
for  the  agent  of  the  Society  to  get  his  report  before  the  Assembly 
and  to  get  a  hearing  on  the  floor. 

In  view  of  the  fact,  however,  that  our  Assembly  commends  this 
Society  and  its  work  to  the  liberality  of  our  people,  and  has  included 
it  as  one  of  the  objects  of  Systematic  Beneficence,  and  that  our  As¬ 
sembly  has  no  official  representation  on  the  Board  of  Directors  of 
the  American  Bible  Society,  and  no  voice  in  its  management,  there¬ 
fore  your  Committee  would  recommend  the  appointment  of  an  Ad- 
Interim  Cbmmittee  to  study  this  whole  question  of  our  Assembly’s 
relation  to  the  American  Bible  Society  and  report  to  the  next  General 
Assembly,  this  Ad-Interim  Committee  to  be  composed  of  the  fol¬ 
lowing:  Rev.  Edward  Mack,  D.  D.,  Rev.  H.  J.  Williams,  Mr. 
John  S.  Munce,  Mr.  Owsley  Saunders,  Mr.  John  W.  Friend,  and 
Rev.  E.  R.  Leyburn,  D.  D. 

1257.  Report  of  Ad-Interim  Committee  on  American  Bible  Society 

1918,  p.  156  (approved,  p.  35f). 

While  the  Society  is  not  bound  to  our  Church  by  organization  or 
control,  but  is  an  independent  and  self-governing  body,  yet  its 
unselfish  service  and  its  direct  benefits  to  our  Church  are  so  great 
as  to  make  the  relationship  both  intimate  and  vital.  Formerly  the 
work  of  the  American  Bible  Society  was  conducted  through  local 
auxiliaries,  such  as  State  Bible  Societies;  but  the  direction  of  the 
work  through  these  proved  to  be  cumbersome,  and  most  of  them 
have  been  merged  with  the  Society  itself. 

1.  In  the  territory  covered  by  our  Church  the  American  Bible 
Society  operates  though  four  agencies,  each  with  its  agency  secre¬ 
tary.  These  are  the  South  Atlantic,  Central,  Southwestern  and  Col¬ 
ored  agencies.  Two  of  these  agents  are  Presbyterian  ministers,  one 
now  in  our  Assembly,  the  other  formerly  a  minister  of  our  Church. 

2.  During  the  year  1916  the  four  agencies  distributed  in  the 
South  423,208  copies  of  the  Scriptures. 

In  fifteen  years  of  service  (that  is,  since  1901),  the  colored  agency 
has  distributed  a  half  million  copies  of  the  Scriptures  among  the 
people  of  its  own  race.  The  four  agencies  have  distributed  in  the 
aggregate,  since  their  erection,  two  and  a  half  million  copies  of  the 
Scriptures  in  the  Southland.  It  can  hardly  be  supposed  that  the 
local  societies  could  ever  have  achieved  such  results. 

3.  So  early  as  December,  1917,  100,000  New  Testaments  had 
already  been  distributed  among  our  soldiers  in  the  camps,  one-half 
of  these  in  the  Southern  camps.  One  hundred  thousand  also  were 
distributed  among  the  soldiers  on  the  Mexican  border.  Altogether 
a  million  copies  are  to  be  distributed  to  soldiers  through  the  Y.  M. 
C.  A,,  at  a  cost  of  $200,000 — a  great  work  of  faith  and  love,  since 
the  American  Bible  Society  had  not  a  dollar  in  hand  for  it  at  the 
time  when  it  determined  that  this  work  should  be  undertaken. 

4.  The  wide  and  effective  service  of  the  Society  in  Foreign  lands 


806 


Voluntary  Agencies 


[Book  IV 


must  also  be  considered.  To  whom  shall  our  missionaries  turn 
for  help  in  supplying  the  Bibles  in  their  fields,  and  for  the  print¬ 
ing  of  native  versions  which  they  have  made?  Local  societies  might 
meet  in  a  measure  local  needs,  but  would  leave  the  missionary  help¬ 
less.  The  debt  of  our  Church  to  the  American  Bible  Society  in 
this  particular  is  beyond  estimate. 

5.  The  contributions  of  our  churches  to  the  Society’s  work  fall 
far  below  the  actual  gifts  made  in  their  own  fields.  And  the  con¬ 
tributions  of  all  the  denominations  of  the  South  come  far  short  of  the 
actual  cost,  of  the  service  rendered  in  their1  territories  by  the  .Society. 
Its  endowments  and  its  receipts  from  other  sources  have  availed  for 
our  local  needs  out  of  all  proportion  to  our  gifts  and  service  to  it. 

6.  In  the  list  of  thei  officers  of  the  S'ociety  will  be  found  the 
names  of  three  elders  in  our  Church  who  serve  as  vice-presidents, 
namely:  Mr.  W.  T.  Hardie,  of  New  Orleans;  Mr.  George  W.  Watts, 
of  Durham,  N.  C. ;  and  Mr.  Christopher  Mathewson,  of  Florida. 

7.  We  find  after  correspondence  and  conferences  that  the  affairs 
of  the  Society  are  being  wisely  and  economically  administered. 
Efficient  men  are  in  charge  of  the  agencies  which  cover  the  territory 
of  our  own  Church. 

8.  In  view  of  these  clear  evidences  of  the  great  service  which 
the  American  Bible  Society  is  rendering,  of  our  need  of  its  organized 
and  equipped  facilities,  and  of  our  enthusiasm  as  a  Church  for  the 
dissemination  of  the  Scriptures  in  all  the  world,  we  recommend  the 
following  action : 

(1)  That  the  Assembly  again  give  its  hearty  endorsement  to  the 
work  of  the  American  Bible  Society,  with  expression  of  its  gratitude  to 
God  for  an  organization  so  loyal  and  so  effective  in  so  great  a  cause. 

(2)  That  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Bible  Cause  be  continued 
as  at  present,  not  with  a  view  to  its  having  any  voice  in  the  manage¬ 
ment  of  the  affairs  of  the  Bible  Society  or  conducting  any  vigorous 
campaign  of  advertising  or  promoting  its  work,  but  simply  as  a  con¬ 
necting  link  between  our  Assembly  and  this  Society,  which  have  so 
great  interests  in  common. 

(3)  That  the  Permanent  Committee  be  authorized,  in  its  wisdom, 
to  supply  information  to  our  churches  by  mail  or  otherwise,  without 
expense  to  the  General  Assembly,  in  order  that  our  churches  may  be 
informed  about  the  great  work  of  the  Society  and  its  need  of  our 
liberal  help. 

(4)  That  subscriptions  to  the  Bible  Society  Record,  which  is  the 
official  organ  of  the  Society,  be  encouraged  among  our  churches. 

1919,  p.  66.  1.  The  Assembly  reaffirms  its  deep  and  abiding 

interest  in  the  American  Bible  .Society;  assigns  .6%  of  the  budget 
in  the  Every-Member-Canvass  as  a  just  proportion  for  this  cause; 
and  enjoins  upon  the  Presbyteries,  and  especially  upon  the  Sessions 
of  churches,  to  have  this  amount  given  to  this  cause;  and  that  the 
amount  be  sent  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  New  York  office,  and  not  to 
any  local  Society. 

2.  In  the  event  any  church  does  not  carry  into  effect  the  Every- 


Secs.  1257-1258] 


Bible  Society 


807 


Member-Canvass  for  raising  its  funds,  that  the  last  Sabbath  of 
September  of  each  year,  which  is  the  universal  Bible  Society  Day,  or 
as  near  thereto  as  may  be  possible,  an  offering  be  taken  for  the  Bible 
Cause. 

3.  That  the  Assembly,  at  the  request  of  the  American  Bible 
Society,  appoint  a  representative  from  our  Church  to  be  a  member 
of  the  Advisory  Council,  at  the  expense  of  the  Society,  at  the  meeting 
at  which  time  the  annual  budget  is  fixed,  and  that  Dr.  Russell  Cecil 
be  appointed  as  such  representative. 

4.  That  the  first  Friday  night  of  each  Assembly  be  set  apart  to 
the  Bible  Cause,  and  the  program  shall  be  under  the  direction  of  the 
Permanent  Committee  on  the  Bible  Cause  of  the  Assembly. 

5.  The  Permanent  Committee  on  the  Bible  Cause  makes  the  fol¬ 
lowing  request  of  the  Assembly: 

First.  To  define  the  duties  of  the  Permanent  Committee. 

Second.  To  define  the  relation  of  the  Assembly’s  Permanent  Com¬ 
mittee  on  the  Bible  Cause  to  the  American  Bible  Society:  Is  this 
Committee  a  mere  servant  to  receive  suggestions  and  directions  from 
the  American  Bible  Society  as  to  its  work,  or  is  it  on  an  equality  with 
the  Society  to  make  suggestions  to  the  Bible  Society  and  co-operate 
with  it?  ;  f 

Third.  To  define  the  relations  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on 
the  Bible  Cause  to  the  General  Assembly  of  our  Church:  Is  its  rela¬ 
tion  to  the  Assembly  anywise  analagous  to  that  of  the  various 
Executive  Committees? 

Fourth.  It  is  recommended  by  your  Committee  that  such  Ad- 
Interim  Committee  be  appointed  to  answer  these  questions  and  define 
the  duties  and  sphere  of  work  herein  described  and  for  which  infor¬ 
mation  is  asked  by  the  Permanent  Committee  on  the  Bible  Cause. 

1919,  p.  69 j.  The  following  is  the  committee: 

Rev.  E.  B.  McCluer,  D.  D.,  Rev.  R.  A.  Lapsley,  D.  D.,  Hon.  Geo. 
L.  Christian. 

1258.  Recommendations 

1920,  p.  193.  1.  The  duties  of  the  Assembly’s  Committee  in 

addition  to  duties  hitherto  performed  are  executive  within  its  own 
department,  as  are  the  duties  of  other  Executive  Committees  within 
their  several  departments. 

2.  The  relation  of  the  Committee  to  the  ‘Assembly  is  that  of  a 
representative  of  the  Church,  through  the  Assembly,  in  promoting 
the  great  cause  of  Bible  circulation,  study  and  teaching  in  the  home 
land  and  abroad,  within  the  sphere  of  the  Church’s  influence — the 
Committee  to  report  its  activities  annually  to  the  Assembly. 

3.  The  relation  of  the  Committee  to  the  American  Bible  Society 
is  that  of  the  executive  representative  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 
the  United  States. 

It  is  further  recommended  that  on  the  adoption  of  this  report,  a 
modest  sum,  not  exceeding  $500  per  annum,  be  appropriated  to  meet 
clerical  and  other  expenses  incident  to  effective  work  of  the  Com¬ 
mittee.  In  addition  it  is  suggested  that  the  slogan  of  the  Committee, 


Voluntary  Agencies 


808 


[Book  IV 


voicing  the  sentiment  of  the  whole  Church,  shall  be — “Back  to  the 
Bible.” 

1920,  p.  80  d.  The  report  of  the  Ad-Interim  Committee  on  Rela¬ 
tions  with  the  American  Bible  Society  was  read,  amended,  and  ap¬ 
proved,  except  that  the  last  recommendation,  touching  an  appro¬ 
priation  of  $500  per  annum,  was  amended  as  follows:  That  the 
American  Bible  Society  be  requested  to  provide  the  Permanent  Com¬ 
mittee  such  funds  as  may  be  needed  in  prosecuting  the  work. 

1921,  p.  76.  Your  Committee  recommends, 

1.  That  our  Assembly  express  its  appreciation  of  the  great  work 
the  American  Bible  Society  is  doing  in  the  bounds  of  our  own 
Assembly,  by  maintaining  five  of  its  nine  American  agencies  in  the 
bounds  of  our  Church,  and  in  distributing  through  these  agencies 
the  Scriptures  in  forty  different  languages  among  the  foreign  speak¬ 
ing  people  of  the  South,  and  in  supplying  the  demands  for  the  Word 
of  God  created  by  our  mission  and,  evangelistic  work. 

2.  That  we  express  again  our  confidence  in  the  American  Bible 
Society  as  an  agency  through  which  the  pure  Word  of  God,  unim¬ 
paired  by  additions  or  subtractions  of  human  hands,  is  supplied  to 
our  people  and  commended  to  the  liberality  of  the  people. 

3.  That  some  Sunday  in  September  be  observed  as  Bible  Cause 
Day,  on  which  a  sermon  shall  be  preached,  setting  forth  the  place  the 
pure  Word  of  God  must  hold  in  the  life  of  our  Church  and  people, 
and  commending  the  American  Bible  Society  to  their  support  by  its 
membership  plan,  and  where  the  budget  system  is  not  used  an 
offering  be  taken  for  this  cause. 

4.  That  each  church  become  an  agency  through  which  this  Society 
may  put  the  Scriptures  into  the  home  of  the  foreign  speaking  people 
living  within  their  bounds. 

5.  That  the  attention  of  the  Assembly  be  called  to  the  action  of 
the  last  Assembly,  setting  apart  the  first  Friday  night  of  each  Assem¬ 
bly  to  be  observed  as  Bible  Cause  night. 

6.  That  Dr.  Russell  Cecil,  Dr.  W.  L.  Lingle,  Dr.  E.  B.  McGluer, 
W.  S.  Rhoads  and  D.  K.  Kellog  be  nominated  as  the  Assembly’s 
Permanent  Committee  on  this  cause. 

1922,  p.  69.  Your  Committee  recommends  the  adoption  of  the 
Permanent  Committee’s  report,  and  recommendations  one  and  two 
thereof.  (P.  151.) 

Our  people  are  urged  to  subscribe  for  the  Bible  Society  Record. 

In  view  of  the  need  of  Bible  distribution  among  our  people  and 
the  valuable  work  being  carried  on  by  the  Bible  Society,  we  recom¬ 
mend  that  the  Bible  Cause  have  a  larger  place  assigned  to  it  in  the 
annual  budget  of  the  churches. 

In  answer  to  the  overtures  of  the  several  Presbyteries,  asking  for 
a  deliverance  on  the  “Shorter  Bible,”  we  recommend  that  such  de¬ 
liverance  be  made  that  the  Assembly  expresses  its  abhorrence  of 
the  publication  known  as  the  “Shorter  Bible,”  and  deplores  the  spirit 
which  gave  it  being,  that  we  renew  our  acceptance  of  the  Bible,  the 
whole  Bible,  and  nothing  more  or  less,  as  the  recorded  will  of  God 


Secs.  1258-1259] 


Bible  Society 


809 


for  our  salvation.  We  affectionately  and  earnestly  caution  our  mem¬ 
bers  against  it  in  its  endeavor  to  supplant  the  Word  of  God,  and 
urge  our  Committee  of  Publication  to  refuse  all  orders  for  it  and 
decline  in  any  way  to  advertise  it. 

Concerning  the  request  of  Assistant  Secretary  McLaughlin  that 
1  per  cent,  of  all  contributions  to  Benevolent  Causes  be  apportioned 
to  the  Bible  Cause,  we  recommend  that  this  request  and  the  sugges¬ 
tion  of  the  Permanent  Committee  for  more  liberal  support  be  referred 
to  the  Stewardship  Committee. 

In  answer  to  the  request  of  the  American  Bible  Society  that  a  rep¬ 
resentative  on  the  Advisory  Council  be  appointed  by  this  Assembly, 
we  recommend  that  this  request  be  granted,  and  we  nominate  for 
this  appointment  Rev.  Russell  Cecil,  D.  D.,  Chairman  of  our  Per¬ 
manent  Committee  on  the  Bible  Cause. 

We  recommend  anew  the  setting  apart  of  Friday  night  of  each 
Assembly  to  be  observed  as  Bible  Cause!  night. 

That  Rev.  Dr.  Russell  Cecil,  W.  L.  Lingle,  E.  B.  McCluer  and 
Messrs.  W.  S.  Rhoads  and  D.  K.  Kellog  be  nominated  as  the  As¬ 
sembly’s  Permanent  Committee  on  this  cause. 

That  a  date  be  listed  in  the  Prayer  Calendar  issued  by  the  Stew¬ 
ardship  Committee  for  special  prayer  for  the?  work  of  the  Bible 
Society. 

That  we  recommend  to  the  churches  of  our  denomination  that  they 
observe  Bible  Sunday,  as  promoted  and  planned  by  the  Society  [last 
Sunday  in  November],  and  that  our  Church  papers  be  asked  to  co¬ 
operate  in  this  in  carrying  information  in  their  news  and  editorial 
columns  on  the  Bible  Day  progrom. 

1259.  Report  of  Standing  Committee  on  Bible  Cause 

1920,  p,  65.  We  recommend  (1)  That  the  General  Assembly 
definitely  and  permanently  recognize  the  American  Bible  Society  as 
its  special  agency  for  the  translation,  publication  and  distribution  of 
the  sacred  Scriptures. 

(2)  That  the  Assembly’s  Permanent  Committee  on  Systematic 
Beneficence  and  Stewardship  be  requested  to  consider,  and  report 
to  the  next  Assembly,  on  the  advisability  of  giving  to  the  American 
Bible  Society  a  larger  percentage  in  the  distribution  of  the  benevolent 
funds  of  the  churches. 

(3)  That  the  Assembly  recommend  to  our  people  “The  Bible 
Society  Record.”  It  will  keep  them  informed  as  to  the  work  in 
which  the  Society  is  engaged,  both  at  home  and  abroad,  and  it  will  be 
a  blessing  to  the  homes  of  our  people.  It  is  $1.00  per  annum,  or 
50c.  in  clubs  of  five  or  more. 

(4)  That  the  Assembly  encourage  and  recommend  to  Presbyteries 
the  employment  of  Bible  women  in  their  Home  Mission  work. 

(5)  Not  only  do  we  call  attention  to  the  vital  .necessity  of  the 
work  of  the  Bible  Society  in  translating  and  printing  and  circulating 
the  sacred  Scriptures  but  to  the  supreme  importance  and  duty  of  all 
our  people  as  to  the  reading  and  study  and  teaching  of  the  Scriptures 


810 


Voluntary  Agencies 


[Book  IV 


in  private  and  in  Bible  classes.  We  would  urge  a  revival  of  Bible 
study.  We  fear  in  these  days  of  hurry  and  pleasure  and  money-mak¬ 
ing,  our  people  are  not  being  blessed  with  a  daily  meditation  and 
study  of  the  Bible.  And  the  multiplicity  of  the  minister’s  cares  and 
duties  of  the  new  day  in  which  we  find  ourselves  presents  a  fearful 
temptation  to  him  to  neglect  his  daily  devotional  Bible  study.  We 
urge  the  slogan,  “Back  to  the  Bible.” 

(6)  That  we  urge  all  our  people  to  put  the  American  Bible  Society 
upon  their  prayer-list,  and  that  all  our  churches,  as  far  as  practi¬ 
cable,  observe  May  Flower  Bible  Sunday,  last  Sabbath  of  September, 
1920. 

(7)  That  the  first  Friday  night  of  each  Assembly  be  set  apart  to 
the  Bible  Cause,  under  the  direction  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on 
the  Bible  Cause. 

(8)  That  the  present  Permanent  Committee  be  re-appointed  with 
Dr.  Russell  Cecil  as  Chairmen,  and  that  we  continue  to  co-operate 
with  the  American  Bible  Society  in  their  request  to  appoint  a  rep¬ 
resentative  from  our  Church  to  be  a  member  of  the  Advisory  Coun¬ 
cil,  and  that  Dr.  Cecil  be  appointed  as  such  representative. 

1260.  Ninetieth  Anniversary  of  the  American  Bible  Society 

1905,  p.  22.  Inasmuch  as  May  8,  1906,  will  be  the  90th  anniver¬ 
sary  of  the  American  Bible  Society,  and  inasmuch  as  the  Board  of 
Managers  desire  to  have  this  event  celebrated  with  appropriate  exer¬ 
cises,  our  Assembly,  in  compliance  with  this  suggestion,  authorized 
its  Permanent  Committee  to  co-operate  with  the  various  churches  in 
such  measures  as  may  be  devised  for  a  suitable  recognition  of  this 
90th  anniversary,  and  to  arrange  for  services  of  an  appropriate  char¬ 
acter  during  the  sessions  of  our  next  General  Assembly,  May,  1906,  in 
Greenville,  S.  C. 

This  plan  was  carried  out  the  next  year.  See  Minutes  1906,  p.  8. 

1261.  The  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society 

1866,  p.  27.  The  Assembly  returns  its  hearty  acknowledgments 
to  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  for  its  generous  relinquish¬ 
ment  of  the  debt  of  $2,500  in  gold  due  to  it  by  the  Publication  Com- 
mitttee. 

This  debt  was  for  Bibles  generously  advanced  the  committee  by 
that  society  during  the  war. 

1903,  p.  488.  In  view  of  the  official  information  that  the  British 
and  Foreign  Bible  Society  will  celebrate  the  one  hundredth  anniver¬ 
sary  of  its  organization  on  Monday,  March  7,  1904,  we  recommend 
that  all  our  churches  call  especial  attention  to  this  fact  on  Sabbath, 
March  6,  1904,  and  that  on  that  or  the  nearest  Sabbath  thereto  our 
churches  give  special  consideration  to  the  claims  of  Free  Bible  Dis- 


Secs.  1259-1263] 


Historical  Society 


811 


tribution  and  the  great  good  accomplished  by  the  Bible  Societies,  es¬ 
pecially  the  American  Bible  Society. 

1262.  Bible  revision 

1881,  p.  383.  Inasmuch  as  the  Revised  Version  of  the  New  Testa¬ 
ment,  which  has  been  prepared  by  two  committees  of  Christian  schol¬ 
ars  from  all  the  leading  evangelical  denominations  of  Great  Britain 
and  the  United  States,  has  been  published  and  widely  circulated;  and 
inasmuch  as  the  language  of  the  Directory  of  Worship  is  that  “the 
Scriptures  shall  be  read  from  the  most  approved  version  in  the  vulgar 
tongue” — 

Resolved,  That  a  comjmjittee  be  appointed  to  examine  the  Revised 
Version  of  the  New  Testament,  and  to  report  thereon  to  the  next  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly. 

1882,  p.  524.  This  comjmittee,  after  a  careful  consideration  of 
the  whole  subject,  reported  to  the  General  Assembly  that,  in  their 
judgment,  it  is  inexpedient  for  the  Assembly  to  takdf  any  action  on  the 
subject  at  the  present  time,  for  the  reason  that  the  work  of  the  revisers 
is  as  yet  incomplete — the  New  Testament  only  having  been  published, 
and  even  that  with  no  assurance  that  it  may  not  receive  further  amend¬ 
ment  at  the  hands  of  the  revisors.  Adopted. 

1263.  The  Presbyterian  Historical  Society 

1876,  p.  244.  A  communication  having  been  received  from  Rev.  J. 
G.  Craighead,  D.  D.,  general  secretary  of  the  Presbyterian  Historical 
Society,  calling  the  attention  of  this  body  to  the  effort  now  in  progress 
to  provide  a  fire-proof  building  for  the  preservation  of  valuable  docu¬ 
ments  relating  to  the  history  of  Presbyterianism  in  the  United  States, 
and  suggesting  the  preparation  of  historical  discourses  by  Presby¬ 
terian  ministers,  to  be  deposited  with  the  Society;  it  was 

Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  expresses  gratification  to  learn  that 
such  an  enterprise  has  been  undertaken,  and  commends  the  effort  to 
the  liberality  of  our  people,  and  recommends  that  our  ministers,  during 
the  present  year,  prepare  historical  discourses,  treating  of  the  import¬ 
ant  facts  in  the  history  of  their  churches  severally,  for  deposit  with 
the  Presbyterian  Historical  Society. 

1877,  p.  432.  A  communication  from  the  Presbyterian  Historical 
Society,  asking  the  attention  of  this  Assembly  to  its  claims. 

Reply.  The  Assembly  reiterates  its  cordial  recognition  of  the  claims 
of  the  Presbyterial  Historical  Society,  and  earnestly  commends  to 
Presbyteries,  pastors  and  members  of  our  churches,  all  proper  efforts 
for  securing  contributions  of  historical  matter  to  the  library  of  the 
Society,  and  of  means  to  promote  its  laudable  purposes  in  establishing 
a  suitable  receptacle  for  the  safe  preservation  of  the  books  and  other 
documents  placed  in  its  care. 

1878,  p.  635.  The  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures,  to  whom 
was  referred  the  annual  report  of  the  Presbyterian  Historical  Society 


812 


Voluntary  Agencies 


[Book  IV 


at  Philadelphia,  report  that  they  examined  the  same,  and  recommend 
that  the  Assembly  express^  its  satisfaction  with  the  progress  made  by 
said  Society  in  the  collection  of  various  documents  and  a  large  library 
as  contributions  to  the  general  history  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and 
also  the  provision  of  a  fire-proof  building  for  their  preservation. 

1881,  p.  363.  The  Assembly  recognizes,  with  great  pleasure,  the 
successful  prosecution  of  the  important  work  of  the  Presbyterian  His¬ 
torical  Society,  and  the  erection  of  a  fire-proof  building*  for  the  preser¬ 
vation  of  its  invaluable  historic  material.  The  Assembly  hereby — 

Resolves,  1,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  co-operate  with  the 
Society  in  every  appropriate  method. 

2.  That  the  Synods  and  Presbyteries  be  recommended  to  appoint 
similar  committees  to  procure  material  for  the  Society,  and  in  all 
practicable  ways  to  further  its  interests  for  the  benefit  of  our  entire 
Church. 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  correspond  with  the  Historical 
Society  in  regard  to  such  matters  as  may  be  suitable. 

Resolutions  of  commendation  similar  in  tone  to  the  above  were 
adopted  in  1882  (p.  525);  also  in  1892  (p.  457). 

1903,  p.  469.  There  has  been  referred  to  your  Committee  on 
Foreign  Correspondence  a  letter  from  the  Curator  of  the  “Presbyterian 
Historical  Society”  of  Philadelphia.  This  letter  informs  the  Assem¬ 
bly  that  the  Society’s  “Gallery  and  Museum”  are  almost  entirely  des¬ 
titute  of  pictures  and  relics  illustrating  the  history  of  our  Church, 
and  asks  for  any  donations  the  Assembly  may  desire  to  make  of  his¬ 
torical  materials.  We  recommend  that  the  Stated  Clerk  be  appointed 
a  medium  of  communication  in  this  matter  to  transmit  to  the  Society 
any  materials  of  the  kind  which  he  may  gather  up,  or  which  may  be 
placed  in  his  hands  for  the  purpose. 

1914,  p.  48.  Whereas,  it  is  not  only  proper  and  right  for  the 
Church  of  Christ  to  revere  and  conserve  the  great  deeds  and  accom¬ 
plishments  of  those  who  have  served  their  generations  in  the  fear  of 
God,  but  the  duty  of  the  Church  to  preserve  the  story  of  God’s  deal¬ 
ings  with  it  and  to  transmit  to  posterity  the  record  of  its  fidelity  to 
the  truth,  its  faith  and1  its  accomplishments,  the  memorials  of  its  hon¬ 
ored  ministers  and  its  faithful  laymen,  and  whatever  else  may  serve 
to  illustrate  and  perpetuate  its  principles,  or  to  afford  a  basis  for 
histories  that  may  yet  be  written;  and, 

Whereas,  the  Presbyterian  Historical  Society  is  the  only  society  in 
the  United  States  which  devotes  itself  exclusively  to  the  collection  and 
preservation  of  the  records  of  what  the  Presbyterian  and  Reformed 
Churches  have  done,  and  are  doing,  for  the  world;  and, 

Whereas,  this  Society  is  greatly  hampered  in  the  prosecution  of  its 
important  and  necessary  work  by  reason  of  meagre  and  insufficient 
income,  and  has  resolved  to  raise,  if  possible,  a  sufficient  endowment 
fund;  therefore, 

1.  The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States  heartily  commends  the  Presbyterian  Historical  Society  to  the 
good  will  and  liberality  of  its  churches  and  their  members. 


Secs.  1263-1266] 


Historical  Society 


813 


2.  The  Assembly  urges  its  .ministers  and  members,  its  Synods, 
Presbyteries  and  churches  to  contribute  to  the  Historical  Society  such 
documents,  printed  or  in  MSS.,  as  may  illustrate  the  doctrines,  the 
polity  and  the  activities  of  the  Church,  local  or  at  large,  and  be  of 
service  to  future  students  of  our  history. 

3.  The  Assembly  recommends  the  appointment  by  Synods  and 
Presbyteries  of  committees  which  shall  correspond  with  and  as  far  as 
possible  assist  the  Historical  Society  in  its  laudable  work. 

4.  That  the,  Assembly  appoint  a  Permanent  Committee  of  three  to 
co-  operate  with  the  Special  Committee  of  the  Historical  Society  in  its 
eff  ort  to  preserve  all  historical  records. 

1914,  p.  70.  The  Moderator  appointed  Rev.  T.  C.  Johnson,  D.  D., 
Rev.  R.  C.  Reed,  D.  D.,  and  Rev.  E.  C.  Gordon,  D.  D.,  a  Permanent 
Committee  to  co-operate  with  the  Presbyterian  Historical  Society  in 
the  preservation  of  historical  records,  in  accordance  with  the  recom¬ 
mendation  of  the  Standing  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence. 

1264.  Southern  Presbyterian  Historical  Society 

1883,  p.  41.  Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  commends  to 
the  attention  of  all  its  ministers  and  churches  the  Southern  Presby¬ 
terian  Historical  Society,  recently  organized,  and  located  at  Columbia, 

S.  C.,  and  urges  that  they  co-operate  with  this  Society  in  its  purposes 
and  aims  to  collect  material  which'  will  be  of  value  in  making  up  the 
history  of  our  Church. 

1884,  p.  217.  Overture  from  the  Synod  of  South  Georgia  and 
Florida:  In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  General  Assembly  has  com¬ 
mended  both  the  Presbyterian  Historical  Society  and  the  Southern 
Presbyterian  Historical  Society  to  the  “active  sympathies  and  assis¬ 
tance  of  all  our  people”;  and  whereas  it  seems  impracticable  effi¬ 
ciently  to  co-operate  with  both,  the  Synod  of  South  Georgia  and 
Florida  respectfully  overtures  the  General  Assembly  to  say  which  of 
these  Societies  shall  receive  the  co-operation  and  assistance  of  our 
people. 

It  is  recommended  that  we  return  answer  to  this  overture  by  ex¬ 
pressing  a  preference  for  the  Southern  Historical  society.  Adopted. 

1265.  Collecting  materials  for  the  history  of  the  Southern  Church 

1878,  p.  635.  Overture  from  the  Synod  of  Texas,  asking  that 
steps  be  taken  for  gathering  up  and  preserving  the  past  and  current 
history  of  the  Southern  Presbyterian  Church. 

Answer :  The  Assembly  urges  upon  all  our  ministers  and  judica¬ 
tories  to  take  all  necessary  steps  for  the  early  preparation  and  collec¬ 
tion  of  materials  for  the  history  of  our  Church,  and  their  careful 
preservation  until  the  Assembly  shall  arrange  for  their  safe  keeping. 

1266.  American  Tract  Society 

1903,  p.  467.  The  following  was  adopted  in  response  to  the 


Voluntary  Agencies 


814 


[Book  IV 


address  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Shearer,  Secretary  of  the  American  Tract 
Society : 

Resolved ,  That  we  recognize  in  the  American  Tract  Society  an 
efficient  missionary  agency;  that  we  put  a  high  estimate  upon  its 
work  in  circulating  an  evangelical  Christian  literature,  and  especially 
in  its  printing  such  literature  in  one  hundred  and  fifty-five  languages 
or  dialects  in  aid  of  Missions  abroad,  and  that  we  cordially  commend 
said  .Society  to  the  liberal  support  of  God’s  people  among  us. 

1907,  p.  47.  After  an  address  by  the  Rev.  Geo.  L.  Shearer,  D.  I)., 
Secretary  of  the  American  Tract  Society,  the  following  action  was 
taken : 

The  Assembly  expresses  its  very  high  appreciation  of  the  good 
work  done  by  the  American  Tract  Society  during  its  more  than  four¬ 
score  years; 

1.  In  issuing  a  very  large  body  of  truly  evangelical  literature — 
tracts,  periodicals,  and  books,  in  every  variety,  and  in  174  lan¬ 
guages,  dialects  or  characters,  thereby  becoming  a  Christian  Liter¬ 
ature  Society  for  the  world. 

2.  In  disseminating  the  same  by  missionary  colporteurs  among  the 
spiritually  destitute  in  this  country,  especially  among  the  millions  of 
immigrants,  who  are  unprecedented  in  their  numbers  and  needs. 

3.  In  the  most  timely  aid  afforded  through  its  issues  in  many 
languages  abroad,  by  which  the  missionary  force  in  the  foreign  field 
is  being  supplemented,  which  force  is  acknowledged  to  be  quite  in¬ 
adequate  to  meet  the  necessities  and  opportunities  which  the  provi¬ 
dential  awakening  among  the  hundreds  of  millions  in  the  Orient  and 
elsewhere  has  brought  upon  us. 

The  Assembly  is  deeply  interested  in  the  interlying  and  outlying 
territory  among  its  own  churches,  partly  or  wholly  unoccupied,  in 
which  the  missionary  colporteur  as  a  forerunner  would  be  an  invalu¬ 
able  aid. 

It  calls  attention  to  the  opening  of  new  ports  and  avenues  by 
which  these  streams  of  immigration  are  to  be  turned  into  the  cities, 
villages  and  plantations  of  the  Southland,  and  to  the  fact  that  in  the 
interest  of  economy  and  efficiency  this  Society  has  become  officially 
recognized  by  the  denominations  as  the  commion  source  of  supply  for 
the  immigrant  literature.  Wherefore,  believing  that  our  church  is 
awake  to  its  duty  to  God  and  to  our  fellowmen, 

Resolved,  That  the  American  Tract  Society  be  and  hereby  is  cor¬ 
dially  commended  to  the  officers  and  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States,  and  the  Assembly  recommends  that  the 
representatives  of  this  Society  be  admitted  to  our  churches  to  present 
its  interests,  and  commends  it  to  the  liberality  of  our  people. 

See  also  1909,  p.  19,  1910,  p.  37,  1911,  p.  64,  1913,  p.  35. 


1267.  American  Seamen’s  Friend  Society 

The  following  response  to  the  address  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Stitt,  Sec¬ 
retary  of  the  American  Seamen’s  Friend  Society,  was  adopted: 


Secs.  1266-1270] 


Voluntary  Agencies 


815 


The  Assembly  has  heard  with  great  pleasure  the  address  of  Rev. 
W.  C.  Stitt,  D.  D.,  Secretary  of  American  Seamen’s  Friend  Society, 
touching  the  great  work  being  done  by  that  Society  in  behalf  of  the 
three  million  men  “who  go  down  to  the  sea  in  ships  and  do  business 
in  great  waters.”  We  record  that  the  Society  has  Bethels  in  nine 
of  our  Southern  ports,  and  we  commend  the  American  Seamen’s 
Friend  Society  to  the  confidence  and  generous  support  of  all  our 
people. 


1268.  World’s  Sunday  School  Convention 

1910,  p.  25.  A  greeting  was  received  from,  the  World’s  Sunday 
School  Convention  in  Washington,  D.  C.,  and  a  suitable  reply  was 
sent  by  the  Assembly. 


1269.  F.  M.  C.  A. 

1918,  p.  53.  The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  United  States  put  on  record  their  cordial  endorsement  of  the 
great  work  being  done  in  our  Army  and  Navy  by  the  Young  Men’s 
Christian  Association,  and  commended  it  to  the  generous  support  of 
our  people. 


1270.  F.  W.  C.  A. 

1918,  p.  54.  In  response  to  the  communication  from  the  Council 
of  Adherents  to  the  Evangelical  Cihurch  Basis  of  Y.  W.  C.  A.,  placed 
in  our  hands,  we  recommend  the  following  answer: 

(1)  The  Assembly  hereby  expresses  its  entire  sympathy  with  the 
Council  in  its  protest  vs.  the  Change  in  Basis  of  Student  Membership 
in  the  Y.  W.  C.  A.,  and,  believing  that  this  basis  will  result  in  a 
lowering  of  the  Standard  of  Confession  required  of  a  true  disciple 
of  Christ,  and  the  impairing  of  the  efficiency  of  this  splendid  insti¬ 
tution  in  its  witness  for  Evangelical  truth,  we  earnestly  hope  that  the 
Council  may  be  successful  in  its  effort  to  restore  the  former  Basis  of 
Active  Membership. 


BOOK  V 


ORDINANCES 

1271.  Permanent  Committee  on  the  Sabbath  appointed 

1878,  p.  626.  The  report  of  the  Committee  on  Bills  and  Over¬ 
tures  in  relation  to  an  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Savannah, 
and  a  letter  from,  the  International  Sabbath  Association  of  New 
York,  concerning  a  concert  of  Christian  effort  in  prompting  the 
observance  of  the  Sabbath,  was  adopted,  recommending  that  this 
subject  be  referred  to  a  special  committee. 

The  Rev.  R.  L.  Dabney,  D.  D.,  Rev.  J.  E.  Dunlop,  with  Ruling 
Elders  1.  D.  Jones  and  J.  A.  Billups,  were  appointed  the  committee 
provided  for  in  the  above  report. 

P.  641.  This  committee  reported: 

That  they  find  the  evil  named  wide-spread  and  formidable,  and, 
accordingly,  exceedingly  difficult  to  control.  Some  enquiry  shows 
that  the  legislation  of  the  civil  commonwealth  is  in  most  cases  whole¬ 
some  as  it  affects  private  citizens,  and  as,  according  to  the  equity,  and 
even  the  letter  of  the  laws,  it  should  affect  Sabbath  breaking  corpora¬ 
tions;  but  the  wealth,  power  and  recklessness  of  these  bodies  in  all  the 
States,  except,  perhaps,  Georgia,  practically  set  at  defiance  these  right¬ 
eous  laws,  which  all  other  citizens  are  required  to  obey.  And  it  seems 
very  obvious  that  any  ordinary  protest  of  any  one  body  of  Christians 
would  be  slighted  by  these  privileged  law-breakers,  before  whose 
will  the  majesty  of  the  conunonwealth  and  the  statute  law  is  some¬ 
times  effectually  palsied  and  silenced.  The  sense  of  power  and 
irresponsibility,  the  numbers  employed  and  salaried  by  them,  and 
the  greed  of  the  vast  commercial  interests  which  these  corporations 
profess  to  serve  as  carriers  seemingly  mock  at  a  restraining  public 
opinion  as  at  the  laws  of  the  land. 

The  evils  of  these  abuses  are  wide  and  deplorable.  The  conse¬ 
quence  which  is  of  least  moral  weight,  but  which  is  most  likely  to 
influence  the  transgressors,  is  a  material  one,  viz. :  that  by  resolving 
to  desecrate  systematically  God’s  holy  day,  these  corporations  vir¬ 
tually  resolve  to  banish  from  their  service  every  man  who  truly 
fears  God,  or  whose  body  and  spirit  enjoy  the  healthful  and  calming 
influences  of  home,  Sabbath  and  sanctuary,  and  to  commit  their  valu¬ 
able  machinery  and  the  property  and  lives  of  their  patrons  only  to 
such  men  as  are  willing  to  defy  the  commandments  of  Almighty 
God,  to  forego  all  the  elevating  and  soothing  influences  of  the  domes¬ 
tic  Sabbath’s  rest,  and  to  carry  to  their  tasks  a  spirit  debauched  and 
a  set  of  nerves  fevered  by  this  habitual  violation  of  nature’s  law,  and 
by  the  spending  of  the  holy  hours  of  rest  amidst  the  clangor  of 
machinery  and  profanity.  The  result  is  easily  foreseen  in  murderous 


Sec.  1271] 


The  Sabbath 


817 


collisions  of  trains,  neglect  of  official  trusts,  waste  of  employers’ 
property,  and  fierce  outbreaks  of  arson  and  riot. 

But  our  concern  is  with  the  moral  results.  Among  these  must  be 
counted  the  influence  of  an  evil  example  almost  as  wide  as  the  land, 
and  the  seduction  of  temptation  and  opportunity  to  profane  the  Sab¬ 
bath,  offered  to  weak  consciences.  The  armies  of  officials  and  ser¬ 
vants  employed  by  these  corporations  are  seduced  into  a  common 
neglect  of  the  sanctuary,  and  of  the  duties  of  the  Christian  family. 
The  quiet  and  order  to  which  even  the  civil  law  entitles  all  citizens 
is,  in  a  multitude  of  our  towns  and  villages,  invaded  by  noise  and 
turmoil.  And  last,  the  pretext  of  associated  and  incorporate  action 
sophisticates  the  consciences  of  the  transgressors,  making  them  bold 
in  actions  which  as  private  individuals  they  would  blush  to  perpe¬ 
trate.  And  this  is  one  instance  of  that  tendency  attending  the  growth 
of  such  corporations  which  is  one  of  the  gravest  dangers  of  modern 
civilization. 

Seeing  that  there  is  no  remedy  in  the  reach  of  Christians,  except 
the  power  of  a  widely  combined  and  universal  public  opinion,  your 
committee  recommend  the  following  action: 

I.  That  a  permanent  Sabbath  Committee  of  three  members  resid¬ 
ing  near  enough  to  each  other  for  concert  and  vigorous  action,  be 
appointed,  to  serve  until  the  next  Assembly  and  report  to  it,  and 
to  proceed  forthwith  in  the  following  duties,  viz. :  to  correspond  and 
concert  action  with  all  such  ecclesiastical  and  other  bodies  as  are  will¬ 
ing  to  act  with  them  for  this  good  cause ;  to  assist  in  the  production  and  • 
circulation  of  suitable  publications  to  instruct  the  people;  and  to 
procure  such  moneys  as  may  be  raised  by  voluntary  contributions  to 
defray  this  expense. 

Beside  the  prelates,  councils,  conventions,  assemblies,  synods, 
and  conferences  of  the  different  Christian  denominations  of  the  land, 
this  committee  should  enter  into  correspondence,  for  this  special 
work  only,  with  such  Sabbath  associations  as  may  be  found  in  Balti¬ 
more,  New  York,  and  other  cities,  and  with  the  General  Council  of 
the  Young  Men’s  Christian  Association  in  the  United  States,  to 
combine  the  exertions  of  these  voluntary  associations  for  Sabbath  re¬ 
form  under  the  catholic  principles  of  Christ’s  Church  visible. 

II.  This  Assembly  faithfully  admonishes  all  its  pastors,  officers 
and  people  against  overt  breaches  of  the  Sabbath  law  ordained  by  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  for  all  dispensations  and  times;  and  especially, 
that  it  is  their  positive  and  personal  duty  to  clear  their  own  skirts 
of  all  complicity  with  these  sins,  by  refraining  from,  all  travel  upon 
Sabbath-breaking  railroad  trains,  steamers,  etc.,  and  to  refrain  as 
far  as  their  knowledge  may  enable  them,  from  committing  to  them 
any  goods  or  commodities  for  transport  on  the  Lord’s  day. 

The  committee  provided  for  in  the  above  paper  was  appointed,  to 
consist  of  the  Rev.  James  Stacy,  D.  D.,  Newnan,  Ga. ;  Rev.  Donald 
Frazer,  Decatur,  Ga.;  William  A.  Moore,  ruling  elder,  Atlanta,  Ga., 
and  Thomas  Q.  Cassells,  ruling  elder,  Atlanta,  Ga. 


818  Ordinances  [Book  V 

Since  this  beginning  the  Assembly  has  annually  appointed  a  similar 
Executive  or  Permanent  Committee  on  this  subject. — A. 

1272.  A  Standing  Committee  in  the  Assembly  on  the  Sabbath 

1894,  p.  244.  Ordered  that  a  Standing  Committee  on  the  Sab¬ 
bath  be  added  to  the  Committees  of  the  Assembly. 

The  subject  of  Family  Religion  was  later  assigned  to  this  Committee 
and  reports  were  regularly  received  both  from  the  Permanent  and 
from  the  Standing  Committee. 

1273.  Report  of  Standing  Committee  on  the  Sabbath  and  Family 

Religion 

1921,  p.  60.  The  report  of  the  Assembly’s  Permanent  Committee 
deserves  the  careful  and  grateful  consideration  of  this  Assembly.  It 
is  the  most  encouraging  report  ever  made  by  the  Committee  in  the 
seven  years  of  its  existence.  For  the  first  time  a  truly  optimistic 
note  is  sounded  in  the  record  of  the  year’s  work.  TJie  faithful  and 
intelligent  labors  of  the  Committee  in  the  other  years  are  now  pro¬ 
ducing  cumulative  results.  Many  family  altars  have  been  erected. 
Three  thousand,  by  signing  cards,  have  now  joined  the  Family  Altar 
League,  and  certainly  there  are  other  thousands  of  homes  not  in¬ 
cluded  in  this  League  where  prayers  are  offered  daily  to  God.  More 
interest  also  is  manifested  in  our  homes  in  family  piety  and  the  re¬ 
ligious  instruction  of  children.  Our  crowded  church  colleges  in¬ 
dicate  the  desire  of  parents  that  their  children  shall  have  Christian 
education.  Unfortunately,  a  similar  optimistic  view  of  the  Sabbath 
situation  is  not  justified  by  the  facts. 

The  chairman  of  your  Permanent  Committee,  together  with  the 
members  of  that  Committee,  deserves  the  highest  commendation  for 
diligent  and  effective  conduct  of  the  work  assigned  to  them,  a  work 
which  has  been  done  with  most  meager  aid  from  the  Assembly  and 
often  at  the  Chairman’s  own  expense. 

But  while  we  note  these  signs  of  a  rising  tide  in  the  family  re¬ 
ligion  of  our  own  Church,  we  must  realize  that  little  indeed  has  been 
attained  of  all  that  we  desire,  and  that  for  the  coming  year  increased 
vigilance  and  effort  are  necessary.  Conditions  are  most  distressing 
in  the  matter  of  Sabbath  desecration,  all  too  prevalent  in  our  con¬ 
gregations,  and  so  nearly  universal  in  our  country  at  large,  as  to 
have  become  a  mighty  current,  before  which  we  find  ourselves  almost 
helpless.  Many  evident  forces  are  at  work  to  weaken  the  founda¬ 
tions  of  family  piety  and  to  neutralize  the  witness  of  our  pulpits  and 
of  consistent  Christians.  Some  of  these  are: 

1.  In  the  Great  War’s  aftermath  the  unwillingness,  or  tardiness, 
of  communities  and  individuals  to  rid  themselves  of  the  abnormally 
free  and  easy  practices  which  were  brought  in  by  the  Sunday  sports 
and  the  recreation  halls  of  War  Camps  and  Communities.  It  seems 
to  be  the  interest  and  intention  of  irreligious  elements  to  make  the 


Secs.  1272-1274] 


The  Sabbath 


819 


execessive  conditions  and  practices  of  war  times  the  normal  practice 
of  peace  times. 

2.  The  commercialized  amusements  of  the  time,  financed  in  alarm¬ 
ing  proportion  by  the  avowed  enemies  of  the  Godly  home  and  of 
our  Protestant  faith,  are  dependent  for  the  floating  of  their  stocks 
and  the  swelling  of  their  dividends  on  robbing  our  cities  of  their 
quiet  and  holy  Sabbath  (and  on  drawing  young  and  old  to  their 
amusement  places  by  sensational  and  depraving  allurements.  The 
moral  bread  of  our  children  is  taken  to  feed  the  dogs. 

3.  A  general  tide  of  worldliness,  which  came  with  easy  money 
and  with  the  rise  of  the  irresponsible  rich,  unfortunately,  has  drawn 
into  itself  a  much  younger  part  of  our  population  than  ever  before. 
Now  the  high  school  boy  and  girl  know  all  and  do  all  that  years 
ago  may  have  been  known  and  done  by  their  college  elders.  Illicit 
traffic  in  intoxicants  makes  our  young  boys  the  shining  marks  for 
its  attacks.  The  public,  promiscuous  dance  is  the  frequent  recrea¬ 
tion  of  our  high  school  children.  Just  here  home  and  Church  care 
seems  to  be  most  indifferent.  This  Assembly  would  stir  up  the 
pure  minds  of  Presbyteries  and  churches  to  remember  the  clear  and 
explicit  deliverances  of  other  Assemblies  on  the  dangerous  drift 
of  worldly  amusements. 

4.  There  is  an  alarming  lack  of  knowledge  and  of  appreciation 
of  what  the  Sabbath  and  family  religion  mean  both  to  our  faith  and 
to  our  land.  It  is  our  urgent  business  speedily  to  supply  this  lack¬ 
ing  knowledge. 

In  view  of  these  menacing  tendencies  and  conditions  the  Assem¬ 
bly  enjoins  on  our  Presbyteries  more  serious  concern  for  the  threat 
to  Home  and  Sabbath,  and  the  use  of  all  possible  means  to  over¬ 
come  the  attacks  of  shrewd,  designing  and  greedy  forces  which  would 
profiteer  in  the  destruction  of  vital  godliness.  In  addition  to  the 
ordinary  aids  of  pulpit,  Sunday  School  and  home  instruction,  it  is 
earnestly  recommended  that  our  churches  use  the  equipped,  intelli¬ 
gent  and  approved  service  of  the  Lord’s  Day  Alliance  and  of  the 
Family  Altar  League. 

Distressed  by  the  amjazing  increase  o^  divorces  and  of  broken 
homes,  by  the  pathetic  spectacle  of  tender  childhood  orphaned,  not 
by  death  but  by  parental  infidelity  and  civil  law,  so  that  our  own 
land  has  become  a  reproach  even  in  pagan  lands,  the  Assembly 
urges  every  minister  to  present  often  and  plead  for  the  mutual  duties 
and  the  Christian  graces  of  the  Bible  home,  and  to  exercise  exceed¬ 
ing  care  lest  by  him  persons  be  joined  in  holy  matrimony  unlaw¬ 
fully  and  contrary  to  the  Word  of  God. 

1274.  American  Sabbath  Union 

1898,  p.  242.  We  commend  the  efforts  and  literature  of  the 
American  Sabbath  Union  to  the  sympathy  and  liberality  of  our 
people  as  individuals,  and  the  representatives  of  our  church  on  the 
union  committees  of  the  various  denominations  in  the  different  cities 
where  these  members  reside. 


820 


Ordinances 


[Book  V 


1275.  Presbyterial  committees  on  the  Sabbath 

1879,  p.  45.  Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  recommends 
to  all  our  Presbyteries  and  Synods  that  they  give  this  subject  their 
careful  consideration,  taking  such  action  for  the  promotion  of  the 
general  end  sought  as  rniay  seem  to  themselves  to  be  wise  and  pru¬ 
dent;  and  as  one  of  the  means  for  the  better  organization  of  this 
work  in  our  Church,  the  Assembly  further  recommends  the  appoint¬ 
ment  of  Presbyterial  committees,  whose  object  shall  be  to  secure  the 
proper  agitation  of  this  question  in  their  respective  Presbyteries, 
and,  as  far  as  possible,  to  co-operate  with  the  Assembly’s  committee 
in  the  way  of  furnishing  them  with  facts,  statistics,  or  such  other 
aid  as  may  be  desirable. 

Repeated  in  1880.  (P.  216.) 

1276.  Application  to  civil  authorities  on  the  Sabbath  question 

1881,  p.  377.  Resolved,  That  the  Committee  be  instructed  to  in¬ 
stitute  such  correspondence  with  other  evangelical  churches  as  will 
secure  their  co-operation  in  bringing  the  “Sabbath  question”  to  the 
attention  of  the  civilt  authorities  of  all  the  States. 

The  Assembly  would  not  recommend  any  overture,  either  as  cit¬ 
izens  or  as  ecclesiastics,  to  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  until 
the  co-operation  of  the  great  bulk  of  the  evangelical  churches  of  the 
whole  country  may  be  obtained. 

1277.  Petitions  to  Congress  against  Sunday  work 

1889,  p.  621.  Resolved,  That/  we  favor  the  signing  by  our  people, 
of  the  petitions  to  Congress  for  a  law  against  Sunday  work,  except 
works;  of  necessity  and  mercy,  so  far  as  the  jurisdiction  of  the  gen¬ 
eral  government  extends,  with  the  usual  exceptions  in  favor  of  those 
who  observe  another  day  of  the.  week  as  Sabbath. 

See  also  1914,  p.  76. 

1278.  Mammoth  petition  to  civil  authorities  with  reference  to  Sun¬ 
day  travel  and  traffic 

1896,  p.  614.  In  answer  to  an  overture  the  Assembly  ordered: 

That  the  Permanent  Committee  on  the  Sabbath  be  authorized  and 

directed  to  take  such  steps  as  may  be  necessary  to  arrange  prelim¬ 
inaries  for  securing  a  united  and  simultaneous  effort  on  the  part  of 
the  different  denominations  of  Christians  in  the  United  States  to  get 
up  a  mammoth  petition  to  the  civil  authorities*  for  the  enactment  and 
enforcement  of  laws  to  stop  all  unnecessary  state  and  inter-state  travel 
and  traffic  on  the  Sabbath  day. 

1897,  p.  31.  The  Permanent  Committee  did  not  carry  out  this 
recommendation  for  the  reason  that  such  mammoth  petition  had  al¬ 
ready  been  forwarded  to  the  proper  authorities,  which  petition  was 
signed  bv  many  of  our  people,  and  for  the  further  reason  that  they 
were  already  in  union  with  the  American  Sabbath  Union. 


Secs.  1275-1281] 


The  Sabbath 


821 


Your  committee  recommend  that  this  Assembly  approve  the  action 
of  the  Permanent  Committee  in  this  matter  for  the  reasons  given. 
Adopted. 

1279.  Difficulty  of  co-operation  among  the  denominations  on  the 

Sabbath  movement 

1883,  p.  87.  The  Permanent  Committee  say:  A  difficulty  that 
stares  us  in  the  face  is  the  want  of  a  co-operative  movement  on  the 
part  of  the  different  denominations  of  the  country.  In  accordance 
with  the  direction  of  former  Assemblies,  your  Committee  have  opened 
correspondence  with  several  of  these  different  Christian  denomina¬ 
tions.  Though  our  communications  have  uniformly  been  received  with 
the  greatest  courtesy,  and  in  some  instances  corresponding  com¬ 
mittees  have  been  appointed,  yet  we  regret  not  yet  to  be  able  to 
report  any  tangible,  practical  result.  How  this  co-operative  move¬ 
ment  is  to  be  secured  in  the  present  divided  state  of  religious  sen¬ 
timent  is  a  problem  of  difficult  solution. 

1280.  Meeting  of  Synod  on  the  Sabbath  disapproved 

1886,  p.  47.  The  Committee  on  the  Records  of  the  Synod  of  Ala¬ 
bama  report  that  they  have  examined  the  same,  and  recommend  their 
approval,  except  that  the  Synod  held  a  business  meeting  on  the  Sab¬ 
bath,  November  8,  1885.  This  the  Assembly  emphatically  dis¬ 
approves.  Adopted. 

1281.  National  Committee  on  the  Sabbath 

1888,  p.  403.  Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  James  Stacy  and  Rev.  G. 
B.  Strickler  be  appointed  a  comjnittee  on  the  part  of  this  General 
Assembly  to  act  with  the  other  committees  appointed  by  the  other 
churches  of  our  country  in  the  formation  of  a  National  Committee 
on  the  Sabbath,  for  one  year,  to  report  to  the  next  General  Assembly 
their  action  in  the  premises,  and  the  aim  and  methods  of  the  said 
National  Committee,  and  that  the  paper  from  the  General  Conference 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  be  committed  to  it. 

1889,  p.  620.  Your  committee  would  beg  leave  to  remind  the 
Assembly  that  in  the  year  1878  our  Assembly  made  the  first  move 
toward  a  united  effort  by  the  different  evangelical  denominations  to 
secure  a  better  observance  of  the  Sabbath  day.  To  this  end  your 
Permanent  Committee  was  instructed,  among  other  things,  to  corre¬ 
spond  with  the  other  evangelical  denominations  to  secure,  if  possible, 
their  co-operation  in  this  great  work.  In  obedience  to  this  instruc¬ 
tion  of  the  Assembly,  Dr.  Stacy,  the  chairman  of  the  committee, 
entered  upon  an  extensive  correspondence  with  the  different  church 
courts,  but  failed  to  elicit  anything  more  than  warm  expressions  of 
interest  in,  and  sympathy  with,  the  work.  Having  failed  to  secure 
the  desired  co-operation,  our  church,  through  its  Permanent  Com- 


Ordinances 


822 


[Book  V 


mittee,  has  continued  for  the  past  ten  years  to  carry  on  this  work 
in  a  quiet  and  necessarily  restricted  way. 

But  one  year  ago  a  new  and  most  encouraging  era  dawned  upon 
our  country  in  reference  to  this  most  important  work.  A  communi¬ 
cation  was  received  from  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  asking 
the  appo  ntment  of  a  committee  to  act  in  concert  with  similar  com¬ 
mittees  to  be  appointed  by  the  other  denominations  in  the  formation  of 
a  national  association.  In  response  to  this  request,  Revs.  Dr. 
Stacy  and  Dr.  Strickler  were  appointed  as  representatives  of  our 
church,  with  directions  to  act  in  concert  with  the  committees  appointed 
by  other  churches  of  the  country  in  the  formation  of  a  national  com¬ 
mittee  on  Sabbath  observance. 

Thus  th ■‘re  was  inaugurated  one  year  ago  what  we  attempted  to 
acc*  mplish  ten  years  ago.  And  we  have  cause  for  great  rejoicing  and 
unfeigned  gratitude  to  God  for  the  wonderful  success  with  which  the 
movement  has  already  met,  and  for  the  results  that  have  thus  early 
been  accomplished,  giving  promise,  as  they  do,  that  the  day  is  not  far 
disiant  when,  throughout  our  whole  country  there  shall  be  a  Sabbath 
of  quiet,  peaceful  rest,  not  only  for  Christians,  who  hail  it  as  a  day 
of  sacred  rest,  but  also  as  a  day  of  cessation  from  secular  labors  for  the 
toiling  millions,  who  now  enjoy  no  day  of  rest  from  one  end  of  the 
year  to  the  other.  Never  before  has  a  popular  movement  taken  hold 
so  quickly  and  so  extensively  upon  the  hearts  and  consciences  of  all 
classes  of  our  people.  The  general  and  deep  interest  in  this  matter 
is  rvinced  by  the  astonishing  fact  that,  in  the  brief  space  of  one  year, 
there  have  gone  up  to  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  the  petitions 
of  more  than  ten  millions  of  people,  praying  Congress  to  give  to  our 
toiling  millions  the  relief  they  desire  from  the  enforced  labor  of  seven 
davs  in  the  week. 

The  basis  upon  which  the  “American  Sabbath  Union”  is  founded 
allows  to  our  Southern  Presbyterian  Church  six  representative  mem¬ 
bers.  These  do  not  form  a  committee  to  meet  together  for  the  trans¬ 
action  of  business,  but  to  be  what  the  name  indicates,  representatives 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  on  the  Union  Committees  of  the  various 
denominations,  formed  in  different  cities  where  these  members  reside. 
We  would  therefore  suggest  to  complete  the  list  of  representative 
members  to  which  we  are  entitled,  by  adding  the  names  of  Rev. 
Dr.  Hoge,  of  Richmond,  Rev.  W.  T.  Thompson,  D.  D.,  of  Charles¬ 
ton,  Rev.  Dr.  H.  M.  Smith,  of  New  Orleans,  and  Rev.  Dr.  Wither¬ 
spoon,  of  Louisville,  to  those  of  Rev.  James  Stacy,  D.  D.  (the 
chairman),  and  Rev.  Dr.  G.  B.  Strickler,  of  Atlanta,  who1  are  already 
members.  Adopted.  (See  1889,  p.  656.) 

Similar  action  was  taken,  1890,  p.  48,  and  the  same  six  represen¬ 
tatives  were  appointed  and  reappointed  from  year  to  year,  save  that 
in  1896  and  1897  there  is  no  record  of  such  appointment,  and  save 
further  that  in  1892,  and  afterward  Rev.  R.  Q.  Mallard,  D.  D.,  was 
appointed  in  place  of  Rev.  H.  M.  Smith,  D.  D.,  deceased. 

1889,  p.  622.  We  recommend  the  literature  of  the  American 
Sabbath  Union,  especially  its  series  of  splendid  monthly  documents. 


Secs.  1281-1285] 


The  Sabbath 


823 


1282.  Discipline  in  cases  of  infraction  of  the  Sabbath  law 

1884,  p.  210.  The  Assembly  directs  the  Presbyteries  to  enjoin 
upon  Sessions  to  take  notice  of  infractions  of  this  law,  and,  when 
necessary,  to  administer  discipline,  at  least,  so  far  as  admonition  and 
reproof  are  concerned. 

1885,  p.  413.  Resolved,  That  Sessions  take  notice  of  the  viola¬ 

tion  of  the  Sabbath  by  members  of  the  Church,  and  admonish  and 
reprove  them  in  the  name  of  Christ;  and  if  they  persist  in  their 
infractions  of  the  Fourth  Commandment,  that  it  be  regarded  as  an 
offence  demanding  and  justifying  suspension.  (See  Chap.  III., 
Art.  I.,  Rules  of  Discipline.)  Similar  action  taken  in  1886.  (P.  52.) 

1283.  Sunday  newspapers  and  railway  trains 

1886,  p.  52.  Whereas  we,  a  court  of  the  Lord’s  house,  believe 
that  the  Christian  religion  and  Christian  civilization  rest  largely 
upon  the  proper  observance  of  the  Sabbath  day;  and  whereas,  we 
believe  that  the  running  of  railway  trains  and  Sunday  editions  of 
newspapers  are  two  most  potent  agencies  for  destroying  the  sanctity 
and  proper  use  of  the  day;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  United  States  condemns  in  most  emphatic  terms  the  publica¬ 
tion  and  reading  of  Sunday  editions  of  newspapers  and  the  running 
of  all  railway  trains  on  Sunday,  and  earnestly  advises  all  our  people 
not  to  read  newspapers  of  Sunday  editions,  nor  to  patronize  in  any 
way  Sunday  railway  trains. 

1887,  p.  229.  Resolved ,  That  Presbyteries  be  enjoined  to  take 
such  steps  as  to  them]  appear  wisest  to  discourage  and  put  a  stop  to 
such  riding  on  Sunday  trains  and  steamboats  by  church  members, 
and  by  ministers  of  the  gospel  in  going  to  and  returning  from  ap¬ 
pointments,  as  cannot  be  justified  on  the  grounds  of  necessity  or 
mercy. 

1284.  Sunday  travel 

1889,  p.  622.  We  earnestly  recommend  to  the  officers  and  memi- 
bers  of  our  churches  everywhere  that  they  refrain  from  travel  on 
the  Sabbath  day  except  in  cases  of  necessity  and  mercy. 

1890,  p.  49.  We  protest  against  ministers  of  the  gospel,  ruling 
elders  and  deacons,  office-bearers  in  our  owii  churches,  making  use 
of  such  conveyances  as  will  mar  their  usefulness  as  examples  to  the 
flocks  in  which  God  has  set  them  to  govern  and  serve. 

1285.  Sunday  Newspapers  .  . 

1890,  p.  49.  As  to  Sunday  newspapers,  this  General  Assembly 
would  occupy  no  uncertain  position.  The  Sunday  newspapers  are 
eminent  influences  of  evil  and  only  evil.  They  employ  their  oper¬ 
atives  on  God’s  day,  thus  allowing  no  rest  on  the  Sabbath;  they  flood 
the  land  with  promiscuous  literature;  they  send  it  forth  on  the  Sab- 


824 


Ordinances 


[Book  V 


bath  and  for  Sabbath  reading.  This  Assembly  protests  against  the 
members  of  Christ’s  church  in  any  way  or  to  any  extent  giving  coun¬ 
tenance  or  support  to  these  papers. 

1893,  p.  17.  The  Assembly  reiterated  the  deliverance  of  1886, 
p.  52,  on  this  subject.  (See  p.  458.) 

P.  24.  Whereas  former  General  Assemblies  have,  in  emphatic 
forms,  condemned  Sunday  papers  as  a  great  evil  in  our  land,  without 
distinctly  singling  out  all  the  various  phases  thereof;  and 

Whereas  it  is  unquestionably  true  that  multitudes  of  our  church 
members  and  officers  take  and  read  and  advertise  in  these  papers  on 
the  Lord’s  day,  and  many  of  our  churches  have  their  services  adver¬ 
tised  in  them,  and  many  of  our  ministers  furnish  notices  of  religious 
services  to  reporters  on  the  Sabbath,  which  they  are  aware  will  be 
prepared  for  the  press  on  Sabbath  evening  for  the  Monday  papers; 
therefore. 

Resolved,  1.  That  this  Assembly  solemnly  declares  that  all  the 
above  mentioned  acts  are  wholly  inconsistent  with  our  position  as 
avowed  friends  of  Sabbath  observance,  and,  unchecked,  will  in¬ 
evitably  result  in  lowering  more  and  more  the  Christian  sentiment  of 
our  people  on  this  vital  question. 

2.  That  we  do  most  earnestly  and  affectionately  warn  all  of  our 
church  officers  and  members  against  all  complicity  in  the  evils  re¬ 
ferred  to,  and  entreat  them  to  refuse  to  countenance  or  patronize 
Sunday  papers  as  the  only  consistent  course  for  Christian  people 
who  regard  the  Lord’s  day  as  one  great  bulwark  of  our  holy  religion. 

1897,  p.  44.  The  Assembly  urges  the  officers  and  members  to 
abstain  from  assisting  in  any  way  the  desecration  of  the  Sabbath 
day  by  offering  news  or  reports  for  either  Sunday  or  Monday  papers, 
and  refers  to  the  past  deliverances  of  the  Assembly  on  Sabbath 
observance  as  sufficient. 

1286.  Pastoral  letter  on  Sabbath  desecration 

1891,  p.  253.  Painfully  impressed  with  the  serious  danger 
which  threatens  both  church  and  state  from  the  widespread  and 
increasing  tide  of  Sabbath  desecration  by  Sabbath  travel,  driving, 
social  visiting,  and1  excursions  for  pleasure  by  members  of  our 
churches,  we  recommend  that  a  committee  be  appointed  by  this 
Assembly  to  prepare  and  send  down  to  all  our  churches  a  pastoral 
letter,  calling  the  attention  of  all  our  people  to  this  great  evil,  and 
affectionately  urging  them  to  such  observance  of  God’s  holy  day  as 
becomes  His  people. 

1287.  Address  to  the  church  on  things  lawful  and  unlawful  on 

the  Sabbath 

1894,  p.  244.  Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  seven  be  appointed 
to  present  to  the  next  Assembly  a  paper,  in  the  form  of  an  address 
to  our  church,  setting  forth  and  illustrating  the  principles  that  are 


Secs.  1285-1287] 


The  Sabbath 


825 


to  guide  our  people  in  deciding  between  works  that  are  lawful  and 
those  that  are  unlawful  on  the  Sabbath;  and  also  the  principles  that 
should  guide  our  church  courts  in  dealing  with  the  matter. 

1895,  p.  382.  This  committee  reported,  and  its  report  was  referred 
to  the  Standing  Committee. 

P.  428.  Resolved ,  That  the  Assembly  thanks  the  committee  for 
its  address,  and  recommends  that  the  Committee  of  Publication  pub¬ 
lish  it  and  keep  it  on  sale. 

Resolved,  That  the  Assembly  adopts  the  resolutions  suggested  by 
the  ad  interim  committee  as  follows: 

1.  That  the  Permanent  Committee  on  the  Sabbath  be  instructed 
to  correspond  with  the  highest  ecclesiastical  bodies,  or  proper  author¬ 
ities  of  all  the  various  Christian  denominations  of  our  country,  for  the 
purpose  of  securing  their  co-operation,  and  that  of  their  people,  under 
the  auspices  of  the  American  Sabbath  Union,  in  which  our  Assem¬ 
bly  is  represented,  and  with  whose  purposes  we  are  in  full  accord, 
in  a  continued,  persistent  effort  to  effect  a  better  observance  of  the 
Sabbath,  in  all  its  forms,  and  especially  to  check  those  great^  national 
desecrations  which  can  be  reached  only  by  the  combined  efforts  of  all 
God’s  people. 

2.  That  to  accomplish  this  end,  we  propose  that  all  the  people 
of  God,  irrespective  of  denomination,  in  the  various  parts  of  our  coun¬ 
try,  unite  in  aiding  the  American  Sabbath  Union  in  the  formation 
of  “Co-operative  Sabbath  Associations,”  not  simply  in  the  several 
states  and  territories,  but  in  every  congressional  district,  in  every  city 
and  ward,  county  and  town  (or  other  similar  subdivisions  of  the 
state),  so  that  these  Associations  shall  reach  every  nook  and  corner 
of  our  land. 

3.  The  object  of  these  Associations  shall  be: 

(1) ,  To  work  up  a  wholesome  sentiment  among  the  great  mass  of 
the  people  in  regard  to  Sabbath  observance,  by  the  distribution  of 
Sabbath  literature,  by  addresses  and  sermons,  and  in  other  lawful 
ways. 

(2) ,  To  bring  this  wholesome  public  sentiment  to  aid  in  the  en¬ 
forcement  of  Sunday  laws. 

(3) ,  To  present  the  subject  of  Sabbath  reform  to  the  individual 
members  of  our  National  and  State  Legislatures,  and  secure  such 
legislation  as  will  guarantee  to  all  who  are  directly  or  indirectly  in 
the  employment  of  our  government  their  constitutional  right  to  a 
weekly  Sabbath  rest. 

(4) ,  To  promote,  by  lawful  means,  any  other  needed  Sabbath 
reformation. 

1896,  p.  640.  The  Permanent  Committee  reports  the  organiza¬ 
tion,  under  the  above  suggestion,  of  a  State  Sunday  Association 
within  the  State  of  Alabama,  and  auxiliary  to  the  American  Sabbath 
Union,  and  with  the  hope  of  organizing  subordinate  associations  in 
every  country. 


826 


Ordinances 


[Book  V 


1288.  Closing  the  World's  Fair  on  the  Sabbath 

1891,  p.  253.  To  the  World's  Columbian  Commission,  Chicago, 

III. :  The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States,  in  session  at  Birmingham,  Ala.,  May,  1891,  respect¬ 
fully,  but  earnestly,  request  your  honorable  body  to  order  that  the 
gates  of  the  Exposition  shall  not  be  opened  on  the  Sabbath-day. 
The  Stated  Clerk  of  the  Assembly  was  directed  to  forward  a  certified 
copy  of  this  action  to  the  Directors  of  the  Exposition. 

1892,  p.  428.  The  General  Assembly  directs  the  Moderator  and 
Stated  Clerk,  in  the  name  of  one  hundred  and  seventy-five  thousand 
members  and  seven  hundred  thousand  adherents  whom  it  represents, 
scattered  all  over  the  southern  portion  of  our  land,  to  protest  again, 
before  the  managers  of  the  Columbian  Exposition,  against  the  open¬ 
ing  on  the  Lord’s  day,  and  also  to  petition  the  Congress  of  the  United 
States  to  use  its  authority  to  the  same  end. 

1893,  p.  8.  The  Assembly  sent  the  following  telegram,: 

The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States  (Southern),  by  unanimous  vote,  appeals  to  the  National  Com¬ 
missioners  of  the  Columbian  Exposition  not  to  permit  its  opening  on 
the  Lord’s  day;  that  the  celebration,  which  is  not  local  or  sectional, 
but  national  and  universal,  may  be  a  testimony  which  will  honor  God 
by  honoring  His  ,Sabbath  in  the  eyes  of  the  world. 

P.  28.  Whereas  we  believe  that  our  people  ought,  by  their  acts, 
to  bear  consistent  testimony  against  Sabbath  desecration,  and  if  the 
World’s  Fair  at  Chicago  should  be  open  on  the  Lord’s  day,  it  will 
be  a  national  disgrace  and  productive  of  great  injury  to  the  cause  of 
Christ,  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  we  advise  the  members  of  our  churches,  if  the 
Fair  should  be  open  on  the  Lord’s  day,  to  register  their  disapproba¬ 
tion,  and  protest  in  a  practical  manner  by  remaining  away  from  the 
Fair  altogether. 

P.  40.  Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  General  Assembly  are 
due,  and  are  hereby  tendered  to  the  administration  of  President 
Cleveland  for  legal  and  prompt  measures  adopted  to  suppress  the 
opening  of  the  Columbia  Exposition,  known  as  the  World’s  Fair,  on 
the  Sabbath-day,  and  this  resolution  be  telegraphed  to  President 
Cleveland. 


1289.  Closing  post-offices  on  the  Sabbath 

1896,  p.  614.  Inasmuch  as  it  appears,  from  official  statements 
of  the  Postmaster-General,  that  any  post-office  of  the  country  may 
be  closed  on  the  Sabbath,  if  the  people  of  the:  town  and  the  post¬ 
master  in  charge  desire  it,  the  General  Assembly  would  urge  the 
members  of  the  Southern  Presbyterian  Church  to  do  what  they  le¬ 
gitimately  can  to  procure  the  proper  closing  of  the  post-offices  on 
the  Sabbath-day. 

1897,  p.  31.  It  is  the  opinion  of  your  committee  that  there  is 
little  hope  of  accomplishing  anything  by  petitioning  civil  author- 


Secs.  1288-1294] 


The  Sabbath 


827 


ites  as  to  the  closing  of  post-offices  and  stopping  the  transmission  of 
mails  on  the  Sabbath. 

See  also  1914,  p.  76. 

1290.  Conference  on  the  Sabbath 

1904,  p.  52.  As  to  the  overtures  of  the  Synod  of  Florida,  mask¬ 
ing  for  a  conference  of  all  evangelical  churches  in  the  South,  we 
recommend  that  such  conference  be  held,  and  that  all  the  arrange¬ 
ments  be  left  in  the  hands  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  the 
Sabbath. 

1291.  Petition  to  Railroads 

1904,  p.  52.  Touching  the  overtures  of  the  Presbytery  of  Ar¬ 
kansas,  to  “appoint  a  committee  to  lay  before  our  leading  railway 
corporations  our  humble  petition,  that  a  concerted  effort  be  made 
to  abandon  the  operation  of  freight  and  passenger  trains  on  Sunday, 
and  that  a  similar  petition  be  laid  before  the  appropriate  author¬ 
ities  of  the  United  States  Government,  that  the  United  States  mail 
service  be  not  operated  on  Sunday,  we  recommend  the  following: 

The  Assembly  does  not  see  its  way  clear  to  grant  the  request  of 
this  overture.  But  the  Assembly  would  insist  upon  the  members 
of  our  Church  abstaining  from  the  use  of  Sunday  mails  and  rail¬ 
way  trains. 

1292.  International  Congress  of  Sunday  Rest 

1904,  p.  53.  In  reply  to  the  question  of  appointing  delegates  to 
attend  the  International  Congress  of  Sunday  Rest  at  St.  Louis,  in 
October,  we  answer  asi»  follows:  While  the  Assembly  is  in  full 
sympathy  with  the  purposes  of  this  Congress,  we  are  without  au¬ 
thority  to  send  delegates  to  the  sanije,  and  most  respectfully  decline 
to  do  so. 

1293.  Petition  to  corporations 

1907,  p.  36.  That  our  permanent  committees  on  this  subject  be 
urged  to  seek  every  opportunity  to  respectfully  lay  before  corpora¬ 
tions,  and  employers  of  every  kind,  the  law  of  God  on  the  Sabbath, 
the  working  man’s  need  of  a  rest  day,  and  the  blessing  that  has 
universally  followed  the  keeping  of  the  Fourth  Commandment,  and 
that  they  endeavor  to  secure  from  these  employers  the  liberty  for 
their  employees  to  attend  divine  worship  either  upon  alternate  Sun¬ 
days  or  on  a  part  of  every  Sunday. 

1294.  Sunday  amusements 

1912,  p.  69.  We  recommend  that  our  people  continue  their 
efforts  to  secure  the  closing  of  postoffices  and  carriers’  windows  on 
the  Sabbath  day,  and  that  they  use  their  influence,  as  Christian 
citizens,  to  have  enforced  all  civil  laws  enacted  for  the  purpose  of 
making  the  Sabbath  a  rest  day,  such  as  the  closing  of  places  of 


828 


Ordinances 


[Book.  V 


business,  drug  stores,  soda  fountains,  and  ice  cream  parlors,  cigar 
stands,  baseball  games,  etc.,  on  the  Sabbath,  that  the  sanctity  of 
our  Sabbath  may  be  preserved. 

Selling  bonds  on  Sunday  1918,  33. 

1920,  p.  77.  We  recommend  (1)  That  our  ministers  be  requested 
to  preach  on  these  important  matters  of  the  Sabbath  and  Family 
Religion  at  least  once  during  the  year,  and  the  Sabbath  preceding 
the  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly  be  designated  as  especially 
appropriate  for  the  presentation  of  the  claim  of  the  Christian  Sabbath. 
And  further,  that  Sunday  Schools  on  that  day  be  requested  to  give  spe¬ 
cial  consideraion  to  the  question  of  Sabbath  observance,  availing 
themselves  of  the  program!  furnished  by  the  Lord’s  Day  Alliance 
of  the  United  States. 

(2)  That  Presbyteries  be  urged  to  take  such  steps  as  may  be 
necessary  in  order  to  ascertain  accurately,  for  themselves  and  for 
the  benefit  of  the  Assembly,  the  number  of  homes  within  their  bounds 
in  which  family  worship  is  observed. 

(3)  That,  wherever  Sunday  School  Institutes  are  held,  those 
who  are  responsible  for  the  programs  be  urged  to  set  apart  an  hour 
in  which  to  bring  before  parents  the  importance  of  home  training 
and  family  worship. 

(4)  That  the  Permanent  Committee  on  The  Sabbath  and  Fam¬ 
ily  Religion  be  allowied  a  sum  of  money,  not  exceed  $300.00,  for 
the  prosecution  of  its  important  work. 

(5)  That  this  Assembly  express  its  renewed  approbation  of  the 
work  of  the  Lord’s  Day  Alliance  of  the  United  States,  and  its  sat¬ 
isfaction  at  the  avowed  purpose  of  the  Lord’s  Day  Alliance  to  em¬ 
ploy  a  special  field  representative  for  the  Southern  States.  That 
the  work  of  the  Lord’s  Day  Alliance  be  commended  to  the  liberal¬ 
ity  of  our  people,  with  the  hope  that  at  some  future  time  the  As¬ 
sembly  may  find  it  possible  to  give'  the  Lord’s  Day  Alliance  a  definite 
place  in  the  Church’s  budget. 

(6)  The  overture  from  Fayetteville  Presbytery  is  as  follows: 

“The  Presbytery  of  Fayetteville  overtures  the  General  As¬ 
sembly  to  reconsider  the  third  recommendation  of  the  report  of  its 
Committee  on  the  Sabbath,  adopted  at  the  New  Orleans  Assembly. 
The  language  seems  very  likely  to  lead  many  to  the  inference  that 
the  Assembly  lends  some  degree  of  countenance  to  outdoor  recrea¬ 
tion,  as  boating,  automobiling  and  driving  during  hours  not  occu 
pied  by  public  worship.  Wef  therefore  overture  the  Assembly  to 
reconsider  the  above  named  recommendation  and  positively  affirm 
anew  our  strict  adherence  to  the  standards  prescribed  for  Sabbath 
observance  in  the  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith.” 

In  answer  to  this  overture,  your  Committee  recommends  that  the 
General  Assembly  reaffirm  its  loyal  adherence  to  the  time-honored 
standards  of  the  Church,  and  that  it  affectionately  remind  our  peo¬ 
ple  that  “the  Sabbath  is  to  be  sanctified  by  a  holy  resting  all  that 
day,  even  from  such  worldly  employments  and  recreations  are  are 
lawful  on  other  days,  and  the  spending  of  the  whole  time  in  the 


Secs.  1294-1297] 


The  Sabbath 


829 


public  and  private  exercises  of  God’s  worship,  except  so  much  as  is 
to  be  taken  up  in  the  works  of  necessity  and  mercy.” 

1295.  Sunday  closing  of  White  House,  etc. 

1913,  p.  69.  The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  United  States,  in  session  at  Atlanta,  Ga.,  sends  greetings  to 
President  Woodrow  Wilson,  and  would  record  its  appreciation  of 
his  action  in  securing  a  better  observance  of  the  Sabbath,  as  a  day 
of  rest,  by  closing  the  White  House  to  pleasure  seekers  and  dis¬ 
couraging  social  and  State  functions  on  the  Lord’s  Day. 

% 

1296.  Function  of  Church  spiritual  and  not  civil 

1921,  p.  61.  A  communication  was  received  from,  the  Confer¬ 
ence  Committee  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  South: 

“As  Chairman  of  Southern  Methodist  Conferences  Committee, 
we  beg  your  co-operation  and  endorsement  of  proposed  national  Sun¬ 
day  law  to  stop  all  Sunday  interstate  commerce  trains,  newspapers, 
mails,  securing  Sunday  as  rest  day  for  all.  We  must  all  co-operate 
to  save  our  Sabbath  or  our  nation  will  soon  go  like  Israel  to  Baby¬ 
lon,  like  Europe  to  ruins.  The  cry  of  Blue  Law  is  like  Ahab  ac¬ 
cusing  Elijah.  Letter  en  route.  Please  don’t  fail  to  act.  Notify 
me  my  expense. 

Answer  of  Assembly: 

“This  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  U.  S.,  reaffirms  its 
hearty  sympathy  with  all  proper  and  lawful  efforts  to  protect  the 
Sabbath,  and  it  is  enjoined  upon  our  members  constantly  to  hold 
for  themselves,  and  to  guarantee  to  all  others,  their  duties  and  rights 
in  the  Sabbath.  But  it  is  not  the  practice  of  our  Church  to  partici¬ 
pate  officially  in  matters  of  civil  legislation;  the  function  of  the 
Church,  as  the  Body  of  Christ,  being,  in  our  belief,  spiritual  and 
not  civil.” 

1297.  Recommendations — Lord’s  Day  Alliance 

1921,  p.  62.  1.  That  the  Rev.  I.  Cochrane  Hunt,  D.  D.,  Southern 

Secretary  of  the  Lord’s  Day  Alliance,  be  given  our  thanks  for  his 
informing  address  before  this  Assembly. 

2.  That  the  Assembly  express  its  appreciation  of  the  timely  finan¬ 
cial  aid  given  the  Permanent  Committee  by  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Publication  through  Secretary  R.  E.  Magill,  without  which 
aid  its  work  could  not  have  been  done;  the  Assembly  at  the  same 
time  calling  attention  to  the  excellent  literature  which  the  Publica¬ 
tion  Committee  has  provided  to  help  us  save  the  Sabbath  and  pro¬ 
tect  the  home. 

3.  That  the  Permanent  Committee  on  the  Sabbath  and  Family 
Religion  for  the  coming  year  be  as  follows:  Rev.  Robert  Hill,  D.  D., 
Chairman,  Rev.  C.  T.  Caldwell,  D.  D.,  and  Mr.  F.  E.  Williams, 
elected  to  succeed  themselves;  the  Rev.  J.  N.  Ivy  elected  to  succeed 


Ordinances 


830 


[Book  V 


the  Rev.  A,  F.  Carr,  D.  D.,  who  has  removed  to  another  field;  and 
Mr.  R.  E.  Magill. 

4.  That  the  Assembly  suggest  to  the  churches,  through  the  Pres¬ 
byteries,  the  setting  aside  of  the  third  Sabbath  in  November  for 
presentation  from  Sunday  School  and  pulpit  of  these  fundamental 
causes,  at  which  time  we  recommend  that  a  collection  be  taken  for 
the  Lord’s  Day  Alliance  in  such  churches  as  do  not  provide  for  it 
in  their  budgets,  the  program!  prepared  by  the  Lord’s  Day  Alliance 
being  commended  for  such  services. 

5.  That  the  Montreat  Assembly,  all  summer  Assemblies  and  all 
Sunday  School  institutes  be  urged  to  include  the  Sabbath  and  Fam!- 
ily  Religion  with  prominence  in  their  programs. 

6.  That  the  Assembly  authorize  the  Permanent  Committee  on 
Stewardship  to  provide  an  amount  not  exceeding  five  hundred  dol¬ 
lars  for  the  work  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Sabbath  and 
Family  Religion  for  this  year. 

7.  That  the  Family  Altar  League  be  commended  again  to  all 
of  our  churches,  and  that  they  be  directed  to  use  its  cards  in  secur¬ 
ing  information  on  this  important  subject  for  the  annual  narrative, 
if  no  adequate  method  of  their  own  be  in  use. 

8.  That  the  Assembly  revive  its  relations  with  the  Lord’s  Day 
Alliance,  formerly  the  American  Sabbath  Union,  a  relation  so  profit¬ 
able  to  both  parties  in  former  years;  and  that  the  following  be 
appointed  as  our  representatives  in  the  councils  of  the  Alliance: 
Rev.  Robert  Hill,  D.  D.,  Rev.  A.  B.  Curry,  D.  D.,  Rev.  William 
Crowe,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Harris  E.  Kirk,  D.  D.,  Rev.  J.  H.  Taylor,  D. 
D.,  Rev.  B.  R.  Lacy,  D.  D. 

1922,  p.  71.  Your  Committee  would  submit  the  following  rec¬ 
ommendations: 

1.  That  our  ministers  be  requested  to  preach  on  “The  Sabbath” 
each  year  on  the  last  Sunday  in  June,  or  on  some  other  convenient 
date,  at  which  time,  if  deemed  advisable,  a  special  offering  be  asked 
for  the  support  of  the  Lord’s  Day  Alliance. 

2.  That  on  the  third  Sunday  of  January,  each  year,  or  on  some 
other  convenient  day,  some  phase  of  family  religion  be  presented 
to  our  congregations. 

3.  That  wherever  practicable  on  the  days  above  indicated  or  at 
some  other  more  convenient  time,  the  Sunday  Schools  be  also  asked 
to  stress  one  or  both  of  these  matters. 

4.  That  the  report  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  this  subject 
be  received  as  information  and  printed  in  the  Appendix  of  the  Min¬ 
utes.  (See  page  145,  Appendix.) 

5.  That  the  Permanent  Committee  be  composed  of  Rev.  Robert 
Hill,  D.  D.;  Rev.  C.  T.  Caldwell,  D.  D. ;  Rev.  J.  N.  Ivy,  and  Elder 
F.  E.  Williams,  and  Rev.  W.  R.  Hall,  D.  D.  (substituted  for  Elder 
R.  E.  Magill  on  account  of  geographical  location). 

6.  That  Rev.  T.  S.  McCallie,  D.  D.,  of  Chattanooga,  Tenn.;  Rev. 
C.  R.  Hyde,  D.  D.,  of  Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  and  Elder  Frank  Nel- 


,Secs.  1297-1298] 


The  Sabbath 


831 


son,  Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  be  named  as  the  Assembly’s  representa¬ 
tives  in  the  Councils  of  the  Lord’s  Day  Alliance. 

1922,  p.  75.  An  overture  from  the  Synod  of  Texas,  asking  the 
Assembly  so  to  arrange  the  program  of  the  Assembly  of  1923  as  to 
give  special  emphasis  to  the  Sabbath  and  Family  Religion. 

We  recommend  that  the  Permanent  Committee  on  the  Sabbath 
and  Family  Religion  be  requested  to  arrange  for  an  evening  session 
at  the  next  Assembly  to  be  devoted  to  this  important  subject. 

1922,  p.  80.  The  following  dissent,  signed  by  Dr.  A.  M.  Fraser 
and  ten  others,  was  placed  on  record:. 

“We  respectfully  dissent  from  the  action  of  the  Assembly  appoint¬ 
ing  representatives  on  the  Lord’s  Day  Alliance  and  approving  the 
action  of  the  Synod  of  Arkansas  in  appointing  representatives  on 
the  Anti-Saloon  League.” 

1922,  p.  74.  An  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Kanawha,  ask¬ 
ing  the  Assembly  to  combine  its  Committees  on  Narrative  and  Sab¬ 
bath  Observance  into  one  permanent  Committee,  to  be  known  as  the 
Committee  on  the  State  of  Religion. 

We  recommend  that  this  overture  be  answered  in  the  negative,  on 
the  ground  that  at  the  present  time  the  question  of  Sabbath  observ¬ 
ance  needs  to  be  specially  emphasized  and  there  seems  to  be  no 
sufficient  reason  for  making  the  Committee  on  Narrative  a  perma¬ 
nent  Committee. 

1922,  p.  75.  An  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Atlanta  asking 
that  the  Assembly  of  1923  be  designated  a  Prayer  Assembly  and  that 
the  institutions  and  agencies  of  the  Church  devote  the  current  Church 
year  to  the  study  of  prayer  and  to  the  fostering  and  promoting  the 
spirit  and  practice  of  prayer  throughout  our  Church. 

We  recomlmend  that  this  overture  be  answered  in  the  affirmative 
and  that  the  Permanent  Committee  on  the  Sabbath  and  Family 
Religion  be  requested  to  place  this  matter  before  the  Church  in  an 
effective  way. 

1298.  Family  worship 

1883,  p.  21.  In  response  to  an  overture  the  committee  recom¬ 
mend  that  the  General  Assembly  appoint  a  committee  to  draft  a 
pastoral  letter,  bringing  the  subject  of  family  worship,  and  the 
apparent  results  of  its  neglect  in  a  prevalent  worldliness  and  start¬ 
ling  failure  of  the  covenant  sons  of  the  Church  to  consecrate  them¬ 
selves  to  the  gospel  ministry,  before  the  congregations  under  its 
care. 

Note. — It  does  not  appear  that  this  committee  was  ever  appointed. 

1884,  p.  207.  The  Presbytery  of  Paducah  respectfully  overtures 
the  General  Assembly  to  appoint  a  committee  to  draft  a  pastoral 
letter,  bringing  the  subject  of  family  prayer  before  thei  congregations 
under  its  care,  and  impressing  upon  our  pastors  the  solemn  obliga¬ 
tion  of  urging  it  on  their  respective  congregations. 

Answer :  We  recommend  that  the  request  be  granted,  and  that 
a  committee  of  three  be  appointed  to  draft  said  letter. 


832  Ordinances  [Book  V 

The  letter  prepared  is  found  on  page  459,  Appendix  to  Minutes 
for  1885. 

1885,  p.  425.  Whereas  the  Narratives  from  Presbyteries  so  uni¬ 
formly  report  sad,  deplorable,  distressing  neglect  of  family  worship 
and  catechetical  instruction  in  the  household,  therefore  be  it 

Resolved ,  That  this  Assembly  recommends  that  the  Presbyteries 
instruct  every  minister  having}  the  care  of  souls  within  our  bounds,  to 
preach  during  the  month  of  October,  or  as  soon  thereafter  as  prac¬ 
ticable  (and  frequently  in  the  future),  a  sermon  on  the  importance 
of  family  worship,  to  be  followed  by  one  on  parental  responsibility; 
these  sermons  to  be  preached  in  every  congregation,  at  a  time  most 
favorable  for  a  large  attendance;  and  that  Presbyteries  require  from 
every  pastor  a  report  as  to  his  diligence  in  the  performance  of  this 
duty. 


1299.  Catechetical  instruction  and  family  worship 

1895,  p.  410.  The  Assembly  prepared  a  brief  pastoral  letter 
to  the  churches  within  its)  bounds,  touching  family  worship  and 
catechetical  instruction  in  the  home,  which  was  ordered  to  be  read 
from  every  pulpit,  and  which  is  to  be  found  in  the  Minutes. 

1907,  p.  36.  That  the  overture  from  Holston  Presbytery  be 
adopted.  This  overture  is  as  follows:  “That  the  General  Assem- 
bly  repeat  and  emphasize  the  following  extract  from  the  Minutes 
of  1906:  ‘That  all  of  our  people  who  are  heads  of  families  be 
earnestly  and  affectionately  exhorted  to  erect  and  maintain  family 
altars,  where  God’s  richest  blessing  shall  be  invoked  and  vouchsafed 
to  them,  and  to  their  children.  And  that  our  pastors  and  Sessions 
make  a  thorough  canvass  of  their  congregations  to  ascertain  the 
number  of  families  that  have  family  altars,  and  the  number  that 
have  not,  and  report  the  same  to  their  respective  Presbyteries.  And 
we  warn  parents  against  the  danger  and  tendency  of  delegating  the 
religious  training  of  their  children  to  Sunday  Schools,  Young  Peo¬ 
ple’s  Societies,  or  any  other  agencies,  all  of  which  should  be  ap¬ 
preciated  and  improved  as  invaluable  aids  to  parents,  but  not  as 
substitutes  for  parental  training.’  ” 

1908,  p.  44.  That  all  the  [Presbyteries  be  directed  to  have  a 
thorough  canvass  made  of  all  the  congregations  in  their  bounds  to 
ascertain  how  many  families  observe  family  worship;  secure,  as  far 
as  possible,  its  observance,  where  neglected,  and  also  get  any  rea¬ 
sons  that  may  be  given  for  its  non-observance,  and  report  the  results 
to  the  Permanent  Comimittee  on  Sabbath  Observance  and  Family 
Religion. 

1300.  Pastoral  letter  and  religious  training  in  the  family,  and  the 

church  attendance  of  children 

1873,  p.  306.  In  response  to  an  overture  the  Assembly  appointed 
a  committee  to  prepare  a  pastoral  letter  on  religious  training  in  the 
family,  and  the  importance  of  parents  accustoming  their  children 


Secs.  1298-1304] 


Family  Worship 


833 


to  worship  with  them  regularly  in  the  sanctuary  on  the  Sabbath. 
The  letter  is  found  on  page  336  of  the  Minutes. 

1301.  Pastoral  letter  on  decline  of  religion  in  the  home 

1902,  p.  259.  On  an  overture  asking  the  preparation  of  a  pas¬ 
toral  letter  in  view  of  the  decline  of  religion  in  the  home,  the  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  reconymended  that  the  request  be 
granted,  and  that  this  Assembly  appoint  a  committee  to  prepare 
such  letter.  Adopted. 

1302.  Permanent  Committee  on  Sabbath  to  include  family  religion 

1904,  p.  52.  In  regard  to  the  overture  to  broaden  the  scope  of 
the  Permanent  Committee  on  Sabbath,  to  include  family  religion* 
we  recommend  its  adoption.  Adopted. 

1303.  Family  Religion 

1912,  p.  70.  1.  The  General  Assembly  requests  the  Session  of  each 
church  within  its  bounds  to  appoint  the  last  Sabbath  in  Sepembter  as  a 
day  of  special  prayer  for  a  revival  of  family  religion  and  Sabbath 
observance,  and  that  on  this  day  a  sermon  be  preached  on  the  vital 
importance  of  family  worship  and  Sabbath  observance,  and  how 
these  are  linked  together  by  our  Heavenly  Father  for  the  welfare 
of  His  children. 

2.  The  Assembly  heartily  commends  to  all  our  people  the  little 
book  authorized  by  the  last  General  Assembly,  and  published  by 
our  Committee  of  Publication,  entitled,  “The  Family  Altar,”  and 
requests  that  pastors  and  Sessions  take  immediate  steps  towards 
putting  it  in  all  the  homes  of  our  people,  especially  where  family  wor¬ 
ship  is  not  observed. 

3.  In  addition  to  the  above,  and  as  an  aid  to  a  better  observance 
of  the  religion  which  God  requires  of  Christian  homes,  we  recom¬ 
mend  that  all  our  pastors  and  Sessions  be  urged  to  require,  with 
more  earnestness,  that  parents  present  their  children  for  dedication 
to  God  in  the  ordinance  of  baptism,  and  that  such  dedications  al¬ 
ways  take  place,  if  possible,  in  the  sanctuary. 

1304.  Absence  of  the  children  from  church 

1919,  p.  34.  We  earnestly  call  the  attention  of  our  people  to 
the  ominous  absence  of  the  children  from  the  preaching  service,  and 
enjoin  upon  them  to  rebuild  the  ancient  custom  of  the  whole  fam¬ 
ily  sitting  together  in  the  family  pew.  We  believe  that  the  habit 
of  the  young  people  going  home  after  Sunday  School,  instead  of 
staying  for  service,  is  a  serious  menace  to  the  efficiency  of  the  Church 
at  reformation.  The  backbone  of  the  State  is  a  Sabbath-loving, 
and  the  stability  of  the  State,  and  calls  for  most  determined  effort 
church-going  people,  but  such  a  people  must  be  trained  in  childhood. 


834 


Ordinances 


[Book  V 


1305.  What  elements  shall  he  used  in  the  Lord’s  Supper 

1898,  p.  218.  “Is  it  competent  for  a  church  Session  to  elect  what 
elements  shall  be  used  to  typify  the  shed  blood  of  our  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ  in  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord’s  supper?” 

Answer:  No;  the  Lord  has  indicated  bread  and  wine  as  the 
proper  elements. 

1306.  Fermented  ivine  in  the  Lord’s  Supper 

1892,  p.  451.  1.  In  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly,  the  Scrip¬ 

tural  element  to  be  used  in  the  Lord’s  supper  is  the  fermented 
grape- juice. 

2.  This  Assembly  would  not,  however,  be  understood  as  declar¬ 
ing  that  the  use  of  unfermented  grape-juice,  as  conscientiously  prac¬ 
ticed  by  some  of  our  churches,  would  necessarily  vitiate  the  validity 
of  the  ordinance. 

1893,  p.  47.  The  Committee  of  Bills  and  Overtures,  in  response 
to  an  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Lexington,  asking  that  the 
second  part  of  the  deliverance  of  the  Assembly  of  1892,  concern¬ 
ing  the  use  of  wine  in  the  communion,  be  rescinded,  respectfully 
report  the  following  answer: 

1.  The  General  Assembly  declines  to  rescind  the  action  of  the 
last  Assembly,  and  refers  to  the  action  of  the  General  Assembly  of 
1870,  p.  522,  which  is  as  follows:  “An  immediate  rescinding  of 
the  act  of  the  previous  Assembly  would  consist  neither  with  courtesy 
of  the  Assembly,  nor  with  that  reverence  which  the  Assembly,  by 
its  example  should  inculcate  upon  the  people,  for  ‘decrees  and  de¬ 
terminations  of  Synods  and  councils,  .not  contrary  to  the  word  of 
God,  not  only  for  their  agreement  with  the  word,  but  for  the  power 
whereby  they  are  made.’  (Confession  of  Faith,  Chap.  XXXI., 
Sec.  II.)  And  this  the  more  especially  when  no  time  has  been  al¬ 
lowed  to  test  by  experience  whether  the  measure  is  liable  to  work 
injuriously  or  not.” 

2.  As  distinctly  affirmed  by  the  last  Assembly,  in  the  first  part 
of  their  deliverance  (Minutes,  1892,  p.  451),  it  is  the  judgment  of 
this  Assembly  that  “the  scriptural  element  to  be  used  in  the  Lord’s 
supper,”  designated  in  the  Scriptures  as  “the  cup”  or  “this  cup,” 
and  as  “the  fruit  of  the  vine,”  “is  the  fermented  grape-juice.” 
Adopted. 

1914,  p.  42.  Overture  from  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of 
Savannah,  Ga.,  asking  replies  to  the  following  questions: 

1.  Has  the  Session  of  an  individual  church  the  right,  by  a  ma¬ 
jority  vote,  to  choose  between  fermented  and  unfermented  wine? 

2.  Is  unfermented  wine  equally  scriptural  with  the  fermented 
wine,  and  is  the  ordinance  of  the  Lord’s  Supper  equally  valid  when 
the  unfermented  wine  is  used  as  when  the  fermented  wine  is  used? 

Answer:  The  Assembly  replies  in  the  affirmative  to  Question  1. 

Answer:  The  Assembly  refers  the  second  question  tQ  an  Ad- 
Interim  Committee  composed  of  Rev.  J.  S.  Lyons,  D.  D.,  by  ap- 


Secs.  1305-1308] 


The  Lord’s  Supper 


835 


pointment  of  the  Assembly,  Dr.  W.  J.  Martin,  Revs.  E.  C.  Cald¬ 
well,  D.  D.,  C.  R.  Hemphill,  D.  D.,  H.  A.  White,  D.  D.,  R.  E. 
Vinson,  D.  D.,  C.  W.  Sommerville,  D.  D.,  J.  I.  Vance,  D.  D.,  J. 
F.  Cannon,  D.  D.,  Alexander  Sprunt,  D.  D.,  and  J.  S.  Foster,  D. 
D.,  requesting  them  to  consider,  by  correspondence,  the  whole  mat¬ 
ter  and  report  to  the  next  General  Assembly. 

1915,  p.  77.  The  Committee  was  continued  for  a  year. 

1916,  p.  26.  The  Ad-Interim  Committee  to  which  was  referred 
an  overture  relating  to  communion  wine  reports  that,  after  careful 
consideration  of  the  whole  subject,  it  is  the  judgment  of  the  Com¬ 
mittee  that  the  actions  of  previous  General  Assemblies  meet  all  the 
needs  of  the  case,  providing  ample  liberty  for  any  Session  to  be 
guided  by  its  own  interpretation  of  the  Scriptures  in  this  matter. 

1307.  Deacons  may  assist  in  distribution  of  the  elements  in  case 

of  need 

1910,  p.  67.  To  an  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Western 
Texas  touching  the  distribution  of  the  elements  at  the  Lord’s  Sup¬ 
per  by  others  than  elders,  we  recommend  that  the  Assembly  reply 
that  under  the  conditions  specified  it  is  permissible  that  the  help 
of  deacons  or  of  worthy  members  be  employed.  Adopted. 

1308.  Baptism  not  a  burial — Its  true  significance 

1863,  p.  136.  The  following  overture,  signed  by  Rev.  George 
H.  Coit,  was  reported: 

“The  undersigned,  believing  the  question,  ‘Unto  what  were  ye 
baptized?’  to  be  one  of  much  importance,  respectfully  overtures  this 
Assembly  in  the  following  case,  viz. : 

“A  person  presents  himself  for  admission  into  this  Church,  who 
declares  that  he  has  been  been  baptized  in  water  in  the  name  of  the 
Trinity;  that  when  he  received  the  ordinance  his  views  were  intelli¬ 
gent  and  clear,  and  that  his  sole  apprehension  of  the  nature  of  the 
ordinance  was  that  it  symbolized  the/  burial  and  resurrection  of 
Christ. 

“The  administrator  of  the  ordinance  in  this  case  is  duly  quali¬ 
fied,  unless  the  holding  and  teaching  of  the  above  sentiments  re¬ 
specting  the  nature  of  the  ordinance  of  baptism  disqualify  one  from 
properly  administering  the  same. 

“Is  such  a  ceremony  valid  Christian  baptism? 

“Again,  where  the  notion  respecting  baptism  indicated  in  the 
above  case  becomes  the  prevailing  and  controlling  idea  in  respect 
to  the  ordinance,  does  this  invalidate  the  ordinance?” 

The  committee  do  not  feel  prepared  tq  recommend  an  answer, 
either  affirmative  or  negative,  to  the  questions  raised  in  this  over¬ 
ture,  without  an  opportunity  for  a  more  careful  examination  than 
can  now  be  made  of  the  subject.  To  represent  the  ordinance  of  bap¬ 
tism  as  the  symbol  of  the  burial  and  resurrection  of  Christ,  to  the 
exclusion  of  the  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  which  it  is  designed  pri- 


836 


Ordinances 


[Book  V 


marily  to  signify,  is  grave  error,  and,  it  is  feared,  a  growing  error 
in  our  day.  It  is,  however,  no  slight  matter,  but  one  of  great  del¬ 
icacy  and  responsibility,  to  determine  how  much  of  error,  whether 
of  defect  or  of  perversion,  on  the  part  either  of  the  administrator  or  of 
the  subject,  may  exist  without  invalidating  the  ordinance  itself. 

Still,  as  the  question  is  important,  and  one  which  our  pastors 
and  Sessions  must  frequently  encounter  in  the  discharge  of  their 
functions,  it  is  desirable  that  it  should  receive  a  definite  answer  from 
the  highest  judicatory  of  our  Church,  in  order  that  the  practice  of 
the  Church  may  be  uniform  throughout  the  country.  The  com¬ 
mittee,  therefore,  suggest  that  it  be  referred,  according  to  a  good  and 
ancient  custom*  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  Europe,  to  our  learned 
brethren  of  the  Theological  Seminaries  in  Virginia  and  South  Caro¬ 
lina,  requesting  them  to  bestow  upon  it  such  attention  as  they  may 
be  able,  and  to  report  their  views  to  the  next  Assembly. 

If  this  suggestion  shall  be  approved  by  the  Assembly,  the  com¬ 
mittee  recommend  that  the  Rev.  Drs.  Adger  and  Howe,  of  the  Sem¬ 
inary  at  Columbia,  and  the  Rev.  Drs.  Dabney  and  Smith,  of  the 
Seminary  in  Prince  Eidward,  Va.,  constitute  a  committee  to  whom 
the  matter  shall  be  specially  entrusted.  Adopted. 

1864,  p.  274.  The  committee  appointed  by  the  last  Assembly  to 
prepare  an  answer  to  the  overture  respecting  baptism,  would  rec¬ 
ommend  to  this  Assembly  the  adoption  of  the  following: 

The  question,  “Unto  what  were  ye  baptized?”  is,  without  doubt, 
of  vital  importance.  This  Assembly  holds,  with  Calvin,  that  “a 
sacrament  is  an  external  sign  by  which  the  Lord  seals  his  promises 
upon  our  conscience,” '  and  that  “it  is  a  fixed  point  that  the  office 
of  the  sacrament  differs  not  from  the  Word  of  God,  and  this  is  to 
hold  forth  and  offer  Christ  to  us,  and  in  Him  the  treasures  of  the 
heavenly  grace.”  (Inst.,  Book  IV.,  Chap.  XIV.,  Sections  1-17.) 
This  Assembly  holds  also,  with  Pictet,  that  the  sacrament  of  bap¬ 
tism:  was  instituted  in  order  to  set  forth  “the  blood  and  the  Spirit 
of  Christ;  our  justification,  by  His  blood,  and  our  sanctification  by 
His  Spirit.”  (Book  XV.,  Chap.  XI.,  Sec  III.)  It  holds,  with  the 
Reformed  Church  in  general,  that  baptism  was  designed  to  signify 
and  seal  our  fellowship  with  Christ  in  His  death  and  resurrection, 
with  all  the  benefits  thereof,  among  which  are  the  remission  of 
sins,  regeneration,  and  eternal  life.  These  things  being  so,  of 
course  a  baptism!  administered  and  received  in  attestation  of  false¬ 
hood  cannot  be  valid  Christian  baptism.  This  is  the  ground  upon 
which  our  Church  has  rejected  Romish  baptism. 

But  is  it  equally  clear  that  some  distinctions  must  be  made  in 
reference  to  the  cases  to  which  this  principle  is  to  be  appbed  ? 

1.  We  cannot  say  that  errors,  even  very  serious  errors,  in  the  ap¬ 
prehensions  with  which  a  person  receives  baptism  necessarily  render 
it  invalid.  If  it  be  rightly  administered,  and  he  should  wrongly 
conceive  of  it,  we  are  not  to  repeat  the  baptism  afterward  when  he 
becomes  better  informed. 

2.  We  cannot  even  say  that  serious  errors  in  the  teachings  of  the 


Sec.  1308] 


Baptism 


837 


individual  administrator  render  it  necessary  to  repeat  baptism.  He 
baptizes  by  authority  from  the  Church  that  ordains  him,  and  the 
baptism  which  he  administers  is  to  be  judged  according  to  her  doc¬ 
trines,  and  not  those  of  each  one  of  her  individual  ministers. 

The  first  inquiry  which  arises  upon  a  consideration  of  the  over¬ 
ture  submitted  to  us  is,  Does  baptism,  symbolize  the  burial  of  Christ? 
This  Assembly  holds  that  baptism  symbolizes  the  burial  of  Christ 
only  in  the  sense  in  which  the  apostle  speaks  of  our  being  buried 
with  Christ  in  baptism.  What  that  sense  is,  in  both  the  passages 
where  the  phrase  occurs,  we  consider  to  be  very  clear,  viz. :  as 
merely  embodying  an  intensive  form  of  the  idea  of  death.  The 
apostle’s  object  is  to  set  forth  the  believer’s  being  one  with  Christ 
in  His  dying;  and,  with  characteristic  warmth,  he  says  not  only 
that  we  are  dead  with  Christ,  but  buried  with  Him.  It  is  just  as 
when  we  intend  to  declare,  with  emphasis,  to  any  person  the  cer¬ 
tainty  of  another’s  death;  we  often  say  not  only  that  he  is  dead, 
but  that  he  is  dead  and  buried.  We  do  not  perceive  any  al¬ 
lusion  to  immersion  in  Paul’s  language,  either  in  Coiossians  ii. 
12,  or  in  Romans  vi.  4;  nor  does  the  intelligent  Haldane,  in  his 
Commentary  on  Romans,  point  out  any,  although  himself  a  Baptist. 

Indeed,  there  was  nothing  in  the  mode  of  our  Saviour’s  burial 
which  could  possibly  have  suggested  any  such  allusion  to  the  writer 
of  those  epistles.  Our  Lord  was  not  buried  down  in  the  earth  as 
we  bury  our(  dead,  and  as  he  must  have  been  buried  if  His  burial 
had  been  intended  to  be  symbolized  by  the  believer’s  immersion  in 
and  rising  out  of  what  is  so  often  called  “the  liquid  grave;”  but 
He  was  laid  away  in  a  chamber  hewn  out  of  the  rock,  and  a  great 
stone  was  rolled  to  the  door  thereof.  Surely  there  was  nothing  in 
the  mode  of  our  Lord’s  entrance  into  the  sepulchre  which  resembles, 
in  the  slightest  degree,;  the  immersion  of  a  believer  under  the  water. 

The  next  question  is,  whether  the  ordinance  is  invalidated  by  the 
notion,  on  the  part  of  the  recipient  and  the  administrator  both,  that 
baptism  is  symbolic  of  the  mode  of  our  Saviour’s  burial.  'This  ques¬ 
tion  is  presented  before  us  in  the  overture  in  two  forms:  First, 
whether  this  apprehension  solely,  and  Secondly,  whether  this  ap¬ 
prehension  prevailingly,  is  error  sufficient  to  invalidate  the  ordinance. 

The  proper  answer  to  both  these  questions  we  conceive  to  be, 
that  the  prevalence  of  this  idea  in  either  form  is  not  enough  to 
invalidate  the  ordinance,  unless  it  exclude  positively  the  true  idea 
of  baptism,  viz. :  that  it  sets  forth  the  death  of  Christ.  It  appears 
to  us  that  those  who  hold  that  baptism  symbolizes  Christ’s  burial 
must  all  do  so  with  this  apprehension,  that  it  symbolizes  his  burial 
— he  being  dead.  So  long  as  this  is  the  case,  the  Assembly  cannot 
take  it  upon  them  to  say  that  the  erroneous  conception  referred  to 
makes  it  necessary  to  repeat  the  baptism  accompanying  it,  if  other¬ 
wise  rightly  administered.  That  baptism  does  signify  real  pardon 
of  sin,  purification  from  it  by  His  Spirit,  and  engrafting  into  Christ 
so  that  we  become  one  with  him  in  His  dying  and  in  His  rising,  there 
can  be  no  question.  Christ  is  the  matter  or  substance  of  the  sac- 


838 


Ordinances 


[Book  V 


rament.  It  sets  himi  forth  to  us  as  crucified  for  us,  and  raised  for 
our  justification.  Let  these  truths  not  be  shut  out  of  view,  and  the 
application  of  water  to  the  person,  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  Son 
and  Holy  Ghost,  by  any  duly  authorized  Christian  minister,  is  valid 
baptism.  Adopted. 

1865,  p.  363.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Central  Missis¬ 
sippi,  dissenting  from  certain  language  used  in  the  Minutes  of  the 
last  General  Assembly  on  the  subject  of  valid  and  invalid  baptism, 
and  requesting  this  Assembly  to  make  a  new  and  more  satisfactory 
deliverance. 

Reply :  The  language  from  which  the  Presbytery  dissents,  that 
this  is  “the  true  idea  of  baptism^  viz. :  that  it  sets  forth  the  death  of 
Christ,”  taken  by  itself,  is  possibly  liable  to  misapprehension.  But 
inasmuch  as  the  minute  in  question,  in  two  or  three  different  forms, 
does  distinctly  state  the  true  doctrine,  it  is  manifest  that  the  last 
Assembly  meant  to  teach  that  baptism  “sets  forth  the  death  of 
Christ”  by  exhibiting  to  us  the,  benefits  thereof  in  their  effectual  ap¬ 
plication  to  us  by  the  Holy  Ghost.  In  the  similar  expression  in 
the  same  deliverance,  where  it  is  said  that  baptism  “sets  Him  (Christ) 
forth  as  crucified  for  us  and  raised  again  for  our  justification,”  it 
is  evident  that  this  language  is  used  in  the  sense  previously  explained 
in  the  minute  itself,  viz. :  “that  baptism  was  designed  to  signify 
and  seal  our  fellowship  with  Christ,  in  His  death  and  in  His  res¬ 
urrection,  with  all  the  benefits  thereof.”  These  expressions,  thus 
explained,  are  assuredly  in  accordance  with  our  Standards  and  with 
the  Word  of  God. 

1309.  May  a  Presbyterian  minister  baptize  by  immersion? 

1872,  p.  167.  In  answer  to  an  overture  the  following  was 
adopted : 

Our  Confession  of  Faith  teaches  that  “dipping  of  the  person  into 
water  is  not  necessary,  but  baptism  is  rightly  administered  by  pour- 
or  sprinkling  water  upon  the  person;”  and  our  Directory  prescribes 
“pouring  or  sprinkling  water  on  the  face  of  a  child,  without  adding 
any  other  ceremony.”  This  Assembly  judges  that  for  a  Presby¬ 
terian  minister  to  baptize  by  immersion  is  such  a  departure  from 
the  ways  approved  in  our  Standards  as  should  be  discouraged. 

1310.  Immersion  not  scriptural,  but  valid 

1894,  p.  197.  An  overture  asking  whether,  “in  discretion  granted 
to  Sessions  to  receive  members  from  evangelical  immersion  churches, 
it  is  intended  to  admit  immersion  to  be  the  scriptural  mode  of  bap¬ 
tism.” 

Ainswer:  Baptism  by  immersion  is  not  scriptural  as  to  its  mode; 
but  the  irregularity  of  this  unscriptural.  mode  does  not  invalidate  the 
sacred  ordinance,  and  persons  who  have  been  baptized  by  immersion, 
by  the  authority  of  an  evangelical  church,  are  not  required  to  be 


Secs.  1308-1312] 


Baptism 


839 


rebaptized  by  the  scriptural  mode  of  sprinkling  or  pouring  when 
received  into  the  communion  of  our  church. 

1311.  Romish  baptism 

1884,  p.  206.  “The  Session  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  An¬ 
derson,  S.  C.,  respectfully  petition  the  General  Assembly  to  pass 
a  deliverance  on  the  validity  of  Romish  baptism,” 

We  recommend  that  the  General  Assembly,  as  its  answer,  re-affirm 
the  action  of  the  General  Assembly  of  1871  (printed  Minutes,  page 
30),  viz.:  (oee  p.  8^2ff,  of  this  Digest.) 

Our  Church  has  always  held,  agreeably  to  Scripture,  that  the 
administration  of  baptism  may  present  irregularities  or  imperfections 
which  are  not  to  be  approved,  but  the  sacrament  may  still  have  sub¬ 
stantial  validity.  It  is  plain  from  the  Scriptures  that  baptism  has, 
by  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  been  given  to  his  true  visible  Church 
catholic,  and  cannot  be  out  of  her  pale. 

The  administration  of  this  sacrament  may,  in  two  ways,  be  in¬ 
validated:  either  by  the  apostasy  of  the  body  wherein  it  is  exercised, 
so  that  this  society  is  no  true  part  of  Christ’s  visible  Church,  or  by 
the  utter  change  or  corruption  of  the  element  and  doctrine  of  the 
sacrament.  And  our  Assemblies  have  correctly  held  that  the  form 
called  by  the  Popish  communion  “Christian  baptism”  has  ceased 
for  both  reasons  to  be  valid,  because  that  society  is  declared  in  Scrip¬ 
ture  to  be  antichrist,  and  Babylon,  and  apostate,  out  of  which  ‘he  Lord 
requireth  his  “people  to  come,  that  they  may  not  be  partakers  of  ner 
plagues,”  and  because  she  hath,  with  superstitious  design,  substituted 
a  mixed  element  in  place  of  water,  which  Christ  ordained  to  be 
used  as  the  emblem,  and  hath  utterly  corrupted  the  doctrine  of  holy 
baptism  into  an  incantation  working  ex  opere  operato.  (See  Sec¬ 
tions  on  “Baptism  not  a  burial,”  (p.  835),  and  “Valid  Baptism” 
(p.  842.) 

Similar  action  in  1909  (p.  48). 

1914,  p.  62.  The  Assembly  declined  to  rescind  this  deliverance. 

1312.  Campbellite  and  Unitarian  baptism 

1870,  p.  536.  “When  members  in  good  standing  in  the  Christian 
Church  (commonly  called  Campbellite),  who  have  been  baptized 
in  the  name  of  the  Holy  Trinity,  apply,  with  or  without  letters,  for 
membership  in  connection  with  our  Church,  shall  such  persons  in¬ 
variably  be  re-baptized?” 

Reply.  The  principles  set  forth  in  the  deliverance  of  the  General 
Assembly  of  1814,  concerning  the  baptism  of  Unitarians,  and  in  the 
deliverance  of  the  General  Assembly  of  1845,  concerning  Popish 
baptism,  (see  Baird’s  Digest,  Book  III.,  Secs.  12,  13,  pp.  102,  103,) 
necessarily  imply  the  invalidity  of  baptism  as  administered  by  min¬ 
isters  commonly  know  as  Campbellites;  and  persons  so  baptized 
only  by  ministers  of  that  body,  coming  into  our  connexion,  should 
invariably  be  baptized  before  being  admitted  to  the  Lord’s  tablr. 


840 


Ordinances 


[Book  V 


1882,  p.  573.  Overture  asking  the  Assembly  to  appoint  a  com¬ 
mittee  to  consider  the  validity  of  Campbellite  baptism,  and  the 
questions  involved  in  a  recognition  of  the  same,  with  a  view  to 
rescinding  the  action  of  the  Assembly  of  1870  in  this  matter.  It  is 
recommended  that  the  Assembly  give  the  following  answer: 

The  organization  known  as  the  Campbellite,  or  Christian  Church 
professes  to  receive  the  Scriptures  as  the  Word  of  God,  but  has  no 
authoritative  exposition  thereof,  or  Confession  of  Faith;  further,  as 
each  church  is  absolutely  independent  of  all  the  other  churches,  the 
greatest  variety  of  doctrine  must  of  necessity  prevail.  It  seems  dif¬ 
ficult,  therefore,  to  deal  with  the  denomination  as  a  unit  or  organic 
whole — difficult  to  affirm  or  deny  anything  as  true  or  false  of  the 
whole  body.  To  affirm  that  no  minister  of  that  denomination  ever 
administers  Christian  baptism,  is  a  proposition  that  this  Assembly 
is  not  prepared  to  accept;  and  the  decision  of  the  question  of  how 
far  the  certificates  and  sacraments  of  the  churches  of  that  denomina¬ 
tion  are  to  be  recognized  and  rereived  must  be  left  to  the  Sessions  and 
Presbyteries  immediately  interested  in  the  subject. 

Same  action  1893,  p.  55. 

1313.  Swedenborgian  baptism  not  valid 

1894,  p.  197.  An  overture  asking  whether  “Swedenborgian  bap¬ 
tism,  or  baptism  performed  by  a  minister  of  the  Swedenborgian  or 
New  Jerusalem  Qhurch  is  valid?” 

Ansiver :  In  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly,  the  Swedenborgian  or 
New  Jerusalem  Church  is  not  an  evangelical  branch  of  the  Church 
of  Christ,  and  baptism  performed  by  its  ministers  is  not  valid. 

1314.  Baptizing  of  Quakers 

1908,  p.  33.  An  overture  respecting  the  baptizing  of  members 
received  on  certificate  from  the  Quakers’  or  Friends’  Church. 

Answer:  That,  inasmuch  as  the  Quakers  or  Friends  do  not  ad¬ 
minister  the  ordinance  of  baptism,  it  is  the  judgment  of  this  Assem¬ 
bly  that  one  of  this  faith  seeking  admission,  to  our  communion  should 
be  required  to  submit  to  this  sealing  ordinance. 

1315.  May  non-professing  parents  present  their  children  for  bap¬ 
tism  ? 


1869,  p.  376.  “Is  it  an  infraction  of  our  Standards  for  one  of 
our  ministers  to  baptize  the  infant  child  of  a  parent,  or  the  ward 
of  a  guardian  standing  in  loco  parentis,  who  has  not  professed  per¬ 
sonal  faith  in  Christ,  but  who  was  baptized  in  infancy?” 

Answered  in  the  affirmative.  The  Assembly  would  refer  the 
tins  answer:  tirst,  Sec.  IV.  of  Chap.  XXVIII.,  of  the  Confession  of 
Presbytery  to  the  following  portions  of  our  Standards  as  reasons  for 
Faith;  secondly,  the  answer  to  the  166th  Question  of  our  Larger 


Secs.  1312-1318] 


Baptism 


841 


Catechism;  thirdly,  the  answer  to  the  95th  Question  of  our  Shorter 
Catechism. 

1316.  Baptism  of  the  children  of  suspended  members 

1870,  p.  537.  “Are  the  infants  of  suspended  members,  upon  the 
application  of  suspended  parents,  to  receive  the  ordinance  of  baptism 
before  said  suspension  is  removed?” 

The  following  minute  was  adopted:  The  cases  being  so  various 
in  which  the  disciplinary  sentence  of  suspension,  which  the  Confes¬ 
sion  of  Faith,  Chap.  XXX.,  defines  as  “suspension  from  the  sacra¬ 
ment  of  the  Lord’s  Supper  for  a  season,”  may  be  pronounced,  it 
would  be  inexpedient  to  enact  an  invariable}  rule  to  cover  all  cases 
alike.  The  decision  upon  each  case  as  it  arises  should  be  left  to 
the  discretion  of  the  Session  of  the  church. 

1317.  Neglect  of  infant  baptism 

1871,  p.  32.  Whereas  there  appears  to  be  in  some  portions  of 
our  Church  a  degree  of  neglect  on  the  part  of  Christian  parents  in 
presenting  their  children,  at  the  proper  time,  for  baptism,  which  this 
Assembly  regards  as  giving  occasion  to  those  who  do  not  appreciate 
this  holy  sacrament,  to  speak  against  the  truth,  and  which  is  detri¬ 
mental  to  household  religion  and  to  the  spiritual  interest  of  the 
children  of  the  covenant;  therefore, 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  Presbyteries  composing  this  General  As¬ 
sembly  be,  and  they  are  hereby,  instructed  to  bring  this  subject  dis¬ 
tinctly  before  the  mlinds  of  our  people,  and  take  measures  to  ascertain 
to  what  extent  parents  in  their  respective  bounds  are  forgetting  their 
covenant  vows,  and  send  up  to  the  next  General  Assembly  specific 
reports  on  this  subject. 

2.  That  the  publications  of  our  Committee  on  the  subject  of  bap¬ 
tism,  and  especially  on  infant  baptism,  should  be  disseminated  and 
carefully  read  throughout  our  whole  bounds,  in  order  to  correct  the 
evil  referred  to;  and  that  the  Stated  Clerks  of  the  several  Presbyteries 
be,  and  they  are  hereby,  advised  to  procure  and  circulate  such  pub¬ 
lications  among  their  churches. 

1318.  Baptisms  of  unconscious  adults 

1871,  p.  19.  Is  it  right  to  baptize  a  person  whose  recovery  from 
the  delirium  of  fever  is  despaired  of,  but  who,  immediately  before 
he  lapsed  into  the  delirium,  professed  faith  in  Christ,  and  asked  to 
be  baptized?  In  other  words,  Is  it  right  ever  to  baptize  an  uncon¬ 
scious  adult  person? 

Reply.  The  Sacraments  are  rational  and  spiritual  means  of  grace, 
and  cannot  change  the  spiritual  state  of  any  soul  ex  opere  operato. 
The  Shorter  Catechism  (Question  94)  defines  baptism  as  “signi¬ 
fying  and  sealing  our  ingrafting  into  Christ,  and  partaking  the 
benefits  of  the  covenant  of  grace,  and  our  engagement  to  be  the 


842 


Ordinances 


[Book  V 


Lord’s”  The  Scriptures  hold  out  sundry  instances  of  believers  in 
a  state  of  salvation  without  water  baptism;,  thereby  showing  that  it 
is  not  in  every  case  necessary  to  redemption.  Experience  has  also 
taught  us  the  propriety  of  caution  in  judging  professions  of  faith 
and  repentance  made  in  sickness,  either  favorably  or  adversely.  For 
all  which  reasons  this  Assembly  decides  that  an  unconscious  adult, 
in  the  condition  described  in  the  above  'overture,  is  not  a  suitable 
subject  for  baptism. 


1319.  Baptism  in  extremis 

1878,  p.  634.  Overture  asking,  “Is  it  agreeable  to  the  faith  and 
practice  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  for  a  minister  of  the  gospel  to 
administer  ‘the  sacrament  of  baptism;  to  an  adult,  in  extremis,  in  case 
said  person  professes  faith  in  Christ  without  being  received  into 
church  membership?’  ” 

To  this  inquiry  it  is  answered: 

1.  That  the  Assembly  does  not  question  the  right  of  pastors  to 
administer  the  ordinance  of  baptism  to  any  who  make  a  creditable 
profession  of  faith  in  Christ,  but  advises  the  exercise  of  great  care 
and  prudence  in  teaching  such  adult  applicants  as  are  in  extrem'e 
illness  the  true  use  and  meaning  of  this  ordinance,  in  order  that  no 
countenance  be  given  to  the  doctrine  of  baptismal  regeneration. 

2.  As  to  use  of  baptism  in  admitting  such  persons  into  the  Church, 
see  Larger  Catechism,  Questions  165,  166,  especially  the  clause 
“whereby  the  parties  baptized  are  solemnly  admitted  into  the  visible 
Church,”  and  “baptism  is  not  to  be  administered  to  any  out  of  the 
visible  Church.” 

1320.  Valid  Baptism 

1870,  p.  537.  Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed,  which 
shall  present  to  the  next  Assembly  a  report  of  full  and  clear  instruc¬ 
tion  to  the  Church  on  the  whole  subject  of  valid  baptism,,  and  the 
extent  to  which  baptism  administered  by  other  churches  should  be 
recognized. 

This  committee  was  appointed,  to  consist  of  the  Rev.  Drs.  R.  L. 
Dabney,  Thomas  E.  Peck,  J.  B.  Adger  and  George  Howe. 

1871,  p.  30.  Your  committee,  in  fulfillment  of  the  duty  above 
assigned  them,  would  beg  leave  to  refer  to  the  (Baird’s)  Digest,  Book 
III.,  Pt.  I.,  Chap.  2.  This  chapter,  from  the  enactments  of  previous 
Assemblies,  presents  what  appears  to  us  to  be  a  safe  and  scriptural 
collection  of  rules  concerning  valid  and  invalid  baptism.  We  are 
there  taught  that  baptism  is  in  no  case  to  be  administered  by  any 
save  a  minister  of  the  Church  of  Christ,  called  to  be  a  steward  of 
the  mysteries  of  God  (see  Directory  of  Worship,  Chap.  VII.,  Sec.  I.) ; 
that  baptism  by  a  clerical  impostor,  who  has  in  fact  never  received 
ordination  to  the  ministry  in  any  church  of  Christ,  or  by  a  minister 
duly  suspended  or  deposed,  is  invalid,  and  so  null  and  void;  that, 
although  the  personal  unworthiness  of  a  minister  officiating  in  any 


Secs.  1318-1320] 


Baptism 


843 


church  of  Christ  does  not  invalidate  the  ordinances  of  that  com¬ 
munion,  yet  recommend  peculiar  and  intentional  profanity  in  the  ad¬ 
ministration  of  a  particular  baptism  may  properly  render  it  invalid; 
but  in  this  case  the  church  Session  and  pastor  are  the  best  judges,  and 
must  decide  from  the  particular  circumstances  whether  to  re-admin- 
ister  the  sacrament  in  a  regular  manner;  and  that  all  baptisms  ad¬ 
ministered  in  the  Unitarian  and  Popish  communions  are  invalid. 
We  respectfully  recommend  to  the  Assembly  to  reaffirm  all  these  rules. 

The  Assembly  of  1870,  being  asked  whether  persons  who  have 
been  baptized  in  the  name  of  the  Holy  Trinity  in  the  “Christian 
Church”  (commonly  called  Campbellite) ,  and  applying  for  member¬ 
ship  in  our  Church,  shall  be  invariably  re-baptized,  did,  from  the 
same  principles,  answer  the  question  in  the  affirmative,  whereupon 
was  adopted  the  resolution  appointing  to  the  undersigned  the  present 
duty. 

If  any  other  instruction  to  the  churches  is  needed  on  “the  whole 
subject  of  valid  baptism,  and  the  extent  to  which  baptism  adminis¬ 
tered  by  other  churches  should  be  recognized,”  we  would  respectfully 
submit  the  following: 

Inasmuch  as  contact  may  hereafter  arise  with  religious  denomi¬ 
nations  now  having  no  relations  with  our  Church,  or  not  even  in 
existence  at  present,  this  instruction  cannot  now  be  given  by  a  com¬ 
plete  specific  enumeration.  It  can  only  consist  of  the  statement  of 
scriptural  principles  which  determine  each  case  as  it  arises. 

Our  Church  has  always  held,  agreeably  to  the  Scripture,  that  the 
administration  of  baptism  may  present  irregularities  or  imperfec¬ 
tions  Which  are  not  to  be  approved,  but  the  sacrament  may  still  have 
substantial  validity.  It  is  plain  from  Scripture,  that  baptism  has 
by  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  been  given  to  His  true  visible  Church 
catholic  (see  Matt  xviii,  19,  20;  Acts  ii.  41,  42;  1  Cor.  xii.  13;  Book 
of  Government,  Chap.  VII.;  Directory  of  Worship,  Chap.  VII.,  Sec. 
I),  and  cannot  be  out;  of  her  pale.  The  administration  of  this  sac¬ 
rament  may  be  in  two  ways  invalidated;  either  by  the  apostasy  of 
the  body  wherein  it  is  exercised,  so  that  this  society  is  no  true  part 
of  Christ’s  visible  Church;  or  by  the  utter  change  or  corruption  of 
the  element  and  doctrine  of  the  sacrament.  And  our  Assemblies 
have  correctly  held,  that  the  form  called  by  the  Popish  communion 
“Christian  baptism”  has  ceased,  for  both  reasons,  to  be  valid;  be¬ 
cause!  that  society  is  declared  in  Scripture  to  be  antichrist,  and 
Babylon,  and  apostate,  out  of  which  the  Lord  requireth  His  “people 
to  come,  that  they  may  not  be  partakers  of  her  plagues;”  and'  because 
she  hath,  with  superstitious  design,  substituted  a  mixed  element  in 
place  of  water,  which  Christ  ordained  to  be  used  as  the  emblem,  and 
hath  utterly  corrupted  the  doctrine  of  holy  baptism  into  an  incanta¬ 
tion  working  ex  op  ere  operato. 

In  other  societies,  as  the  Unitarian,  their  rites  may  have  due 
regularity  of  outward  form,  and  yet  be  no  valid  baptism,  because 
these  bodies  are  not  true  parts  of  Christ’s  visible  Church.  The 
validity  of  such  cases  therefore  depends  upon  the  claim  of  the  com- 


844 


Ordinances 


[Book  V 


munion  in  which  they  are  administered  to  be  true,  churches  of  Jesus 
Christ.  But  the  scriptural  mark  of  a  true  church  is  its  holding 
forth  the  Word  of  God.  (See  Rom.  iii.  2;  1  Tim.  iii.  15;  Book 
of  Government,  Chap.  II.,  Sec.  II.;  Confession  of  Faith,  Chap. 
XXV.,  Sec.  III.) 

In  view  of  the  fact  that  several  churches  hold  grave  errors  in 
connection  with,  ntuch  saving  truth,  and  that  perhaps  no  church 
receives  in  everything  the  exact  mind  of  the  Spirit,  it  may  be  asked 
with  what  degree  of  strictness  or  liberality  this  mark  of  a  true 
visible  Church  is  to  be  applied.  It  seems  to  us  consonant  with  the 
Scriptures  and  the  judgment  of  charity  to  answer,  that  so  long  as 
any  communion  so  retains  the  essential  truths  of  God’s  Word  and 
the  aids  of  the  Holy  Ghost  as  to  save  souls  by  its  ministrations,  it 
shall  be  held  a  true,  though  imperfect,  member  of  His  visible  body. 
Though  it  may  omit  or  impugn  some  principles  which  we  have  received 
from  God,  and  may  even  deny  to  our  ordinances  all  recognition,  and 
to  our  communion  all  church  character,  yet  we  may  not  imitate  its 
uncharitableness;  so  long  as  Christ  visibly  entrusts  it  with  His  saving 
Word  and  Spirit,  we  are  bound  to  recognize  it  as  His  visible  body, 
notwithstanding  its  errors,  and  to  pray  for  its  attainment  of  a  more 
peaceable  unity  in  the  bonds  of  the  truth.  But  in  judging  the  ten¬ 
dency  of  its  ordinances  to  save  souls,  it  is  obviously  proper  that  we 
shall  estimate  those  ministrations  as  a  consistent  whole,  as  set  forth 
by  this  communion.  If  their  only  tendency  as  a  whole,  taken  as  it 
expounds  them  to  its  members,  is  destructive  to  souls,  then  we  cannot 
admit  that  it  is  a  pillar  and  ground  of  saving  truth,  merely  because 
of  some  disjointed  fragments  of  the  gospel  verities,  mixed  with  here¬ 
sies  which,  if  heartily  accepted  by  the  people  as  taught,  must  be  fatal 
to  souls,  or  because  a  few  persons,  through  the  special  teaching  of 
God’s  Spirit,  leading  them  to  select  the  spiritual  meat  and  reject  the 
poison,  actually  find  Christ  under  those  ministrations;  for  the  proper 
function  of  a  visible  Church  is  instrumentally  to  communicate  to  its 
disciples  spiritual  discernment,  and  not  to  presuppose  it;  and  the 
happy  escape  of  these  souls  from  damnable  error  is  due  to  the  special 
grace  of  God  shielding  them  against  the  regular  effect  of  these 
ministrations,  rather  than  employing  and  blessing  them,.  If  this  rule 
of  judgment  be  denied,  then  might  a  valid  church  character  possibly 
be  established  for  an  association  of  infidels  investigating  parts  of 
God’s  Word  only  for  purposes  of  cavil,  since  the  Almighty  Spirit 
might,  against  these  purposes,  employ  those  parts  of  the  Word  to 
awaken  and  convert  some  member. 

When  we  examine  the  numerous  societies  founded  by  Mr.  Alex¬ 
ander  Campbell  and  his  coadjutors,  we  find  that  their  distinctive 
principle  is  a  rejection  of  all  use  whatsoever  of  creeds  or  symbols  of 
faith  of  human  composition,  as  anti-scriptural,  and  infringing  upon 
liberty  of  conscience  and  Christian  unity;  but  none  the  less  do  we 
find,  in  the  teachings  of  their  recognized  founders  and  leaders,  a 
particular  theological  system  which  has  generally  among  them  the 
virtual  force  of  an  accepted  creed,  even  to  the  extent  of  being  employed 


Sec.  1320] 


Baptism 


845 


as  a  test  of  ministerial  standing  and  rule  of  expulsion.  The  leading 
points  of  this  system  we  find  to  be  the  following: 

The  inspiration  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments  is  admitted,  but 
the  authority  of  the  former  as  a  rule  of  salvation  under  the  new 
dispensation  is  superseded.  The  death  of  man’s  soul  in  sin,  and 
his  inability  of  will  unto  all  spiritual  good,  are  denied.  A  temporal 
sonship  of  Christ,  with  His  divinity  and  vicarious  sacrifice,  are  held 
as  also  the  personality  and  mission  of  the  Holy  Ghost  as  Comforter. 
Justification,  which  is  defined  to  be  remission  of  sins  only,  is  on 
account  of  the  merit  of  Christ’s  sacrifice;  alone;  and  this  merit  re¬ 
ceived  by  faith  is  first  applied  and  sealed  to  the  believer  only  in 
immersion,  than  which  no  other  water-baptism  is  recognized.  This 
faith,  when  genuine  and  justifying,  always  worketh  by  love,  pro¬ 
ducing  repentance  unto  life;  but  the  renewing  and  quickening;  agency 
of  the  Holy  Ghost  in  producing  this  faith  and  repentance  is  expressly 
denied,  save  as  he  exercises  a  moral  suasion,  by  holding  forth 
inducements  thereto  in  the  Scriptures;  and  the  sinner  is  required  to 
quicken  himself  unto  the  exercise  of  these  saving  graces  of  his  own 
free  will;  for  it  is  declared  that  no  man  can  receive  the  Spirit  until 
after  he  hath  received  Christ  and  been  reconciled  to  him  in  immer¬ 
sion.  The  mission  of  the  Holy  Ghost  is  therefore,  according  to  them, 
only  to  promote  the  comfort  and  sanctification  of  the  believer  after 
his  adoption  by  dwelling  in  his  soul.  Regeneration  is  taught  to  be 
no  more  than  the  introduction  of  a  person  intoi  an  estate  of  recon¬ 
ciliation.  This,  taken  with  other  preceding  propositions,  manifestly 
abolishes  the  whole  doctrine  of  effectual  calling.  As  faith  is  made 
prerequisite  to  baptism  in  every  case,  infant  baptism  and  the  mem¬ 
bership  of  the  children  of  believers  in  Christ’s  Church  are  utterly 
repudiated.  And  as  the  only  faith  required  for  adult  baptism  is 
the  temporary  faith  of  the  soul  exercising  solely  its  native  powers 
(whereas  the  Scriptures  require  of  adults  a  living  faith  in  order  to 
baptism),  it  is  hard  to  see  what  part  of  the  doctrine  of  baptism  is 
left  uncorrupted.  While  this  is  the  system  of  faith  which  dis¬ 
tinguishes  their  body,  they  require,  as  the  only  declared  basis  for 
Christian  communion,  the  reception  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  for 
salvation,  expressed  and  sealed  in  immersion. 

If  your  committee  may  believe  the  current  testimony  within  and 
without  these  societies,  while  some  who  are  admitted  to  them  hold 
more,  many  hold  less  of  God’s  saving  truth  than]  is  embraced  in  the 
above  erroneous  and  fragmentary  doctrine.  Such  must  be  the  result 
of  their  rejection  of  all  symbols  of  belief.  If  this  first  principle  be 
consistently  carried  out,  any  one  who  is  willing  to  attest  in  immer¬ 
sion  a  profession  of  his  faith  in  !Jesus  Christ  as  God’s  Son,  and 
his  Saviour,  must  be  admitted  to  communion,  and  may  be  admitted 
to  the  ministry — whatever  may  be  the  sense  in  which  he  construes 
the  terms  “faith,”  “Messiah,”  “sonship  to  God,”  and  “salvation” — 
although  that  construction  may  be  Sabellian,  Arian,  Pelagian1  or 
Socinian.  To  this  must  be  added  the  fact  that  these  societies  admit 
no  theory  of  church  government  save  the  Independent,  and  no 


846 


Ordinances 


[Book  V 


superior  church  courts  of  review  and  control.  Whatever,  then,  may 
be  the  excellence  of  one  member  or  one  congregation  in  this  denomi¬ 
nation,  the  Christian  world  has  no  evidence  or  guarantee  that  the  next 
is  not  of  a  far  different  character. 

In  such  circumstances,  even  if  the  Assembly  admitted  that  the 
system  above  delineated  contained  sufficient  substance  of  saving 
truth  to  redeem  the  soul  embracing  it,  this  difficulty  would  remain; 
this  communion  refuses  us  all  guarantee  that  the  person  baptized 
into  its  pale  held  at  the  time  even  that  fragmentary  outline.  We  are 
persistently  left  in  the  dark  whether  both  he  and  the  minister  who 
baptized  him,  and  the  congregation  which  received  him,  may  not 
have  apprehended  the  Trinity  whose  name  was  used,  the  faith 
professed,  and  the  salvation  embraced,  in  the  sense  of  the  un¬ 
believing  Pelagian  or  Socinian,  unless  we  happen  to  have  the 
incidental  evidence  of  a  personal  acquaintaince  with  these  sev¬ 
eral  parties.  In  these  circumstances,  there  appears  no  way  for 
the  Church  to  protect  the  testimony  and  sacraments  of  her  divine 
Head  from  disparagement  (a  sacred  duty,  in  the  performance  of 
which  no  option  is  left  us),  except  to  refuse  to  recognize  in  that 
body,  as  a  whole,  a  part  of  Christ’s  true  visible  Church.  Believing 
that  it  eniibraces  many  individuals  and  some  congregations  who  are 
true  saints  of  God,  we  sincerely  regret,  for  the  sake  of  these,  the 
necessity  of  assuming  this  ground.  But  it  is  a  necessity  which  they 
create,  in  refusing  to  separate  themselves,  by  a  definite  testimony, 
from  those  who  teach  “another  gospel”;  for  our  Sovereign  Lord  has 
strictly  forbidden  us  to  bid  God-speed  to  such.  Adopted. 

1321.  Liturgy  for  Public  Worship  not  adopted 

1864,  p.  388.  The  following  paper  was  presented  by  J.  T.  L. 
Preston,  and,  on  motion  of  Rev.  T.  T.  Penick,  laid  on  the  table. 

Inasmuch  as  the  Directory  of  Worship  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
prescribes  an  outline  of  prayer  in  the  public  worship  of  God,  and 
suggests  topics  which  are  always  appropriate  to  his  people  in  their 
solemn  assemblies  in  His  house — such  as  adoration,  supplication  and 
penitential  confession  of  sin — w*ould  it  be  in  accordance  with  the 
principles  and  early  usages  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  calcu¬ 
lated  to  promote  the  decorum  and  devotional  character  of  its  public 
service,  to  introduce  a  few  scriptural  and  well-considered  forms  of 
prayer,  requiring  responses  on  the  part  of  the  congregation,  the  use 
of  such  forms  to  be  optional  on  the  part  of  pastors  conducting  these 
services? 

Resolved ,  That  a  committee  of  five  be  appointed,  to  take  into 
consideration  the  above  subject,  and  to  report  thereon  at  the  next 
meeting  of  the  Assembly. 

1865,  p.  375.  A  motion  was  made  by  Col.  Preston  to  take  up  a 
resolution  in  regard  to  liturgies,  which  bad  been  laid  on  the  table 
at  the  last  General  Assembly,  which  motion  was  lost. 

1872,  p.  154.  Ruling  Elder  J.  T.  L.  Preston  introduced  the  fol- 


Secs.  1320-1325] 


Ordinances 


847 


lowing  resolutions  After  citing  by  way  of  preamble  the  same 
language,  word  for  word,  found  in  his  resolution  offered  in  1864 
(see  above),  these  words  follow:  Resolved,  That  a  committee  be 
appointed  by  this  Assembly  to  make  to  the  next  General  Assembly 
a  report  responsive  to  the  above  inquiry. 

P.  163.  This  paper  was  taken  from  the  docket,  and,  after  dis¬ 
cussion,  the  motion  to  adopt  the  paper  was  rejected;  on  an  “aye  and 
no”  vote — ayes,  5;  noes,  102;  non  liquet,  1. 

1322.  Christmas  and  Easter  not  to  be  observed  as  holy  days 

1899,  p.  430.  To  an  overture  asking  “a  pronounced  and  explicit 
deliverance”  against  the  recognition  of  “Christmas  and  Easter  as 
religious  days,”  the  following  answer  was  given: 

There  is  no  warrant  in  the  Scriptures  for  the  observance  of  Christ¬ 
mas  and  Easter  as1  holy  days,  but  rather  the  contrary  (see  Galatians 
iv.  9-11;  Colossians  ii.  16-21),  and  such  observance  is  contrary  to 
the  principles  of  the  Reformed  faith,  conducive  to  will-worship,  and 
not  in  harmony  with  the  simplicity  of  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ. 

The  answer  was  adopted. 

1323.  Directory  for  the  Oblation 

1868,  p.  278.  The  comimittee  would  suggest  to  the  Assembly  the 
appointment  of  a  committee  to  prepare  a  “Directory  for  the  Obla¬ 
tion,”  to  be  inserted  in  the  Directory  of  Worship,  consisting  mainly 
of  references  to  passages  of  .Scripture  containing  the  doctrine  of 
oblation,  which  might  be  recited  by  the  minister  before  or  during 
the  offering  of  their  gifts  'by  the  congregation.  In  the  opinion  of 
your  committee,  such  a  directory  would  serve  to  keep  this  great  doc¬ 
trine  before  the  faith  and  consciences  of  believers.  Adopted. 

P.  281.  Rev.  Dr.  M.  D.  Hoge  and  T.  E.  Peck  were  appointed 
such  committee. 

1324.  Burial  Service 

1880,  p.  196.  Overture  asking  the  Assembly  to  provide,  and 
have  bound  with  our  collection  of  Psalms  and  Hymns,  a  suitable 
burial  service  for  the  optional  use  of  laymen. 

This  overture  was  referred  to  the  committee  appointed  to  revise  the 
Directory  of  Worship. 

1325.  The]  Benediction 

1881,  p.  366.  The  records  of  the  Synod  of  Missouri  were  ap¬ 
proved,  with  the  exception  that,  on  page  23,  it  appears  that  the. 
Synod,  in  reply  to  an  overture  asking,  “Are  not  our  various  forms 
of  so-called  benedictions  prayers?”  gave  the  answer,  “They  are 
prayers.”  Exception  was  taken  to  this  answer,  because  of  its 
inconsistency  with  the  Form  of  Government,  Chap.  II.,  Sec.,  IV.,, 
Aft.  V.;  and  with  Chap.  IV.,  Sec.  II.,  Art.  IV. 


848 


Ordinances 


[Book  V 


1326.  Professional  and '  hired  singers 

1895,  p.  390.  The  Presbytery  of  Macon  overtures  the  General 
Assembly  to  take  into  consideration  the  fact  that  many  of  our 
churches  a  practice  has  arisen  of  using  professional  and  hired 
singers  for  the  purpose  of  giving  musical  performances  as  a  part 
of  the  public  worship  on  the  Lord’s  day,  and  for  which  no  authority 
or  permission  is  given  in-  the  Directory  for  Worship  of  our  church. 

The  effects  of  this  innovation  are  to  interfere  to  a  large  extent 
with  the  privilege  of  the  people  in  singing  the  praises  of  God; 
to  violate  the  simplicity  of  the  forms  of  worship  which  has  always 
characterized  our  church;  to  distract  their  minds  from  the  true 
objects  for  which  the  people  come  together  in  God’s  house;  to  intro¬ 
duce  the  element  of  entertainment  rather  than  assist  in  the  worship 
in  spirit  and  in  truth;  and  to  lower  the  tone  of  the  sacred  exercises 
of  devotion  to  the  level  of  worldly  and  questionable  amusements. 
Besides  which,  the  influence  of  these  practices  is  to  bring  discredit 
upon  the  preaching  of  the  doctrines  of  the  cross,  which  is  the  only 
divinely  prescribed  way  for  the  church  to  win  the  attention  of  sinful 
men,  and  to  place  the  ministry  in  a  doubtful  position  as  to  its 
adaptation  for  securing  the  most  important  result. 

These  serious  considerations,  as  well  as  the  waste  of  money 
involved,  and  the  trouble  and  anxiety  which  many  of  the  pastors 
and  Sessions  realize  in  dealing  with  the  developments  of  this  prac¬ 
tise,  influence  this  Presbytery  to  overture  your  venerable  court  that 
you  make  such  deliverance  as  will  tend  to  correct  the  evil,  either  by 
pastoral  letter  or  otherwise,  as  in  your  judgment  may  seem  best. 

The  committee  recommends  the  following: 

Answer:  The  Assembly  directs  the  attention  of  our  churches  to 
Paragraph  67  of  the  Book  of  Church  Order  (Chap.  V.,  Sec.  III.), 
in  which  the  powers  of  the  church  Session  are  defined,  and  in  which 
the  Session  of  each  church  is  specifically  charged  “to  take  oversight  of 
the  singing  in  the  public  worship  of  God.”  Recognizing  and  de¬ 
ploring  the  existence  of  the  evil  complained  of  in  the  overture  from 
the  Presbytery  of  Macon,  the  General  Assembly  hereby  enjoins  such 
oversight  of  this  imjportant  part  of  public  worship!  as  will  conform  to 
the  principle  laid  down  in  Chapter  IV.  of  our  Directory  for  Worship. 

1327.  Day  of  fasting  and  prayer 

1866,  p.  39.  In  view  of  the  manifold  sins  and  dangers  of  our 
people,  the  privations  and  distress  to  which  many  of  them  have  been 
reduced,  and  especially  in  the  hope  that  it  may  please  God,  in 
answer  to  our  prayers,  to  bestow  his  blessing  on  our  Church  in  all 
her  spiritual  interests  and  Christian  enterprises, 

Resolved,  That  the  last  Thursday  of  February,  1867,  be  appointed 
a  day  of  fasting,  humiliation  and  prayer,  to  be  observed  by  all  the 
ministers,  families  and  congregations  under  the  General  Assembly. 

1867,  p.  137.  Overture  from  the  Synod  of  South  Carolina,  in 


Secs.  1326-1329] 


Ordinances 


849 


regard  to  appointing  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer.  The  following 
was  adopted: 

Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  recommend  the  24th  day  of  January, 
1868,  as  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer,  and  urge  upon  all  our  churches, 
in  view  of  the  extraordinary  distress  of  God’s  people  in  this  land, 
to  observe  said  day  by  suitably  religious  exercises. 

1868,  p.  280.  In  view  of  the  general  condition  of  our  Church  and 
country,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  Thursday  before  the  first  Sabbath  in  August  next 
be  appointed  and  set  apart  by  this  Assembly  as  a  day  of  fasting, 
humiliation  and  prayer,  to  be  observed  in  all  our  churches. 

1902,  p.  258.  On  overtures  from  the  Synod  of  Georgia  and  the 
Presbytery  of  Washbourne,  asking  the  appointment  of  a  day  of  humili¬ 
ation,  fasting  and  prayer,  in  view  of  the  low  state  of  religion  within 
our  bounds,  the  committee  recommend  an  affirmative  answer,  and  that 
the  last  Thursday  in  June  be  the  day.  Adopted. 

1328.  Day  of  thanksgiving  and  prayer 

1872,  p.  166.  In  response  to  an  overture  from  the  Synod  of 
South  Carolina,  the  Comlmittee  of  Bills  and  Overtures  recommend 
that  the  third  Thursday  of  November  next  be  observed  as  a  day  of 
special  thanksgiving  to  God  for  His  mercies  to  us  as  a  church,  and 
of  humiliation  and  earnestness  supplication  to  God  for  an  abundant 
outpouring  of  His  Spirit  on  all  our  pastors,  and  congregations. 
Adopted. 

See  also  1918,  p.  18;  1920,  pp,  17,  35. 

1329.  Prayer  at  noon 

1920,  p.  79.  Overture  requests  that  the  Assembly  petition  the 
President  to  designate  the  noon  hour  daily  as  a  time  of  prayer. 
The  Committee  recommends  the  following: 

In  view  of  present  world-wide  unsettled  conditions  and  the  grow¬ 
ing  unrest  and  distress  in  our  own  land,  the  General  Assembly  recom¬ 
mends  to  all  our  churches  that  during  the  month  of  June  our  people 
at  the  noon  hour  unitedly  join  in  a  five  minutes  intercessory  prayer 
that  God  will  banish  the  evils  that  now  threaten  and  give  to  us 
stability  and  peace,  and  that  our  Assembly  request  all  other  Chris¬ 
tian  bodies  who  are  willing  to  do  so  to  join  us  in  this  intercession. 


BOOK  VI 


TOPICS  MORAL  AND  SEQULAR 

1330.  Fashionable  amusements  and  social  recreations 

1865,  p.  361.  A  paper  from  the  Rev.  Dr.  Ross,  on  the  subject 
of  fashionable  amusements,  containing  three  inquiries,  with  their 
proposed  answers: 

The  inquiries  were  answered  as  follows,  viz. : 

1.  Whether  every  church  Session  has  the  right  to  make  it  a  rule 
that  dancing  and  other  amusements  are  disciplinary. 

Answer:  No  church  judicatory  has  a  right  to  make  any  new 
rules  of  church  membership  different  from  those  contained  in  the 
Constitution;  but  it  is  the  undoubted  right  of  the  Session,  and  of 
every  other  judicatory,  to  make  a  deliverance  affirming  its  sense  of 
what  is  “an  offense,”  in  the  meaning  of  the  Book  of  Discipline, 
Chap.  I.,  Sec.  III. 

2.  Whether  such  rule  commonly  exists  in  Presbyterian  churches. 

Answer:  Probably  none  of  our  judicatories  are  as  faithful  as  they 

ought  to  be;  but  it  is  believed  that  the  churches  generally  do,  in 
some  form,  discountenance  dancing.  And  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
through  its  supreme  judicatory,  has  repeatedly  borne  its  testimony 
against  dancing  and  other  worldly  amusements. 

3.  Whether  such  rule  is  expedient,  or  what  should  be  the  mind 
of  the  whole  body,  and  what  its  action. 

Answer:  It  is  the  duty  of  every  judicatory  to  enforce  the  teachings 
of  our  Standards  on  this  and  other  fashionable  amusements,  such  as 
theatrical  performances,  card-playing,  etc.  And  while  the  Assembly 
believes  that  the  “lascivious  dancings”  declared  to  be  forbidden  in 
the  Seventh  Commandment  by  the  answer  to  the  139th  question  of 
the  Larger  Catechism,  are  not  those  usual  in  our  best  society,  yet  it 
is  our  belief  that  the  tenor  of  the  teachings  of  the^  Scriptures,  and  of 
our  Standards,  is  in  direct  opposition  to  this  social  usage.  Christ’s 
kingdom  is  not  of  this  world,  and  the  apostle  exhorts  Christians  not 
to  be  conformed  to  the  world.  Though  we  do  not  say  that  all  these 
worldly  amusements  are  “in  their  own  nature  sinful,”  it  is  clear 
that  they  “may  tempt”  those  who  engage  in  them,  and  others,  to  sin; 
and  moreover,  the  .Scriptures  condemn  them  as  worldliness.  If  the 
practice  of  the  dance  in  mixed  assemblies  be  not  conforming  to  the 
world,  it  is  difficult  to  name  any  offense  against  the  injunction  of  the 
apostle.  Nor  need  the  Church  of  Christ  have  any  hesitancy1  in 
announcing  its  position  on  this  subject;  for  the  men  of  the  world, 
with  one  consent,  agree  that  it  is  inconsistent  with  the  nature  of  the 
Christian  profession  for  members  of  the  Church  to  engage  in  the 
dance. 


.Secs.  1330-1331]  Worldly  Amusements 


851 


In  this  connection,  the  Assembly  would  take  occasion  to  exhort 
our  Christian  people  to  avoid  the  excesses  into  which  they  are  in 
danger  of  being  drawn  by  the  demands  of  fashion.  The  Scriptures 
forbid  “revellings”  and  all  intemperate  self-indulgence,  with  which 
teachings  the  prevalent  custom  of  protracting  social  assemblies,  with 
or  without  music  and  dancing,  to  the  hours  of  the  morning,  but  es¬ 
pecially  whei^  accompanied  with  drinking  jand  card-playijng,  is 
manifestly  inconsistent.  Moreover,  the  Assembly,  observing  that 
parties  of  pleasure  are  usually  composed  almost  exclusively  of  un¬ 
married  young  people,  would  give  it  as  its  earnest  advice,  that  the 
best  form  of  social  reunion  be  made  to  partake  as  much  as  possible 
of  the  style  and  tone  of  the  family  circle,  in  which  youthful  enjoy¬ 
ment  is  tempered  by  the  presence  of  the  older  and  married  members. 

The  Assembly  expresses  itself  with  the  more  earnestness  on  this 
whole  subject,  because  of  the  disposition  which  is  observed  in  all 
parts  of  our  borders  to  run  into<  the  inordinate  indulgence  of  world¬ 
liness  at  this  time,  in  forgetfulness  of  the  mighty  chastenings  of  God 
which  are  even  yet  upon  us,  and  because  we  see  members  of  our 
churches  and  our  beloved  baptized  youth,  in  forgetfulness  of  the  cove¬ 
nant  of  Qod  which  is  upon  them,  carried  away  with  the  world’s  de¬ 
lusions,  to  the  subversion  of  the  divine  influences  of  the  sanctuary, 
and  to  the  neglect  of  the  interests  of  their  souls.  Wherefore  the 
Assembly  would  urge  our  people  to  take  the  word  of  exhortation,  to 
abstain  from  all  forms  of  evil,  and  to  study  and  pursue  that  sobriety 
which  becometh  the  gospel,  so  that  the  Church  of  Christ  shall  indeed 
be  “a  peculiar  people.”  And  we  hereby  exhort  our  ministers  and 
church  Sessions  to  a  discharge  of  their  duties.  Let  them  proceed, 
by  affectionate  and  faithful  instruction  from  the  pulpit,  as  well  as 
in  private,  by  admonition,  and  by  such  other  measures  as  Christian 
prudence  may  dictate;  but  when  all  other  means  fail,  then  let  them 
proceed  to  such  methods  of  discipline  as  shall  separate  from  the 
Church  those  who  love  the  world,  and  practice  conformity  thereto 
rather  than  to  the  law  of  Christ. 

1893,  p.  23.  The  Assembly  directs  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Publication  to  prepare  and  publish  a  tract,  collating  the  testimony 
of  the  Standards  of  our  church  and  the  various  deliverances  of  our 
Assemblies  on  worldly  amusements  and  immoralities. 

P.  26.  Your  committee  recommends  this  answer  to  the  overture 
on  card-playing  and  other  worldy  amusements  :  In  view  of  the  action 
of  former  Assemblies,  whose  deliverances  have  been  numerous,  and 
at  the  same  time  uniform  and  emphatic  in  their  condemnation  of 
these  forms  of  worldly  amusement,  this  Assembly  deems  a  further 
deliverance  unnecessary. 

1331.  Pastoral  letter  on  Worldly  Amusements 

1900,  p.  626.  For  the  promotion  of  the  spiritual  well-being  of 
the  church,  the  General  Assembly  feels  constrained  to  address  all 
our  people  a  few  words  of  instruction  and  advice  on  the  importance 


Moral  and  Secular 


852 


[Book  VI 


of  abstaining  from  such  amusements  as  are  destructive  of  or  un¬ 
favorable  to  the  religious  life  of  the  Christian. 

Under  the  term  worldly  amusements  may  be  included  the  dance, 
the  theatre  and  the  card-table.  There  is  dancing  which  is  innocent 
in  itself;  there  are  plays  that  are  not  immoral,  and  card-playing 
without  gambling  cannot  be  called  a  sin.  There  are  also  dances, 
stage  plays,  and  games  of  cards  that  are  in  themselves  harmful,  and 
contrary  to  the  law  of  God,  and  such  being  evil,  and  only  evil,  are 
condemned!  and  forbidden  by  the  church.  On  these  matters  the 
church,  through  its  Constitution,  the  deliverances  of  its  courts,  and 
from  its  pulpits,  has  spoken  in  the  strongest  terms. 

The  question  then  arises,  May  not  Christians  freely  indulge  in 
such  forms  of  worldly  amusements  as  are  not  sinful  in  themselves? 
In  reply  the  General  Assembly  urges  our  people  to  abstain  altogether 
from  the  amusements  referred  to,  as  a  matter  of  Christian  prudence, 
example,  and  out  of  regard  for  the  honor  of  Christ,  because — 

1.  These  things  are  accounted  worldly,  and  are  regarded  as  char¬ 
acteristic  of  a  worldly,  as  distinguished  from  a  spiritual,  life.  Chris¬ 
tians  cannot  afford  to  do  those  things  which  are  looked  upon  as 
belonging  peculiarly  to  the  world,  and  by  doing  which  the  line  of 
separation  between  the  world  and  the  church  is  erased,  or  obscured. 
“Come  ye  out  from  among  them,  and  be  ye  separate,  O  my  people, 
saith  the  Lord.” 


2.  Experience  shows  that  persons  engaging  in  worldly  amuse¬ 
ments  are  easily  led  into  such  indulgences  as  are  wrong  in  them¬ 
selves.  Entering  into  these  things,  it  is  difficult  to  stop  within  the 
bounds  of  prudence,  and  under  their  fascination  and  the  influence 
of  worldly  surroundings  many  are  led  into  sin,  and  become  alien¬ 
ated  from  God,  to  the  ruin  of  their  souls.  Those  who  dance  at 
all  are  in  danger  of  being  led  into  dances  that  are  improper.  Those 
who  attend  the  theater  are  likely  to  witness  and  take  pleasure  in 
things  which  are  evil:  and  card-playing  has  led  many  a  person  to 
gambling,  which  is  one  of  the  most  fatal  of  all  vices. 

3.  Worldly  amusements,  and  the  company  into  which  they  often 
bring  those  engaged  in  them,  are  not  favorable  to  growth  in  grace, 
and  a  loving  service  of  God  and  the  church.  It  cannot  be  denied 
that  those  who  indulge  in  worldly  amusements  do  not  become  emi¬ 
nent  for  piety,  do  not  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteousness,  and 
do  not  excel  in  Christian  work.  It  is  touching  such  matters  as 
these,  not  things  evil  in  themselves  only,  but  also  things  considered 
evil,  or  associated  with  evil,  that  Christians  must  practice  self- 
denial,  and  live  lives  which  will  mark  them  as  separate  from  the 
world.  Those  things  are  not  “expedient”  which  draw  the  soul  away 
from  communion  with  God,  and  from  the  greatest  efficiency  in 
His  holy  church. 

Be  Christians  in  earnest.  Let  the  dear,  sad,  glorious  cross  of 
Christ  over-shadow  all  your  life.  Never  get  beyond  its  chastening 
presence,  and  let  its  precious  sacrifice  be  the  model  and  inspiration 
of  all  you  do. 


Secs.  1331-1334] 


Worldly  Amusements 


853 


A  similar  letter  was  prepared  and  sent  to  pastors  and  churches. 
See  Assembly  Minutes  1911,  pp.  44,,  46;  1912,  19. 

Pastors  were  requested  to  preach  on  the  subject  at  least  once 
during  the  ensuing  year.  Minutes,  1911,  p.  44. 

1332.  What  amusements  are  ta  be  avoided 

1916,  p.  73.  All  amusements  evil  in  themselves  are  to  be  avoided, 
of  course,  and  amusements  that  are  innocent  in  themselves  may 
become  evil  through  excess,  and  it  is  the  duty  of  the  Session,  in  the 
exercise  of  its  constitutional  powers,  to  warn  their  young  people 
against  such,  but  nothing  is  to  be  considered  an  offense  “which 
cannot  be  proved  to  be  such”  from  Scripture,  as  interpreted  in  our 
Standards. 

1333.  Definition  of  “Worldly  Conformity” 

1902,  p.  285.  In  reply  to  an  overture  asking  a  definition  of  the 
phrase  “worldly  conformity”  in  the  narrative  blanks,  we  would  an¬ 
swer:  By  “worldly  conformity”  is  meant  conforming  to  the  sinful 
practices  of  the  world.  See  Rom.  xii.  2,  and  1  John  ii.(  15  and  16. 

1910,  p.  68.  In  reply  to  an  overture  concerning  worldly  con¬ 
formity  we  recommend  that  the  Assembly  answer  that  the  formula¬ 
tion  of  a  complete  and  satisfactory  definition  being  impossible,  the 
matter  be  left  to  the  Christian  discretion  of  each  Session. 

1911,  p.  28.  The  term  Worldly  Conformity  in  question  No.  9 
of  the  form  of  the  narrative  on  the  State  of  Religion,  includes  all 
those  forms  of  worldly  pleasure  and  selfish  indulgence  which  the 
world  and  the  Church  both  recognize  as  unbecoming  in  a  follower 
of  Jesus  Christ  and  marking  the  difference  between  the  classes  of 
whom  it  is  said  “to  be  carnally  minded  is  death,  but  to  be  spirit¬ 
ually  minded  is  life  and  peace.” 

1918,  p.  32.  We  recommend  that  “Worldly  Conformity”  be 
defined:  “That  conformity  to  a  sinful  world,  which  puts  self-in¬ 
dulgence  above  the  will  of  God  in  such  principles  and  practices  as 
mar  Christian  character  and  influence.” 

1334.  Discipline  to  be  enforced  against  certain  offenses 

1869,  p.  390.  Overture  from  the  Rev.  Dr.  Dabney,  that  the  As¬ 
sembly  would  direct  all  its  moral  and  spiritual  powers,  by  such 
measures  as  shall  seem  to  it  best  to  this  end,  effectually  causing  all 
church  Sessions  and  Presbyteries  to  enforce  the  discipline  provided 
in  our  Constitution  against  offenses,  and  especially  against  con¬ 
formity  to  dissipated  and  lascivious  amusements  of  the  world,  in¬ 
temperance,  and  relaxed  expedients  for  evading  pecuniary  obliga¬ 
tions  now  permitted  by  the  legislation  of  the  country. 

Answer :  The  Assembly  would  earnestly  and  solemnly  enjoin 
upon  all  the  Sessions  and  Presbyteries  under  its  care  the  absolute 
necessity  of  enforcing  “the  discipline  provided  in  our  Constitution 


854 


Moral  and  Secular 


[Book  VI 


against  offenses/’  under  the  word  offenses  including  attendance  by 
our  members  upon  theatrical  exhibitions  and  performances,  and  pro¬ 
miscuous  dancings;  against  intemperance,  and  against  availing  them¬ 
selves  of  the  “expedients  for  evading  pecuniary  obligations  now 
permitted  by  the  legislation  of  the  country,”  in  such  a  manner  as 
cannot  be  justified  by  a  conscience  enlightened  by  the  Spirit  and 
the  Word  of  God,  and  as  must  dishonor  the  cause  of  Jesus  Christ. 

1335.  Card- playing,  dancing  and  dancing-schools 

1877,  p.  411.  Overture  asking  the  Assembly  to  interpret  the  law 
of  the  Church  concerning  worldly  amusements,  as  set  forth  in  the 
deliverances  of  the  Assemblies  of  1865  and  1869  in  the  following 
particulars : 

I.  Does  the  law  forbid  card-playing  for  purposes  of  amusement, 
or  for  purposes  of  gambling  merely? 

II.  Does  it  forbid  dancing,  or  only  promiscuous  dancing? 

III.  If  the  latter  only,  to  what  accident  of  the  dance  does  the 
word  “promiscuous”  refer?  Does  the  law  forbid  round  dances 
merely  as  distinguished  from  the  square?  or  dancing  at  a  public 
ball  as  distinguished  from  dancing  in  a  private  house?  or  the 
mingling  of  males  and  females  in  this  amusement  for  the  reason, 
among  others,  that  in  such  cases  the  dance  has  a  tendency  to  in¬ 
fluence  the  licentious  passions? 

Anszver:  1st,  The  Assembly  has  uniformly  discouraged  and  con¬ 
demned  the  mpdern  dance  in  all  its  forms,  as  tending  to  evil,  whether 
practiced  in  public  balls  or  in  private  parlors. 

2d,  Some  forms  of  this  amusement  are  more  mischievous  than 
others;  the  round  dance  than  the  square,  the  public  ball  than  the 
private  parlor;  but  all  are  evil,  and  should  be  discountenanced. 

3d,  The  extent  of  the  mischief  done  depends  largely  upon  cir¬ 
cumstances.  The  church  Session  is  therefore  the  only  court  com¬ 
petent  to  judge  what  remedy  to  apply;  but  the  Assembly  being 
persuaded  that,  in  most  cases,  it  is  the  result  of  thoughtlessness  or 
ignorance,  recommends  great  patience  in  dealing  with  those  who 
offend  in  this  way. 

4th,  The  following  was  added  by  the  Assembly  as  an  amendment: 
And  we  further  affectionately  urge  all  our  Christian  parents  not 
to  send  their  children  to  dancing  schools,  where  they  acquire  a 
fondness  and  an  aptitude  for  this  dangerous  amusement. 

1336.  In  what  sense  the  Assembly9 s  deliverances  on  worldly  amuse¬ 
ments  are  to  be  understood 

1879,  p.  23.  The  Presbytery  of  Atlanta  asks  the  Assembly  for 
definite  instructions,  among  other  things,  upon  the  following  points: 

1.  Are  the  deliverances  of  1865,  1869  and  1877,  on  the  subject 
of  worldly  amusements,  to  be  accepted  and  enforced  as  law  by 
judicial  process? 


Secs.  1334-1337] 


Worldly  Amusements 


855 


2.  Are  all  offenses  named  in  them  to  be  so  dealt  with,  or  are 
exceptions  to  be  made? 

In  answer,  the  following  was  adopted: 

First,  This  Assembly  would  answer  the  first  question  in  the  neg¬ 
ative,  upon  the  following  grounds: 

1.  That  these  deliverances  do  not  require  judicial  prosecution 
expressly,  and  could  not  require  it  without  violating  the  spirit  of 
our  law. 

2.  That  none  of  these  deliverances  were  made  by  the  Assembly 
in  a  strictly  judicial  capacity,  but  were  all  deliverances  in  thesi, 
and  therefore  can  be  considered  as  only  didactic,  advisory  and 
monitory. 

3.  That  this  Assembly  has  no  power  to  issue  orders  to  institute 
process,  except  according  to  the  provisions  of  Book  of  Discipline, 
Chap.  VII.,  in  the  old,  and  Chap.  XIII.,  Sec.  I.,  in  the  revised 
book;  and  all  these  provisions  imply  that  the  court  of  remote  juris¬ 
diction  is  dealing  with  a  particular  court  of  original  jursdiction,  and 
not  with  such  courts  in  general.  The  injunctions,  therefore,  upon 
the  Sessions  to  exercise  discipline  in  the  matter  of  worldly  amuse¬ 
ments  are  to  be  understood  only  as  utterances  of  the  solemn  testi¬ 
mony  of  these  Assemblies  against  a  great  and  growing;  evil  in  the 
Church.  The  power  to  utter  such  a  testimony  will  not  be  disputed, 
since  it  is  so  expressly  given  to  the  Assemblies  in  the  Form  of 
Government,  Chap.  XII.,  Sec.  V.,  of  the  old,  and  in  the  revised  Book 
of  Church  Order,  Forms  of  Government,  V.,  Sec.  VI.,  Art.  VI.;  and 
this  testimony  this  Assembly  does  here;  most  solemnly  and  affection¬ 
ately  reiterate. 

In  thus  defining  the  meaning  and  intent  of  the  action  of  former 
Assemblies,  this  General  Assembly  does  not  mean,  in  the  slightest 
degree,  to  interfere  with  the  power  of  discipline,  in  any  of  its  forms, 
which  is  given  to  the  courts  below  by  the  Constitution  of  the  Church; 
or  to  intimate  that  discipline  in  its  sternest  form  may  not  be  nec¬ 
essary,  in  some  cases,  in  order  to  arrest  the  evils  in  question.  The 
occasion,  the  mode,  the  degree,  and  the  kind  of  discipline,  must  be 
left  to  the  courts  of  original  jurisdiction,  under  the  checks  and  re¬ 
straints  of  the  Constitution.  All  that  is  designed  is  to  deny  the 
power  of  the  Assembly  to  make  law  for  the  Church  in  the  matter 
of  “offenses,”  or  to  give  to  its  deliverances  in  thesi  the  force  of  ju¬ 
dicial  decisions. 

Second,  The  second  question,  which  is,  “Are  all  the  offenses  named 
in  the  deliverances  of  1865,  1869  and  1877,  to  be  dealt  with  in 
the  way  of  judicial  process,  or  are  exceptions  to  be  made?”  needs 
no  answer  after  what  has  been  said  in  answer  to  the  first. 

1337.  Declines  to  make  a  further  deliverance  on  the  subject  of 

dancing 

1880,  p.  193.  From  the  Presbytery  of  Athens,  asking  the  As¬ 
sembly  to  make  a  more  full  and  explicit  deliverance  on  the  subject 
of  dancing  and  worldly  amusements. 


856 


Moral  and  Secular 


[Book  VI 


This  Assembly  declines  attempting  any  such  deliverance — 

1st,  Because  the  deliverances  of  former  Assemblies  on  this  subject 
are  as  full  and  specific  as  the  nature  of  the  case  allows. 

2nd,  Because  the  evils  referred  to  are  to  be  met,  not  Jay  resort  to 
deliverances  of  the  Assembly,  but  rather  by  care  on  the  part  of  the 
court  of  original  jurisdiction. 

1338.  Former  deliverances  have  not  been  revoked 

1881,  p.  358.  From  Montgomery  Presbytery,  inquiring  whether 
the  deliverance  of  the  Assembly  of  1877,  on  dancing,  has  been  af¬ 
fected  by  the  action  of  the  Assemblies  of  1879-’80,  and  requesting 
that  said  deliverance  be  reaffirmed. 

Answer :  The  deliverance  of  1877  has  not  been  revoked  by  any 
subsequent  action  of  the  Assembly. 

1921,  p.  65.  All  past  deliverances  of  the  Assembly  on  the  ques¬ 
tion  of  worldly  amusements  are  hereby  reaffirmed,  and  all  Pastors 
and  Sessions  are  requested  to  call  the  special  attention  of  their 
Churches  to  this  action. 

1339.  Excommunication  for  dancing 

1893,  p.  35.  The  Presbytery  of  Columbia  asks  a  deliverance  as 
to  whether  it  lies  within  the  power  of  a  church  Session  to  excom¬ 
municate  a  church  member  for  dancing. 

Answer:  The  censures  which  may  be  inflicted  by  a  church  Ses¬ 
sion  are  admonition,  suspension  and  excommunication.  This  last 
is  the  extreme  penalty  of  the  law,  and  is  ordinarily  to  be  inflicted 
only  after  the  milder  censures  have  been  employed  and  “have  failed 
to  reclaim  the  delinquent,”  and  not  unless  the  offender  has  been 
proved  guilty  of  “gross  crime  or  heresy,”  and  is  “incorrigible  and 
contumacious.”  Nothing  is  to  be  considered  as  an  offense  “which 
cannot  be  proved  to  be  such  from  Scripture,  as  interpreted  in  our 
Standards.” 

These  Standards  interpret  the  Scriptures  as  condemning  “lasciv¬ 
ious  dancings”  (Larger  Catechism,  Quest.  139),  and  when,  in  the 
judgment  of  a  Session,  an  accused  person  has  been  proved  guilty 
of  participating  in  such  “dancings,”  and  when  all  other  means  have 
failed  to  reclaim  the  offender,  it  is  clearly  “within  the  power  of 
the  Session  to  excommunicate”  the  offending  member  in  order  “to 
deliver  the  church  from  the  scandal  of  his  offense,  and  to  inspire 
all  with  fear  by  the  example  of  his  discipline.”  (Rules  of  Dis¬ 
cipline,  Chap.  IV.,  Sec.  IV.) 

1340.  Committee  of  inquiry  as  to  intemperance 

1883,  p.  32.  Whereas  among  the  sins  of  the  age  intemperance 
is  prominent,  as  leading  to  idleness,  poverty,  crime  and  misery;  and 
whereas  drunkenness  is  greatly  obstructing  the  progress  of  the  truth 


Secs  1337-1343] 


Intemperance 


857 


as  it  is  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  on  the  authority  of  the  Bible  no  drunk¬ 
ard  can  enter  the  kingdom  of  heaven;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  five  be  appointed,  to  report  to  the 
next  General  Assembly  what  steps,  if  any,  can  be  taken  by  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States 
to  avert  the  progress  of  this  great  evil,  and,  as  far  as  possible,  re¬ 
move  this  barrier  to  the  extension  of  the  Redeemer’s  kingdom  over 
the  earth. 

The  committee  never  made  a  report. 

1341.  Suppressing  the  liquor  traffic 

1886,  p.  60.  In  response  to  a  communication  from  the  Woman’s 
Christian  Temperance  Union,  through  Mrs.  W.  C.  Sibley,  vice- 
president,  of  Augusta,  Ga.,  on  the  subject  of  the  present  attitude  of 
the  temperance  movement,  the  following  was  adopted: 

As  the  traffic  in  and  use  of  intoxicating  liquors  as  a  beverage  are 
the  prolific  causes  of  so  much  crime,  poverty  and  suffering  in  our 
land,  and  as  it  costs  the  people  so  much  money  in  criminal  prosecu¬ 
tions  and  the  support  of  the  victims  of  drink,  and  as  it  is  one  of  the 
greatest  enemies  of  the  Church  of  Christ  in  destroying  the  sanctity 
of  the  Christian  Sabbath  in  its  right  observance  wherever  its  blight¬ 
ing  influence  is  felt,  and  as  we  are  warned  against  its  effects  in  1 
Cor.  vi.  10;  therefore,  in  view  of  these  terrible  effects,  this  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  bears  its  testimony  against  this  evil,  and  recommends 
to  all  our  people  the  use  of  all  legitimate  means  for  its  banishment 
from  the  land. 

Reaffirmed  1908,  p.  22. 

1342.  Retailing  ardent  spirits 

1878,  p.  635.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Lexington,  ask¬ 
ing  the  Assembly  “to  make  a  deliverance  with  reference  to  the  duties 
of  Sessions  in  regard  to  members  of  the  Church  under  their  care 
engaged  in  the  retail  of  ardent  spirits.” 

The  Assembly  replied  by  referring  to  the  action  of  the  General 
Assembly  in  1842,  viz.: 

“ Resolved ,  That  the  records  (of  the  Synod  of  Pittsburg)  be 
approved,  except  so  far  as  they  seem  to  establish  a  general  rule  in 
Regard  to  the  use  and  sale  of  ardent  spirits  as  a  beverage,  which  use 
and  sale  are  generally  to  be  decidedly  disapproved,  but  each  case 
must  be  decided  in  view  of  all  the  attendant  circumstances  that  go 
to  modify  and  give  character  to  the  same.” 

1343.  Intemperance 

1888,  p.  387.  Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  five  be  appointed, 
whose  duty  it  shall  be  after  careful  consideration,  to  prepare  and 
report  to  the  next  General  Assembly  a  paper,  touching  the  intemper- 


858' 


Moral  and  Secular 


[Book  VI 


ate  use  of  intoxicating  drinks;  to  the  intent  that  the  churches  under 
our  care  may  be  exhorted  to  the  performance  of  their  whole  duty  in 
suppressing  this  great  evil,  and  may  be  also  instructed  and  guarded 
concerning  erroneous  opinions  connected  therewith. 

P.  391.  Resolved,  That  the  action  taken  by  this  General  Assem¬ 
bly  on  the  third  day  of  its  sessions  in  appointing  a  Committee  on 
Temperance  was  not  intended  to  commit  this  Assembly  to  or  against 
any  political  questions  of  prohibition  or  so-called  moral  reform  now 
agitating  the  mind  of  the  public;  but  the  purpose  was  to  have  the 
committee  formulate  the  views  of  the  church  upon  the  question 
of  temperance. 

This  committee  obtained  leave  (1889,  p.  592)  to  report  in  1890. 
Its  report  (1890,  p.  20)  was  then  read,  ordered  printed  by  the  Ex¬ 
ecutive  Committee  of  Publication,  supplied  to  the  churches  and 
ministers,  and  the  further  consideration  of  it  referred  to  the  next 
Assembly.  (P.  25.) 

1890,  p.  39.  This  action  was  reconsidered,  and  the  following 
substitute  was  adopted: 

Resolved,  1,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Assembly  be  tendered  to 
the  Special  Committee  on  Temperance  for  their  report. 

2,  That  we  take  no  further  action  thereon,  except  that  we  reaffirm 
the  deliverances  of  former  Assemblies  on  the  subject  of  temperance. 

1891,  p.  244.  Our  church,  in  accordance  with  her  former  de¬ 
liverances  on  the  subject  of  temperance,  made  in  1830,  1834,  1837 
and  1848,  bears  her  testimony  against  the  traffic  in  intoxicating 
liquors  as  a  fruitful  source  of  abounding  iniquity  and  misery.  And 
the  Assembly  w'ould  urge  our  people  to  use  all  means,  which  may 
be  approved  by  their  Christian  conscience  and  judgment,  to  remedy 
this  evil  throughout  the  land.  Especially  would  we  urge  our  mem¬ 
bers  to  abstain  from  the  use  of  intoxicating  liquors  as  a  beverage. 

1892,  p.  462.  Whereas  we  recognize  the  liquor  traffic  as  an  ag¬ 
gressive  enemy  to  the  home,  the  church,  and  the  state,  an  alarming 
menace  to  the  Christian  Sabbath,  and  a  powerful  obstacle  to  the 
work  of  establishing  Christ’s  kingdom  in  foreign  lands;  and, 

Whereas  “sin  is  any  want  of  conformity  unto,  or  transgression 
of,  the  law  of  God,”  and  a  failure  to  manifest  disapproval  of,  or 
opposition  to,  a  prevailing  evil  is  a  sin  of  omission,  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  we  reaffirm  the  deliverance  and  testimony  of  our 
church  made  in  1891  on  the  subject  of  temperance,  the  liquor 
traffic  and  abstinence  from  intoxicants  as  a  beverage,  and  we  bear 
our  testimony  against  the  establishing  and  promoting  of  the  traffic 
in  intoxicating  liquors  as  the  fruitful  source  of  sin,  crime  and  misery. 

1895,  p.  408.  Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  reiterates 
the  deliverances  of  previous  Assemblies  on  the  subject  of  temper¬ 
ance,  and,  without  any  reference  to  the  political  aspect  of  the  tem¬ 
perance  reform,  urges  upon  all  Christians  the  duty  of  using  all 
legitimate  means  to  promote  the  cause  of  good  citizenship,  espe¬ 
cially  by  refusing  to  be  identified  in  any  way  with  the  liquor  traffic, 
the  greatest  and  boldest  modern  enemy  to  the  church  and  the  home, 


Secs.  1343-1346] 


Intemperance 


859 


and  deprecates  the  inconsistency  of  professing  Christians  who  rent 
their  property  for  immoral  purposes. 

1897,  p.  17.  In  response  to  the  communication  signed  by  Edwin 
A.  Shaver,  chairman,  and  Thomas  P.  Johnston,  secretary  of  the 
Executive  Committee  of  the  North  Carolina  Prohibition  Party,  peti¬ 
tioning  this  Assembly  “to  make  some  deliverance  and  declaration 
of  principles  on  the  all-important  subject  of  temperance,”  this  As¬ 
sembly  would  reply:  That  alike  by  uniform  practice  and  Consti¬ 
tution  we  are  forbidden  to  intermeddle  with  political  parties  or 
questions,  and  that  the  constant  and  scriptural  attitude  of  our  be¬ 
loved  church  on  temperance  and  intemperance,  as  shown  in  past 
deliverances  on  record  (see\  this  Digest,  p.  856 f) ,  is  too  well  known 
to  require  restatement. 

P.  19.  Resolved,  That  in  the  action  by  the  Assembly  in  adopt¬ 
ing  the  report  of  the  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  in  reply  to 
a  communication  from  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  Prohibition 
Party  of  North  Carolina,  this  Assembly  is  not  to  be  construed  as 
intending  to  commit  the  church  to  the  political  theory  of  prohibi¬ 
tion,  either  pro  or  con. 

1344.  The  liquor  traffic  as  affecting  Foreign  Missions 

1892,  p.  446.  In  view1  of  the  reports  which  come  to  us  from 
many  parts  of  the  unevangelized  world,  of  the  appalling  effects  of 
the  traffic  in  strong  drink  carried  on  by  those  belonging  to  our  own 
and  other  Christian  nations,  among  the  heathen,  we  call  upon  our 
people  to  use  all  their  influence  against  this  business,  and  pray  for 
the  suppression  of  what  is  so  destructive  to  the  souls  and  bodies  of 
those  who  look  to  us  for  their  knowledge  of  God,  and  who  expect 
to  see  in  the  representatives  of  Christian  nations  the  fruits  of  that 
gospel  which  we  preach. 

1345.  T emperance  D  ay 

1898,  p.  201.  Your  memorialist  would  respectfully  represent 
that  the  Woman’s  Christian  Temperance  Union,  in  accordance 
with  the  plan  of  the  London  Sabbath  School  Union,  is  endeavor¬ 
ing  to  secure  the  observance  of  the  fourth  Sabbath  in  November  as 
Temperance  Day.  Believing  that  your  influence  would  be  of  great 
help  in  advancing  this  movement,  we  most  earnestly  request  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  to  recommend  the 
observance  of  this  day  as  an  annual  temperance  Sabbath. 

'Answer:  We  recorrumend  the  following  answer:  While  we  have 
borne,  and  do  now  bear,  our  unqualified  testimony  against  intem¬ 
perance  as  a  fruitful  source  of  evil,  we  decline  to  grant  the  request 
of  the  Sabbath  School  Department  of  the  W.  C.  T.  U.  to  set  apart 
a  special  Sabbath  as  a  temperance  day. 

Same  action  in  1899  (p.  407). 

1346.  American  Anti-Saloon  League 

1903,  p.  470.  The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 


860 


Moral  and  Secular 


[Book  VI 


in  the  United  States,  in  session  at  Lexington,  Va.,  acknowledges 
the  greetings  just  received  of  the  “American  Anti-Saloon  League,” 
and  also  the  request  of  the  league  that  we  send  delegates  to  their 
National  Convention,  to  be  held  in  Washington,  D.  C.,  in  December 
next. 

This  General  Assembly  is  in  full  sympathy  with  the  object 
which  the  league  proposes  to  accomplish;  yet  as  we  represent  an 
organization  that  is  purely  spiritual,  and  whose  uniform  practice 
has  been  to  decline  affiliation  with  all  secular  organizations,  how¬ 
ever  worthy  in  themselves,  it  would  be  a  departure  from  our  estab¬ 
lished  practice  to  comply  with  the  request  of  the  league,  and  for 
such  departure  in  this  instance  we  see  no  sufficient  reason. 

1347.  Permanent  Committee  on  Temperance 

1907,  p.  57.  Overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  of  West  Hanover, 
Arkansas,  Louisville,  Transylvania,  Ebenezer,  East  Hanover,  St. 
John’s,  Suwanee,  Ouachita,  Cherokee,  and  from  the  Synod  of  Ala¬ 
bama,  asking  the  appointment  of  a  Permanent  Committee  on  Tem¬ 
perance.  It  is  recommended  that  this  be  answered  in  the  negative, 
for  the  reasons,  (1)  that  the  position  of  our  Church  is  sufficiently 
well  known  on  this  question,  and  (2)  such  a  measure  would  add 
indefinitely  to  the  machinery  of  our  Church,  and  would  involve  the 
possibility  of  political  entanglement.  Adopted. 

1913,  p.  7 Oi.  There  has  been  referred  to  your  Special  Committee 
the  petition  froni  the  Session  of  the  Richwood  Church,  praying  the 
Assembly  to  petition  the  State  “to  repeal  all  laws  licensing  the  saloon 
and  to  correct  all  revenue  laws  which  contradict  the  eternal  prin¬ 
ciples  of  Rectitude,”  and  the  recommendation  of  the  Committee  on 
Bills  and  Overtures  for  a  special  committee  to  reaffirm  the  position 
of  the  Church. 

We  reply: 

(1)  We  regard  such  a  petition  to  the  State  as  is  prayed  for  as 
of  no  practical  value  toward  remedying  the  evils  of  the  liquor 
traffic,  since  these  remedies  lie  with  the  legislative  bodies  of  the 
several  States,  and  such  legislatures  will  ordinarily  act  only  in  re¬ 
sponse  to  a  definite  demand  from  a  majority  of  the  voters  of  their 
States. 

(2)  But  while  the  Assembly  does  not  consider  it  within  its 
province  to  make  the  petition  asked  for,  yet  this  Assembly  would 
emphatically  reaffirm  the  deliverance  of  the  Assembly  of  1892,  which 
has  also  been  reaffirmed  by  subsequent  Assemblies.  (See  above 
Sec.  1343.) 

In  conformity  with  these  and  other  deliverances,  we  urge  on  all 
our  membership  the  duty  of  using  all  legitimate  means  for  the  ban¬ 
ishment  of  this  traffic  from  the  land,  and  for  striving  by  voice 
and  vote,  in  all  ways  which  may  be  approved  by  their  Christian 
conscience  and  judgment,  for  the  enactment  of  such  laws  as  shall 
most  speedily  and  effectively  bring  this  result  to  pass. 


Secs.  1346-1348] 


Intemperance 


861 


1348.  National  Prohibition 

1914,  p.  71.  A  communication  relating  to  National  Constitu¬ 
tional  Prohibition  from  the  Woman’s  Christian  Temperance  Union 
was  read.  The  Assembly  adopted  the  following  as  its  answer  to 
this  resolution: 

Resolved,  That  we  are  in  hearty  favor  of  National  Constitutional 
Prohibition,  and  will  do  all  properly  within  our  power  to  secure 
the  adoption  of  an  amendment  to  the  Constitution  forever  prohibit¬ 
ing  the  sale,  manufacture  for  sale,  transportation  for  sale,  importa¬ 
tion  for  sale,  and  exportation  for  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  for 
beverage  purposes  in  the  United  States. 

1914,  p.  80b.  Whereas,  in  our  judgment,  the  action  of  the  As¬ 
sembly,  taken  this  morning,  in  answer  to  an  overture  from  the  Wo¬ 
man’s  Christian  Temperance  Union,  viz. :  “That  we  are  in  hearty 
favor  of  National  Constitutional  Prohibition,  and  will  do  all  properly 
within  our  power  to  secure  the  adoption  of  an  amendment  to  the 
Constitution  forever  prohibiting  the  sale,  the  manufacture  for  sale, 
transportation  for  sale,  importation  for  sale,  and  exportation  for 
sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  for  beverage  purposes  in  the  United 
States,”  was  a  deliverance  upon  a  political  question  and  hence  was 
a  violation  of  the  scriptural  function  of  the  Church  of  God  and 
contrary  to  the  historic  position  of  our  Church  on  the  right  of  the 
Church  to  make  political  deliverances,  we,  the  undersigned,  wish 
to  record  our  respectful  protest  against  said  action  in  its  political 
character. 

[Signed  with  41  names.] 

1915,  p.  29.  Overture  from  the  Synod  of  Virginia,  concerning  the 
action  of  the  Kansas  City  Assembly  touching  amendment  of  the 
Federal  Constitution. 

The  protest  is  as  follows: 

Resolved,  That  this  Synod  regard  with  strong  disapproval  the 
action  of  the  Assembly  in  answer  to  a  communication  from  the 
W.  C.  T.  U.  touching  National  Constitutional  Prohibition,  p.  71. 

While  we  most  heartily  approve  of  the  strongest  deliverance  that 
the  Assembly  could  possible  make  versus  the  sin  of  intemperance 
and  the  evils  of  the  liquor  business,  we  believe  that  this  deliverance, 
and  all  such  deliverances  as  advise  us  as  citizens  how  we  should 
vote  on  any  political  question  before  the  public,-  contravenes  the 
vital  principles  upon  which  we  have  defended  our  existence  as  a 
separate  denomination  and  as  contrary  to  the  Constitution  of  our 
Church,  and  as  such  we  decline  to  accept  said  deliverance  as  repre¬ 
senting  our  views  of  the  relation  of  the  Church  to  the  civil  govern¬ 
ment. 

The  Synod  of  Virginia  hereby  overtures  the  General  Assembly  to 
meet  in  Newport  News,  Va.,  to  record  this  action  of  Synod  upon 
its  minutes  as  our  protest  against  the  action  of  the  Kansas  City 
Assembly  touching  the  amending  of  the  Federal  Constitution.  That 
action  of  the  Kansas  City  Assembly  was  so  serious  a  departure 


862 


Moral  and  Secular 


[Book  VI 


from  the  position  on  civil  questions  our  Church  had  always  held 
that  it  would  be  untrue  to  history  to  refuse  to  record  our  protest. 

Answer:  In  compliance  with  the  request  of  the  Synod  of  Vir¬ 
ginia,  its  protest  is  admitted  to  record  in  the  Minutes  of  this  As¬ 
sembly. 

In  connection  with  this  action,  the  General  Assembly,  while 
heartily  concurring  in  the  views  expressed  by  the  Synod  concerning 
the  “sin  of  intemperance  and  the  evils  of  the  liquor  business,”  does 
solemnly  declare  its  unfaltering  allegiance  to  the  principle  contended 
for  in  the  protest,  holding  to  a  'strict  construction  of  the  language 
of  the  Confession  (Chapter  31,  paragraph  4),  and  it  earnestly 
deprecates  any  violation  of  the  principle  on  the  part  of  any  courts 
of  the  Church. 

1915,  p.  77.  As  the  traffic  in  and  use  of  intoxicating  liquors  as 
a  beverage  is  the  prolific  cause  of)  so  much  crime,  poverty,  and 
suffering  in  our  land,  and  as  it  costs  the  people  so  much  money  in 
criminal  prosecutions  and  the  support  of  the  victims  of  drink,  and 
as  it  is  one  of  the  greatest  enemies  of  the  Church  of  Christ,  and 
as  we  are  warned  against  its  effects  in  I  Cor.  6:10;  therefore,  in 
view  of  these  terrible  effects,  this  General  Assembly  bears  its  testi¬ 
mony  against  this  evil,  and  recommends  to  all  our  people  the  use 
of  all  legitimate  means  for  its  banishment  from  the  land. 

1918,  p.  33.  An  overture  fromi  Rev.  John  S.  Shaw,  urging 
similar  action  to  that  taken  by  the  Presbytery  of  Louisiana  in  ap¬ 
pealing  to  the  President  of  the  United  States  to  use  his  authority 
and  influence  in  preventing  “the  waste  of  food  and  fuel”  in  the 
manufacture  of  alcoholic  liquors  by  distilleries  and  breweries  dur¬ 
ing  the  war. 

Answer:  The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 
the  United  States  respectfully  and  earnestly  requests  President, 
Woodrow  Wilson  to  use  his  authority  and  influence  to  prohibit  the 
waste  of  food  and  fuel,  now  so  much  needed,  in  the  manufacture 
of  malt  and  alcoholic  liquors  by  distilleries  and  breweries. 

1349.  The  use  of  tobacco 

1913,  p.  701.  Overtures  from  Kanawha  and  Texas-Mexican 
Presbyteries,  touching  the  use  of  tobacco  by  ministers,  professors 
and  students  in  our  Theological  Seminary.  We  recommend  that 
these  overtures  be  answered  in  the  negative. 

1350.  Gambling. 

1862,  p.  38.  Extract  from  a  pastoral  letter  to  the  young  men  of 
our  congregations  in  the  army:  Another  vice,  which  has  hereto¬ 
fore  been  confined  in  our  country  to  the  saloons  of  dissipation, 
we  are  sad  to  believe,  has  become  very  common  among  the  young 
men  of  the  army.  We  refer  to  gambling.  Besides  the  moral  turpi¬ 
tude  and  sin  of  gambling,  the  taking  from  your  fellows  that  which 


Secs.  1348-1351] 


Gambling 


863 


is  theirs  without  a  just  return,  this  vice  creates  a  morbid  thirst 
after  speedy  gains  and  a  spirit  of  reckless  extravagance,  which 
usually  go  together,  injuring  the  moral  character,  rendering  a  man 
reckless,  dissatisfied,  and  unhappy,  and  generally  ends  in  his  tem¬ 
poral  ruin.  A  practice  which  produces  such  results  is  necessarily 
evil.  “By  their  fruits  ye  shall  know  them,”  is  the  Saviour’s  rule; 
and  here  is  a  tree  whose  fruit  is  bitter. 

1351.  Lotteries  and  Gambling 

1890,  p.  33.  To  the  communication  addressed  to  the  Assembly 
by  the  Anti-Lottery  League  of  Louisiana,  and  to  the  paper  pre¬ 
sented  by  the  Rev.  W.  A.  Alexander  upon  the  same  subject,  the 
Assembly  made  the  following  answer — viz. :  Inasmuch  as  we  have 
had  brought  before  us  evidence  of  the  widespread  and  increasing 
influence  of  certain  lottery  schemes  throughout  the  land  that  have 
sought  and  are  seeking  the  patronage  of  our  people,  and  inasmuch 
as  we  have  had  reason  to  believe  that  some  of  those  over  whom 
we  are  called  to  exercise  spiritual  oversight  have  been  induced 
to  buy  and  sell  lottery  tickets,  this  General  Assembly  feels  called 
upon  at  this  time  to  bear  testimony  against  this  evil.  In  our 
judgment  these  various  lottery  schemes  are  an  unmitigated  evil 
and  a  vicious  iniquity.  By  the  promise  of  large  gains  in  return 
for  small  investments,  they  appeal  with  peculiar  force  to  the  covet¬ 
ousness  of  the  carnal  heart,  and  awaken  a  craving  and  corrupting 
greed  for  gain.  Thus  they  are  most  seductive  in  their  evil  influence. 
The  fact  that  they  are  in  imflny  cases  intrenched  behind  forms  of 
law,  and  are  thus  given  a  quasi  justification  in  the  eyes  of  the 
thoughtless  and  unwary,  only  makes  them  the  more  insidious,  and, 
therefore,  the  more  dangerous.  They  are  but  organized  systems 
of  gambling,  are  striking  at  the  foundations  of  morality  and  right¬ 
eousness  and  have  become  powerful  agencies  for  corrupting  the  youth 
of  our  land. 

In  some  instances  they  have  with  brazen  effrontery  entered  the  halls 
of  legislation,  and  have  sought  to  bribe!  our  law-makers  in  the 
interest  of  their  nefarious  traffic.  We  do,  therefore,  most  emphatic¬ 
ally  condemn,  and  earnestly  and  affectionately  warn  our  people 
against  this  wickedness;  and  we  call  upon  them  not  only  to  ab¬ 
stain  wholly  from  buying  or  selling  lottery  tickets  themselves,  but 
also  to  use  their  utmost  endeavors  to  restrain  all  others  from  so  doing. 

We  do  also  declare  ourselves  in  hearty  sympathy  with  all  law¬ 
ful  and  proper  efforts  to  secure  the  enactment  of  such  laws  by  the 
State  legislatures,  and  by]  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  as 
will  suppress  every  lottery  scheme  in  the  land,  and  thus  protect,  as 
far  as  possible,  our  people  from  the  insidious  temptation  thus  set 
before  them. 

1894,  p.  241.  Whereas  we  recognize  and  deeply  deplore  the  ex¬ 
istence  and  the  blighting  consequences  of  the  sin  of  gambling,  espe¬ 
cially  as  the  evil  and  its  results  are  manifested  in  the  form  of 
lottery  hazard,  therefore, 


864 


Moral  and  Secular 


[Book  VI 


Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  renews  the  deliverances  of  former 
Assemblies  against  this  evil,  and  exhorts  and  warns  our  people 
against  the  insidious  and  destructive  influences  of  this  sin. 

1352.  Profanity 

1862,  p.  36.  Extract  from  a  pastoral  letter  to  the  young  men 
of  our  congregations  in  the  army:  The  awful  and  prevailing  sin 
of  our  people  is  profanity.  The  name  of  God  is  taken  in  vain  in 
the  wicked  curse  and  the  lewd  joke;  yea,  fearful  as  the  statement 
is,  our  own  ears  bear  testimony  to  the  fact  that  the  Great  Name 
of  the  majestic  Jehovah  has  been  made  a  by-word,  a  jest  and  a 
mockery  by  the  dissolute  and  profane  on  our  public  thoroughfares. 
This  is  our  crying  national  sin,  which,  with  many  others,  has 
brought  down  on  our  land  the  wrath  of  offended  heaven.  This 
international  strife,  and  all  the  dreadful  havoc  which  this  war  is 
making,  are  doubtless  sent  on  us  as  judgments  from  God  on  account 
of  our  sins.  How  can  we  expect  the  blessing  of  God  if  we  thus 
dishonor  Him,  treat  His  name  with  irreverence,  and  speak  of  His 
authority  and  judgments  with  levity  and  derision? 

1353.  Cheap  religious  newspaper 

1895,  p.  395.  The  Presbytery  of  Lexington  overtures  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  consider  whether 
a  religious  newspaper  cannot  be  furnished  to  our  membership  at 
less  cost  than  any  now  within  their  reach;  and  that,  if  any  arrange¬ 
ments  cannot  be  made  by  which  the  papers  already  in  circulation 
can  be  furnished  at  reduced  rates,  as  a  last  resort  the  Assembly 
consider  the  advisability  of  publishing  a  paper  at  a  subscription 
that  will  place  it  within  the  reach  of  the  masses,  and  on  a  basis 
that  will  favorably  compare  with  the  cost  of  similar  papers  pub¬ 
lished  by  other  denominations;  and  it  is  the  sentiment  of  this 

Presbytery  that  if  such  a  paper  cannot  be  made  selfsustaining  at 

the  reduced  subscription,  it  would  be  wise  to  draw  upon  the  funds 
of  the  Publication  Committee. 

The  General  Assembly  replies  to  this  overture  that  it  deems  it 
inexpedient  to  appoint  such  committee. 

1354.  The  Chinese  exclusion  act 

1893,  p.  16.  The  Chinese  Mission  in  New  Orleans  asked  the 
Assembly  to  petition  for  the  suspension  of  the  Geary  law,  or  Chinese 
Exclusion  Act.  Referred  to  the  Standing  Committee  on  Foreign 

Missions.  This  Committee,  p.  42,  reported  resolution  of  sympathy, 

which  was  adopted. 

P.  39.  Rev.  C.  W.  Trawick  offered  a  resolution  that  the  Assem¬ 
bly  petition  Congress  to  repeal  or  modify  this  law. 

P.  54.  The  resolution  touching  the  repeal  or  modification  of  the 
Geary  law  was  taken  from  the  docket  and  lost. 


Secs.  1349-1357] 


Moral  and  Secular 


86S 


1355.  Sympathy  with  the  Armenians 

1896,  p.  616.  The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  United  States,  representing  a  large  body  of  Christian  people,, 
desire  to  express  their  profound  sympathy  with  the  suffering  peopler 
of  Armenia,  who,  for  the  name;  of  Christ  our  Lord,  have  been  driven 
through  the  furnace  of  the  fiercest  persecution.  We  have  been 
grieved  beyond  expression  that  our  brethren  in  Christ  in  the  late 
Christian  centuries  have  been  left  unshielded  from  the  storm.  Unto 
the  God  of  pity  we  commend  this  smitten  people,  praying  for  the 
strong  hand  of  His  power  and  His  wise  and  compassionate  providence 
in  their  behalf. 

1356.  Pastoral  letter  against  errors 

1898,  p.  232.  Whereas  error  in  many  subtle  forms  exists  around 
us,  and  may  invade  the  church,  to  the  injury  of  her  doctrine,  polity,, 
spirituality  and  morality;  and 

Whereas  the  General  Assembly  is  to  “recommend  measures  for 
the  promotion  of  charity,  truth  and  holiness  through  all  the  churches 
under  its  care,”  therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  1.  That  a  committee  is  hereby  appointed  to  address 
a  pastoral  letter  to  our  ministers  and  people,  affectionately  warning 
them  against  all  errors,  and  urging  them  to  steadfastness  in  “the 
faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints.” 

2.  That  all  the  papers  of  our  church  are  hereby  requested  to 
publish  said  letter,  and  all  our  pastors  are  requested  to  read  it  to 
their  congregations  as  soon  as  practicable  after  its  publication;  and 
where  churches  are  vacant,  that  the  elders  be  requested  to  read  it 
to  them.  Adopted. 

1357.  Presbyterian  monument  in  Monmouth  county,  N.  J. 

1899,  p.  422.  There  has  come  to  us  an  invitation  from  Rev.  A. 
H.  Brown,  chairman  of  a  committee  of  the  Synod  of  New  Jersey, 
asking  you  to  appoint  delegates  to  represent  vou  at  the  unveiling  of 
a  Presbyterial  historical  monument  in  Ola  scot’s  Burial  Ground  in 
Monmouth  county,  N.  J.,  where  assembled  the  first  General  Presby¬ 
tery  of  which  any  official  record  exists.  The  monument  is  to  be 
unveiled  in  the  third  week  of  October,  1899.  The  Assembly  at 
Dallas,  Texas,  in  1895,  heartily  commended  this  enterprise,  and 
appointed  five  delegates  to  attend  and  represent  us,  at  their  own 
expense,  at  a  preliminary  celebration  called  the  Monmouth  Pilgrim¬ 
age.  (See  Minutes,  pp.  385  and  388-389.)  Of  that  delegation  Rev. 
Drs.  Moses  D.  Hoge  and  William  U.  Murkland  have  been  called 
to  their  reward.  Your  committee  recommend  that  the  same  persons 
be  appointed  to  attend  the  unveiling  of  the  monument  as  requested, 
and  that  the  Rev.  R.  P.  Kerr,  D.  D.,  of  Richmond,  and  the  Rev. 
Joseph  A.  Vance,  of  Baltimore,  be  substituted  in  place  of  the  brethren 
deceased.  The  committee  will  thus  consist  of  Rev.  R.  P.  Kerr, 
D.  D.,  Rev.  Joseph  A.  Vance,  Rev.  Parke  P.  Flournoy,  D.  D.,  and 


866 


Moral  and  Secular 


[Book  VI 


Ruling  Elders  T.  B.  Gresham,  Esq.,  and  William  Wirt  Henry,  Esq. 
That  the  Assembly  express  its  deep  interest  in  all  that  touches  the 
founding  and  early  struggles  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  our 
country,  and  the  importance  of  keeping  the  history  in  remembrance 
of  coming  generations.  That  the  Assembly  returns  its  hearty  thanks 
to  the  Synod  of  New  Jersey  for  its  fraternal  invitation  to  us  to 
participate  in  these  memorial  services. 

1358.  Peace  Conferences 

1899,  p.  423.  Since  the  Peace  Conference  of  the  accredited  rep¬ 
resentatives  of  the  nations,  looking  forward  to  the  disarmament  of 
the  several  armies  and  navies  of  the  nations,  is  now  in  session  at 
The  Hague,  Holland,  the  Assembly,  at  the  hour  of  recess  this 
afternoon,  shall  be  led  in  prayer  for  this  conference  by  the  Moder¬ 
ator. 

An  overture  asking  that  an  endorsement  be  given  to  the  forthcom¬ 
ing  Hague  Peace  Conference.  It  is  recommended  that  this  be 
answered  in  the  negative.  Adopted. 

1359.  Mob  law 

1899,  p.  431.  The  General  Assembly  takes  occasion  to  express 
its  strongest  condemnation  of  the  lawless  spirit  abroad  in  the  land 
manifesting  itself  in  many  ways,  but  notably  in  scenes  of  mob 
violence  and  the  taking  of  human  life,  in  cases  of  supposed  or 
proven  crime,  without  due  process  of  law,  involving  the  awful  danger 
of  inflicting  death  upon  an  innocent  person,  while  the  real  criminal 
goes  free;  tending  also  to  cheapen  human  life,  to  unsettle  the  social 
order,  and  to  weaken  or  destroy  that  reverence  for  law  and  con¬ 
stituted  authority  which  the  Scriptures  require  all  to  uphold. 

We,  therefore,  while  expressing  our  abhorrence  of  the  crimes  that 
lead  to  the  disorders  referred  to,  urge  all  our  people  and  ministers, 
in  all  Scriptural  ways,  to  do  their  utmost  towards  cultivating  and 
maintaining  that  order  and  reverence  for  authority  which  are  en¬ 
joined  by  the  Word  of  God. 

1360.  Marriage  of  minors 

1899,  p.  433.  Is  a  minister  of  our  church  justifiable  in  perform¬ 
ing  a  marriage  ceremony  when  one  or  both  of  the  contracting  parties 
reside  with  their  respective  parents,  are  both  of  marriageable  age, 
but  under  the  age  of  twenty-one  (said  ceremony  being  performed  at 
a  place  other  than  the  home  of  one  of  the  parents  of  the  contracting 
parties),  when  the  minister  knows,  or  has  reason  to  believe,  that 
such  marriage  is  without  the  knowledge  and  against  the  consent  of 
ithe  parents  of  either  one  of  the  contracting  parties? 

The  General  Assembly  replies  as  follows: 

The  Assembly  is  of  the  opinion  that  it  would  be  both  unwise  and 
inexpedient  to  attempt  to  lay  down  any  inflexible  rule  for  the  guid- 


Secs.  1357-1361] 


Divorce 


86  7 

ance  of  its  ministry  in  relation  to  the  performance  of  this  ceremony,, 
the  great  bond  of  society.  It  believes  that  an  enlightened  conscience 
and  the  laws  of  the  land  are,  as  a  rule,  the  safest  and  only  guides 
to  be  followed  in  such  cases.  But  the  Assembly  cannot  forbear  to 
express  the  opinion  that  in  the  cases  described  in  the  overture  the 
greatest  prudence  and  caution  should  be  exercised  by  the  minister; 
that  he  should  exert  his  influence,  as  far  as  he  can  properly  and 
prudently  do  so,  to  prevent  such  marriages,  and  only  consent  to  per¬ 
form  the  ceremony  in  those  cases  where  he  is  satisfied,  from  all  the 
circumstances,  that  the  best  interests  of  all  the  parties  (including 
the  parent  or  parents)  will  be  subserved  by  his  so  doing. 

1361.  Divorce 

1898,  p.  219.  Columbia  Presbytery  respectfully  overtures  the 
Assembly  for  information  regarding  the  phrase,  “ wilful  desertion,” 
Confession  of  Faith,  Chapter  XXIV.,  Section  VI.,  which  is  as  fol¬ 
lows:  “Although  the  corruption  of  man  be  such  as  is  apt  to  study 
arguments,  unduly  to  put  asunder  those  whom  God  hath  joined  to¬ 
gether  in  marriage;  yet  nothing  but  adultery  or  such  wilful  desertion 
as  can  no  way  be  remedied  by  the  Church  or  civil  magistrate  is  cause 
sufficient  of  dissolving  the  bond  of  marriage,”  etc.,  etc. 

The  information  desired  is  this: 

1.  Does  the  principle  of  “wilful  desertion”  apply  to  a  case  where 
both  husband  and  wife  are  believers ? 

2.  In  such  a  case,  when  they  are  divorced  by  the  civil  law,  is  it 
morally  right  for  the  innocent  one  to  marry  again? 

■Answer:  We  recommend  the  following  answers:  To  the  first  ques¬ 
tion,  Yes.  Desertion,  if  total,  causeless  and  incurable,  affords 
proper  ground  for  divorce.  (Confession  of  Faith,  Chap.  XXIV., 
Art.  6.)  The  same  reason  attaches  whether  either  or  both  of  the 
parties  are  believers  or  unbelievers. 

And  to  the  second  question,  Yes.  Presuming  the  divorce  to  have 
been  correctly  granted  by  the  civil  court,  the  innocent  party  has  both 
legal  and  moral  right  to  marry  again. 

1900,  pp.  613,  643.  On  the  overture  asking  the  Assembly’s  judg¬ 
ment  as  to  the  propriety  of  receiving  into  the  church  persons  divorced 
under  given  circumstances,  it  is  recommended  that  this  overture  be 
.returned  to  the  sender,  and  he  be  advised  to  seek  from  his  Presby¬ 
tery  the  information  he  desires.  Adopted. 

On  overtures  respecting  Scriptural  grounds  of  divorce,  remarriage 
of  divorced  persons,  and  the  duty  of  ministers  as  to  officiating  at 
such  remarriages,  it  is  recommended  that  the  Assembly  call  attention 
to  the  teaching  of  God’s  Word  upon  this  subject.  The  only  grounds 
upon  which  divorce  can  be  rightfully  obtained  are  adultery,  and  such 
wilful  desertion  as  can  in  no.  way  be  remedied  by  the  church  or  civil 
magistrate.  (See  Matthew  v.  31,  32,  and  xix.  9,  and  1  Corinthians 
vii.  15.)  (See  Confession  of  Faith,  Chap.  XXIV.,  Secs.  5  and  6.) 
It  naturally  follows  that  the  innocent  party  in  cases  of  divorce 
granted  upon  grounds  has  the  Scriptural  right  to  contract  another 


868- 


Moral  and  Secular 


[Book  VI 


marriage;  and  the  Assembly  takes  this  occasion  to  admonish  our 
ministers  to  watch  carefully  for  the  purity  of  our  families,  and  to 
officiate  only  at  the  marriage  of  innocent  parties.  This  answer  was 
adopted. 

1903,  p.  469.  The  Alliance  asks  that  the  Assembly  appoint  a 
delegate  to  a  “Joint  Conference  on  Divorce  and  Re-Marriage.”  We 
recommend  that  the  Assembly  decline  to  make  such  appointment,  in¬ 
asmuch  as  it  would  be  contrary  to  our  well-established  practice. 

The  Alliance  asks  the  Assembly  to  pass  to  all  its  ministers  a  strong 
injunction  forbidding  them  to  marry  persons  who  have  not  been 
divorced  for  Scriptural  reasons.  We  recommend,  in  lieu  of  the 
action  proposed  by  the  Alliance,  that  the  Assembly  declare  its  super¬ 
lative  regard  for  the  sanctity  of  marriage  and  the  purity  of  the 
family;  that  its  Standards  of  faith  and  practice  clearly  teach  that 
all  re-marriages,  except  such  as  are  Scriptural,  are  sinful,  and  that 
at  would  disapprove  the  solemnizing  of  any  unscriptural  marriages 
by  its  ministers. 

1904,  pp.  40,  96.  The  following  resolution  of  the  Alliance  was 
adopted : 

“Resolved,  That  in  recognition  of  the  comity  which  should  exist 
between  Christian  churches,  it  is  desirable,  and  would  tend  to  the 
increase  of  a  spirit  of  Christian  unity,  for  each  church  represented  in 
the  Conference  to  advise,  and,  if  ecclesiastical  authority  will  allow, 
to  enjoin  upon  its  ministers  to  refuse  to  unite  in  marriage  any  person 
or  persons  whose  marriage,  such  ministers  have  good  reason  to  be¬ 
lieve,  is  forbidden  by  the  laws  of  the  church  in  which  either  party 
seeking  to  be  married  holds  membership.” 

If  the  way  is  clear,  kindly  approve  the  foregoing  resolution,  and 
direct  that  the  Address  and’  Appeal  be  read  from  the  pulpits  of  your 
churches  by  the  pastors.  In  the  judgment  of  the  Conference,  the 
time  has  come  for  united  striving  by  Christians  “for  the  things  which 
are  pure  and  true,  for  the  sanctity  of  marriage,  for  the  permanence  of 
the  family  for  the  preservation  of  the  home,  and  for  the  perpetuity  of 
the  State.” 

1905,  p.  23.  Your  committee  recommend  that  the  following  over¬ 
ture  be  answered  in  the  affirmative: 

In  view  of  the  alanning  number  of  divorces  annually  granted  in 
the  United  States,  the  ease'  and  facility  with  which  they  are  obtained 
in  many  of  the  States,  the  numerous  and  often  trivial  grounds  on 
which  they  are  constantly  sought  and  granted,  and  the  unseemly  and 
shocking  haste  in  which  the  divorced  remarry,  all  of  which  amounts 
to  a  national  shame,  constitutes  a  grave  menace  to  public  and  private 
morals,  the  sanctity  of  marriage  and  the  purity  of  the  home,  and 
threatens  to  subvert  the  family,  which  is  the  foundation  of  the 
Church,  the  Presbytery  of  Montgomery  overtures  the  Assembly, 

1.  To  authorize  the  Moderator  of  said  General  Assembly  to  ap¬ 
point  three  persons  to  represent  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States  in  the  Inter-Church  Conference  on  Marriage  and 
Divorce. 

2.  To  urge  upon  all  our  ministers: 


Sec.  1361] 


Divorce 


869 


(a)  To  endeavor,  by  special  preaching  of  the  Word,  to  create  and 
maintain  an  elevated  and  healthy  public  sentiment  on  the  subject 
of  the  sanctity  of  marriage  and  the  sin  of  divorce,  except  where 

,  obtained  on  grounds  allowed  by  the  Scriptures. 

(b)  To  exercise  the  utmost  caution  in  the  matter  of  the  remarriage 
of  divorced  persons,  and  to  refuse  to  officiate  at  the  remarriage  of 
any  and  all  such  persons,  except  such  as  have  been  divorced  upon 
grounds  allowed  by  our  Church  to  be  Scriptural;  and  then  only  in 
the  case  of  the  innocent  party.  Adopted. 

1906,  p.  59.  The  report  of  this  committee  was  received  as  infor¬ 
mation;  and  the  Assembly  affirmed  its  sympathy  with  the  general 
purpose  of  the  Inter-Church  Conference  on  Marriage  and  Divorce. 

1907,  p.  36.  That  our  ministers  be  directed  to  continue  to  teach 
the  nature  and  purpose  of  marriage;  that  while  its  proximate  purpose 
is  to  promote  our  happiness  and  comfort,  its  ultimate  end  is  to  rear 
a  godly  seed  to  the  glory  of  the  Saviour  who  is  the  husband  of  the 
bride,  the  Church.  And  when  solicited  to  perform  the  marriage 
ceremony  for  persons  who  may  have  been  divorced,  that  they  make 
inquiry  into  the  facts  and  conform  their  actions  to  the  law  of  Holy 
Scripture  and  its  exposition  in  our  Standards. 

1908,  p.  62.  The  Assembly  noted  with  approval  the  care  of  the 
Committee  with  reference  to  the  civil  aspects  of  the  matter  in  hand, 
and  rcommended  that  our  delegates  in  the  Conference  confine  them¬ 
selves  to  that  which  is  ecclesiastical. 

1909,  p.  47.  Overtures  from  the  Presbytery  of  Charleston,  from 
the  Presbytery  of  Chesapeake  and  from  certain  individual  ministers 
asking  the  appointment  of  an  ad  interim  committee  of  not  less  than 
five  members  (“memberships  on  the  same  to  be  preferably  given 
to  Professors  of  Theology  in  our  Seminaries”)  to  consider  the 
whole  matter  of  the  reception  of  polygamists  into  the  Church 
and  to  report  to  the  Assembly  of  1910;  and  overtures  from  the 
Presbytery  of  Missouri  asking  the  Assembly  to  take  steps  to  so  alter 
the  Confession  of  Faith  in  Chap.  XXIV.,  Pars.  5  and  6,  as  to 
harmonize  their  teachings  as  to  what  are  lawful  grounds  of  divorce; 
and  from  the  Presbytery  of  Knoxville,  asking  the  appointment  of  an 
ad  interim  committee  to  investigate  the  teaching  of  the  Scriptures 
touching  divorce  and  remarriage  for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining 
whether  or  not  the  Confession  of  Faith  (Chap.  XXIV.)  is  in  accord 
with  the  Word  of  God,  and  to  report  the  result  of  their  investigation 
to  the  Assembly  of  1910. 

A  committee  of  five  was  appointed. 

1910,  p.  32.  In  view  of  the  fact  that  there  is  not  sufficient  time 
for  thorough  deliberation  on  such  an  important  subject  as  that  of 
Marriage  and  Divorce,  it  is 

Resolved,  That  the  ad  interim  committee  on  this  subject  be  con¬ 
tinued  with  the  addition  thereto  of  Rev.  R.  A.  Webb,  D.  D.,  Rev 
W.  T.  Hall,  D.  D.,  and  Rev.  T.  R.  Sampson,  D.  D.,  with  instruc¬ 
tions  to  report  to  the  next  Assembly.  And  as  these  members  are 


870 


Moral  and  Secular 


[Book  VI 


widely  scattered,  they  are  expected  to  do  their  work  by  correspon¬ 
dence,  thus  obviating  the  trouble  and  expense  of  a  meeting. 

In  accordance  with  this  resolution  the  two  reports  on  Marriage 
and  Divorce  were  taken  from  the  docket  and  committed  to  the  en¬ 
larged  committee. 


1362.  Marriage  and  Divorce 

1911,  p.  19.  The  Ad-Interim  Committee  on  Marriage  and  Di¬ 
vorce  made  a  report,  asking  that  the  committee  be  continued  for 
another  year,  that  Rev.  Henry  Alexander  White,  D.  D.,  and  Mr.  A. 
M.  Scales  be  added  to  the  committee,  and  that  provision  be  made 
for  the  necessary  expenses  of  the  committee.  The  requests  were 
granted* 

1912,  p.  27.  The  Presbyteries  of  Knoxville,  Missouri,  Charles¬ 
ton,  and  Chesapeake  presented  overtures  to  the  General  Assembly  of 
1909  concerning  Marriage  and  Divorce.  The  overtures  were,  by 
that  Assembly,  referred  to  an  ad-interim (  Committee,  which  submitted 
majority  and  minority  reports  to  the  Assembly  of  1910.  The  whole 
matter  Was,  by  that  Assembly,  re-committed  to  the  same  Committee, 
with  new  members  added,  with  instructions  to  report  to  the  Assembly 
of  1911.  Of  that  Assembly  the  Committee  requested  more  time,  and 
the  request  was  granted,  and  the  Committee  instructed  to  report  to 
the  Assembly  of  1912. 

The  overtures  referred  to  raise  two  questions  for  the  consideration 
of  the  Committee:  (1)  Does  Chapter  XXIV.  of  the  Confession  of 
Faith  on  Marriage  need  revision?  and  (2)  What  policy  ought  the 
Church  to  pursue  with  respect  to  polygamists  who  apply  for  mem¬ 
bership  in  our  churches  in  heathen  lands? 

I.  THEORIES  OE  MARRIAGE 

There  are  four  theories  as  to  the  nature  of  Marriage:  (1)  The 
Sacramentarian,  or  Ecclesiastical;  (2)  The  Contractual,  or  Civil; 
(3)  The  Mixed,  or  Ecclesiastico-civil ;  (4)  The  Natural,  or  Divine. 

1.  According  to  the  first,  or  Sacramentarian,  theory,  marriage  is 
a  religious  ordinance,  and  the  family  is  an  ecclesiastical  institution. 
Consequently  its  making  and  unmaking  fall  exclusively  within  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  Church,  as  do  the  sacraments  of  Baptism  and  the 
Lord’s  Supper.  Its  whole  regulation  is  a  matter  of  ecclesiastical 
law.  We  must  go  to  Church  creeds  and  canons  to  learn  what  is  law¬ 
ful  concerning  it. 

2.  According  to  the  second,  or  Contractual,  theory,  Marriage  is  a 
civil  ordinance,  and  the  family  a  social  institute.  Consequently  its 
making  and  unmaking  fall  exclusively  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the 
.State;  its  entire  regulation  is  a  matter  of  civil  law:  we  must  go  to 
civil  constitutions  and  statutes  to  learn  what  is  lawful  and  right  con¬ 
cerning  it. 

3.  According  to  the  third,  or  Mixed,  theory,  Marriage  is  both  an 
ecclesiastical  and  civil  ordinance,  and  the  family  is  both  an  eccles- 


Sec.  1362] 


Marriage  and  Divorce 


871 


iastical  and  civil  institution;  its  entire  regulation  is  a  matter  for 
both  ecclesiastical  and  civil  law.  It  falls  within  the  joint  jurisdiction 
of  Church  and  State.  We  must  go  to  both  to  learn  what  is  lawful 
and  right  concerning  it. 

4.  According  to  the  fourth,  or  Divine,  theory,  Marriage  is  an 
ordinance  of  God,  and  the  family  is  a  Divine  institution.  Conse¬ 
quently  it  falls  exclusively  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Deity;  its 
regulation  is  a  matter  of  divine  legislation  only:  we  must  go  to  the 
Bible  to  learn  what  is  right  and  proper  concerning  it. 

That  the  fourth,  or  Divine,  theory  is  the  correct  one  is  proved  by 
the  following  considerations: 

( 1 )  God  created  the  race  male  and  female,  that  the  relation  of 
husband  and  wife  might  be  possible. 

(2)  He  created  Adam'  and  Eve  and  related  them  to  each  other  as 
husband  and  wife. 

(3)  The  Scriptures  teach  us  that  it  was  God  who  “set  the  solitary 
in  families.” 

(4)  In  His  Word  God  has  specifically  legislated  concerning  mar¬ 
riage  and  the  formation  of  the  family. 

As  the  family  is  thus  an  original  and  natural  institution  of  Divine 
constitution,  it  is  related  to  those  other  Divine  institutions,  the  State 
and  the  Church;  neither  can  lawfully  originate  legislation  concern¬ 
ing  marriage;  each  must  take  the  responsibility  of  interpreting  and 
applying  God’s  marriage  laws  within  its  own  sphere  and  for  its  own 
purposes;  each  must  protect  itself  by  the  powers  of  discipline  lodged 
in  its  hands. 

II.  THE  DIVINE  MARRIAGE  LAW 

There  have  been  five  statements,  or  re-statements,  or  interpretations 
of  God’s  marriage  law  as  promulgated  in  the  Scriptures:  (1)  The 
Edenic;  (2)  The  Mosaic;  (3)  The  Christian;  (4)  The  Pharisaic; 

(5)  The  Pauline. 

1.  The  Edenic  Law. — The  primal  law  was  promulgated  in  Eden 
in  this  language: 

“Therefore  shall  a  man  leave  his  father  and  his  mother,  and  shall 
cleave  unto  his  wife:  and  they  shall  be  one  flesh.”  Gen.  ii,  24. 

This  was  the  statute  for  the  race  in  innocency.  It  prescrbes  two 
things:  (1)  Monogamy,,  and  (2)  The  indissolubility  of  the  marriage 
tie.  It  makes  no  provision  for  divorce  on  any  grounds.  In  a  sinless 
and  paradisical  state,  there  could  never  be  any  occasion  for  a  divorce. 

2.  The  Mosaic  Law. — But  the  race  did  not  continue  in  innocency, 
but  fell  and  became  sinful.  So  God  through  Moses  promulgated  his 
marriage  law  for  a  fallen  and  sinful  race,  in  this  language: 

“When  a,  man  hath  taken  a  wife,  and  married  her,  and  it  come 
to  pass  that  she  find  no  favour  in  his  eyes,  because  he  hath  found 
some  uncleanness  in  her;  then  let  him  write  her  a  bill  of  divorcement, 
and  give  it  into  her  hand,  and  send  her  out  of  his  house.”  Deut. 
xxiv,  1. 

This  law  (1)  prescribes  monogamy;  (2)  allows  divorce  for  un- 


872 


Moral  and  Secular 


[Book  VI 


cleanness,  and  (3)  prohibits  the  re-marriage  of  the  guilty  partner. 

3.  The  Christian  Law. — When  our  Lord  came  He  re-stated  the 
marriage  law  of  God  in  His  Sermon  on  the  Mount  in  these  words: 

“Whosoever  shall  put  away  his  wife,  saving  for  the  cause  of  forni¬ 
cation,  causeth  her  to  commit  adultery:  and  whosoever  marrieth  her 
that  is  divorced  comm'itteth  adultery.”  Matt,  v,  32;  Luke  xvi,  18. 

This  statement  of  our  Lord  exactly  coincides  with  the  law  of 
Moses.  (1)  It  approves  monogamy;  (2)  It  allows  divorce  upon  the 
ground  of  uncleanness;  (3)  It  denies  the  right  of  re-marriage  to 
the  guilty  party. 

4.  The  Pharasaic  Law. — But  the  Pharisees  and  ecclesiastics,  per¬ 
verting  the  clause  “if  it  come  to  pass  that  she  find  no  favour  in  his 
eyes,”  allowed  a  plurality  of  wives,  and  divorce  on  any.  grounds.  In 
the  19th  chapter  of  Matthew  our  Lord  denied  this  Pharisaic  inter¬ 
pretation.  (1)  He  re-affirmed  the  original  Edenic  law  as  God’s 
primal  marriage  law:  In  the  beginning  of  the  race’s  history,  when 
men  were  innocent,  there  were  no  divorces  at  all.  (2)  He  declared 
that  Moses,  “because  of  the  hardness  of  your  hearts”  (that  is,  because 
the  race  has  become  sinful)  allowed  divorce.  (3)  He  then  denied 
the  right  of  re-marriage  to  the  guilty  party.  Ideally,  there  ought  to 
be  no  divorce  at  all;  but  because  of  the  sin  of  uncleanness,  divorce 
is  permissible;  but  the  right  of  re-marriage  is  denied  to  the  guilty 
party. 

5.  The  Pauline  Law. — Paul  gave  an  interpretation  of  the  marriage 
law  which  is  thought  by  some  to  be  inconsistent  with  that  of  Moses 
and  Christ: 

“Let  not  the  wife  depart  from  her  husband,  but  if  she  depart,  let 
her  remain  unmarried,  or  be  reconciled  to  her  husband:  and  let  not 
the  husband  put  away  his  wife.  .  .  .  But  if  the  unbelieving 
depart,  let  him  depart.  A  brother  or  a  sister  is  not  under  bondage 
in  such  a  case.”  1  Cor.  vii,  11,  15. 

There  is  no  inconsistency  here.  Moses  spake  of  a  man  “sending 
his  wife  out  of  his  house,”  and  said  no  man  could  lawfully  do  that 
except  for  the  sin  of  “uncleanness.”  Our  Lord  spake  of  a  man 
“putting  away”  his  wife  and  declared  that  that  could  be  lawfully 
done  only  for  the  cause;  of,  “fornication.”  Paul  spake  of  the  brother 
or  sister  who  “departs,”  goes  out  of  the  house  of  his  own  violition 
and  choice,  voluntarily  abandons  his  partner.  When  a  brother  or 
sister  thus  wilfully  and  incurably  deserts  his  mate,  the  deserted  is 
free  from  the  marriage  bonds,  but  the  guilty  deserter  is  not  permitted 
to  re-marry:  “if  she  depart,  let  her  remain  unmarried.” 

III.  THE  XXIV  CHAPTER  OF  THE  CONFESSION 

Is  the  Confession  of  Faith  out  of  harmony  with  these  principles 
and  interpretations?  It  prohibits  three  classes  of  marriages:  (1) 
Polygamous  marriages;  (2)  Incompetent  marriages;  (3)  Incestuous 
marriages.  It  allows  divorce  upon  ..two  grounds:  (1)  Upon  the 
ground  of  adultery  and  social  uncleanness,  and  (2)  Upon  the  ground 
of  wilful  and  irremediable  desertion. 


Secs.  1362-1364] 


Marriage 


873 


Of  revisionists  there  are  two  classes:  (1)  Those  who  think  the 
Confession  is  too  lax,  and  (2)  Those  who  think  the  Confession  is 
too  strict. 

1.  The  first  class  wbuld  change  it  in  two  particulars:  (1)  Strike 
out  desertion  altogether  as  a  ground  of  divorce;  or  (2)  Restrict  its 
application  to  heathen  or  mixed  marriages. 

2.  The  second  class  would  alter  the  Confession  in  one  or  more 
of  the  following  particulars:  (1)  Authorize  the  re-marriage  of  all 
guilty  divorcees;  (2)  Authorize  the  re-marriage  of  all  penitent  di¬ 
vorcees;  (3)  Add  marital  wretchedness  as  a  third  reason  for  divorce; 
(4)  Add  mutual  consent  as  a  fourth  way  in  which  marriage  can  be 
annulled. 

But  there  is  nothing  biblical  in  support  of  any  of  these  suggested 
changes.  The  re-marriage  of  the  guilty  party  is  categorically  for¬ 
bidden  in  every  statement  of  the  law:  “Whosoever  marrieth  her  that 
is  divorced  committeth  adultery,”  said  our  Lord.  “Let  her  remain 
unmarried,”  said  Paul.  “Marital  wretchedness”  is  often  tragic,  and 
the  State,  in  the  exercise  of  its  police  power  and  judicial  oversight, 
ought  to  go  far  in  granting  relief,  but  always  stop  short  of  divorce. 
And  the  proposition  that  marriage  can  be  lawfully  dissolved  by 
“mutual  consent”  is  predicated  upon  the  fallacy  that  two  persons  can 
make  a  thing  right  by  agreeing  to  do  wrong. 

RECOMMENDATIONS 

1.  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  answer  the  overtures  asking 
a  revision  of  the  24th  Chapter  of  the  Confession  of  Faith  in  the 
negative;  for  the  reason  that  it  is  a  sufficiently  full  and  accurate  ex¬ 
position  of  the  Bible  doctrine  of  Marriage  and  Divorce. 

2.  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  answer  the  overtures  on 
polygamy  as  follows:  Polygamy  is  both  unscriptural  and  unconfes¬ 
sional,  and  the  practice  of  the  Church  must  conform  to  this  doctrine. 

(The  majority  report  will  be  found  in  the  Appendix  XII.,  p.  123.) 

1363.  Remarriage  of  divorced  persons 

1912,  p.  37.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Central  Texas, 
asking  a  deliverance  on  the  admission  to  Church  membership  of 
re-married  divorced  persons. 

Answer — Some  parties  to  such  marriages  are  innocent  and  are 
admissible  to  Church  membership.  The  Sessions  must  discriminate 
in  each  case,  using  the  Scriptures,  the  Confession  of  Faith,  and  the 
deliverances  of  the  Assembly  as  their  standard  of  judgment. 

1364.  Polygamy 

1904,  p.  50.  In  answer  to  an  overture  in  reference  to  Polygamy, 
asking  the  General  Assembly  to  make  a  deliverance  on  the  subject, 
in  its  relation  to  the  work  of  our  missionaries  in  our  foreign  fields — 

:§UIM.0pOJ  9ip  pU3UrUI099I  9y\Y 


874 


Moral  and  Secular 


[Book  VI 


In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  Presbyterian  Church  is  unalterably 
opposed  to  polygamy,  and  would  not,  under  any  circumstances,  toler¬ 
ate  the  entrance  into  polygamous  relations  of  any  of  its  members, 
even  in  heathen  lands,  and  in  view)  of  the  great  car©  of  our  Executive 
Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  in  appointing  to  the  work  in  foreign 
land  only  workers  of  piety  and  discretion,  we  deem  it  unnecessary  to 
make  any  deliverance  on  this  subject. 

Reaffirmed  in  1907  (p.  57). 

1908,  p.  65.  The  Assembly  sympathizes  with  our  missionaries 
in  the  many  difficulties  they  encounter  in  practically  applying  the 
teachings  of  Christianity  to  conditions  in  heathen  lands,  and  realizes 
that  much  must  be  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  missionaries  on  the 
ground. 

At  the  same  time  the  Assembly  affectionately  enjoins  on  our  mis¬ 
sionaries  that  in  dealing  with  questions  arising  out  of  these  conditions, 
such  as,  for  example,  the  prevalence  of  polygamy  or  of  ancestral  wor¬ 
ship,  and  other  forms  of  idolatry,  they  ought  all  to  be  very  careful 
not  to  compromise  thq  honor  of  our  church  or  any  of  the  principles 
of  our  holy  ireligion,  nor  to  pursue  any  policy  that  would  fail  to 
make  it  plain,  either  to  the  church  at  home  on  to  the  native  churches, 
or  to  the  heathen  themselves,  that  such  customs  and  practices  are  to 
be  condemned  as  contrary  to  the  law  of  Christ,  as  revealed  in  the 
Scriptures. 

1365.  White  slave  traffic 

1913,  p.  70m.  A  communication  from  Paul  R.  Hickok,  Director 
©f  the  International  Reform!  Bureau,  Washington,  D.  C.,  looking  to 
resolutions  on  the  white  slave  traffic.  We  recommend  that  this 
paper  be  answered)  in  the  negative. 

1366.  Child  labor 

1908,  p.  19.  WheVeas,  The  evil  of  child  labor  has  become  pre¬ 
valent  in  the  Southern  states  as  well  as  in  other  parts  of  the  nation; 
and, 

Whereas,  The  known  results  of  the  child  labor  system  are  the 
disintegration  of  the  family,  the  promotion  of  illiterary,  the  de¬ 
struction  of  church  influences  and  the  development  of  a  class  of 
parents  who  reverse  the  dictum  of  Scripture,  that  the  parents  should 
lay  up  for  the  children  and  not  the  children  for  the  parents; 

Resolved,  That  we  call  upon  Christian  employers  and  Christian 
parents  to  obey  the  laws  that  have  been  enacted  on  this  subject  and 
to  strive  after  more  effective  laws  to  the  end  that  the  exploitation  of 
childhood  within  our  borders  shall  be  ended. 

1367.  Christian  Science 

1909,  p.  47.  Being  asked  to  make  a  deliverance  in  regard  to 
Christian  Science,  warning  the  Church  against  the  evil  and  sub- 


Secs.  1364-1369]  Moral'  and  Secular/ 


875 


versive  character  of  this  doctrine  to  the  Christian  religion,  the  As¬ 
sembly  replied : 

Relying  upon  the  positive  teaching  of  the  great  principles  of  our 
faith  as  the  best  protection  of  our  people  against  such  vagaries,  we 
do  not  think  such  a  deliverance  necessary. 

1368.  Tuberculosis 

1909,  p.  55.  The  select  committee,  to  which  was  referred  a  paper 
from  E.  G.  Routzahn,  Director  of  American  Tuberculosis  Exhibition, 
to  confer  with  the  National  Association  for  the  study  and  prevention 
of  tuberculosis,  made  the  following  report,  which  was  adopted: 

By  reason  of  the  world-wide  interest  exhibited  in  the  prevention 
of  tuberculosis,  which  is  now  recognized  as  contagious  and  prevent¬ 
able  disease,  and  because  of  the  broadly  humanitarian  character  of 
this  work  which  is  engaging  the  attention  of  all  civic  and  educational 
bodies,  we  would  respectfully  recommend  that  this  Assembly  express 
its  hearty  appreciation  of  the  work  of  the  National  Association  for 
the  study  and  prevention  of  tuberculosis,  and  endorse  the  educational 
propaganda  which  is  now  being  conducted  under  its  auspices. 

1369.  Reformation  Day 

1905,.  p.  39.  At  the  suggestion  of  the  Western  Section  of  the 
Alliance  the  following  was  adopted: 

That  the  first  Sabbath  in  November  be  set  apart  as  a  season  of 
special  thanksgiving  to  God  for  the  blessings  bestowed  upon  so 
many  churches  and  countries  from  that  great  religious  revival  which 
we  call  the  Reformation  of  the  Sixteenth  Century. 

1909,  p.  70.  Rev.  Dr.  W.  W.  Moore  was  appointed  a  comtnittee 
of  one  to  consider  and  report  to  the  next  Assembly,  concerning  “The 
Day  of  the  Reformation,”  as  existing  in  the  French  churches.  (First 
Sunday  in  November.) 

1910,  p.  19.  The  report  was  approved  and  is  as  follows: 

1.  That  many  years  ago  our  brethren  of  Continental  Europe  of 
the  two  communions,  Lutheran  and  Reformed,  with  a  view  to  pre¬ 
serving  the  heritage  bequeathed  to  them  by  the  Reformation  of  the 
sixteenth  century,  established  the  custom  of  observing  one  Sabbath 
in  the  year  as  Reformation  Day,  the  Germans  as  a  rule  taking  the 
last  Sabbath  in  October  and  the  Swiss  and  French  the  first  Sabbath 
in  November. 

2.  That  in  their  observance  of  the  day  they  give  thanks  to  God 
for  the  Reformation  not  merely  as  a  mighty  intellectual  Renaissance, 
a  vast  political  upheaval,  a  heroic  vindication  of  liberty  of  conscience, 
and  a  radical  purification  of  the  Church,  but  above  all  as  the  greatest 
revival  of  religion  since  the  Day  of  Pentecost — an  awakening  of  un¬ 
told  multitudes  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

3.  That  frequently  the  day  is  made  an  occasion  for  speaking  of 
the  special  services  rendered  in  this  recovery  of  the  gospel,  by 


876 


Moral  and  Secular 


[Book  VI 


one  or  more  of  the  illustrious  men  whom  God  raised  up  and  used 
in  carrying  out  His  gracious  purposes,  and  that  in  so  doing  there 
is  no  approach  to  man  worship,  the  names  of  these  heroes  of  the 
faith  being  remembered  not  for  their  own  sakes  but  for  what  they 
accomplished  as  God’s  instruments  in  opening  afresh  the  choked 
fountains  of  truth  and  restoring  the  pure  teaching  of  Scripture. 

4.  That  in  1904  at  Liverpool  the  Eighth  General  Council  of  the 
Alliance  of  Reformed  Churches  holding  the  Presbyterian  System 
unanimously  recommended  to  the  Churches  of  the  Alliance  the  ob¬ 
servance  of  one  Sabbath  during  the  year,  preferably  the  last  Sabbath 
of  October  or  the  first  Sabbath  of  November,  “as  a  day  of  special 
thanksgiving  for  the  blessings  resulting  to  so  many  churches  and 
countries  from  that  great  religious  revival  which  we  call  the  Refor¬ 
mation  of  the  Sixteenth  Century.” 

5.  Your  committee,  believing  that  such  commemorative  thanks¬ 
giving  services  are  fitted  to  render  most  important  service  in  our  own 
land  at  the  present  time,  would  respectfully  recommend  that  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  suggest  to  our  pastors  and  churches  the  observance  of 
Reformation  Day  in  the  manner  above  indicated  on  the  first  Sabbath 
in  November,  or,  if  that  be  impracticable,  on  some  convenient  Sab¬ 
bath  near  that  date. 

1911,  p.  33.  It  was  ordered  that  Reformation  Day  be  changed 
from  the  first  Sunday  in  November  to  the  last  Sunday  in  October. 

1913,  p.  68.  The  Moderator  appointed  the  following  Permanent 
Committee  on  program  for  Reformation  Day:  Rev.  Walter  W.  Moore, 
D.  D.,  Rev.  R.  C.  Reedy  D.  D.,  Rev.  T.  R.  Sampson,  D.  D.,  Ruling 
Elders  R.  E.  Magill  and  J.  S.  Munce. 

1922,  p.  33.  We  recommend  that  the  matter  of  the  Huguenot- 
Walloon  Ter-Centenary  Celebration  be  referred  to  Rev.  W.  W. 
Moore,  D.  D.,  as  Chairman  of  the  Assembly’s  Reformation  Com¬ 
mittee. 

The  communication  from  the  International  Reform  Bureau  con¬ 
cerning  certain  laws  now  before  thcj  Congress/  of  the  U.  S.  was  placed 
in  our  hands,  and  we  recommend  that  no  action  be  taken. 

1915,  p.  38.  In  view  of  the  fact  that  July  6,  1915,  will  be  the  five 
hundredth  anniversary  of  the  martyrdom  of  John  Huss,  and  in  view 
of  the  fact  that  this  anniversary  will  be  engaging  the  attention  of  all 
Protestant  Christendom  at  that  time,  and  in  view  of  the  recommenda¬ 
tion  of  the  Continental  Committee  of  the  Western  Section  of  the  Re¬ 
formed  Churches  holding  the  Presbyterian  System  that  a  “Huss  Ser¬ 
vice”  be  held  by  each  pastor  at  his;  convenience  on  a  Sunday  near  to 
July  6,  1915,  your  Committee  would  respectfully  recommend  that  the 
Assembly  authorize  the  celebration  of  Reformation  Day  this  year  on 
Sunday,  July  4th,  instead  of  the  last  Sunday  in  October,  and  appoint 
as  the  subject  for  that  occasion  ‘Huss  and  the  Hussites.’ 

“Your  Committee  would  call  attention  to  the  fact  that  the  Presby¬ 
terian  Board  of  Publication  has  prepared  an  Order  of  Service  for 
the  occasion,  containing,  among  other  features,  hymns  of  Huss  and  the 
Bohemian  brethren. 


Secs.  1369-1371] 


Moral  and  Secular 


877 


1916,  p.  26f.  Erasmus  was  chosen  as  the  subject  for  this  year. 

1917,  p.  29.  The  subject  for  this  year  was  Luther. 

1919,  p.  23.  “The  Edict  of  Nantes”  was  appointed  for  this  year. 

1920,  p.  32.  For  this  year  the  subject  was  “Providential  Events 
Contributing  to  the  success  of  the  Protestant  Reformation” — such 
events  as  the  fall  of  Constantinople  and  the  resultant  westward 
movement  of  Greek  learning;  the  invention  of  printing  and  the  dis¬ 
covery  of  America. 

1921,  p.  31.  The  subject  for  1921  was  “The  making  of  the  Eng¬ 
lish  Bible  and  its  Relation  to  the  Progress  of  the  Reformation.” 

1922,  p.  55.  “The  return  of  John  Huss  to  Czecho-Slovakia.” 

1370.  Jamestown  Exposition 

1907,  p.  55.  An  overture  from  East  Hanover  Presbytery,  asking 
approval  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Pan-Presbyterian  Exhibit 
at  the  Jamestown  Exposition,  and  to  commend  same  to  our  people 
for  hearty  support.  It  is  recommended  that  this  be  answered  in  the 
affirmative.  Adopted. 

1910,  p.  67.  To  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Norfolk 
touching  the  deficit  in  expenses  incurred  during  the  Jamestown 
Exposition,  we  recommend  that  the  General  Assembly  make  answer 
that  in  the  opinion  of  the  Assembly,  for  the  Church  to  relieve  the 
burden  on  our  brethren  in  paying  off  the  deficit  on  the  Presbyterian 
exhibit  in  the  Jamestown  Exposition  would  be  a  fulfillment  of  our 
Lord’s  Golden  Rule,  and  that  the  Assembly  ask  the  Norfolk  Presby¬ 
tery  to  convey  this  resolution  to  our  people  and  ask  them  to  pay  the 
money.  Adopted. 

1914,  p.  66.  1.  Resolved,  That  the  Assembly  include  in  its  next 

contingent  assessment  one  cent  per  communicant  upon  the  Presby¬ 
teries  which  have  not  already  participated  in  the  discharge  of  this 
debt,  or  have  not  paid  their  full  (apportionment. 

2.  That  the  Treasurer  of  the  Assembly  be  instructed  to  pay  said 
assessment  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Presbytery  of  Norfolk. 

1915,  p.  80j.  The  Assembly  having  accepted  the  responsibility 
for  the  discharge  of  the  indebtedness  of  the  Presbyterian  exhibit  at 
the  Jamestown  Exposition,  and  some  of  the  Presbyteries  having  paid 
their  one  cent  per  capita,  as  ordered  by  the  Atlanta  Assembly, 

Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  be  instructed  to  pay  the  balance  of 
said  indebtedness.  Should  additional  funds  be  needed  for  this  pur¬ 
pose,  the  Treasurer  is  hereby  authorized  to  negotiate  a  loan  to  pay 
the  same,  and  to  call  upon  the  Presbyteries  for  an  increase  of  one 
cent  per  member  additional  funds  for  the  present  year,  especially 
those  Presbyteries  that  have  not  paid  their  apportionment  for  this 
fund. 

1371.  Prayer  for  President  Wilson 

1917,  p.  23.  The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  U.  S.,  in  session  at  Birmingham,  Ala.,  would  make  known  to 


878' 


Moral  and  Secular 


[Book  VI 


President  Wilson  the  fact  that  this  Assembly,  with  which  his  honored 
and  venerable  father  was  so  long  and  so  closely  associated,  unites 
in  earnest  prayer  that  he  and  those  associated  with  him  in  authority 
might  be  given  Divine  guidance  and  strength ;  and  that  the  Assembly, 
in  sympathy  and  faith,  commends  him,  our  army  and  navy,  and  all 
our  distressed  homes  to  God  and  the  Word  of  His  grace,  that  they 
may  be  enriched  with  faith  and  patience,  comforted  and  guided  in 
this  day  of  trial  and  need. 

1372.  Reply  of  President  Wilson 

1917,  p.  31.  Accept  my  cordial  thanks  for  your  telegram.  I  am 
heartened  and  cheered  by  such  a  message,  and  am  grateful  to  the 
members  of  the  Assembly  for  their  prayers.  Woodrow  Wilson. 

1373.  Message  to  President  Wilson 

1918,  p.  13.  The  Select  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  tele¬ 
gram  to  be  sent  to  President  Woodrow  Wilson,  made  a  partial  report 
recommending  that  the  following  telegram  be  sent,  which  was  adopted 
by  a  rising  vote. 

In  this  crucial  hour  of  Christian  civilization,  the  General  Assem¬ 
bly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  .States  commends  you 
you  to  the  God  of  all  grace;  we,  are  confidently  relying  upon  you,  as 
the  spokesman  for  the  moral  forces  of  the  world,  to  carry  on  your 
gigantic  task  to  a  righteous  consummation. 

We  express  our  earnest  sympathy  and  assure  you  of  our  Christian 
fellowship  and  all  possible  and  proper  support  in  these  days  of  trial, 
and  pray  God’s  wisdom  may  guide  you. 

We  believe  that,  with  your  superb  courage  and  sublime  faith,  you 
will  be  used  as  the  means  of  saving  to  us  and  to  humanity  the  Chris¬ 
tian  principles  which  are  our  priceless  heritage  from  our  fathers. 

1374.  Reply  of  President  Wilson 

Note — The  following  autograph  reply  of  the  President  came  after 
the  Assembly  had  been  dissolved. — Stated  Clerk. 

My  dear  Doctor  Vance: 

I  am  sincerely  obliged  to  you  and  your  associates  for  the  cheering 
and  reassuring  message  which  you  sent  me  in  the  name  of  your  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly,  and  I  beg  you  to  accept  for  yourself  and  for  them 
this  expression  of  deep  appreciation  and  warm  thanks.  Your  con¬ 
fidence  and  support  strengthen  and  hearten  me  very  much. 

Cordially  and  sincerely  yours, 

Woodrow  Wilson. 

1919,  p.  69 j.  The  Moderator,  by  special  request,  led  the  Assem¬ 
bly  in  special  prayer  for  President  Woodrow  Wilson. 

1375.  Ex-President  Wilson 

1921,  p.  15.  The  following  message  to  Hon.  Woodrow  Wilson 


Secs.  1371-1377]  Moral.)  and  Secular 


879 


was  presented  by  Ruling  Elder  E.  T.  George,  and  adopted  by  a  ris¬ 
ing  vote.  It  was  ordered  to  be  signed  by  the  Moderator  and  Stated 
Clerk,  and  sent  by  wire  at  once. 

The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States,  recalls  with  satisfaction  and  affection  the  long  and  faithful 
official  connection  of  your  honored  and  revered  father,  and,  felicitates 
you  upon  the  completion  of  your  eight  years  as  President  of  the 
United  States  under  conditions  of  unparalleled  importance  involving 
grave  responsibilities  and  overwhelming  burdens.  We  congratulate 
you  on  having  been  awarded  the  Nobel  Peace  Prize  for  the  years 
1919-1920  and  for  your  great  achievements  in  behalf  of  peace  and 
for  the  relief  of  the  war  stricken  peoples  of  the  earth;  on  your 
fidelity  to  duty,  and  for  persistently  holding  aloft  Christian  stand¬ 
ards  and  ideals  in  this  age  of  turmoil  and  unrest.  Please  be 
assured;  that  the  prayers  of  the  Assembly  will  be  offered  for  the  com¬ 
plete  restoration  of  your  health  and  for*  long  continued  usefulness. 

The  Assembly  was  then  led  in  prayer  by  the  Moderator  for  Mr. 
Wilson’s  restoration  to  health. 

1376.  Reply  of  M\r.  Wilson 

1921,  p.  27.  Please  convey  to  the  Assembly  my  heartfelt  thanks  for 
the  message  they  were  generous  enough  to  send.  It  has  greatly 
cheered  me. 

Woodrow  Wilson. 


1377.  War  Work 

1918,  p.  17.  We  have  carefully  examined  the  report  of  the  War 
Work  Council  and  have  noted  these  facts  concerning  the  results  that 
have  been  accomplished:  The  sum  of  $49,278  has  been  contributed 
to  this  cause;  fifteen  camp  pastors  are  now  actively  employed  by  the 
Council;  nine  men  have  been  furnished  cars  to  aid  them  in  their 
Work  in  the  camps;  the  work  of  pastors  and  churches  in  cities  con¬ 
tiguous  to  the  camps  ha3  been  organized  and  stimulated  with  splen¬ 
did  results;  thousands  of  soldiers  have  been  drawn  into  closer  fel¬ 
lowship  with  the  Church,  while  hundreds  have  been  led  to  a  con¬ 
fession  of  the  Saviour. 

The  camp  pastor,  in  hi&  ministry  to  our  soldiers,  is  filling  a  very 
definite  place  and  is  working  along  well  defined  lines.  His  work 
does  not  conflict  with,  nor  overlap,  that  of  the  army  chaplain  or  of 
the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  By  suggesting  the  activities  of  the  local  church  in 
its  work  for  the  men,  by  ministering  to  them  in  their  sickness,  lone¬ 
liness  and  need,  by  bringing  the  repentant  into  the  communion  of 
the  Church,  he  is  rendering  a  service  in  the  name  of  the  mother 
Church  which  no  other  agency  can  so  well  perform.  He  is  to  the 
soldiers  in  his  denomination  in  the  camp  what  the  local  pastor  is  to 
his  people. 

Never  before  in  her  history  has  the  Church  faced  an  opportunity 
like  this.  In  the  providence  of  God  there  have  been  gathered  into 


880 


Moral  and  Secular 


[Book  VI 


the  various  training  camps  the  young  men  who  will  soon  become  the 
leaders  in  the  thought  and  activity  of  our  country.  They  are  think¬ 
ing  as  they  have  never  thought  before  of  the  great  realities  of  life; 
they  eagerly  respond  to  the  appeals  of  the  gospel,  and  it  is  largely 
’within  the  power  of  the  Church  to  determine  at  this  time  whether 
these  men  shall  be  won  for  Christ  and  the  Church  or  shall  drift  into 
indifference,  worldliness  and  skepticism.  Moreover,  these  men  are 
ifrom  our  own  homes  and  churches.  Many  of  them  have  been  bap¬ 
tized  and  have  thus  come  into  covenant  'relations  with  the  Church 
and  the  Church  has  thereby  assumed  a  definite  responsibility  for 
their  spiritual  welfare.  If  the  Church  fails  in  her  duty  to  these 
men  now,  can  she  expect  them  to  rally  to  her  call  in  the  years  to 
come? 

In  view  of  such  an  opportunity  and  responsibility  your  Committee 
makes  the  following  recommendations: 

1.  That  the  Assembly  express  its  hearty  approval  and  its  deep 
appreciation  of  the  splendid  work  of  the  War  Work  Council. 

2.  That  each  church  in  our  bounds  be  urged  to  assume  its  share 
of  the  responsibility  for  this  work. 

3.  That  the  Assembly  continue  the  War  Work  Council  as  the 
proper  agency  through  which  to  minister  to  the  soldiers,  and  that 
this  Council  shall  be  expected  to  meet  not  oftener  than  twice  a  year, 
and  that  the  administration  in  the  interim  be  left  in  the  hands  of 
an  Executive  Committee  that  can  be  gotten  together  quickly  and  with¬ 
out  large  expense.  That  the  Council  shall  be  composed  of  the  fol¬ 
lowing  members:  Rev.  Jas.  I.  Vance,  Rev.  A.  S.  Johnson,  Rev. 
Homer  McMillan,  Rev.  R.  O.  Flinn,  Rev.  Thornton  Whaling,  Rev. 
R;  H.  McCaslin,  Rev.  A.  G.  Jones,  Rev.  E.  T.  Wellford,  Rev.  W. 
R.  Dobyns,  Rev.  A.  A.  McGeachy,  Rev.  S.  E.  Hodges,  Rev.  S.  L. 
McCarty,  Rev.  Geo.  Summey,  Rfev.  Wm.  Crowe  and  Elder  T.  S. 
McCallie. 

4.  That  the  sum  of  one  hundred  thousand  dollars  be  raised  for 
this  work  during  the  next  year,  and  that  the  fourth  Sunday  in  Oc¬ 
tober  be  set  apart  for  the  offering  for  this  cause. 

5.  That  pastors  of  local  churches  be  urged  to  strengthen  the  ties 
between  the  Church  and  the  men  who  enter  the  service  by  the  use 
■of  service  flags,  correspondence,  and  such  other  means  as  may  be 
in  their  power,  and  that  our  people  be  much  in  prayer  for  the  men 
in  the  service. 

The  following  resolution  is  offered  by  the  members  of  the  War 
Work  Council: 

That  the  Assembly  record  its  grateful  appreciation  of  the  untir¬ 
ing  effort  and  splendid  leadership  of  Rev.  James  I.  Vance,  D.  D., 
in  behalf  of  our  Church’s  work  for  the  Presbyterian  boys  in  the 
■cantonments  and  training  camps.  As  Chairman  of  the  War  Work 
Council,  in  addition  to  the  burdens  of  a  large  pastorate,  Dr.  Vance 
has  given  much  of  his  time  to  this  work  since  October  15,  1917, 
without  any  compensation  whatever,  save  the  satisfaction  of  serving 
his  Church  and  country. 


Sec.  1377] 


Moral  and  Secular 


881 


Also  that  the  thanks  of  the  Assembly  be  given  to  the  Session  and 
members  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church,  Nashville,  for  so  gen¬ 
erously  allowing  Dr.  Vance  to  devote  so  mtich  of  his  time  to  this 
work,  and  for  providing  without  cost  office  room  and  stenographic 
help  for  the  work  of  the  Council. 

It  is  the  unanimous  judgment  of  the  War  Work  Council  that  it 
is  largely  due  to  the  deep  interest  and  ceaseless  labors  of  the  Chair¬ 
man  that  the  Council  is  able  to  make  this  encouraging  report  to 
the  Assembly. 

1919,  p.  38.  Your  Committee  has  studied  with  some  diligence 
the  matter  placed  in  its  hands.  Unquestionably  a  very  large  and 
difficult  work  was  committed  to  vour  Council,  and  the  Council  has 
handled  it  in  a  very  large  way.  The  brethren  of  that  body  richly 
deserve  the  appreciation  and  thanks  of  the  entire  Church.  None 
of  us  were  without  loved  ones  who  were  the  objects  of  the  Council’s 
care.  We  note  with  patriotic  pride  and  gratitude  to  God  that  in 
the  supreme  crisis,  when  all  things  worth  having  were  at  stake, 
Presbyterians  of  the  South  bore  their  part.  They  bore  it  as  enlisted 
men  and  in  organizations  devoted  to  the  enlisted  men’s  care,  phys¬ 
ically,  socially  and  morally.  We  remind  the  Assembly  that,  while 
the  war  seems  over,  yet  the  problems  of  reconstruction  abroad  and 
demobilization  at  home  still  remain. 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  continue  the  War  Work  Council 
as  at  present  constituted  for  another  year,  and  that  it  be  instructed 
to  give  its  attention  to  the  following  matters: 

1.  The  raising  of  $125,000  from  the  churches,  of  which  $100,- 
000  be  given  to  the  Protestant  world’s  $3,000,000  fund  for  the  re¬ 
habilitation  of  the  ruined  Protestant  Churches  of  Belgium  and 
France;  that  the  remaining  $25,000  be  used  by  your  Council  in 
such  reconstruclion  and  conservation  work  at  home  as  may  be  ad¬ 
visable  and  necessary.  And  since  the  last  Sunday  of  October  has 
already  been  designated  as  Reformation  Day,  with  the  “Edict  of 
Nantes”  as  a  topic,  that  the  Assembly  designate  said  date  as  the 
one  on  which  the  above  amount  be  raised. 

2.  Such  work  in  demobilization  camps  and  remaining  canton¬ 
ments  as  may  be  possible. 

3.  The  conservation  of  the  soldier’s  experience  for  the  Kingdom 
of  Christ  and  his  enlistment  in  the  useful  callings,  especially  mis¬ 
sions  and  the  gospel  ministry. 

4.  That,  inasmuch  as  the  Council  is  already  engaged  in  compil¬ 
ing  valuable  statistics  of  the  churches  as  related  to  the  war,  it  is 
requested  to  complete  the  same. 

1920,  p.  80b.  Your  Select  Committee  to  consider  the  report  of 
the  War  Work  Council  finds  that  the  Council  has  faithfully  per¬ 
formed  the  duties  entrusted  to  it  by  the  last  Assembly,  and  deserves 
the  appreciation  of  the  whole  Church  for  its  splendid  services  to 
our  soldiers.  We  would,  therefore,  recommend  as  follows: 

(1)  That  the  six  volumes  containing  the  War  Statistics  of  the 
Churches  be  presented  to  Union  Theological  Seminary,  to  be  kept 


882  Moral  and  Secular  [Book  VI 

in  the  library  of  that  institution  and  to  be  accessible  for  purposes 
of  reference. 

(2)  That  the  present  work  for  soldiers  at  Lawton,  Okla.,  Wash¬ 
ington,  D.  C.,  and  Manchester  and  Southport,  N.  C.,  be  continued 
for  another  year. 

(3)  That  the  cash  balance  be  kept  in  bank  until  the  above  work 
is  completed,  and  any  balance  after  completion  of  the  work  for  the 
soldiers  be  turned  over  to  Protestant  Relief  in  Europe. 

(4)  That  an  offering  be  taken  on  Reformation  Sunday,  October 
31,  1920,  for  Protestant  Relief  in  Europe,  and  that  the  churches  be 
asked  to  contribute  $75,000  on  that  day  to  complete  our  fund  for 
this  cause. 

(5)  That  the  name  of  the  Committee  be  changed  from  War  Work 
Council  to  the  Committee  on  French  and  Belgian  Relief,  mid  that 
the  following  committee,  appointed  by  this  xAssembly,  shall  be  charged 
with  carrying  out  the  foregoing  recommendations:  Rev.  Jas.  I. 
Vance,  D.  D.,  Rev.  T.  ,S.  McCallie,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Wm.  Crowe,  D.  D., 
Rev.  Homer  McMillan,  D.  D.,  and  Ruling  Elder  Edwin  F.  Willis. 

1922,  p.  22.  Rev.  A.  M.  Fraser,  D.  D.,  offered  the  following 
resolution,  which  was  adopted: 

“ Resolved ,  That  at  the  devotional  hour  on  Tuesday  morning,  the 
following  subjects  shall  be  made  subjects  of  special  prayer: 

“1.  That  God  will  guide  the  nations  of  this  world  to  universal 
peace  and  international  understanding  and  the  rebuilding  of  a  shat¬ 
tered  race. 

“2.  That  God  will  grant  a  world-wide  revival  of  religion.” 

1378.  Relief  .in  France  and  Belgium 

1918,  p.  36.  A  communication  from  the  United  Committee  on 
Christian  Service  for  Relief  in  France  and  Belgium,  and  a  letter 
from  the  Reformed  Church  of  France  have  been  placed  in  our  hands, 
in  which  the  request  is  made  that  our  Assembly  appoint  a  Com¬ 
mittee  to  take  up  with  our  churches  the  matter  of  this  relief  work 
and  to  co-operate  with  the  United  Committee. 

We  recommend  that  such  a  Committee  be  appointed  and  that  it 
be  instructed  to  render  similar  service  in  reference  to  the  other  war- 
stricken  peoples.  We  nominate  the  following  Committee:  Rev.  W. 
W.  Moore,  D.  D.,  Chairman;  Rev.  R.  C.  Reed,  D.  D.,  and  Rev.  W. 
S.  Jacobs,  D.  D. 

1379.  Arbitration 

1920,  p.  80.  Overture  requests  the  Assembly  to  appeal  to  Chris¬ 
tians  throughout  the  world  to  co-operate  in  establishing  the  com¬ 
pulsory  settlement  of  international  disputes.  We  recommend  the 
following  reply: 

In  response  to  the  overture  of  Rev.  C.  W.  Humphreys,  D.  D.,  we 
recommend  that  this  Assembly,  in  line  with  previous  deliverances, 
appeal  to  all  Christians  throughout  the  world,  and  especially  those 


Secs.  1377-1382]  Moral  and  Secular 


883 


in  our  own  country,  to  co-operate  in  securing  the  settlement  of  in¬ 
ternational  disputes  without  a  resort  to  war. 

1380.  National  Reform  Association 

1914,  p.  74.  The  Assembly  heard  Dr.  Jas.  S.  McGaw,  Field 
Secretary  of  the  National  Reform  Association,  in  the  interest  of 
this  association. 

The  Assembly  expressed  its  gratification  and  most  hearty  sym¬ 
pathy  with  the  work  in  which  he  is  engaged. 

1381.  Civic  Righteousness 

1920,  p.  74.  A  resolution  was  offered  by  Rev.  C.  M.  Richards, 
D.  D.,  which  was  adopted,  and  is  as  follows: 

Whereas  our  country  and  the  world  are  passing  through  a  period 
of  reconstruction  and  readjustment,  the  issues  of  which  are  tre¬ 
mendous  beyond  our  powers  to  estimate,  and 

Whereas  there  is  at  such  a  time  grave  danger  that  men  may  lose 
sight  of  the  one  righteous  standard  of  conduct  and  adopt  wrong 
principles  for  the  solution  of  pressing  problems,  and 

Whereas  there  seems  to  be  almost  prevalent  in  this  particular 
period  an  atmosphere  unfavorable  to  the  regard  for  law,  either 
statutory  or  constitutional,  and 

Whereas  also  there  are  many  characteristics  of  the  time  that 
conduce  to  the  deadly  sin  of  covetousness,  and 

Whereas  we  recognize  the  right  and  the  duty  of  the  Church  to 
warn  against  danger  and  to  hold  up  a  standard  of  righteousness; 
therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States, 
speaking  through  this  Assembly,  renews  its  witness  against  every 
disobedience  to  established  law  and  all  disregard  of  constituted  au¬ 
thority;  that  it  lifts  its  voice  against  the  destructive  iniquity  of  covet¬ 
ousness  in  its  many  and  insidious  forms;  that  it  would,  in  this 
deliverance,  lift  up  before  all  the  people  the  Bible  standard  of  right 
doing  as  the  only  measure  of  conduct;  that  it  urges  upon  all,  espe¬ 
cially  the  rulers  of  mankind,  the  principles  of  the  Gospel  of  Jesus 
Christ  as  the  only  safe  guide  to  the  solution  of  the  world  problems; 
that  it  calls  upon  all  its  preachers  and  teachers  incessantly  to  lift 
up  this  standard  and  urge  these  principles;  and  that!  it  lovingly 
enjoins  its  own  constituency  in  particular,  in  loyal  devotion  to 
them,  to  show  among  all  the  people  examples  of  good  citizenship 
and  righteousness,  observing  every  right  law,  hating  covetousness, 
and  walking  humbly  with  the  Lord. 

1382.  Amendment  to  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States 

1920,  p.  61.  In  response  to  the  address  of  the  Rev.  Walter  C.  Mc- 
Clurkin,  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Synod,  touching  a  proposed 
amendment  to  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States  recognizing  the 


884 


Moral  and  Secular 


[Book  VI 


authority  and  law  of  Jesus  Christ,  your  Committee  respectfully  recom¬ 
mends  that,  while  not  without  sympathy  for  the  ends  sought,  never¬ 
theless  the  Assembly  take  no  formal  action  in  the  matter. 

1383.  Land  in  Texas 

The  will  of  Martha  F.  Harwood  [was  submitted  to  the  Standing 
Committee  on  Audits]. 

1920,  p.  75.  This  we  submitted  to  Judge  H.  L.  Moseley,  of 
Weatherford,  Texas,  who  very  kindly  gave  us  the  following  opinion: 

“These  proceedings  are  legal  and  regular.  However,  it  is  greatly 
to  the  possible  benefit  of  the  Assembly  to  postpone  the  sale  of  this 
land  as  long  as  possible,  because)  of  the  oil  development  in  this 
section  of  the  State.  It  might  be  worth  a  great  deal  of  money.” 

We  therefore  recommend  that  this  land  be  not  disposed  of  for  the 
present. 


BOOK  VII 


RELATIONS  OF  THE  CHURCH  WITH  OTHER  BODIES 

CHAPTER  I 


NON-SECULAR  CHARACTER  OF  THE  CHURCH 

1384.  Address  to  all  the  Churches  of  Jesus  Christ  throughout  the 

Earth 

1861,  p.  7.  On  motion  of  Dr.  Thornwell,  the  Assembly — 

Resolved,  That  a  committee,  consisting  of  one  minister  and  one 
ruling  elder  from  each  of  the  Synods  belonging  to  this  Assembly, 
be  appointed  to  prepare  an  Address  to  all  the  Churches  of  Jesus 
Christ  throughout  the  Earth,  setting  forth  the  causes  of  our  sepa¬ 
ration  from  the  churches  in  the  United  States,  our  attitude  in  rela¬ 
tion  to  slavery,  and  a  general  view  of  the  policy  which,  as  a  Church, 
we  propose  to  pursue. 

P.  9.  The  Moderator  announced  the  following  committee  on  the 
Address  to  the  Churches:  James  H.  Thornwell,  D.  D.,  Theodor- 
ick  Pryor,  D.  D.,  F.  K.  Nash,  R.  Mclnnis,  C.  C.  Jones,  D.  D.,  R. 
B.  White,  D.  D.,  W.  D.  Moore,  J.  H.  Gillespie,  J.  I.  Boozer,  R. 
W.  Bailey,  D.  D.,  J.  D,  Armstrong,  C.  Phillips,  Joseph  A.  Brooks, 
W.  P.  Finley,  Samuel  McCorkle,  W.  P.  Webb,  Wm.  L.  Black,  T. 
L.  Dunlap  and  E.  W.  Wright. 

P.  19.  W.  P.  Webb  offered  the  following  resolutions,  which  were 
adopted : 

Resolved,  That  the  Address  to  the  Churches  of  Jesus  Christ 
throughout  the  World,  reported  and  read  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Thorn¬ 
well,  chairman  of  the  special  committee  appointed  for  that  purpose, 
be  received,  and  is  hereby  adopted  by  this  Assembly. 

Resolved,  That  three  thousand  copies  of  this  address  be  printed, 
under  the  direction  of  the  Stated  Clerk,  for  the  use  of  the  Assembly. 

Resolved,  That  the  original  address  be  filed  in  the  archives  of 
the  Assembly,  and  that  a  paper  be  attached  thereto,  to  be  signed  by 
the  Moderator  and  members  of  this  Assembly. 

P.  24.  On  motion  of  Judge  Shepherd,  the  Assembly  directed  that 
the  affixing  of  their  signatures  on  the  part  of  the  members  to  the 
“Address  to  the  Churches  of  Jesus  Christ  throughout  the  Earth,” 
should  take  place  in  connection  with  the  regular  calling  of  the  roll 
tomorrow  morning.  This  was  done. 

P.  51.  Following  is  the  address: 


886 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  Con¬ 
federate  States  of  America,  to  all  the  Churches  of  Jesus  Christ 
throughout  the  Earth,  Greeting:  Grace,  mercy  and  peace  be  mul¬ 
tiplied  upon  you! 

Dearly  Beloved  Brethren: 

It  is  probably  known  to  you  that  the  Presbyteries  and  Synods 
in  the  Confederate  States,  which  were  formerly  in  connection  with 
the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States  of  America,  have  renounced  the  jurisdiction  of  that  body, 
and  dissolved  the  ties  which  bound  them  ecclesiastically  with  their 
brethren  of  the  North.  This  act  of  separation  left  them  without  any 
formal  union  among  themselves.  But  as  they  were  one  in  faith 
and  order,  and  still  adhered  to  their  old  Standards,  measures  were 
promptly  adopted  for  giving  expression  to  their  unity,  by  the  or¬ 
ganization  of  a  supreme  court,  upon  the  model  of  the  one  whose 
authority  they  had  just  relinquished.  Commissioners,  duly  ap¬ 
pointed,  from  all  the  Presbyteries  of  these  Confederate  States,  met 
accordingly,  in  the  city  of  Augusta,  on  the  fourth  day  of  December, 
in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixty-one, 
and  then  and  there  proceeded  to  constitute  the  General  Assembly  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  Confederate  States  of  America. 
The  Constitution  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States, 
that  is  to  say,  the  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith,  the  Larger  and 
.Shorter  Catechisms,  the  Form  of  Government,  the  Book  of  Dis¬ 
cipline,  and  the  Directory  of  Worship,  were  unanimously  and  sol¬ 
emnly  declared  to  be  the  Constitution  of  the  Church  in  the  Confederate  * 
States,  with  no  other  change  than  the  substitution  of  Confederate 
for  United  wherever  the  country  is  mentioned  in  the  Standards. 
The  Church,  therefore,  in  these  seceded  States,  presents  now  the 
spectacle  of  a  separate  and  independent  and  complete  organization, 
under  the  style  and  title  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  Con¬ 
federate  States  of  America.  In  thus  taking  its  place  among  sister 
churches  of  this  and  other  countries,  it  seems  proper  that  it  should 
set  forth  the  causes  which  have  impelled  it  to  separate  from  the 
Church  of  the  North,  and  to  indicate  a  general  view  of  the  course 
which  it  feels  is  incumbent  upon  it  to  pursue  ‘in  the  new  circum¬ 
stances  in  which  it  is  placed. 

We  should  be  sorry  to  be  regarded  by  our  brethren  in  any  part 
of  the  world  as  guilty  of  schism.  We  are  not  conscious  of  any  pur¬ 
pose  to  rend  the  body  of  Christ.  On  the  contrary,  our  aim  has  been 
to  promote  the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bonds  of  peace.  If  we 
know  our  own  hearts,  and  can  form  any  just  estimate  of  the  motives 
which  have  governed  us,  we  have  been  prompted  by  a  sincere  desire 
to  promote  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  efficiency,  energy,  harmony  and 
zeal  of  His  visible  kingdom  in  the  earth.  We  have  separated  from 
our  brethren  of  the  North  as  Abraham  separated  from  Lot,  because 
we  are  persuaded  that  the  interests  of  true  religion  will  be  more 
effectually  subserved  by  two  independent  churches,  under  the  cir- 


Sec.  1384]  Non- Secular  Character  of  the  Church  887 

cumstances  in  which  the  two  countries  are  placed,  than  by  one 
united  body: 

1.  In  the  first  place,  the  course  of  the  last  Assembly  at  Phila¬ 
delphia,  conclusively  shows  that,  if  we  should  remain  together,  the 
political  questions  which  divide  us  as  citizens  will  be  obtruded  on 
our  church  courts,  and  discussed  by  Christian  ministers  and  elders 
with  all  the  acrimony,  bitterness  and  rancor  with  which  such  ques¬ 
tions  are  usually  discussed  by  men  of  the  world.  Our  Assembly 
would  present  a  mournful  spectacle  of  strife  and  debate.  Com¬ 
missioners  from  the  Northern  would  meet  with  commissioners  from 
the  Southern  Confederacy,  to  wrangle  over  the  questions  which  have 
split  them  into  two  confederacies,  and  involved  them  in  furious  and 
bloody  war.  They  would  denounce  each  other,  on  the  one  hand,  as 
tyrants  and  oppressors,  and  on  the  other,  as  traitors  and  rebels. 
The  Spirit  of  God  would  take  His  departure  from  these  scenes  of 
confusion,  and  leave  the  Church  lifeless  and  powerless,  an  easy 
prey  to  the  sectional  divisions  and  angry  passions  of  its  members. 
Two  nations,  under  any  circumstances  except  those  of  perfect  ho¬ 
mogeneousness,  cannot  be  united  in  one  Church  without  the  rigid 
exclusion  of  all  civil  and  secular  questions  from  its  halls.  Where 
the  countries  differ  in  their  customs  and  institutions,  and  view 
each  other  with  an  eye  of  jealousy  and  rivalry,  if  national  feelings 
are  permitted  to  enter  the  church  courts,  there  must  be  an  end  of 
harmony  and  peace.  The  prejudice  of  the  man  and  the  citizen  will 
prove  stronger  than  the  charity  of  the  Christian.  When  they  have 
allowed  themselves  to  denounce  each  other  for  their  national  pe¬ 
culiarities,  it  will  be  hard  to  join  in  cordial  fellowship  as  members 
of  the  same  spiritual  family.  Much  more  must  this  be  the  case 
where  the  nations  are  not  simply  rivals,  but  enemies — when  they 
hate  each  other  with  a  cruel  hatred,  when  they  are  engaged  in  a 
ferocious  and  bloody  war,  and  when  the  worst  passions  of  human 
nature  are  stirred  to  their  very  depths.  An  Assembly  composed  of 
representatives  from  two  such  countries  could  have  no  security  for 
peace,  except  in  a  steady,  uncompromising  adherence  to  the.  Scrip¬ 
tural  principle,  that  it  would  know  no  man  after  the  flesh;  that  it 
would  abolish  the  distinctions  of  Barbarian,  Scythian,  bond  and 
free,  and  recognize  nothing  but  the  new  creature  in  Christ  Jesus. 
The  moment  it  permits  itself  to  know  the  Confederate  or  the  United 
States,  the  moment  its  members  meet  as  citizens  of  these  countries, 
our  political  differences  will  be  transferred  to  the  house  of  God, 
and  the  passions  of  the  forum  will  expel  the  spirit  of  holy  love  and 
of  Christian  communion. 

We  cannot  condemn  a  man  in  one  breath  as  unfaithful  to  the 
most  solemn  earthly  interests — his  country  and  his  race — and  com¬ 
mend  him  in  the  next  as  a  loyal  and  faithful  servant  of  his  God. 
If  we  distrust  his  patriotism,  our  confidence  is  apt  to  be  very  meas¬ 
ured  in  his  piety.  The  old  adage  will  hold  here  as  in  other  things, 
falsus  in  uno,  falsus  in  omnibus. 

The  only  conceivable  condition,  therefore,  upon  which  the  Church 


888 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


of  the  North  and  the  South  could  remain  together  as  one  body,  with 

any  prospect  of  success,  is  the  vigorous  exclusion  of  the  questions 

and  passions  of  the  forum  from  its  halls  of  debate.  This  is  what 

always  ought  to  be  done.  The  provinces  of  Church  and  State  are 

perfectly  distinct,  and  the  one  has  no  right  to  usurp  the  jurisdiction 
of  the  other.  The  State  is  a  natural  institute,  founded  in  the  con¬ 
stitution  of  man  as  moral  and  social,  and  designed  to  realize  the 
idea  of  justice.  It  is  the  society  of  rights.  The  Church  is  a  super¬ 
natural  institute,  founded  in  the  facts/  of  redemption,  and  is  designed 
to  realize  the  idea  of  grace.  It  is  the  society  of  the  redeemed.  The 
State  aims  at  social  order,  the  Church  at  spiritual  holiness.  The 
State  looks  to  the  visible  and  outward;  the  Church  is  concerned  for 
the  invisible  and  inward.  The  badge  of  the  State’s  authority  is  the 
sword,  by  which  it  becomes  a  terror  to  evil  doers,  and  a  praise  to 
them  that  do  well;  the  badge  of  the  Church’s  authority  is  the  keys, 
by  which  it  opens  and  shuts  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  according  as 
men  are  believing  or  impenitent.  The  power  of  the  Church  is  ex¬ 
clusively  spiritual;  that  of  the  State  includes  the  exercise  of  force. 
The  constitution  of  the  Church  is  a  divine  revelation;  the  consti¬ 
tution  of  the  State  must  be  determined  by  human  reason  and  the 
course  of  providential  events.  The  Church  has  no  right  to  con¬ 
struct  or  modify  a  government  for  the  State,  and  the  State  has  no 
right  to  frame  a  creed  or  polity  for  the  Church.  They  are  as  plan¬ 
ets  moving  in  different  orbits,  and  unless  each  is  confined  to  its 
own  track,  the  consequences  may  be  as  disastrous  in  the  moral  world 
as  the  collision  of  different  spheres  in  the  world  of  matter.  It  is 
true  that  there  is  a  point  at  which  their  respective  jurisdictions  seem 
to  meet — in  the  idea  of  duty.  But  even  duty  is  viewed  by  each  in 
very  different  lights.  The  Church  enjoins  it  as  obedience  to'  God, 
and  the  State  enforces  it  as  the  safeguard  of  order.  But  there  can 
be  no  collision,  unless  one  or  the'  other  blunders  as  to  the  things  that 
are  materially  right.  When  the  .State  makes  wicked  laws,  contra¬ 
dicting  the  eternal  principles  of  rectitude,  the  Church  is  at  liberty 
to  testify  against  them,  and  humbly  to  petition  that  they  may  be 
repealed.  In  like  manner,  if  the  Church  becomes  seditious  and  a 
disturber  of  the  peace,  the  State  has  a  right  to  abate  the  nuisance. 
In  ordinary  cases,  however,  there  is  not  likely  to  be  a  collision. 
Among  a  Christian  people  there  is  little  difference  of  opinion  as  to 
the  radical  distinctions  of  right  and  wrong.  The  only  serious  dan¬ 
ger  is  where  moral  duty  is  conditioned  upon  a  political  question. 
Under  the  pretext  of  inculcating  duty,  the  Church  may  usurp  the 
power  to  determine  the  question  which  conditions  it,  and  that  is 
precisely  what  she  is  debarred  from  doing.  The  conditions  must 
be  given.  She  must  accept  it  from  the  State,  and  then  her  own 
course  is  clear.  If  Caesar  is  your  master,  then  pay  tribute  to  him; 
but  whether  the  if  holds,  whether  Caesar  is  your  master  or  not, 
whether  he  ever  had  any  just  authority,  whether  he  now  retains  it  or 
has  forfeited  it,  these  are  points  which  the  Church  has  no  commis¬ 
sion  to  adjudicate. 


Sec.  1384]  Non-Secular  Character  of  the  Church  889 

Had  these  principles  been  steadily  maintained  by  the  Assembly 
at  Philadelphia,  it  is  possible  that  the  ecclesiastical  separation  of 
the  North  and  South  might  have  been  deferred  for  years  to  come. 
Our  Presbyteries,  many  of  them,  clung  with  tenderness  to  the  rec¬ 
ollections  of  the  past.  Sacred  memories  gathered  around  that  ven¬ 
erable  Church  which  had  breasted  many  a  storm  and  trained  our 
fathers  for  glory.  It  had  always  been  distinguished  for  its  con¬ 
servative  influence,  and  many  fondly  hoped  that,  even  in  the  pres¬ 
ent  emergency,  it  would  raise  its  placid  and  serene  head  above  the 
tumults  of  popular  passion,  and  bid  defiance  to  the  angry  billows 
which  rolled  at  its  feet.  We  expected  it  to  bow  in  reverence  only 
at  the  name  of  Jesus.  Many  dreamed  that  it  would  utterly  refuse 
to  know  either  Confederates  or  Federalists,  and  utterly  refuse  to 
give  any  authoritative  decree  without  a  “thus  saith  the  Lord.”  It 
was  ardently  desired  that  the  sublime  spectacle  might  be  presented 
of  one  church  upon  earth  combining  in  cordial  fellowship  and  in 
holy  love  the  disciples  of  Jesus  in  different,  and  even  in  hostile  lands. 
But,  alas !  for  the  weakness  of  man,  these  golden  visions  were 
soon  dispelled.  The  first  thing  which  roused  our  Presbyteries  to 
look  the  question  of  separation  in  the  face  was  the  course  of  the 
Assembly  in  venturing  to  determine,  as  a  court  of  Jesus  Christ, 
which  it  did  by  necessary  implication,  the  true  interpretation  of  the 
Constitution  of  the  United  States  as  to  the  kind  of  government  it 
intended  to  form.  A  political  theory  was,  to  all  intents  and  pur¬ 
poses,  propounded,  which  made  secession  a  crime,  the  seceding  States 
rebellious,  and  the  citizens  who  obeyed  them  traitors.  We  say 
nothing  here  as  to  the  righteousness  or  unrighteousness  of  these 
decrees.  'What  we  maintain  is  that,  whether  right  or  wrong,  the 
Church  had  no  right  to  make  them;  she  transcended  her  sphere, 
and  usurped  the  duties  of  the  State.  The  discussion  of  these  ques¬ 
tions,  we  are  sorry  to  add,  was  in  the  spirit  and  temper  of  partisan 
declaimers.  The  Assembly,  driven  from  its  ancient  moorings,  was 
tossed  to  and  fro  by  the  waves  of  the  popular  passion.  Like  Pilate,  it 
obeyed  the  clamor  of  the  mtultitude,  and,  though  acting  in  the  name 
of  Jesus,  it  kissed  the  sceptre  and  bowed  the  knee  to  the  mandates 
of  Northern  frenzy.  The  Church  was  converted  into  the  forum, 
and  the  Assembly  was  henceforward  to  become  the  arena  of  sec¬ 
tional  divisions  and  national  animosities. 

We  frankly  admit  that  the  mere  unconstitutionality  of  the  pro¬ 
ceedings  of  the  last  Assembly  is  not,  in  itself  considered,  a  suffi¬ 
cient  ground  for  separation.  It  is  the  consequences  of  these 
proceedings  which  make  them  so  offensive.  It  is  the  door  which 
they  open  for  the  introduction  of  the  worst  passions  of  human  nature 
into  the  deliberations  of  church  courts.  The  spirit  of  these  pro¬ 
ceedings,  if  allowed  to  prevail,  would  forever  banish  peace  from 
the  Church,  and  there  is  no  reason  to  hope  that  the  tide  which  has 
begun  to  flow  can  soon  be  arrested.  The  two  Confederacies  hate 
each  other  more  intensely  now  than  they  did  in  May,  and  if  their 
citizens  should  come  together  upon  the  same  floor,  whatever  might 


890 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


be  the  errand  that  brought  them  there,  they  could  not  be  restrained 
from  smiting  each  other  with  the  fist  of  wickedness.  For  the  sake 
of  peace,  therefore,  for  Christian  charity,  for  the  honor  of  the 
Church,  and  for  the  glory  of  God,  we  have  been  constrained,  as 
much  as  in  us  lies,  to  remove  all  occasion  of  offense.  We  have 
quietly  separated,  and  we  are  grateful  to  God  that,  while  leaving 
for  the  sake  of  peace,  we  leave  it  with  the  humble  consciousness 
that  we  ourselves  have  never  given  occasion  to  break  the  peace.  We 
have  never  confounded  Caesar  and  Christ,  and  we  have  never  mixed 
the  issues  of  this  world  with  the  wieighty  matters  that  properly  be¬ 
long  to  us  as  citizens  of  the  kingdom  of  God. 

2.  Though  the  immediate  occasion  of  separation  was  the  course 
of  the  General  Assembly  at  Philadelphia  in  relation  to  the  Federal 
Government  and  the  war,  yet  there  is  another  ground  on  which 
the  independent  organizations  of  the  Southern  Church  can  be  amply 
and  Spiritually  maintained.  The  unity  of  the  Church  does  not 
require  a  formal  bond  of  union  among  all  the  congregations  of  be¬ 
lievers  throughout  the  earth.  It  does  not  demand  a  vast  imperial 
monarchy  like  that  of  Rome,  nor  a  strictly  universal  council  like 
that  to  which  the  complete  development  of  Presbyterianism  would 
naturally  give  rise.  The  Church  catholic  is  one  in  Christ,  but  it 
is  not  necessarily  one  visible,  all-absorbing  organization  upon  earth. 
There  is  no  schism  where  there  is  no  breach  of  charity.  Churches 
may  be  perfectly  at  one  in  every  principle  of  faith  and  order,  and 
yet  geographically  distinct,  and  mutually  independent.  As  the  unity 
of  the  human  race  is  not  disturbed  by  its  division  into  countries 
and  nations,  so  the  unity  of  the  spiritual  seed  of  Christ  is  neither 
broken  nor  impaired  by  separation  and  division  into  various  church 
constitutions.  Accordingly,  in  the  Protestant  countries  church  or¬ 
ganizations  have  followed  national  lines.  The  Calvinistic  churches 
of  Switzerland  are  distinct  from  the  Reformed  Church  of  France. 
The  Presbyterians  of  Ireland  belong  to  a  different  church  from 
the  Presbyterians  of  Scotland,  and  the  Presbyterians  of  this  country 
constitute  a  church,  in  like  manner,  distinct  from  all  other  churches  on 
the  globe.  That  the  division  into  national  churches,  that  is  churches 
bounded  by  national  lines,  is,  in  the  present  condition  of  human 
nature,  a  benefit,  seems  to  us  too  obvious  for  proof.  It  realizes 
to  the  Church  catholic  all  the  advantages  of  a  division  of  labor.  It 
makes  a  church  organization  homogeneous  and  compact;  it  stimu¬ 
lates  holy  rivalry  and  zeal;  it  removes  all  grounds  of  suspicion  and 
jealousy  on  the  part  of  the  State.  What  is  lost  in  expansion  is 
gained  in  energy.  The  Church  catholic,  as  thus  divided,  and  yet 
spiritually  one,  divided,  but  not  rent,  is  a  beautiful  illustration 
of  the  great  philosophical  principle  which  pervades  all  nature — the 
co-existence  of  the  one  with  the  many. 

If  it  is  desirable  that  each  nation  should  contain  a  separate 
and  an  independent  church,  the  Presbyteries  of  these  Confederate 
States  need  no  apology  for  bowing  to  the  decree  of  Providence, 
which,  in  withdrawing  their  country  from  thei  government  of  the 


Sec.  1384]  Non-Secular  Character  of  the  Church  891 

United  States,  has,  at  the  same  time,  determined  that  they  should 
withdraw  from  the  Church  of  their  fathers.  It  is  not  that  they 
have  ceased  to  love  it — not  that  they  have  abjured  its  ancient 
principles,  or  forgotten  its  glorious  history.  It  is  to  give  these 
same  principles  a  richer,  freer,  fuller  development  among  ourselves 
than  they  possibly  could  receive  under  foreign  culture.  It  is 
precisely  because  we  love  that  Church  as  it  was,  and  that  Church 
as  it  should  be,  that  we  have  resolved,  as  far  as  in!  us  lies,  to 
realize  its  grand  idea  in  the  country  and  under  the  government 
where  God  has  cast  our  lot.  With  the  supreme  control  of  ecclesiasti¬ 
cal  affairs  in  our  own  hands,  we  may  be  able,  in  some  competent 
measure,  to  consummate  this  result.  In  subjection  to  a  foreign 
power,  we  could  no  more  accomplish  it  than  the  Church  in  the 
United  States  could  have  been  developed  in  dependence  upon  the 
Presbyterian  Church  of  Scotland.  The  difficulty  there  would  have 
been,  not  the  distance  of  Edinburgh  from  New  York,  Philadelphia 
or  Charleston,  but  the  difference  in  the  manners,  habits,  customs 
and  ways  of  thinking,  the  social,  civil  and  political  institutions  of 
the  people.  These  same  difficulties  exist  in  relation  to  the  Cbn- 
federate  and  United  States,  and  render  it  eminently  proper  that 
the  Church  in  each  should  be  as  separate  (and  independent  as  the 
governments. 

In  addition  to  this,  there  is  one  difference  which  so  radically 
and  fundamentally  distinguishes  the  North  and  the  .South  that  it 
is  becoming  every  day  more  and  more  apparent  that  the  religious, 
as  well  as  the  secular,  interests  of  both  will  be  more  effectually  pro¬ 
moted  by  a  complete  and  lasting  separation.  The  antagonism  of 
Northern  and  Southern  sentiment  on  the  subject  of  slavery  lies  at 
'the  root  of  all  the  difficulties  which  have  resulted  in  the  dismem¬ 
berment  of  the  Federal  Union,  and  involved  us  in  the  horrors  of 
an  unnatural  war.  The  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States 
has  been  enabled  by  the  Divine  grace  to  pursue,  for  the  most  part, 
an  eminently  conservative,  because  a  thoroughly  Scriptural,  policy 
in  relation  to  this  delicate  question.  It  has  planted  itself  upon  the 
W’ord  of  God,  and  utterly  refused  to  mlake  slaveholding  a  sin,  or 
non-slaveholding  a  term  of  communion.  But  though  both  sections 
are  agreed  as  to  this  general  principle,  it  is  not  to  be  disguised 
that  the  North  exercises  a  deep  and  settled  antipathy  to  slavery 
itself,  while  the  .South  is  equally  zealous  in  its  defense.  Recent 
events  can  have  no  other  effect  than  to  confirm  the  antipathy  on  the 
one  hand  and  strengthen  the  attachment  on  the  other.  The  North¬ 
ern  section  of  the  Church  stands  in  the  awkward  predicament  of 
maintaining  in  one  breath  that  slavery  is  an  evil  which  ought  to 
be  abolished,  and  of  asserting  in  the  next  that  iit  is  not  a  sin 
to  be  visited  by  exclusion  from  the  communion  of  the  saints.  The 
consequence  is,  that  it  plays  partly  into  the  hands  of  abolitionists 
and  partly  into  the  hands  of  slaveholders,  and  weakens  its  influence 
with  both.  It  occupies  the  position  of  a  prevaricating  witness, 
whom  neither  party  will  trust.  It  would  be  better,  therefore,  for 


892 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


the  moral  power  of  the  Northern  section  of  the  Church  to  get  en¬ 
tirely  quit  of  the  subject.  At  the  same  time,  it  is  intuitively  obvious 
that  the  Southern  section  of  the  Church,  while  eveii  partially  under 
the  control  of  those  who  are  hostile  to  slavery,  can  never  have 
free  and  unimpeded  access  to  the  slave  population.  Its  ministers 
and  elders  will  always  be  liable  to  some  degree  of  suspicion.  In 
the  present  circumstances,  Northern  alliance  would]  be  absolutely 
fatal.  It  would  utterly  preclude  the  Church  from  a  wide  and  com¬ 
manding  field  of  usefulness.  This  is  too  dear  a  price  to  be  paid 
for  a  nominal  union.  We  cannot  afford  to  give  up  these  millions 
of  souls,  and  consign  them,  so  far  as  our  efforts  are  concerned,  to 
hopeless  perdition,  for  the  sake  of  preserving  an  outward  unity  which, 
after  all,  is  an  empty  shadow.  If  we  would  gird  ourselves  heartily 
and  in  earnest  for  the  work  which  God  has  set  before  us,  we  must 
have  the  control  of  our  ecclesiastical  affairs,  and  declare  ourselves 
separate  and  independent. 

And  here  we  m^y  venture  to  lay  before  the  Christian  world  our 
views  as  a  Church  upon  the  subject  of  slavery.  We  beg  a  candid 
hearing. 

In  the  first  place,  we  would  have  it  distinctly  understood  that, 
in  our  ecclesiastical  capacity,  we  are  neither  the  friends  nor  the 
foes  of  slavery,  that  is  to  say,  we  have  no  commission  either  to 
propagate  or  abolish  it.  The  policy  of  its  existence  or  non-exist¬ 
ence  is  a  question  which  exclusively  belongs  to  the  State.  We  have 
no  right,  as  a  Church,  to  enjoin  it  as  a  duty,  or  to  condemn  it 
as  a  sin.  Our  business  is  with  the  duties  which  spring  from  the 
relation;  the  duties  of  the  masters  on  the  one  hand,  and  of  their 
slaves  on  the  other.  These  duties  we  are  to  proclaim  and  to  en¬ 
force  with  spiritual  sanctions.  The  social,  civil,  political  prob¬ 
lems  connected  with  this  great  subject  transcend  our  sphere,  as  God 
has  not  entrusted  to  His  Church  the  organization  of  society,  the 
construction  of  governments,  nor  the  allotment  of  individuals  to 
their  various  stations.  The  Church  has  as  much  right  to  preach  to 
the  monarchies  of  Europe  and  the  despotism  of  Asia  the  doctrines 
of  republican  equality  as  to  preach  to  the  governments  of  the  South 
the  extirpation  of  slavery.  This  position  is  impregnable,  unless  it 
can  be  shown  that  slavery  is  a  sin.  Upon  every  other  hypothesis, 
it  is  so  clearly  a  question  for  the  State  that  the  proposition  would 
never  for  a  moment  have  been  doubted,  had  there  not  been  a  fore¬ 
gone  conclusion  in  relation  to  its  moral  character.  Is  slavery,  then, 
a  sin? 

In  answering  this  question  as  a  Church,  let  it  be  distinctly]  borne 
in  mind  that  the  only  rule  of  judgment  is  the  written  Word  of 
God.  The  Church  knows  nothing  of  the  institutions  of  reason  or 
the  deductions  of  philosophy,  except  those  reproduced  in  the  sacred 
Canon.  She  has  a  positive  constitution  in  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and 
has  no  right  to  utter  a  single  syllable  upon  any  subject  except  as 
the  Lord  puts  words  in  her  mouth.  She  is  founded,  in  other  words, 
upon  express  revelation.  Her  creed  is  an  authoritative  testimony 


Sec.  1384]  Non-Secular  Character  or  the  Church  893 

of  God,  and  not  a  speculation,  and  what  she  proclaims  she  must 
proclaim  with  the  infallible  certitude  of  faith,  and  not  with  the 
hesitating  assent  of  an  opinion.  The  question,  then,  is  brought 
within  a  narrow  compass:  Do  the  Scriptures  directly  or  indirectly 
condemn  slavery  as  a  sin?  If  they  do  not,  the  dispute  is  ended, 
for  the  Church,  without  forfeiting  her  character,  dares  not  go  beyond 

them. 

• 

Now,  we  venture  to  assert  that,  if  men  had  drawn  their  conclu¬ 
sions  upon  this  subject  only  from  the  Bible,  it  would  no  more  have 
entered  into  any  human  head  to  denounce  slavery  as  a  sin  than 
to  denounce  monarchy,  aristocracy  or  poverty.  The  truth  is,  men 
have  listened  to  what  they  falsely  considered  as  primitive  intuitions, 
or  as  necessary  deductions  from  primitive  cognitions,  and  then  have 
gone  to  the  Bible  to  confirm  the  crotchets  of  their  vain  philosophy. 
They  have  gone  there  determined  to  find  a  particular  result,  and 
the  consequence  is,  that  they  leave  with  having  made,  instead  of 
having  interpreted,  Scripture.  Slavery  is  no  new  thing.  It  has 
not  only  existed  for  ages  in  the  world,  but  it  has  existed,  under 
every  dispensation  of  the  covenant  of  grace,  in  the  Church  of  God. 
Indeed,  the  first  organization  of  the  church  as  a  visible  society, 
separate  and  distinct  from  the  unbelieving  world,  was  inaugurated 
in  the  family  of  a  slaveholder.  Among  the  very  first  persons  to 
whom  the  seal  of  circumcision  was  affixed,  were  the  slaves  of  the 
father  of  the  faithful,  some  born  in  his  house,  and  others  bought 
with  his  money.  Slavery  again  re-appears  under  the  Law.  God 
sanctions  it  in  the  first  table  of  the  Decalogue,  and  Moses  treats 
it  as  an  institution  to  be  regulated,  not  abolished;  legitimated,  and 
not  condemned.  We  come  down  to  the  age  of  the  New  Testament, 
and  we  find  it  again  in  the  churches  founded  by  the  apostles  under 
the  plenary  inspiration  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  These  facts  are  utterly 
amazing,  if  slavery  is  the  enormous  sin  which  its  enemies  represent 
it  to  be.  It  will  not  do  to  say  that  the:  Scriptures  have  treated  it 
only  in  a  general,  incidental  way,  without  any  clear  implication 
as  to  its  moral  character.  Moses  surely  made  it  the  subject  of  ex¬ 
press  and  positive  legislation,  and  the  apostles  are  equally  explicit 
in  inculcating  the  duties  which  spring  from  both  sides  of  the  rela¬ 
tion.  They  treat  slaves  as  bound  to  obey,  and  inculcate  obedience 
as  an  office  of  religion — a  thing  wholly  self-contradictory  if  the 
authority  exercised  over  them  were  unlawful  and  iniquitous. 

But  what  puts  this  subject  in  a  still  clearer  light  is  the  manner 
in  which  it  is  sought  to  extort  from  the  Scriptures  a  contrary 
testimony.  The  notion  of  direct  and  explicit  condemnation  is  given 
up.  The  attempt  is  to  show  that  the  genius  and  spirit  of  Christian¬ 
ity  are  opposed  to  it — that  its  great  cardinal  principles  of  virtue  are 
utterly  against  it.  Much  stress  is  laid  upon  the  Golden  Rule  and 
upon  the  general  denunciations  of  tyranny  and  oppression.  To  all 
this  we  reply,  that  no  principle  is  clearer  than  that  a>  case  positively 
excepted  cannot  be  included  under  a  general  rule.  Let  us  concede, 
for  a  moment,  that  the  laws  of  love  and  the  condemnation  of  tyranny 


894 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


and  oppression  seem  logically  to  involve,  as  a  result,  the  condemna¬ 
tion  of  slavery;  yet,  if  slavery  is  afterwards  expressly  mentioned  and 
treated  as  a  lawful  relation,  it  obviously  follows,  unless  Scripture  is 
to  be  interpreted  as  inconsistent  with  itself,  that  slavery  is,  by 
necessary  implication,  excepted.  The  Jewish  law  forbade,  as  a  gen¬ 
eral  rule,  the  marriage  of  a  man  with  his  brother’s  wife.  The  same 
law  expressly  enjoined  the  same  marriage  in  a  given  case.  The 
given  case  was,  therefore,  an  exception,  and  not  to  be  treated  as  a 
violation  of  the  general  rule.  The  law  of  love  has,  always  been  the 
law  of  God,  It  was  enunciated  by  Moses  almost  as  clearly  as 
it  was  enunciated  by  Jesus  Christ.  Yet,  notwithstanding  this  lawr 
Moses  and  the  Apostles  alike  sanctioned  the  relation  of  slavery. 
The  conclusion  is  inevitable,  either  that  the  law  is  not  opposed  to  it,, 

or  that  slavery  is  an  excepted  case.  To  say  that  the  prohibition  of 

tyranny  and  oppression  includes  slavery,  is  to  beg  the  whole  question. 
Tyranny  and  oppression  involve  either  the  unjust  usurpation  or  the 
unlawful  exercise  of  power.  It  is  the  unlawfulness,  either  in  its  prin¬ 
ciple  or  measure,  which  constitutes  the  core  of  the  sin.  Slavery 

must,  therefore,  be  proved  to  be  unlawful  before  it  can  be  referred  to 

any  such  category.  The  master  may,  indeed,  abuse  his  powrer,  but 
he  oppresses  not  simply  as  a  master,  but  as  a  wicked  master. 

But,  apart  from  all  this,  the  law  of  love  is  simply  the  inculcation 
of  universal  equity,  implies  nothing  as  to  the  existence  of  various 
ranks  and  gradations  in  society.  The  interpretation  which  makes 
it  repudiate  slavery  would  make  it  equally  repudiate  all  social,  civil 
and  political  inequalities.  Its  meaning  is,  not  that  we  should  con¬ 
form  ourselves  to  the  arbitrary  expectations  of  others,  but  that  we 
should  render  unto  them  precisely  the  same  measures  which,  if  we 
were  in  their  circumstances,  it  would  be  reasonable  and  just  in  us 
to  demand  at  their  hands.  It  condemns  slavery,  therefore,  only 
upon  the  supposition  that  slavery  is  a  sinful  relation — that  is,  he 
who  extracts  the  prohibition  of  slavery  from  the  Golden  Rule  begs 
the  very  point  in  dispute. 

We  cannot  prosecute  the  argument  in  detail,  but  we  have  said 
enough,  we  think,  to  vindicate  the  position  of  the  Southern  Church. 
We  have  assumed  no  new  attitude.  We  stand  exactly  where  the 
Church  of  God  has  always  stood — from  Abraham!  to  Moses,  from 
Moses  to  Christ,  from  Christ  to  the  Reformers,  and  from  the  Re¬ 
formers  to  ourselves.  We  stand  upon  the  foundation  of  the  prophets 
and  apostles,  Jesus  Christ  himself  being  the  chief  corner-stone. 
Shall  we  be  excluded  from  the  fellowship  of  our  brethren  in  other 
lands  because  we  dare  not  depart  from  the  charter  of  our  faith? 
Shall  we  be  branded  with  the  stigma  of  reproach  because  we  can¬ 
not  consent  to  corrupt  the  Word  of  God  to  suit  the  intuitions  of  an 
infidel  philosophy?  Shall  our  names  be  cast  out  as  evil,  and  the 
finger  of  scorn  pointed  at  us,  because  we  utterly  refuse  to  break  our 
communion  with  Abraham,  Isaac  and  Jacob,  with  Moses,  David  and 
Isaiah,  with  apostles,  prophets  and  martyrs,  with  all  the  noble  army 
of  confessors  who  have  gone  to  glory  from  slave-holding  countries,. 


Sec.  1384]  Non-Secular  Character  of  the  Church  895 

and  from  a  slave-holding  Church,  without  ever  having  dreamed  that 
they  were  living  in  mortal  sin  by  conniving  at  slavery  in  the  midst 
of  them?  If  so,  we  shall  take  consolation  in  the  cheering  conscious¬ 
ness  that  the  Master  has  accepted  us.  We  may  be  denounced,  de¬ 
spised,  and  cast  out  of  the  synagogues  of  our  brethren;  but  while 
they  are  wrangling  about  the  distinctions  of  men  according  to  the 
flesh,  we  shall  go  forward  in  our  divine  work,  and  confidently  an¬ 
ticipate  that,  in  the  great  day,  as  the  consequence  of  our  humble 
labors,  we  shall  meet  millions  of  glorified  spirits,  who  have  come  up 
from  the  bondage  of  earth  to  a  nobler  freedom  than  human  philosophy 
ever  dreamed  of.  Others,  if  they  please,  may  spend  their  time  in 
declaiming  on  the  tyranny  of  earthly  masters;  it  will  be  our  aim  to 
resist  the  real  tyrants  which  oppress  the  soul — sin  and  Satan.  These 
are  the  foes  against  whom  we  shall  find  it  employment  enough  to 
wage  a  successful  war.  And  to  this  holy  war  it  is  the  purpose  of 
our  Church  to  devote  itself  with  redoubled  energy.  We  feel  that  the 
souls  of  our  slaves  are  a  solemn  trust,  and  we  shall  strive  to  present 
them  faultless  and  complete  before  the  presence  of  God. 

Indeed,  as  we  contemplate  their  condition  in  the  Southern  States, 
and  contrast  it  with  that  of  their  fathers  before  them,  and  that  of  their 
brethren  in  the  present  day  in  their  native  land,  we  cannot  but 
accept  it  as  a  gracious  providence  that  they  have  been  brought  in 
such  numbers  to  our  shores,  and  redeemed  from  the  bondage  of 
barbarism  and  sin.  Slavery  to  them  has  certainly  been  overruled 
for  the  greatest  good.  It  has  been  a  link  in  the  wondrous  chain  of 
Providence,  through  which  many  sons  and  daughters  have  been  made 
heirs  of  the  heavenly  inheritance.  The  providential  result  is,  of 
course,  no  justification  if  the  thing  is  intrinsically  wrong,  but  it  is 
certainly  a  matter  of  devout  thanksgiving,  and  no  obscure  intimation 
of  the  will  and  purpose  of  God,  and  of  the  consequent  duty  of  the 
Church.  We  cannot  forbear  to  say,  however,  that  the  general  opera¬ 
tion  of  the  system  is  kindly  and  benevolent;  it  is  a  real  and  effective 
discipline,  and  without  it  we  are  profoundly  persuaded  that  the 
African  race  in  the  midst  of  us  can  never  be  elevated  in  the  scale 
of  being.  As  long  as  that  race,  in  its  comparative  degradation,  co¬ 
exists  side  by  side  with  the  white,  bondage  is  its  normal  condition. 

As  to  the  endless  declamation  about  human  rights,  we  have  only 
to  say  that  human  rights  are  not  a  fixed,  but  a  fluctuating  quantity. 
Their  sum  is  not  the  same  in  any  two  nations  on  the  globe.  The 
rights  of  Englishmen  are  one  thing,  the  rights  of  Frenchmen  another. 
There  is  a  minimum  without  which  a  man  cannot  be  responsible; 
there  is  a  maximum  which  expresses  the  highest  degree  of  civilization 
and  of  Christian  culture.  The  education  of  the  species  consists  in 
its  ascent  along  this  line.  As  you  go  up,  the  number  of  rights  in¬ 
creases,  but  the  number  of  individuals  who  possess  them  diminishes. 
'As  you  come  down  the  line,  rights  are  diminished,  but  the  individuals 
are  multiplied.  It  is  just  the  opposite  of  the  predicamental  scale  of 
the  logicians.  There  comprehension  diminishes  as  you  ascend  and 
extension  increases,  and  comprehension  increases  as  you  descend  and 


896 


Relations  \Yith  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


extension  diminishes.  Now,  when  it  is  said  that  slavery  is  incon¬ 
sistent  with  human  rights,  we  crave  to  understand  what  point  in 
this  line  the  slave  is  conceived  to  occupy.  There  are,  no  doubt, 
many  rights  which  belong  to  other  men — to  Englishmen,  to  French¬ 
men,  to  his  master,  for  example — which  are  denied  him.  But  is  he 
fit  to  possess  them?  Has  God  qualified  him  to  meet  the  responsi¬ 
bilities  which  their  possession  necessarily  implies  ?  His  place  in 
the  scale  is  determined  by  his  competency  to  fulfil  its  duties.  There 
are  other  rights  which  he  certainly  possesses,  without  which  he  could 
neither  be  human  nor  accountable.  Before  slavery  can  be  charged 
with  doing  him  injustice,  it  must  be  shown  that  the  minimum  which 
falls  to  his  lot  at  the  bottom  of  the  line  is  out  of  proportion  to  his 
capacity  and  culture — a  thing  which  can  never  be  done  by  abstract 
speculation.  The  truth  is,  the  education  of  the  human  race  for 
liberty  and  virtue  is  a  vast  providential  scheme,  and  God  assigns  to 
every  man,  by  a  wise  and  holy  decree,  the  precise  place  he  is  to 
occupy  in  the  great  moral  school  of  humanity.  The  scholars  are 
distributed  into  classes,  according  to  their  competency  and  progress; 
for  God  is  in  history. 

To  avoid  the  suspicion  of  a  conscious  weakness  of  our  cause,  when 
contemplated  from  the  side  of  pure  speculation,  we  may  advert  for 
a  moment  to  those  pretended  intuitions  which  stamp  the  reprobation 
of  humanity  upon  this  ancient  and  hoary  institution.  We  admit 
that  there  are  primitive  principles  in  morals  which  lie  at  the  root  of 
human  consciousness.  But  the  question  is,  How  are  we  to  distinguish 
them?  The  subjective  feeling  of  certainty  is  no  adequate  criterion,, 
as  that  is  equally  felt  in  reference  to  crotchets  and  hereditary  prej¬ 
udices.  The  very  point  is  to  know  when  this  certainty  indicates  a 
primitive  cognition,  and  when  it  does  not.  There  must,  therefore, 
be  some  eternal  test,  and  whatever  cannot  abide  that  test  has  no 
authority  as  a  primary  truth.  That  test  is  an  inward  necessity  of 
thought,  which,  in  all  minds  at  the  proper  stage  of  maturity,  is  abso¬ 
lutely  universal.  Whatever  is  universal  is  natural.  We  are  willing 
that  slavery  should  be  tried  by  this  standard.  We  are  willing  to 
abide  by  the  testimony  of  the  race,  and  if  man,  as  man,  has  every¬ 
where  condemned  it — if  all  human  laws  have  prohibited  it  as  crime — 
if  it  stands  in  the  same  category  with  malice,  murder  and  theft,  then 
we  are  willing,  in  the  name  of  humanity,  to  renounce  it  forever.  But 
what  if  the  overwhelming  majority  of  mankind  have  approved  it? 
What  if  philosophers  and  statesmen  have  justified  it,  and  the  laws 
of  all  nations  acknowledged  it?  What  then  becomes  of  these  lumi¬ 
nous  intuitions?  They  are  an  ignis  fatuus  mistaken  for  a  star. 

We  have  now,  brethren,  in  a  brief  compass,  for  the  nature  of  this 
address  admits  only  an  outline,  opened  to  you  our  whole  hearts  upon 
this  delicate  and  vexed  subject.  We  have  concealed  nothing.  We 
have  sought  to  conciliate  no  sympathy  by  appeals  to  your  charity. 
We  have  tried  our  cause  by  the  Word  of  God;  and  though  protesting 
against  its  authority  to  judge  in  a  question  concerning  the  duty  of  the 
Church,  we  have  not  refused  to  appear  at  the  tribunal  of  reason.  Are 


Sec.  1384 j  Non-Secular  Character  or  the  Church  897 

we  not  right,  in  view  of  all  the  preceding  considerations,  in  remitting 
the  social,  civil  and  political  problems  connected  with  slavery,  to  the 
State?  Is  it  not  a  subject,  save  in  the  moral  duties  which  spring 
from  it,  which  lies  beyond  the  province  of  the  Church?  Have  we 
any  right  to  make  it  an  element  in  judging  of  Christian  character? 
Are  we  not  treading  in  the  footsteps  of  the  flock  ?  Are  we  not  acting 
as  Christ  and  His  apostles  have  acted  before  us?  Is'  it  not  enough  for 
us  to  pray  and  labor,  in  our  lot,  that  all  men  may  be  saved,  without 
meddling  as  a  Church  with  the  technical  distinction  of  their  civil 
life?  We  leave  the  matter  with  you.  We  offer  you  the  right  hand 
of  fellowship.  It  is  for  you  to  accept  it  or  reject  it.  We  have  done 
our  duty.  We  can  do  no  more.  Truth  is  more  precious  than  union, 
and  if  you  cast  us  out  as  sinners,  the  breach  of  charity  is  not  with 
us  as  long  as  we  walk  according  to  the  light  of  the  written  Word. 

The  ends  which  we  propose  to  accomplish  as  a  Church  are  the 
same  as  those  which  are  proposed  by  every  other  church.  To  pro¬ 
claim  God’s  truth,  as  a  witness  to  the  nations;  to  gather  His  elect  from 
the  four  corners  of  the  earth,  and  through  the  Word,  ministers  and  or¬ 
dinances,  to  train  them  for  eternal  life,  is  the  great  business  of  His 
people.  The  only  thing  that  will  be  at  all  peculiar  to  us  is  the  manner 
in  which  we  shall  attempt  to  discharge  our  duty.  In  almost  every  de¬ 
partment  of  labor,  except  the  pastoral  care  of  congregations,  it  has 
been  usual  for  the  Church  to  resort  to  societies  more  or  less  closely 
connected  with  itself,  and  yet  logically  and  really  distinct.  It  is  our 
purpose  to  rely  upon  the  regular  organs  of  our  government,  and 
executive  agencies  directly  and  immediately  responsible  to  them. 
We  wish  to  make  the  Church,  not  merely  a  superintendent  but  an  agent. 
We  wish  to  devolop  the  idea  that  the  congregation  of  believers,  as 
visibly  organized,  is  the  very  society  or  corporation  which  is  divinely 
called  to  do  the  work  of  the  Lord.  We  shall  therefore,  endeavor 
to  do  what  has  never  yet  been  adequately  done — bring  out  the  ener¬ 
gies  of  our  Presbyterian  system  of  government.  From  the  Session 
to  the  Assembly,  we  shall  strive  to  enlist  all  our  courts,  as  courts, 
in  every  department  of  Christian  effort.  We  are  not  ashamed  to 
confess  that  we  are  intensely  Presbyterian.  We  embrace  all  other 
denominations  in  the  arms  of  Christian  fellowship  and  love,  but  our 
own  scheme  of  government  we  humbly  believe  to  be  according  to  the 
pattern  shown  in  the  Mount,  and,  by  God’s  grace,  we  propose  to  put 
its  efficiency  to  the  test. 

Brethren,  we  have  done.  We  have  told  you  who  we  are,  and 
what  we  are.  We  greet  you  in  the  ties  of  Christian  brotherhood. 
We  desire  to  cultivate  peace  and  charity  with  all  our  fellow  Chris¬ 
tians  throughout  the  world.  We  invite  to  ecclesiastical  communion 
all  who  maintain  our  principles  of  faith  and  order.  And  now  we 
commend  you  to  God  and  the  word  of  His  grace.  We  devoutly  pray 
that  the  whole  catholic  Church  may  be  afresh  baptized  with  the 
Holy  Ghost,  and  that  she  may  speedily  be  stirred  up  to  give  the  Lord 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


898 


[Book  VII 


no  rest  until  He  establish  and  make  Jerusalem  a  praise  in  the  earth. 

[Signed] 

B.  M.  Palmer,  Moderator. 

Jno.  N.  Waddel,  Stated  Clerk, 

Joseph  R.  Wilson,  Permanent  Clerk, 

D.  McNeill  Turner,  Temporary  Clerk. 

Ministers'.  John  S.  Wilson,  Wm.  Henry  Foote,  John  H.  Bocock, 
Samuel  R.  Houston,  Francis  McFarland,  W.  T.  Richardson,  Peyton 
Harrison,  Theodorick  Pryor,  Samuel  D.  Stuart,  James  B.  Ramsey, 
Drury  Lacy,  P.  H.  Dalton,  Robert  Hett  Chapman,  J.  W.  Elliott,  R. 
B.  McMullen,  Shepard  Wells,  J.  H.  Lorance,  John  B.  Adger,  John 
S.  Harris,  J.  Leighton  Wilson,  D.  E.  Frierson,  J.  H.  Thornwell,  A. 
W.  Leland,  J.  E.  DuBose,  N.  A.  Pratt,  G.  W.  Boggs,  Robert  B. 
White,  A.  B.  McCorkle,  John  A.  Smylie,  James  A.  Lyon,  J.  Frank¬ 
lin  Ford,  W.  C.  Emerson,  John  Hunter,  Richmond  Mclnnis,  W.  D. 
Moore,  J.  H.  Gillespie,  W.  N.  Frierson,  A.  H.  Caldwell,  Thos.  R. 
Welch,  John  I.  Boozer,  Cyrus  Kingsbury,  R.  M.  Loughridge,  Rufus 
W.  Bailey,  Hillery  Moseley,  R.  F.  Bunting,  Levi  Tenney. 

Ruling  Elders:  James  D.  Armstrong,  B.  F.  Renick,  J.  W.  Gilke- 
son,  J.  L.  Campbell,  T.  E.  Perkinson,  W.  F.  C.  Gregory,  Samuel 
McCorkle,  Jesse  H.  Lindsay,  Charles  Phillips,  James  H.  Dickson, 
J.  G.  Shepherd,  James  G.  Ramsey,  William  Murdock,  Samuel  B. 
McAdams,  A.  W.  Putnam,  Lewis  B.  Thornton,  Thos.  C.  Perrin,  Joe 
Johnstone,  R.  S.  Hope,  J.  S.  Thompson,  W.  Veronneau  Finley,  John 
Bonner,  William  A.  Forward,  D.  C.  Houston,  Wm.  P.  Webb,  James 
Montgomery,  W.  H.  Simpson,  Wm.  C.  Black,  David  Hadden,  H. 
H.  Kimmons,  J.  T.  Swayne,  T.  L.  Dunlap,  Edward  W.  Wright. 

1385.  No  religious  establishment  by  the  government 

1861,  p.  18.  Dr.  McFarland,  from  the  Committee  on  Bills  and 
Overtures,  reported  on  Overture  that  the  committee  deem  it  in¬ 
expedient  at  this  time  for  the  Assembly  to  take  any  action  on  the 
subject.  The  Assembly  rejected  the  recommendation  of  the  com¬ 
mittee,  and  on  motion  of  Dr.  Pryor,  adopted  the  overture,  which  is 
as  follows: 

The  Assembly  approves  of  that  clause  in  the  Constitution  of  the 
Confederate  States  which  forbids  the  Congress  to  enact  any  law 
respecting  a  religious  establishment,  and  understands  that  prohibi¬ 
tion  equally  to  restrain  the  Executive  from  establishing  in  the  public 
service,  in  any  manner  or  on  any  plea  whatever,  one  branch  of  the 
Church  in  preference  to  another. 

1386.  Memorial  to  Congress  to  embody  in  the  Constitution  a 

recognition  of  the  Christian  religion 

1861,  p.  21.  Pursuant  to  a  previous  order,  the  Assembly  pro¬ 
ceeded  to  consider  Overture  to-wit,  a  memorial  to  the  Congress 
of  the  Confederate  States  for  the  incorporation  of  an  article  in  the 
Constitution  distinctly  recognizing  the  Christian  religion. 

Dr.  Thornwell  asked  and  obtained  leave  to  withdraw  the  overture. 


Secs.  1384-1388]  Non-Secular  Character  of  the  Church  899 

1387.  Observance  of  days  of  fasting,  thanksgiving  and  prayer , 
when  designated  by  the  civil  magistrate 

1866,  p.  13.  An  overture  sent  by  Tuskegee  church  to  the  Pres¬ 
bytery  of  East  Alabama,  and  referred  by  said  Presbytery  to  this 
General  Assembly. 

This  overture  has  reference  to  the  relation  between  the  Church 
and  the  State,  and  especially  in  respect  to  the  observance  of  those 
days  designated  by  the  civil  magistrate  as  days  of  fasting,  prayer 
or  thanksgiving. 

On  these  points,  the  Assembly  would  declare  anew  the  doctrine  of 
our  time-honored  Confession,  that  Christ  alone  is  King  and  Head 
of  His  Church,  and  that  all  ordinances  of  worship  binding  on  us  are 
ordained  by  Him  alone;  that  there  are  two  commonwealths,  equally 
appointed  by  God:  the  civil,  whose  object  is  to  protect  the  persons 
and  property,  and  promote  the  well-being  of  men  as  they  are  mem¬ 
bers  of  civil  society;  and  the  religious,  the  commonwealth  of  Israel, 
whose  object  it  is  to  train  men,  as  they  are  sinners,  for  glory  and 
immortality.  Although  these  exist  together  in  this  world,  each  is 
independent  of  the  other  in  its  own  sphere.  The  Church  of  Christ, 
as  it  is  visible  in  any  country,  is  divided  among  many  denominations, 
who  act  in  their  appointments  for  religious  observance  without  refer¬ 
ence  to  each  other,  each  being  responsible  to  Christ  their  Head.  In 
the  civil  commonwealth  there  is  one  and  the  same  civil  authority 
ruling  in  its  own  sphere  over  all.  On  occasions  of  national  calam¬ 
ities  and  sorrows,  or  of  prosperity  and  joy,  it  is  the  dictate  of  that 
religious  nature  with  which  God  has  endowed  us,  and  accordant  with 
the  teachings  of  His  Holy  Word,  that  we  should  humble  ourselves,  as 
a  people,  with  prayer  and  fasting,  or  offer  to  him  thanksgiving  and 
praise.  The  people  that  truly  abases  itself  before  God,  or  offers  to 
Him  thanksgiving,  performs  an  act  well  pleasing  in  His  sight.  And 
when  the  civil  power,  which  alone  can  reach  us  all,  invites  to  these 
acts,  and  so  furnishes  the  occasion  for  their  performance,  it  is  right 
for  those  who  bear  rule  in  the  visible  Church  to  consider  whether 
Christ  their  Head,  who,  as  Mediatorial  King,  rules  over  the  nations 
of  the  earth  as  well  as  over  His  Church,  does  not  Himself  invite  them 
to  these  acts  of  worship.  He  is  their  Lord.  And  to  their  own  Mas¬ 
ter  they  stand  or  fall.  The  act  of  the  civil  power  does  but  secure 
that  concert  of  prayer,  praise  and  worship  that  would  be  wanting 
without  it.  And  we  cannot  condemn  the  civil  magistrate  who  thus 
furnishes  the  opportunity  of  united  religious  acts,  so  consonant  to 
the  dictates  of  the  hearts  of  a  Christian  people  and  to  the  religion 
they  profess. 

We  do  not  enjoin  the  observance  of  such  days  in  all  cases,  nor 
would  we  dissuade  from  such  observance,  but  remit  the  determination 
of  the  question,  in  each  case,  to  our  church  Sessions. 

1388.  Duty  of  citizens  to  the  State 

1862,  p.  19.  We  distinctly  recognize  the  right  of  the  State  to 


900 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


claim  the  services  of  any  or  all  her  citizens  in  this  the  time  of  her 
need.  We  also  acknowledge  it  as  a  high  privilege,  as  well  as  a  plain 
duty,  for  our  people  to  pledge  to  each  other,  and  the  government  of 
their  choice,  their  lives,  their  fortunes  and  their  sacred  honor,  in 
united  efforts  to  drive  back  the  invaders  of  our  soil  and  the  enemies 
of  our  institutions. 

1389.  The  non- political  character  of  the  Church 

1866,  p.  30.  Extract  from  report  of  Committee  on  Foreign  Cor¬ 
respondence,  which  was  adopted: 

“This  argument,  of  visibly  realizing  the  spiritual  unity  of  the 
Lord’s  people,  is  enforced  by  the  peculiar  circumstances  of  the  times 
in  which  we  live  and  by  the  nature  of  the  controversies  which  now 
agitate  the  Church.  The  old  conflict  for  the  spirituality  and  inde¬ 
pendence  of  the  Church  is,  to  the  amazement  of  many,  renewed  in 
our  day  and  upon  our  own  continent.  The  battle  fought  generations 
ago  by  the  Melvilles,  Gillespies  and  Hendersons,  of  Scotland,  is 
re-opened  with  singular  violence,  and  the  old  banner  is  again  float¬ 
ing  over  us  with  its  historic  inscription,  “For  Christ’s  Covenant  and 
Crown.”  Upon  no^bne  subject  is  the  mind  of  this  Assembly  more 
clearly  ascertained,  upop.  no  one  doctrine  is  there  a  more  solid  or 
perfect  agreement  amongst  those  whom  this  Assembly  represents, 
than  the  non-secular  and  non-political  character  of  the  Church  of 
Jesus  Christ.  Whatever  ambiguous  or  indiscreet  expression  may 
have  been  extorted  under  the  pressure  of  extraordinary  excitement, 
from  individuals  amongst  us,  the  Assembly  of  this  Church  deliber¬ 
ately  reaffirms  the  testimony  given  in  the  solemn  Address  to  the 
Churches  of  Jesus  Christ  throughout  the  Earth,  issued  in  1861, 
during  its  first  sessions  in  the  city  of  Augusta,  and  which  was  pro¬ 
nounced  in  these  words.” 

(Here  follows  an  extract  from  that  address,  beginning  with  the 
words,  “The  provinces  of  the  Church  and  State  are  perfectly  dis¬ 
tinct,”  and  concluding  with  the  words,  “different!  spheres  in  the 
world  of  matter.”  For  this  extract,  see  above,  p.  888.) 

“The  early  assertion  of  this  radical  distinction,  at  the  very  open¬ 
ing  of  our  history,  commits  us  to  the  maintenance  and  defence  of  the 
crowp  rights  of  the  Redeemer,  whether,  on  the  one  hand,  they  be 
usurped  by  the  State,  or  whether,  on  the  other,  they  be  re¬ 
nounced  by  any  portion  of  God’s  professing  people.  Summoned 
thus  in  the  providence  of  God  to  contend  for  the  same  principles  for 
which  our  martyr  fathers  of  the  Scottish  Reformation  testified  even 
to  the  death,  and  which  the  fathers  of  the  Southern  Presbyterian 
Church  labored  so  earnestly  to  secure  and  rejoiced  in  having  ob¬ 
tained  their  full  recognition  by  the  civil  government  in  America,  it 
would  be  most  happy  if  all  those  in  the  different  branches  of  the 
Presbyterian  family  who  are  called  to  renew  the  protest  could  be 
’united  in  one  homogeneous  body  for  the  reassertion  of  Christ’s  royal 
supremacy  in  and  over  His  spiritual  kingdom,  the  Church.  The 
scattered  testimony  of  separate  and  individual  witnesses  would  deepen 


Secs.  1389-1390]  Non-Secular  Character  of  the  Church  901 

in  intensity  if  gathered  into  one  volume,  and  rolled  against  those 
who  would  place  the  crown  of  Jesus  upon  the  head  of  Caesar..  In 
view  of  all  which,  this  Assembly  would  tender  the  hand  to  all  who 
are  of  like  mind  with  us  as  to  the  doctrines  of  grace  and  as  to  the 
order  and  discipline  of  God’s  house,  that  as  one  compacted  Church 
we  may  oppose  a  breakwater  against  the  current  which  is  sweeping 
from  its  moorings  our  common  Protestantism,  until  the  doctrine  of 
the  Church  as  a  free  spiritual  commonwealth  shall  regain  its  ascen¬ 
dancy,  not  only  over  the  Presbyterian,  but  over  the  whole  American 
Protestant  mind.” 


1390.  The  spirituality  of  the  Church 

1866,  p.  37.  The  following  resolution,  offered  by  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Palmer,  was  adopted: 

In  view  of  the  great  controversy  now  pending  in  this  country,  upon 
the  spirituality  and  independence  of  the  Church  as  the  visible  king¬ 
dom  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  upon  the  earth;  and  in  view  of  the 
fact  that  the  Assembly  did,  at  the  time  of  its  organization  in  1861, 
plant  itself  firmly  upon  the  ground,  that  the  Church  is  a  spiritual 
commonwealth,  distinct  from  and  independent  of  the  State;  be  it 
therefore, 

Resolved ,  That  the  Rev.  Messrs.  T.  E.  Peck,  A.  W.  Miller,  and 
George  Howe,  D.  D.,  be  appointed  a  committee  to  prepare,  and 
report  to  the  next  General  Assembly,  a  paper  defining  and  limiting 
this  whole  subject,  for  the  instruction  of  our  people,  and  suitable 
to  be  adopted  by  the  Assembly  as  a  full  and  public  testimony  against 
the  alarming  defection  manifested  in  so  many  branches  of  the  Protes¬ 
tant  Church  in  this  country. 

1867,  p.  139.  A  letter  was  received  from  Rev.  Dr.  T.  E.  Peck, 
giving  reasons  for  not  having  presented  a  report  upon  the  subject  as¬ 
signed  to  himself  and  others  by  the  General  Assembly,  which  were 
accepted  as  satisfactory,  and  the  committee  was  discharged. 

1922,  p.  77.  Minutes  of  the  Synod  of  Mississippi  were  approved 
with  the  following  exception:  “That  part  of  the  resolution  concern¬ 
ing  the  mort  main  statute  on  page  39,  which  reads  as  follows,  to- 
wit,  ‘We  appeal  to  the  fair-minded  citizenship  of  our  State  to  go  to 
the  polls  when  this  question  shall  be  submitted  to  a  vote,  and  ratify 
this  proposed  change.’ 

“Your  Committee  is  of  the  opinion  that  the  above  appeal  made  to 
the  citizenship  of  the  State  to  influence  them  in  a  civil  matter,  is 
contrary  to  the  letter  and  spirit  of  our  constitution.” 

1391.  Official  utterances  of  the  Assembly  on  the  spirituality  and 
independence  of  the  Church  to  be  published 

1870,  p.  542.  The  Committee  of  Publication  is  instructed  to  pub¬ 
lish,  in  tract  form,  the  public  official  utterances  of  our  Assemblies 
in  relation  to  the  spirituality  and  independence  of  the  Church,  in- 


902  Relations  With  Other  Bodies  [Book  VII 

eluding  the  Address  of  the  Assembly  of  1861  to  the  Churches  of 
Jesus  Christ  throughout  the  World,  and  the  Pastoral  Letter  now  to  be 
issued  from  this  Assembly,  and  such  other  papers  as  the  committee 
may  deem  needful  to  explain  the  references  in  said  letter. 

The  Executive  Committee  reported  (1871,  p.  64)  that  it  had  so 
done,  and  that  it  had  added  extracts  from  proceedings  of  the  Old 
School  Assembly  from  1861  to  1867.  (A  second  edition  contained, 
also,  extracts  from  the  proceedings  of  the  New  School  Assembly  of 
the  same  period. — A.) 

1392.  On  the  competency  of  the  Church  to  seek  the  intervention  of 

the  civil  powers 

1883,  p.  24.  In  reply  to  an  overture  from  Abingdon  Presbytery 
touching  the  observance  of  the  Sabbath,  the  following  was  adopted: 

While  recognizing  the  right  of  members  of  the  Church,  as  citizens, 
to  bring  the  matter  of  the  observance  of  the  -Sabbath  to  the  notice 
of  the  civil  government,  by  petition  or  otherwise,  yet  it  is  the  judg¬ 
ment  of  the  Assembly  that  it  is  not  competent  for  the  Church,  in  its 
organic  capacity,  to  seek  the  intervention  of  the  civil  powers  for  the 
accomplishment  of  any  of  the  ends  before  it,  as  a  witness  for  the 
truth  of  God.  The  Assembly  would  furthermore  deprecate  all  action 
which  might  be  construed  as  committing  the  Church  to  any  alliance 
with  associations  or  societies  outside  of  its  pale  for  the  accomplish¬ 
ment  of  this,  or  any  other  object,  however  worthy  in  itself. 

1884,  p.  209.  Overture  of  the  Presbytery  of  St.  Johns,  asking 
this  Assembly  to  reverse  the  action  of  the  Synod  of  South  Georgia 
and  Florida  in  excepting  to  its  Minutes,  as  found  on  page  124, 
to-wit:  “ Resolved ,  That  all  our  Sessions  he  requested  to  call  the  at¬ 
tention  of  the  executors  of  the  law  and  the  grand  juries  of  the  courts 
to  the  statutes  enacted  by  the  Legislature  touching  the  Sabbath;  that 
they  take  such  measures  as  wisdom  and  prudence  suggest  to  have 
the  offenders  brought  to  justice,  and  the  laws  of  God  and  the  State 
vindicated.” 

Reply :  Resolved,  That  the  action  of  Synod  be  sustained,  accord¬ 
ing  to  the  deliverance  of  the  Assembly  of  1883,  touching  the  same 
matter,  as  found  on  pages  24  and  25  of  the  Minutes. 

1903,  p.  500.  1.  To  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Arkansas 

asking  “that  a  representative  committee  be  appointed  by  the  Assem¬ 
bly,  .  the  duty  of  which  committee  shall  be,  in,  the  most  effective  way, 
to  take  up  the  question  of  -Sabbath  observance  with  the  executive 
departments  of  our  government,  with  the  Senate  and  the  House  of 
Representatives,  and  the  leading  railway  corporations,  to  the  end 
that  influences  emanating  from  these  centers  of  power  may  as  far 
as  possible  secure  a  cessation  from  all  executive,  governmental  and 
railroad  work  on  the  Sabbath  day,”  we  recommend  the  following 
answer : 

Fully  realizing  the  vital  importance  of  the  Sabbath  as  a  divine 
institution,  given  to  man  in  his  estate  of  innocence  and  for  his 
highest  good  to  conserve  what  is  best  in  Church  and  State,  yet  we 


Secs.  1391-1395]  Non-Secular  Character  of  the  Church  903 

cannot  grant  the  request,  inasmuch  as  it  would  be  in  violation  of  our 
fundamental  law  as  shown  in  Confession  of  Faith,  Chapter  XXXI., 
Section  4. 

2.  To  the  Secretary  of  the  “Atmerican  Sabbath  Union,”  asking 
first,  “the  recognition  of  the  American  .Sabbath  Union”;  second, 
“that  the  Church,  South,  be  officially  represented  in  the  Sunday  Rest 
Congress  to  -be  held  in  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  October  6,  7  and  8,  1904,” 
we  recommend  the  following  answer: 

Wishing  you  abundant  success  in  your  very  laudable  work,  and 
realizing  die  deadly  nature  of  the  tremendous  forces  at  work  for  the 
destruction  of  the  Sabbath  as  a  day  of  sacred  rest,  still,  as  a  court  of 
the' church  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  in  the  presence  of  Pilate 
declared,  “My  kingdom  is  not  of  this  world,”  we  cannot  grant  the 
request  for  the  reason  that  it  would  be  a  departure  from  the  teach¬ 
ing  of  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church,  as  also  from  our  Standards, 
as  seen  in  Confession  of  Faith,  Chapter  XXXI.,  Section  4. 

1393.  Amendment  to  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States 

1892,  p.  439.  Your  committee  reports  that,  having  examined  the 
“memorial  of  the  National  League  for  the  Protection  of  American 
Institutions,”  asking  the  thoughtful  consideration  of  this  Assembly  to 
a  proposed  additional  amendment  to  the  Constitution  of  the  United 
States,  regardless  of  our  private  opinions  as  to  the  subject-matter  of  the 
communication,  they  would  respectfully  recommend  that  no  formal 
action  be  taken  by  the  Assembly.  Adopted. 

1394.  No  political  deliverances  in  church  courts 

»  -  :  f 

1912,  p.  70g.  In  reference  to  the  resolution  proposed  concerning 
political  deliverances  by  church  courts,  your  committee  would  report 
as  follows: 

Inasmuch  as  the  General  Assembly  is  on  record,  having  already 
made  numerous  deliverances  on  this  subject,  we  would  refer  this 
Assembly  to  these  deliverances. 

1395.  Arbitration  of  international  disputes  and  the  Peace  Con¬ 
ference' 

1890,  p.  18.  The  following  was  offered  by  Rev.  W.  A.  Campbell, 
D.  D.,  and  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures: 

Whereas  Synods  and  councils  may  handle  affairs  which  concern 
the  Commonwealth  “by  way  of  humble  petition  in  cases  extraor¬ 
dinary”;  and 

Whereas  the  spectacle  of  Christian  nations  continuing  to  settle 
disputes  which  arise,  by  force  of  arms,  and  to  maintain  heavy  arma- 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


904 


[Book  VII 


merits  for  this  end,  presents  a  “case  extraordinary,”  calling  for  “hum¬ 
ble  petition”; 

Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  ask  the  co-operation  of  the 
several  churches  of  our  own  and  other  countries  in  this  object. 

(A  memorial  was  adopted  inviting  other  churches  to  join  in  this 
movement.) 

P.  53.  This  Committee  (Bills  and  Overtures)  made  the  follow¬ 
ing  report,  which  was  adopted: 

Recognizing  the  right  of  petition  to  civil  governments  in  regard 
to  momentous  matters,  and  the  obligation  of  the  church  through  its 
highest  judicatories,  to  place  itself  on  the  side  of  the  truth  and  right¬ 
eousness,  your  committee  recommend  the  adoption  of  Dr.  William 
A.  Campbell’s  paper,  and  the  filling  of  the  blanks  in  the  Committee 
of  Correspondence  with  other  Christian  churches,  with  the  names 
of  Rev.  Wm.  A.  Campbell,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Moses  D.  Hoge,  D.  D.,  and 
Mr.  Marshall  M.  Gilliam,  and  Rev.  R.  P.  Kerr,  D.  D.  They  fur¬ 
thermore  recommend  that  Rev.  William  A,  Campbell,  D.  D.,  and 
Rev.  Moses  D.  Hoge,  D.  D.,  be  appointed  our  delegates  to  the  con¬ 
ference  in  the  interests  of  peace,  contemplated  in  1891;  but  that  this 
Assembly  does  not  by  this  appointment  of  delegates  commit  itself 
in  advance  to  any  measures  that  this  Peace  Conference  may  adopt. 

1891,  p.  242.  The  Committee  on  Arbitration  reported  progress, 
and  was  continued. 

1892,  p.  422.  T^he  following  was  read  and  approved: The  com¬ 
mittee  appointed  by  the  Assembly  of  1890,  and  continued  by  that  of 
1891,  charged  with  the  duty  of  communicating  to  other  ecclesiastical 
bodies  an  overture,  asking  them  to  join  in  petitioning  governments 
in  behalf  of  international  arbitration,  report  that,  carrying  out  the 
action  of  the  Assembly,  they  convened  a  conference  in  New  York 
City  on  December  17,  1891,  composed  of  delegates  from  the  leading 
denominations  of  this  country.  Two  of  our  number,  Dr.  Hoge  and 
Dr.  Campbell,  who  had  been  appointed  by  the  Assembly  as  delegates 
to  that  conference,  attended  and  took  part  in  its  deliberations.  The 
action  there  taken  is  embodied  in  resolutions  embraced  in  a  circular, 
which  we  herewith  transmit. 

This  ecclesiastical  movement  in  behalf  of  international  arbitration, 
inaugurated  by  our  Assembly,  has  met  with  the  hearty  endorsation 
of  leading  men  in  all  branches  of  the  church,  and  of  prominent 
statesmen.  And  whenever  the  matter  has  been  intelligently  brought 
before  ecclesiastical  bodies,  so  far  as  we  know,  they  have  joined  in 
the  petition.  The  very  large  undertaking,  however,  of  reaching  all 
the  leading  ecclesiastical  bodies  of  Christendom  is  not  yet  complete; 
but  by  the  action  of  the  conference  its  further  prosecution  has  passed 
into  the  hands  of  representatives  of  all  denominations.  A  General 
Executive  Committee  has  the  matter  now  in  hand,  and  is  aided  by  a 
Committee  of  Correspondence  for  each  denomination,  and  other  com- 


Sec.  1395]  Non-Secular  Character  of  the  Church  905 

mittees  for  other  departments  of  the  work.  The  committee  to  cor¬ 
respond  with  the  Presbyterian  bodies  of  the  world  consists  of  Rev. 
John  Hall,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Talbott  W.  Chambers,  D.  D.,  and  Rev.  R. 
W.  Kidd,  all  of  New  York.  Further  communication  with  our  As¬ 
sembly,  so  far  as  it  may  be  called  for,  will  be  through  this  committee. 

1893,  p.  51.  A  communication  from  the  Rev,  Dr.  W.  A.  Camp¬ 
bell,  chairman  of  the  Assembly’s  Committee  on  International  Arbi¬ 
tration,  written  at  the  request  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  John  Hall,  chairman 
of  the  General  Committee  of  Correspondence,  asking,  First,  that  the 
petition  adopted  by  the  Assembly  of  1890,  and  since  adopted  by  other 
ecclesiastical  bodies,  now  printed  in  several  languages  and  addressed 
to  the  several  governments,  and  sent  to  this  Assembly  for  proper 
signature,  be  signed  by  the  Moderator  of  the  present  Assembly,  or 
by  that  of  the  Assembly  of  1890,  as  this  Assembly  may  direct; 
Secondly,  that  one  or  more  delegates  be  appointed  to  attend  a  con¬ 
ference,  to  be  held  in  Chicago  in  August  next,  for  the  purpose  of 
carrying  out  the  original  design  of  our  General  Assembly. 

The  committee  recommend  that  the  said  petition  be  signed  by  the 
Moderator  of  this  Assembly,  and  that  the  Rev.  Dr.  W.  A.  Camp¬ 
bell,  of  Virginia,  and  the  Hon.  J.  Quincy  Ward*  of  Kentucky,  be 
appointed  delegates  to  attend  the  approaching  conference  in  Chicago. 

1894,  p.  303.  The  following  resolutions  were  adopted:  1,  That 
the  diligence  and  fidelity  of  Rev.  Dr.  Wm.  A.  Campbell  and  Hon. 
J.  Quincy  Ward,  as  delegates  herein  acting  under  appointment  of 
the  Assembly,  be  commended. 

2,  That  this  Assembly  regards  with  high  Christian  pleasure  and 
satisfaction  the  progress  already  made  in  promoting  the  cause  of 
peace  on  earth  by  submitting  to  arbitration  questions  of  difference 
and  strife  tending  to  war. 

3,  That  as  it  is  reported  by  our  delegates  that  much  more  could 
have  been  accomplished  for  this  great  end  by  the  contribution  of 
larger  funds,  the  Assembly  recommend  to  the  good  people  of  our 
Southern  territory  to  contribute  as  liberally  for  this  purpose  as  their 
means  will  allow,  and  to  forward  these  contributions  to  any  one  of 
the  committee  already  appointed  to  receive  funds,  viz.:  John  Hall, 
D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  New  York;  Wm.  H.  Roberts,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  Phila¬ 
delphia;  Josiah  W.  Leeds,  Seal,  Penn.;  John  S.  Kennedy,  Esq., 
New  York;  Col.  E.  W.  Cole,  Nashville. 

1895,  p.  387.  Your  committee  recommends,  First,  That  this 
Assembly  hereby  repeat  its  commendations  of  this  great  cause,  and 
declare  anew  its  unabated  interest  in  the  work  of  the  Ecclesiastical 
Peace  Conference,  and  its  deep  and  thankful  joy  in  view  of  the  good 
measure  of  success  already  attained. 

Secondly,  Your  committee  recommends  that  this  Assembly  hereby 
appropriate  fifty  (50)  dollars  to  the  treasury  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  the  aforesaid  Peace  Conference  from  any  funds,  not  other¬ 
wise  appropriated,  in  the  hands  of  the  Treasurer  of  this  Assembly. 
Adopted. 


906 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


1396.  Congo  atrocities 

1903,  p.  504.  The  following  resolution  having  been  previously 
adopted  but  reconsidered,  was  now  amended  and  adopted,  to-wit: 

Resolved,  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  United  States,  that  a  committee  consisting  of  five  members  be 
appointed  by  the  Moderator,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  prepare  and 
present  to  the  President  of  the  United  .States  a  memorial  setting  out 
the  rights  of  missionaries  from  this  country  in  the  Congo  Free  State 
under  the  treaty  of  Berlin;  how  these  rights  are  disregarded  by  the 
government  of  the  Congo  Free  State,  and  urging  the  government  of 
the  United  States  to  take  such  action  as  may  be  necessary  and  proper 
under  the  circumstances  to  ascertain  and  correct  the  wrongs  com¬ 
plained  of,  and  to  secure  the  rights  to  which  citizens  of  the  United 
States  who  are  missionaries  to  Africa  are  entitled. 

And  the  Senators  and  Representatives  for  the  State  under  the 
jurisdiction  of  this  Assembly  are  earnestly  requested  to  give  to  the 
committee  appointed  under  this  resolution  all  the  assistance  which 
it  may  be  in  their  power  to  afford. 

The  Committee  appointed  under  this  resolution  is  as  follows: 
Hon.  Wm.  H.  Mann,  FJon.  Clifton  R.  Breckinridge,  Hon.  L.  Living¬ 
ston,  Hon.  A.  G.  Dayton,  Hon.  H.  St.  George  Tucker. 

1909,  p.  17.  The  following  resolution,  offered  by  Dr.  Samuel 
A.  King,  was  adopted: 

Resolved,  That  the  action  of  the  Assembly  in  the  transmission  of 
a  telegram  to  the  Government  at  Washington,  about  the  protection 
of  its  missionaries,  Rev.  Dr.  W.  M.  Morrison  and  Rev.  Dr.  W.  H. 
Sheppard,  in  a  trial  to  which  they  are  about  to  be  subjected  (See 
Minutes,  pages  14,  76),  should  not  be  construed  as  a  violation  of 
the  historic  position  of  the  Church  bearing  upon  the  relations  of 
the  Church  to  the  State,  inasmuch  as  it  was  considered  and  said  to 
be  an  extraordinary  case  and  an  humble  petition. 


1397.  The  Federal  census 

1890,  p.  34.  Report  on  a  paper  touching  the  Federal  census, 
which  was  adopted :  The  Assembly  deems  it  unwise  to  appoint 
the  committee  asked  for;  but  in  view  of  the  importance  of  securing 
full  statistical  information  for  the  United  States  census  about  to 
be  taken,  the  Stated  Clerks  of  our  Presbyteries  are  earnestly  urged 
to  co-operate  promptly  with  the  proper  census  officers,  and  to  render 
them  all  the  assistance  possible  in  securing  the  said  information. 


1398.  Liquor  and  fire-arms  in  the  South  Sea  Islands 

1892,  p.  457.  An  extract  from  the  Minutes  of  the  New  Hebrides 
Mission  Synod,  signed  by  W.  Watt,  the  Clerk  of  the  said  Synod, 
and  accompanied  by  an  explanatory  letter  from  the  same,  asking  this 


Secs.  1396-1400]  Non-Secular  Character  of  the  Church  907 

Assembly  to  appeal  to  the  government  of  the  United  States,  through 
the  President,  to  concur  with  other  powers  in  prohibiting  the  sale 
of  intoxicating  liquors,  fire-arms  and  ammunition  in  the  South  Sea 
Islands,  and  especally  in  the  New  Hebrides. 

We  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following  resolution: 

Resolved,  That  while  we  heartily  sympathize  with  the  mission  in 
their  opposition  to  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  in  those  islands, 
and  heartily  desire  the  good-will  and  peace  may  everywhere  prevail 
among  our  fellow  men,  yet  wei  do  not  think  it  would  be  wise,  that, 
as  a  church,  we  should  advise  the  United  States  government  as  to 
what  action  it  should  take  in  the  premises,  for  the  reason  that 
the  church  has  no  right  to  interfere  with,  or  attempt  to  control,  the 
civil  policy  of  the  State. 

1399.  Preaching  of  the  Gospel  and  Observance  of  the  Sabbath 

1898,  p.  222.  Rev.  Dr.  R.  P.  Kerr,  presented  a  paper  exhort¬ 
ing  the  confining  of  the  pulpit  to  the  proclamation  of  the  gospel,  and 
cautioning  against  disregard  of  the  Lord’s  day.  The  paper  was 
unanimously  adopted,  and  is  as  follows: 

In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  government  of  the  United  States  is 
now  engaged  in  a  war,  which  naturally  creates  excitement,  and 
more  or  less  tension  of  anxiety,  from  time  to  time,  with  reference 
to  the  results  of  battles  on  land  and  sea,  the  General  Assembly  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  would  call  the  atten¬ 
tion  of  all  our  ministers  to  the  historic  position  of  the  church  on 
all  such  matters;  that  while  ministers  and  people,  in  public  and 
private,  should  pray  for  our  rulers,  and  for  the  officers  and  men 
of  the  army  and  navy,  and  that  peace  with  honor  may  be  soon  estab¬ 
lished,  yet  it  is  the  duty  of  ministers  to  proclaim  from  their  pulpits 
at  all  times  nothing  but  “the  glorious  gespel  of  the  blessed  God,”  ac¬ 
cording  to  the  church’s  commission  from  her  sovereign  Head,  Jesus 
Christ  the  Lord. 

We  urge  also  upon  all  our  people  that  they  abstain  on  Sabbath 
from  such  reading  and  conversation  as  may  be  inconsistent  with  the 
holy  resting  of  the  Lord’s  day,  devoting  its  sacred  hours  wholly  “to 
the  public  and  private  exercises  of  God’s  worship,  except  so  much  as  is 
to  be  taken  up  in  the  works  of  necessity  and  mercy.” 

We  recommend  that  this  action  of  the  General  Assembly  be  read 
from  all  our  pulpits  at  as  early  a  day  as  possible. 

1400.  Invitation  to  attend  the  decoration  of  Ex-Confederate  graves 

1901,  p.  29.  In  response  to  an  invitation  from  the  Omer  D. 
Weaver  Camp,  of  United  Confederate  Veterans  to  attend  “the  deco¬ 
ration  of  ex-Confederate  graves,”  the  following  was  adopted: 

The  invitation  is  received  with  thanks,  and  we  express  our  pro¬ 
found  sympathy  with  our  friends  on  the  occasion,  and  our  regret 


908 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


that  we  are  unable,  on  account  of  the  pressure  of  business,  to  take 
a  recess  in  order  to  permit  the  members  of  the  Assembly  to  attend. 

1401.  Distinctive  Principles 
See  Alexander’s  Digest,  1910,  p.  539. 


CHAPTER  II 


ORGANIC  UNION  WITH  OTHER  ECCLESIASTICAL 

BODIES 

1402.  Presbytery  of  Patapsco  unites  with  the  Assembly 

1867,  p.  131.  The  Stated  Clerk  presented  a  memorial  from  the 
Presbytery  of  Patapsco,  in  the  State  of  Maryland,  composed  of 
ministers  and  churches  which  had  withdrawn  from  their  connection 
with  the  “General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States  of  America.” 

See  Alexander’s  Digest,  p.  399. 

Whereupon  it  was  resolved,  on  motion  of  Rev.  Dr.  J.  R.  Wilson, 
that,  in  view  of  this  memorial  and  the  certified  appointment  of  com¬ 
missioners  to  this  body,  the  said  Presbytery  of  Patapsco  be,  and 
the  same  is  hereby,  received  into  regular  connection  with  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States;  that  the 
commissioners  appointed  by  it  be,  and  are  hereby,  received  as  members 
of  this  body,  and  that  the  said  Presbytery  shall  be,  and  hereby  is, 
attached  to  the  Synod  of  Virginia,  as  a  component  part  of  it. 

1403.  Union  with  the  United  Synod  of  the  South 

1863,  p.  137.  “The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  Confederate  States  is  hereby  overtured  by  the  Presby¬ 
tery  of  East  Hanover  to  take  such  steps  as  its  wisdom  may  suggest, 
at  its  approaching  meeting  in  Columbia,  to  bring  about  a  union  be¬ 
tween  the  Old  and  New  School  Presbyterians  in  the  Confederate 
States.” 

The  Committee  oil  Bills  and  Overtures  recommended  the  appoint¬ 
ment  of  a  committee  to  confer  on  the  subject  with  any  committee 
that  may  be  appointed  by  the  United  Synod,  and  report  results  of 
such  conference  to  the  next  Assembly.  Adopted. 

Committee:  Rev.  R.  L.  Dabney,  D.  D.,  Rev.  J.  N.  Waddel,  D.  D., 
Rev.  Wm.  Brown,  D.  D.,  Rev.  J.  B.  Ramsey,  D.  D.,  Rev.  E.  T. 
Baird,  D.  D.,  Col.  J.  T.  L.  Preston  and  F.  N.  Watkins,  Esq. 

1864,  p.  253.  The  committee  to  confer  with  a  committee  of  the 
United  Synod  report  to  the  General  Assembly: 

That  they  met  a  committee  appointed  by  the  United  Synod  in 
July  last,  and,  after  prayer  and  conference,  unanimously  agreed  to 
recommend  to  the  General  Assembly  the  adoption  of  a  paper,  which 
the  committee  of  the  United  Synod  likewise  recommended,  with 
similar  unanimity,  to  that  body. 


910 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  YII 


A  motion  to  adopt  the  report  of  the  committee  of  conference  led 
to  a  prolonged  discussion.  It  was  then  referred  to  a  special  com¬ 
mittee,  consisting  of  one  minister  and  one  ruling  elder  from  each 
Synod  represented  in  this  Assembly. 

Committee:  J.  A.  Lyon,  D.  D.,  J.  M.  McKee,  D.  Wills,  D.  A. 
Penick,  Dr.  Adger,  R.  F.  Bunting,  Dr.  Dabney  and  D.  H.  Cummins, 
ministers;  G.  H.  Dunlap,  Sam’l  Barnett,  J.  Patrick,  J.  G.  Shepherd, 
G.  McC.  Witherspoon,  J.  T.  L.  Preston  and  R.  S.  Stewart,  riding 
elders.  (P.  263.) 

P.  270.  This  coifimittee  made  a  report,  which,  after  the  Assem¬ 
bly  had  been  led  in  prayer  by  Rev.  Dr.  White  for  Divine  direction, 
was  discussed  and  adopted  seriatim,  and  then  as  a  whole. 

The  plan  of  union  is  as  follows,  viz. : 

The  General  Assembly  and  the  United  Synod  of  the  Presbyterian 
Churches  in  the  Confederate  States  of  America,  holding  the  same 
system  of  doctrine  and  church  order,  and  believing  that  their  union 
will  glorify  God  by  promoting  peace  and  increasing  their  ability 
for  the  edification  of  the  body  of  Christ,  do  agree  to  unite  under  the 
name  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  Confederate  States  of 
America,  and  under  the  existing  charter  of  the  Trustees  of  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  Confederate  States 
of  America. 

(See  Alexander's  Digest,  pp.  401-403;  also  pp.  404-6,  for  origin  and 
history  of  the  United  Synod.) 

1404.  Relations  with  the  Associate  Reformed  Church 

1861,  pp.  7,  10.  Rev.  Henry  Quigg,  delegate  from  the  Associate 
Reformed  Synod  of  the  South,  bore  the  fraternal  greetings  of  that 
body  of  Christians. 

P.  9.  A  paper  introduced  by  Judge  Swayne,  on  the  subject  of  a 
union  between  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  Confederate  States  of 
America  and  other  churches  of  like  faith  and  order,  was  referred  to 
a  special  committee,  consisting  of  one  minister  and  one  elder  from 
each  Synod  in  connection  with  this  Assembly. 

Dr.  McMullen,  Dr.  Ramsay,  Dr.  Chapman,  Dr.  Adger,  Dr.  Pratt, 
A.  B.  McCorkle,  R.  Mclnnis,  A.  H.  Caldwell,  T.  R.  Welch,  R.  F. 
Bunting,  ministers;  with  W.  F.  C.  Gregory,  J.  H.  Dickson,  L.  B. 
Thornton,  T.  C.  Perrin,  W.  Ardis,  James  Montgomery,  W.  H.  Simp¬ 
son,  D.  Hadden,  J.  T.  Swayne  and  E.  T.  Wright,  ruling  elders,  were 
appointed  on  this  committee. 

P.  35.  The  report  of  this  committee,  after  being  amended,  was 
cordially  and  unanimously  adopted. 

(See  Alexander’s  Digest,  p.  407.) 

The  Stated  Clerk  was  directed  to  forward  a  copy  of  this  paper  to 
the  Stated  Clerk  of  each  Presbytery  of  the  Associate  Reformed 
Church  at  an  early  day. 


Secs.  1403-1404]  Union  With  Other  Bodies 


911 


After  some  further  correspondence  the  negotiations  for  organic 
union  were  terminated  by  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod.  (Alex¬ 
ander’s  Digest,  p.  408.)  The  Assembly  then  adopted  the  follow¬ 
ing  * 

1866,  p.  30.  The  Assembly,  laying  aside  ecclesiastical  etiquette, 
would  affectionately  say  to  theitf  brethren  of  the  Associate  Reformed 
Synod,  that  they  may  pull  the  latch-string  of  our  dwelling  whenever 
they  may  choose,  and  may  be  incorporated  with  us,  upon  the  simple 
adoption  of  our  Standards  wherever  they  may  happen  to  differ  from 
their  own. 

1894,  p.  196.  The  Synod  of  North  Carolina  asks  the  Assembly 
to  appoint  a  committee  with  instructions  to  present  to  the  Associate 
Reformed  Synod  of  the  South  our  desire  for  closer  relations  with 
said  church. 

The  conamittee  finds,  on  consulting  Alexander’s  Digest,  pp.  406- 
408,  that  this  Assembly  in  1861  did  make  said  Synod  an  “offer  of 
union  and  amity,”  which  resulted  in  negotiations  between  the  two 
bodies,  lookihg  to  organic  union.  It  finds,  further,  that  the  Asso¬ 
ciate  Reformed  Synod  did  in  1865  terminate  the  negotiations  on 
this  subject. 

Your  committee  recommends  for  the  adoption  of  the  Assembly  the 
following  action: 

This  Assembly  reaffirms  its  cordial  desire  for  closer  relations  with 
the  Associate  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church,  and  hereby  expresses 
its  readiness  to  renew  negotiations  on  this  subject  in  any  form  agree¬ 
able  to  the  Synod  of  said  church.  Adopted. 

1898,  p.  239.  The  report  of  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Corres¬ 
pondence  on  the  overture  relating  to  union  with  the  Associate  Re¬ 
formed  Synod  of  the  South,  was  taken  from  the  docket  and  adopted, 
and  is  as  follows: 

The  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence,  to  which  was  referred 
the  overture  from  Columbia  Presbytery  proposing  organic  union  with 
with  the  Associate  Reformed  Church,  report  recommending  that  the 
petition  of  the  overture,  asking  for  the  appointment  of  a  committee 
to  confer  with  the  Associate  Reformed  Church,  be  granted. 

We  recommend  that  the  Rev.  F.  B.  Webb,  D.  D.,  Rev.  M.  S. 
Kennedy,  Rev.  Alexander  Sprunt,  and  Hon.  J.  W.  Lapsley  be 
appointed,  and  that  they  be  directed  to  confer  with  the  Associate 
Reformed  Church,  proposing  organic  union  with  that  church,  and 
asking  for  the  appointment  of  a  committee  on  their  part  to  confer 
with  our  committee.  If  the  Associate  Reformed  Church  agrees, 
our  committee  is  authorized  to  arrange  details  for  a  union,  and  report 
to  the  next  General  Assembly. 

Our  committee  is  directed  to  express  to  the  Associate  Reformed 
Church  our  most  cordial,  fraternal  regard,  and  to  assure  them  of  our 
readiness  for  a  union  with  them. 

1899,  p.  403.  The  Committee  made  the  following  report,  and 
was  discharged: 

Your  committee  beg  leave  to  report  that,  in  accordance  with  the 


912 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


direction  of  the  Assembly,  they  appointed  one  of  the  committee,  viz., 
Rev.  Alexander  Sprunt,  to  visit  the  Associate  Synod,  in  session  at 
Chester,  S.  C.,  October  la^t,  and  bearing  the  greetings  of  our  Assem¬ 
bly,  to  make  known  the  desire  of  our  church,  and  request  the  appoint¬ 
ment  of  a  committee  of  conference  on  the  subject. 

Dr.  Sprunt  visited  the  Synod,  and  ably  presented  the  matter  to 
said  body.  In  response  the  “Associate  Reformed  Presbyterian  Synod 
'of  the  South”  passed  the  following  resolutions,  respectfully  declin¬ 
ing  to  appoint  the  committee  asked  for  by  our  Assembly;  the  res¬ 
olutions  are  as  follows: 

In  reference  to  the  proposed  organic  union  between  the  Asso¬ 
ciate  Reformed  Synod  of  the  South,  and  the  Presbyterian  Church 
of  the  United  States,  commonly  known  as  the  Southern  Presbyterian 
Church,  which  cause  was  presented  by  Dr.  Alexander  Sprunt,  of 
Rock  Hill,  S.  C.,  the  representative  of  that  church,  it  was 

“ Resolved,  1.  That  this  Synod  desires  to  express  in  the  warmest 
terms  its  esteem  and  affection  for  this  noble  church  of  Christ,  be¬ 
cause  of  its  fidelity  to  the  truth  of  God,  because,  also,  of  the  great 
work  it  is  doing  for  the  Master,  and,  further,  because  ‘we  have  so 
many  things  in  common.’ 

“Resolved,  2.  That  we  regard  union  with  this  honored  body  most 
desirable,  provided  our  historic  testimony  in  favor  of  an  exclusive 
use  of  an  inspired  psalmody  for  the  united  church  might  be  main¬ 
tained. 

“Resolved,  3.  Inasmuch,  however,  as  such  testimony  is,  in  our 
judgment,  a  barrier  to  organic  union,  we  regard  it  unwise  to  prose¬ 
cute  negotiations  to  that  end.” 

Your  committee,  having  discharged  the  duty  assigned  to  them, 
respectfully  ask  to  be  discharged. 

1905,  p.  40.  We  express  our  most  cordial  regard  for  the  Asso¬ 
ciate  Reformed  Church  of  the  South,  and  our  readiness  at  any  time 
to  consider  overtures  from  this  honored  body  looking  towards  closer 
relations  with  our  Church,  but  in  view  of  the  recent  action  of  this 
Assembly  appointing  a  committee  to  present  the  willingness  of  this 
Assembly  to  confer  with  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod  of  the  South 
■on  this  subject,  and  the  action  of  the  Associate  Synod  of  the  South 
responding,  the  Assembly  does  not  deem  it  expedient  to  appoint  a 
second  committee  on  this  subject  at  this  time. 

1909,  p.  63.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of 
South  Carolina,  that  we  take  steps  looking  to  organic  union  with 
the  A.  R.  P.  Church,  the  Assembly  would  say  that  our  Assembly 
has  already  expressed  itself  in  favor  of  such  a  union  and  expressed 
Its  willingness  to  print  their  psalms  in  our  Psalms  and  Hymns  and 
it  does  not  see  that  there  are  any  further  steps  to  take  at  present. 
However,  the  General  Assembly  reiterates  its  willingness  for  such 
n,  union  whenever  the 7  A.  R.  P.  Church  shall  favor  the  same. 

1910,  p.  30.  It  was  decided: 

1.  That  the  Rev.  R.  C.  Reed,  D.  D.,  be  appointed  a  fraternal  del¬ 
egate  to  the  Associate  Reformed  Presbyterian  .Synod  of  the  South, 


Sec.  1404] 


Union  With  Other  Bodies 


913 


and  Rev.  S.  L.  Morris,  D.  D.,  be  appointed  alternate.  Our  dele¬ 
gate  is  instructed  to  convey  to  the  Synod  assurances  of  our  fraternal 
and  cordial  Christian  affection,  and  to  invite  the  Synod  to  appoint 
a  committee  of  conference  with  reference  to  closer  relations. 

2.  That  in  the  event  the  Synod  appoints  such  a  committee,  this 
Assembly  hereby  gives  Drs.  R.  C.  Reed  and  S.  L.  Morris  authority 
to  act  as  a  committee  from  this  Assembly,  and  if  they  think  neces¬ 
sary,  to  appoint  three  other  members  of  our  Assembly  to  act  with 
them. 

1921,  p.  35.  There  was  placed  in  our  hands  a  communication 
from  Dr.  R.  C.  Reed,  Chairman  of  our  Committee  on  Comity  with 
the  Associate  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church,  reporting  progress, 
and  announcing  that  the  Synod  of  that  Church  had  appointed  a 
Committee  on  Comity  to  confer  with  our  Committee,  and  also  a 
fraternal  delegate  to  our  Assembly. 

We  recommend  that  our  Committee  on  Comity  be  continued  and 
that  the  diligence  of  the  Committee  in  the  discharge  of  its  duty 
be  commended.  The  Committee  is  composed  of  Dr.  R.  C.  Reed 
and  Dr.  S.  L.  Morris. 

We  recommend  that  before  the  report  of  the  Committee  is  entered 
on  our  minutes,  certain  phrases  in  it  that  might  be  offensive  to  the 
Associate  Reformed  Church  be  eliminated. 

1922,  p.  26.  The  report  of  the  Ad-Interim  Committee  on  Comity 
with  the  Associate  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  was  adopted. 
Rev.  R.  C.  Reed  and  Rev.  ,S.  L.  Morris,  D.  D.,  were  re-elected  to 
represent  this  Assembly  in  the  matter  of  comity  with  the  A.  R.  P. 
Church.  The  report  follows: 

1922,  p.  192.  Your  Committee  begs  leave  to  report  that  it  has 
been  slow,  of  necessity,  in  discharging  the  duty  committed  to  it. 
Having  been  appointed  immediately  after  the  Synod  of  the  Asso¬ 
ciate  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  had  held  its  annual  meeting, 
the  Committee'  could  do  nothing  till  the  next  annual  meeting  of  this 
Synod.  In  response  to  the  Committee’s  request,  this  next  annual 
meeting  of  the  Synod  appointed  a  Committee,  consisting  of  Drs. 
D.  G.  Phillips  and  J.  L.  Oates. 

The  two  committees  held  a  joint  meeting  in  Columbia,  S.  C.,  on 
the  26th  of  March,  last.  They  spent  several  hours  in  delightful 
fellowship,  and  had  no  difficulty  in  seeing  eye  to  eye,  touching  all 
matters  of  common  interest  to  the  two  Churches.  The  more  one 
mingles  with  the  brethren  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Presbyterian 
Church,  and  the  more  intimately  acquainted  he  becomes  with  them, 
the  more  he  wishes  that  the  two  Churches  might  be  no  longer  twain, 
but  one,  and  the  more  difficult  it  is  for  him  to  see  any  sufficient  rea¬ 
son  why  they  should  not  be.  The  temptation  was  strong  to  seek 
enlightenment  on  this  subject  during  the  session  of  the  Committees, 
but  it  was  clearly  understood  that  the  Synod  did  not  commission 
its  Committee  to  impart  such  information. 

The  following  rules  were  adopted  by  the  Cpmmittees,  and  are 
hereby  submitted  for  the  consideration  of  your  venerable  body.  They 


914  Relations  With  Other  Bodies  [Book  VII 

will  likewise  be  submitted  to  the  Synod  of  the  Associate  Reformed 
Presbyterian  Church  at  its  approaching  meeting: 

1.  When  Presbyteries  belonging  to  the  two  Churches  overlap,, 
they  will  endeavor  through  Committees  of  Comity,  before  beginning 
new  work,  to  divide  the  territory  in  such  way  as  to  prevent  the 
efforts  of  one  Church  from  interfering  with  the  work  of  the  other. 

2.  When  there  are  weak  Churches  belonging  to  one  Church,  un¬ 
able  of  themselves  to  support  a  minister,  but  capable  of  being 
grouped  with  like  weak  Churches  belonging  to  the  other  Church, 
so  as  to  form  one  pastoral  charge,  the  Presbyteries  having  jurisdic¬ 
tion  are  advised  to  encourage  such  Churches  to  be  grouped  under 
a  minister  from  either  body,  to  whom  the  respective  Presbyteries 
are  willing  to  give  them  in  charge,  leaving  the  relation  of  these 
Churches  to  their  Presbyteries  undisturbed. 

3.  In  towns  of  less  than  5,000  inhabitants,  where  either  Church 
is  already  at  work,  the  other  will  not  enter  without  conference  and 
agreement  with  the  Church  already  at  work. 

4.  In  a  community  where  either  of  the  Churches  has  a  Church 
and  the  community  is  not  capable  of  supporting  more  than  one  Pres¬ 
byterian  Church,  the  people  of  the  community  should  be  encouraged 
to  connect  themselves  with  the  existing  Church,  it  being  understood 
that  a  fair  exchange  will  be  encouraged  in  other  communities. 

5.  The  Supreme  Judicatories  will  recomjnend  to  their  Church 
members  that  when  members  of  one  Church  move  into  a  communit)r 
where  there  is  no  Church  of  their  own,  they  join,  for  the  time  be¬ 
ing,  the  Church  of  the  other,  if  there  be  one  in  reach. 

6.  The  Supreme  Judicatories  will  each  appoint  a  permanent  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Comity,  to  which  all  matters  covered  by  the  foregoing 
rules  may  be  referred  for  settlement. 

1405.  Alabama  Presbytery  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Church 

1866,  p.  16.  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  reported  Over¬ 
ture,  with  an  answer,  which  was  adopted,  and  is  as  follows: 

Overture,  resolutions  of  the  Alabama  Presbytery  of  the  Associate 
Reformed  Church,  seeking  a  union  with  this  body,  and  the  resolu¬ 
tions  of  the  Presbytery  of  South  Alagama  in  response. 

Following  is  the  answer  of  the  Assembly: 

It  would  be  accordant  with  the  wishes  of  this  Assembly  if  it 
could  immediately  consummate,  by  its  own  act,  the  union  which 
these  Presbyteries  earnestly  desire.  But  in  the  written  Constitution 
of  our  Church,  the  erecting,  uniting  and  dividing  of  Presbyteries  is 
enumerated  among  the  prerogatives  of  Synods.  This  Assembly 
does,  therefore,  1st,  authorize  the  Synod  of  Alabama  to  receive 
into  union  with  itself  the  Alabama  Presbytery  of  the  Associate  Re¬ 
formed  Presbyterian  Church,  provided  it  shall  adopt  the  Form  of 
Government  and  Rules  of  Discipline  of  our  own  Church,  wherein 
they  may  differ  from  theirs;  that  this  Presbytery  be  received  as  co¬ 
ordinate  with  the  Presbytery  of  South  Alabama;  that  the  Synod, 


Secs.  1404-1406]  Union  With  Other  Bodies 


915 


after  this  reception,  proceed  to  dissolve  the  two  Presbyteries,  which, 
if  continued,  will  cover  one  and  the  same  territory;  that  out  of  these 
Bodies  they  form  a  new  Presbytery,  the  ministers  of  which  shall  be 
enrolled  according  to  their  seniority  in  their  ordination. 

2d.  This  Assembly  recognizes,  as  preceding  Assemblies  have 
'done,  the  right  of  our  members  to  use  the  old  psalmody,  commonly 
known  as  Rouse’s  Version,  if  they  prefer  it,  and  will  protect  the 
ministers  and  churches  thus  received  into  connection  with  us  from 
the  Associate  Reformed  Churches  in  the  use  of  that  psalmody,  to 
which  they  have  so  long  been  accustomed. 

3d.  That  the  same  order  may  be  observed  by  other  .Synods,  in 
the  reception  of  organized  Presbyteries  of  the  Associate  Reformed 
Church  within  their  bounds,  if  need  so  require,  without  further 
action  of  this  body. 

1406.  Associate  Reformed  Presbytery  of  Kentucky 

1870,  p.  521.  The  following  was  adopted: 

The  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  have  considered  the  re¬ 
quest  of  the  committee  of  the  Synod  of  Kentucky,  that  the  Assem¬ 
bly  will  express  its  judgment  concerning  the  propriety  and  expe¬ 
diency  of  organic  union  with  the  Associate  Reformed  Presbytery 
of  Kentucky,  and  beg  leave  to  report  to  the  Assembly  for  its  adoption 
the  following  resolutions: 

Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  does  hereby  express  its  hearty 
approbation  of  the  action  of  the  Synod  in  this  matter  of  organic 
union  with  the  Associate  Reformed  Presbytery  of  Kentucky,  on  the 
following  terms,  viz. : 

The  Committee  of  Conference  on  Union,  recognizing  the  fact  that 
the  bodies  are  one  in  doctrine,  government  and  discipline,  and  that 
the  difference  between  them  on  the  subject  of  psalmody  is  a  proper 
matter  of  forbearance,  agree  to  the  following  propositions: 

1st,  That  the  Associated  Reformed  churches,  in  their  worship  and 
in  the  ministration  of  the  gospel,  shall  be  undisturbed  in  their 
usages. 

2d,  That  the  Synod  will  secure,  as  soon  as  practicable,  the  in¬ 
sertion  of  an  acceptable  version  of  the  Psalms  in  the  general  book 
of  praise. 

3d,  That  on  the  acceptance  of  these  terms  by  each  body,  the 
Associate  Reformed  congregations  and  ministers,  being  received  as 
a  Presbytery,  shall  become  connected  with  the  Presbyteries  of  Synod 
most  convenient  to  them. 

The  following  explanatory  resolution  was  adopted: 

Resolved,  4th,  By  the  terms  of  the  second  proposition  in  the  basis 
of  union  is  meant,  that  Synod  will  secure,  as  soon  as  practicable, 
the  insertion,  in  the  general  book  of  praise,  of  that  edition  of 
Rouse’s  Version  now  in  use  in  the  Associate  Reformed  Church,  for 
the  accommodation  of  those  churches  in  our  connection:  that  may 
desire  to  use  it.  (See  Minutes  of  the  Synod  of  Kentucky,  1869, 
p.  7.) 


916  Relations  With  Other  Bodies  [Book  VII 

1407.  Union  with  the  Independent  Presbyterian  Church 

1863,  p.  141.  Intimations  have  reached  your  committee  that 
there  exists  a  willingness  on  the  part  of  the  Independent  Presby¬ 
terian  Church  to  unite  with  us,  if  a  satisfactory  basis  of  union  can 
be  agreed  upon.  Your  committee  recommend  that  the  whole  subject 
of  a  union  with  these  brethren  be  referred  to  the  Synod  of  South 
Carolina,  for  their  consideration  and  action,  should  they  deem  it 
expedient.  Adopted. 

The  Assembly  appointed  Rev.  J.  E.  White  delegate,  to  convey 
its  fraternal  greetings  to  the  convention  of  this  Church.  This  brother 
reported : 

1864,  p.  282.  According  to  the  appointment  of  the  last  Assem¬ 
bly,  it  was  my  privilege  to  convey  to  the  convention  of  the  Independ¬ 
ent  Presbyterian  Church  the  salutations  of  our  Church.  The 
Assembly  will  be  pleased  to  learn  that  our  mission  has  resulted  in 
the  union  of  that  body  of  the  Presbyterian  family  with  our  own 
Church,  on  the  basis  proposed  by  the  Synod  of  South  Carolina,  to 

whom  the  subject  was  referred  by  the  last  Assembly. 

(For  details  of  the  negotiations  and  origin  of  this  Church,  see 
Alexander’s  Digest,  pp.  410-421.) 

1408.  Union  with  the  Synod  of  Kentucky 

1867,  p.  133.  The  Rev.  Dr.  J.  R.  Wilson  announced  to  the 
Assembly  that  a  delegation  to  this  body  from  the  Synod  of  Ken¬ 
tucky  was  present;  whereupon  it  was  resolved  that  this  delegation 
be  immediately  introduced  and  heard.  The  following  commission¬ 
ers  from  that  Synod  then  appeared,  bearing  a  communication  to 
the  Assembly,  viz.:  Rev.  J.  T.  Hendrick,  D.  D.,  Rev.  J.  D. 
Matthews,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Stuart  Robinson,  D.  D.,  Rev.  D.  O.  Davies, 
Rev.  G.  O.  Barnes,  and  Ruling  Elders  Samuel  Casseday,  E.  ,S. 
Edmonds  and  Glass  Marshall. 

The  Rev.  Stuart  Robinson  proceeded,  in  behalf  of  these  commis¬ 
sioners,  to  address  the  General  Assembly,  presenting  the  views  and 
purposes  under  which  they  had  been  delegated  by  their  Synod. 

At  the  close  of  this  address,  it  was  resolved  that  the  subject  pre¬ 
sented,  together  with  the  communications  handed  in  by  the  com¬ 
missioners,  be  referred  to  a  special  committee  of  nine.  This 
committee  was  appointed,  to  consist  of  the  Rev.  James  A.  Lyon, 
D.  D.,  Rev.  R.  Hett  Chapman,  D.  D.,  Rev.  J.  R.  Wilson,  D.  D., 
Rev.  John  Jones,  Rev.  T.  R.  Markham,  Rev.  J.  A.  Lefevre,  with 
Ruling  Elders  P.  P.  Batte,  James  Hemphill  and  John  A.  Leland. 
It  was  also  resolved  that  the  commissioners  from  the  Synod  of  Ken¬ 
tucky  be  requested  to  meet  with  this  committee  for  conference. 

P.  143.  The  report  of  the  committee  concerning  the  letter  from 
the  Synod  of  Kentucky  was  taken  up,  and  the  members  of  that  dele¬ 
gation  from  that  Synod  were  invited  to  participate  in  the  discussion. 

The  paper  reported  by  the  committee  concerning  the  Synod  of 
Kentucky  was  unanimously  adopted.  After  its  adoption,  deeply 


Secs.  1407-1408]  Union  With  Other  Bodies 


917 


interesting  addresses  were  made  by  Rev.  Dr.  Stuart  Robinson,  Rev. 
Dr.  J.  D.  Matthews,  Rev.  G.  O.  Barnes  and  Rev.  D.  O.  Davies;  to 
which  the  Moderator  made  a  suitable  response.  At  the  close  of 
these  addresses,  the  Rev.  G.  O.  Barnes,  at  the  request  of  the  Mod¬ 
erator,  led  the  Assembly  in  thanksgiving  to  God  for  the  happy 
result  which  had  been  reached;  and  then  all  present  arose  and  sang 
the  hymn,  “Blest  be  the  tie  that  binds,”  etc. 

The  following  is  the  paper  in  part  (See  Alexander’s  Digest,  p. 
412). 

Resolved,  1,  That  this  Assembly  express  its  deep  sympathy  with 
our  brethren  in  Kentucky  in  the  troubles  through  which  they  have 
been  passing,  during  the  last  seven  years,  and  its  admiration  of 
the  firm  stand  which  they  have  taken  for  the  spiritual  independence 
of  the  Church  of  Christ. 

2.  That  this  General  Assembly  declines  now,  as  heretofore,  to 
make  any  utterance  concerning  the  acts  of  the  body  against  which 
the  Synod  protests.  Yet  the  Assembly  feels  free  solemnly  to  assure 
the  Synod  of  Kentucky  not  only  of  our  cordial  approval  of,  and 
sincere  concurrence  substantially  in,  the  Synod’s  statement  of  doc¬ 
trine  and  constitutional  principles,  as  contained  under  the  four  heads 
of  the  third  division  of  their  letter,  but  of  our  sincere  joy  to  find 
our  brethren  of  Kentucky  so  ready  to  unite  with  us  in  solemn  cov¬ 
enant,  with  a  view,  among  other  things,  to  the  advancement  and 
maintenance  of  these  doctrines  and  principles  as  against  the  ap¬ 
parent  Erastian  tendencies  of  our  American  Protestantism. 

3.  That  the  letter  of  the  Synod  of  Kentucky  be  admitted  to  rec¬ 
ord,  as  they  suggest,  as  a  part  of  the  historical  acts  and  monuments 
of  the  Church,  by  publishing  it  in  the  Appendix  to  the  Minutes  of 
this  Assembly.  (See  also  Alexander’s  Digest,  pp.  414ff.) 

4.  That  this  Assembly  cordially  approves  of  the  determination 
of  the  ,Synod  of  Kentucky,  as  expressed  in  the  fourth  resolution  of 
its  Minutes  of  June  28,  1867,  communicated  by  its  commissioners 
to  this  Assembly,  to  assert  fully  all  its  legal  claims  as  a  part  of  the 
“Presbyterian  Church  of  the  United  States  of  America,”  and  to 
reserve  all  its  legal  rights  of  property  as  a  Synod  in  any  union  which 
may  be  formed  with  this  body. 

5.  That  this  Assembly  assures  the  Synod  of  Kentucky  a  cordial 
welcome.  And  its  Standing  Committee  on  Commissions  is  hereby 
instructed  to  receive  and  enroll,  without  further  order,  commissioners 
properly  accredited  from  the  Presbyteries  of  Ebenezer,  Louisville, 
Muhlenburg,  Paducah,  Transylvania  and  West  Lexington. 

1868,  p.  264.  The  Rev.  Robert  L.  Breck  was  introduced  to 
the  Assembly  as  a  delegate  from  the  Synod  of  Kentucky,  and  de¬ 
livered  an  address  conveying  the  assurance  of  the  kind  feeling, 
sympathy  and  confidence  of  that  body,  and  explaining  its  present 
position  in  regard  to  an  organic  connection  with  this  Assembly.  To 
this  address  an  appropriate  response  was  made  by  the  Moderator. 

P.  281.  Rev.  J.  A.  Lefevre  was  appointed  principal,  and  Rev. 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


918 


[Book  YIl 


E.  W.  Bedinger  alternate  commissioner,  to  convey  to  the  Synod  of 
Kentucky  the  salutations  of  this  body. 

(Extract  from  History  of  the  Schism  in  the  Synod  of  Kentucky. 
Alexander’s  Digest,  pp.  427-429.) 

Synod,  at  its  session  in  October,  1867,  having  sent  a  deputation  to 
the  Nashville  Assembly,  did,  at  its  meeting  in  1868,  adopt  the  fol¬ 
lowing  offered  by  Rev.  J.  T.  Hendrick,  D.  D.: 

“Whereas,  The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 
the  United  States  received  our  commissioners  with  great  kindness  and 
cordiality,  and  approved  and  published  in  their  Minutes  our  statement 
of  the  doctrines  and  testimony;  and  whereas  this  Synod  is  perfectly 
satisfied  that  an  organic  union  with  said  Assembly  is  most  desirable, 
and  will  ultimately  be  consummated;  and  whereas  a  highly  respectable 
portion  of  this  Synod  believe  that  such  an  organic  union  at  this  time 
would  be  greatly  injurious  to  a  number  of  our  churches,  and  per¬ 
haps  jeopardize  other  interests  in  the  State;  therefore, 

“ Resolved ,  That,  as  the  final  action  of  this  Synod,  the  whole  sub¬ 
ject  be  referred  to  the  Presbyteries,  for  such  action  as  may  be  deemed 
most  advisable,  to  send  delegates  to  the  next  Assembly  or  not.” 

As  the  result  of  this  action,  delegates  appeared  in  the  Assembly 
of  1869  from  all  the  Presbyteries  of  the  Synod  of  Kentucky,  and  were 
enrolled. — A. 

1869,  p.  369.  The  Stated  Clerk  reported  that  the  Committee  on 
Commissions  have  enrolled  commissioners  from  the  Presbyteries 
of  the  Synod  of  Kentucky,  in  accordance  with  the  order  of  the  As¬ 
sembly  of  1867. 


1409.  Union  with  the  Synod  of  Missouri 

1867,  p.  143.  Rev.  A.  P.  Forman,  delegate  from  the  Synod  of 
Missouri,  addressed  the  house,  assuring  the  Assembly  of  the  most 
cordial  sympathy  of  that  venerable  Synod,  and  bearing  testimony 
to  their  sincere  wishes  for  our  prosperity.  To  this  address  the  Mod¬ 
erator  made  a  suitable  reply. 

The  subject  presented  by  the  delegate  from  Missouri  was  re¬ 
ferred  to  a  committee,  consisting  of  the  Rev.  B.  M.  Smith,  D.  D., 
Rev.  John  Jones,  and  J.  A.  Leland,  to  bring  in  a  proper  minute 
for  adoption  by  the  Assembly. 

P.  149.  This  committee  presented  a  report,  which  was  adopted, 
and  is  as  follows: 

This  Assembly  has  heard  with  profound  interest  the  communi¬ 
cation  made  by  the  Rev.  A.  P.  Forman  on  behalf  of  the  Synod  of 
Missouri,  and  desires  to  place  on  record  its  high  appreciation  of 
the  principles  and  conduct  of  that  venerable  Synod  as  set  forth  by 
Mr.  Forman. 

The  Assembly  expresses  its  deep  sympathy  for  the  brethren  in 
Missouri,  both  officers  and  members:  of  the  Church,  in  the  great 
fight  of  affliction  through  which  they  have  not  yet  fully  passed, 
though  it  is  hoped  they  have  successfully  encountered  the  greatest 
trials  to  which  the  great  Head  of  the  Church  has  been  pleased  to 
call  them. 

The  Assembly  feels  entire  confidence  in  the  full  and  cordial  at- 


Secs.  1408-1409]  Union  With  Other  Bodies 


919 


tachment  of  the  ministers  and  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Churches 
in  Missouri,  as  represented  in  the  Synod,  for  the  principles  of  doc¬ 
trine  and  church  order  set  forth  in  the  time-honored  Standards  of 
our  Church,  and  is  entirely  persuaded  that,  should  that  Synod  be 
prepared  to  form  an  organic  union  with  this  Church,  no  difficulties 
could  arise  owing  to  discrepancies  of  opinion  on  any  fundamental 
or  important  doctrines  of  the  gospel,  or  any  theories  of  church  gov¬ 
ernment  which  find  a  practical  expression  in  our  Standards. 

As  to  the  future  relations  of  this  Synod,  the  Assembly  does  not 
feel  prepared  to  express  any  opinion,  whatever  it  may  desire.  But 
it  is  due  to  us  and  to  them  to  say,  that  this  Assembly  cordially 
sympathizes  with  the  Synod  of  Missouri,  as  represented  by  Mr. 
Forman,  in  expressing  a  longing  desire  for  the  day  when  through¬ 
out  our  land  all  who  agreei  with  us  in  the  great  truths  of  the  “gospel 
of  the  grace  of  God,”  and  especially  who  fully  isympathize  in  our 
position  as  a  truly  simply  spiritual  body,  ever  testifying;  for  the 
supreme  and  sole  authority  of  the  divine  and  exalted  Head  of  the 
Church,  shall  constitute  one  organized  Christian  communion,  pre¬ 
pared  by  the  spiritual  weapons  of  her  warfare  to  contend  earnestly 
“for  the  faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints,”  and  successful  in  “cast¬ 
ing  down  imaginations  and  every  high  thing  that  exalteth  itself 
against  the  knowledge  of  God,  and  bringing  into  captivity  every 
thought  to  the  obedience  of  Christ.” 

1871,  p.  21.  The  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence  beg 
leave  to  make  the  following  report: 

The  General  Assembly  has  been  well  pleased  to  receive  the  Chris¬ 
tian  and  fraternal  salutations  of  the  Rev.  R.  P.  Farris,  D.  D.,  the 
Rev.  J.  L.  Yantis,  D.  D.,  and  Mr.  Edward  B redell,  delegates  from 
the  Synod  of  Missouri  (Old  School),  and  recommends  the  adoption 
of  the  following  resolutions: 

Resolved,  1,  That  this  Assembly  gratefully  acknowledges  and  highly 
appreciates  the  Christian  salutations  of  the  Old  School  Synod  of  Mis¬ 
souri  as  expressed  by  its  delegates,  and  does  hereby  cordially  invite 
them  to  a  seat  on  the  floor  of  the  Assembly. 

2.  That  the  Assembly  hereby  expresses  its  Christian  sympathy 
with  the  Synod  of  Missouri  in  the  trials  to  which  it  has  been  sub¬ 
jected  during  the  past  as  a  witnessing  Church  for  Christ’s  crown 
and  kingdom,  and  does  rejoice  in  its  steadfast  faith,  success  and 
prosperity. 

3.  That  the  Assembly  does  hereby  appoint  the  Rev.  David  Wills, 
D.  D.,  principal,  and  the  Rev.  R.  Mclnnis,  alternate,  commission¬ 
ers  to  attend  the  meeting  of  the  Old  School  Synod  of  Missouri,  to 
convene  at  Cape  Girardeau  on  the  second  Tuesday  in  October,  1871, 
and  bear  to  it  the  fraternal  regards  of  the  Assembly.  Adopted. 

1873,  p.  330.  Whereas  it  has  come  to  the  knowledge  of  this 
General  Assembly  that  the  Old  School  Synod  of  Missouri  did  at 
its  late  session  in  Missouri  appoint  a  Committee  of  conference  to 
meet  a  similar  committee  of  this  Assembly,  and  a  committee  of  the 
General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church,  should  such  committee  be 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


920 


[Book  VII 


appointed,  to  bring  about  closer  relations  between  this  Assembly 
and  that  Synod;  therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  appoint  the  Committee  of  Con¬ 
ference  to  meet  such  committee,  and  said  committee  shall  be  the 
one  already  appointed  to  meet  the  committee  from  the  General 
Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church.  It  shall  have  the  same  powers, 
and  shall  report  to  the  next  General  Assembly. 

Resolved,  That  said  committee  have  full  power  to  fill  all  vacan¬ 
cies  which  may  occur. 

The  following  were  the  committee:  Rev.  B.  M.  Palmer,  D.  D., 
Rev.  Joseph  R.  Wilson,  D.  D.,  Rev.  William  Brown,  D.  D.,  Major 
T.  J.  Kirkpatrick,  William  Henry  Smith,  General  A.  M.  Scales 
and  R.  K.  Smoot.  (P.  313.) 

1874,  p.  479.  The  Stated  Clerk  reported  that  delegates  from  six 
Presbyteries  belonging  to  the  Old  School  Synod  of  Missouri  had 
presented  regular  commissions  with  a  view  to  being  connected  with 
this  body  as  constituent  parts  thereof.  Whereupon  the  following 
resolution,  offered  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Plumer,  was  adopted  unani¬ 
mously,  the  Assembly  rising  when  the  vote  was  taken: 

Resolved,  That  it  is  with  peculiar  pleasure  we  welcome  among 
us  our  brethren  from  the  Synod  of  Missouri,  and  that  we  congrat¬ 
ulate  them  and  the  churches  they  represent,  and  our  entire  com¬ 
munion,  on  the  happy  consummation  of  our  reunion,  to  which  the 
providence  of  God  has  long  pointed,  and  for  which  the  Lord  has 
fully  and  happily  opened  the  way. 

Resolved,  That  all  the  commissioners  now  present  from  Presby¬ 
teries  in  the  Synod  of  Missouri  be  at  once  enrolled  as  members  of 
this  body,  and  that  without  further  action  the  names  of  other  com¬ 
missioners  from  the  Synod  of  Missouri  shall  in  like  manner  be 
enrolled  when  they  shall  present  their  commissions. 

The  Moderator  then  addressed  the  delegates  from  Missouri,  ex¬ 
tending  to  them  a  most  hearty  welcome  to  seats  in  this  body  and  a 
home  in  the  Southern  Presbyterian  Church.  To  this  address  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Yantis  made  an  appropriate  response. 

(For  an  account  of  the  Schism  in  Missouri,  and  of  the  steps 
leading  to  union  with  the  Assembly,  see  Alexander’s  Digest,  pp. 
431-432.) 

1410.  Declines  to  appoint  a  General  Committee  of  Conference 

1903,  p.  497.  The  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence  made 
a  report,  which  was  adopted  and  is  as  follows: 

There  has  been  referred  to  the  Committee  of  Foreign  Corre¬ 
spondence  a  communication  from  the  General  Synod  of  the  Re¬ 
formed  Presbyterian  Church,  asking  the  General  Atesembly  to  appoint 
a  committee  of  conference  to  meet  any  other  similar  committees 
which  may  be  appointed  by  the  various  bodies  belonging  to  the 
Alliances  of  Reformed  Churches  to  consider  the  closer  co-operation 
and  organic  union  of  all  the  Presbyterian  Churches  in  the  United 


Secs.  1409-1414]  Union  With  Other  Bodies 


921 


States.  We  recommend  that  the  General  Assembly  express  its  fra¬ 
ternal  regards  for  this  branch  of  the  Reformed  Church  and  its  sym¬ 
pathy  with  the  spirit  that  desires  closer  fellowship  among  Pres¬ 
byterian  bodies,  but  declines  to  appoint  the  committee  asked  for, 
because  there  is  ni  evidence  in  sight  to  justify  the  Assembly  in  hop¬ 
ing  that  the  object  proposed  may  be  gained  in  this  way. 

1411.  Mode  of  effecting  organic  union  with  other  bodies 

1907,  p.  56.  An  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Paris  asking 
for  an  amendment  to  the  Book  of  Church  Order,  Chapters  5  and 
7,  so  as  to  provide  a  mode  for  effecting  organic  union  with  other 
bodies,  to  be!  sent  down  to  the  Presbyteries  for  their  consent  and  ap¬ 
proval.  It  is  recommended  that  this  be  answered  in  the  negative. 
Adopted. 

1412.  Independent  Presbyterian  Church  of  Savannah,  Ga. 

1909,  p.  64.  The  Assembly  sent  to  the  Independent  Presbyterian 
Church,  of  Savannah,  Ga.,  the  following  letter,  and  Rev.  James  Y. 
Fair,  D.  D.,  of  the  Presbytery  of  Savannah,  was  appointed  to 
carry  the  same  to  the  church. 

“To  the  Independent  Presbyterian  Church,  of  Savannah,  Ga. 

“Dear  Brethren:  The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States,  now  in  session  in  the  city  of  Savan¬ 
nah,  Ga.,  sends  you  fraternal  greeting  and  would  hereby  express 
to  you  its  pleasure  in  your  loyalty  to  the  Presbyterian  faith  and  its 
appreciation  of  your  co-operation  in  the  enterprises  of  this  Assem¬ 
bly.  We  would  express,  also,  our  satisfaction  in  the  fact  that  a 
common  heritage  of  faith,  sentiment  and  tradition  is  held  alike  by 
you  and  by  us,  and  that  your  local  habitation  is  in  the  midst  of 
our  own  territory.  And  we  would  hereby  cordially  extend  to  you 
by  these  presents  and  through  our  representative,  Rev.  James  Y. 
Fair,  D.  D.,  of  the  Presbytery  of  Savannah,  appointed  to  convey 
this  to  you,  our  cordial  invitation  to  consider  thei  advisability  of 
coming  into  organic  relationship  with  our  body.” 

1910,  p.  12.  The  following  response  was  received: 

Whereas  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 
the  United  States  through  their  representative,  Rev.  James  Y.  Fair, 
D.  D.,  has  cordially  invited  the  Independent  Presbyterian  Church 
to  consider  the  advisability  of  coming  into  organic  union  with 
their  body;  and 

Whereas  prayerful  consideration  has  shown  that  our  people  are 
not  sufficiently  in  accord  on  that  important  question  to  justify  the 
hope  for  greater  usefulness,  be  it 

Resolved,  by  the  Independent  Presbyterian  Church  in  meeting 
assembled : 


922 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


1.  That  Rev.  Jas.  Y.  Fair,  D.  D.,  as  representative,  be  requested 
to  convey  to  the  brethren  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States  our  fraternal  greetings,  and  say  that  the  way  is  not  clear 
for  the  acceptance  of  their  kind  invitation. 

2.  That  we  highly  appreciate  the  relations  existing  between  our 
brethren  of  the  Southern  Church  and  ourselves,  and  declare  our 
purpose  to  continue  them  and  to  work  with  and  through  their  or¬ 
ganization  for  carrying  the  gospel  to  the  neglected  regions  of  our 
country  and  to  the  earth’s  remotest  bounds. 

1413.  Union  with  other  ecclesiastical  bodies 

1914,  p.  69.  Fifty-eight  Presbyteries  voted  in  the  affirmative  on 
the  overture  relating  to  the  union  of  our  church,  with  other  ecclesi¬ 
astical  bodies,  twelve  voted  in  the  negative,  and  fifteen  did  not 
vote.  The  Assembly  formally  enacted  the  following  amendment : 

1st.  By  adding  to  Chapter  VII  the  following  words  as  Para¬ 
graph  IV  of  said  chapter:  “Paragraph  III  of  this  Chapter  shall 
also  be  the  rule  governing  the  union  between  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  United  States  and  any  other  ecclesiastical  body,  so  that  such 
union  may  be  effected  only  upon  the  recommendation  of  one  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly,  the  concurrence  of  at  least  three-fourths  of  the  Pres¬ 
byteries,  and  the  consummation  of  the  same  by  a  subsequent 
Assembly.”  2nd.  By  substituting  the  words  “three-fourths”  for 
the  words  “a  majority”  in  Paragraph  90,  and  inserting  after  the 
words  “correspond  with  other  churches”  in  the  same  paragraph  the 
following  clause:  “To  unite  with  other  ecclesiastical  bodies  whose 
organization  is  conformed  to  the  doctrines  and  order  of  this  Church, 
such  union  to  be  effected  by  a  mode  of  procedure  defined  in  Chap¬ 
ter  VII,  Paragraph  IV.” 

1414.  Union  of  all  the  Presbyterian  and  Reformed  Churches  in 

the  United  States 

1916,  p.  72.  In  answer  to  Overture  from  the  Synod  of  Arkansas, 
asking  that  the  Presbyterian  Church,  U.  S.,  take  steps  toward  the 
union  of  all  the  Presbyterian  and  Reformed  Churches  in  the  United 
States : 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  answer  that,  while  the  Assem¬ 
bly  is  responsive  to  the  spirit  of  the  overture  from  the  Synod  of 
Arkansas,  it  does  not  deem  the  time  opportune  to  take  such  steps. 


CHAPTER  III 


FRATERNAL  CORRESPONDENCE  WITH  OTHER  BODIES 

1415.  The  Assembly  solicits  fraternal  correspondence  with  various 

churches 

1861,  p.  13.  The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  Confederate  States  of  America  appreciates  the  precious  import 
of  that  memorable  prayer  addressed  by  the  adorable  Redeemer  to  the 
Father,  in  full  view  of  the  agony  of  the  garden  and  the  cross:  “that 
they  all  may  be  one,  as  thou,  Father,  art  in  me,  and  I  in  thee,  that 
they  also  may  be  one  in  us,  that  the  world  may  believe  that  thou  hast 
sent  me;”  and  impelled  by  a  sincere  desire  to  meet  the  full  measure 
of  responsibility  which  devolves  upon  us  as  a  branch  of  Christ’s  vis¬ 
ible  Church,  in  the  accomplishment  of  this  vastly  important  petition, 
would  most  earnestly  endeavor  to  draw  closer  the  bonds  of  Christian 
intercourse  and  communion  between  all  churches  of  like  faith  and 
order  in  the  Confederate  States  of  America.  This  Assembly,  therefore, 
affectionately  solicits  fraternal  correspondence  with  the  following 
churches,  viz. :  The  Associate  Reformed  .Synod  of  the  South,  the 
United  Synod  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  the  General  Assembly 
of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  the  Independent  Presby¬ 
terian  Church,  and  the  German  Reformed  Synod,  within  the  Con¬ 
federate  States.  And  in  order  to  consummate  this,  our  Christian 
purpose  and  desire,  the  Assembly  will,  at  its  present  session,  appoint 
and  commission  delegates  to  the  aforesaid  churches,  with  full  power 
and  authority  to  arrange  and  adopt  articles  of  permanent  inter¬ 
course  and  correspondence,  which,  however,  shall  be  submitted  to 
the  Assembly  for  its  ratification  or  rejection. 

1862,  p.  14.  The  General  Assembly  need  scarcely  re-assert  its 
earnest  desire  to  cultivate  friendly  relations  with  churches  profess¬ 
ing  the  same  doctrines,  and  practicing  the  same  polity.  The  unity 
of  God’s  people  is  not  only  a  reality,  but  it  is  of  the  highest  impor¬ 
tance  that  this  unity  should  be  manifested  to  the  world.  Where 
this  is  not  practicable  this  Assembly  is  ready  to  do  all  that  is  con¬ 
sistent  with  truth  to  promote  peace,  and  hopes  that  the  charity  which 
is  the  “bond  of  perfectness”  will  ever  characterize  its  intercourse 
with  other  ecclesiastical  bodies. 

1416.  Correspondence  with  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  South 

1867,  p.  138.  A  memorial  from  the  Synod  of  Georgia  as  to  the 
propriety  of  establishing  a  correspondence  with  the  General  Confer¬ 
ence  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  South.  The  following 
answer  was  adopted  by  the  Assembly: 


924 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


Resolved,  That,  in  view  of  the  fact  that  the  Methodist  General 
Conference  meets  so  much  less  frequently  than  our  Assembly,  such 
correspondence  could  not  be  conveniently  conducted  with  any  special 
advantages  greater  than  what  are  already  possessed  by  occasional 
ministerial  intercourse,  and  the  intercommunion  of  mir  people. 

1870,  p.  508.  In  response  to  the  resolution  adopted  by  the  Bish¬ 
ops  of  the  Methodist  episcopal  Church,  recently  assembled  in  the 
city  of  Memphis,  and  transmitted  to  us  through  the  Rev.  Dr.  A.  H. 
Kerr,  conveying  their  “Christian  salutations  to  this  General  Assem¬ 
bly,  with  the  expression  of  their  profoundest  regards,  and  with  their 
most  earnest  prayers  for  the  presence  and  blessing  of  God  upon  its 
deliberations,”  your  committee  recommend  the  following  resolution: 

Resolved,  That  this  General  Assembly  recognizes  in  this  fraternal 
greeting  a  beautiful  illustration  of  'that  “unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the 
bonds  of  peace,”  whereby  the  different  parts  of  the  one  catholic 
visible  Church  of  the  Redeemer  represent  to  the  world  that,  amidst 
minor  diversities,  they  still  have  “one  Lord,  one  faith,  one  baptism.” 
And  the  Assembly  hereby  directs  its  Stated  Clerk  to  transmit  to  the 
Bishops  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  South,  this  cordial 
reciprocation  of  their  generous  Christian  affection,  with  our  fervent 
prayers  that  the  labors  of  both  the  denominations  participating  in 
this  correspondence  may  be  owned  and  blessed  by  our  Great  Head 
in  turning  many  to  righteousness,  and  in  hastening  the  day  when 
the  kingdoms  of  this  world  shall  become  the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord 
and  of  His  Cjhrist. 

See  further  Assembly  Minutes  1878,  p.  622;  1902,  pp.  247,  252; 
1906,  pp.  9,  14;  1914,  pp,  20,  23;  1918,  p.  13,  17;  1922,  p.  23. 

1417.  Board  of  Missions  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  South 

1909,  pp.  19,  63.  In  answer  to  the  communication  from  Dr.  W. 
R>  Lambuth,  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Missions  of  the  M.  E. 
Church,  South,  the  following  resolutions  were  adopted  and  ordered 
to  be  forwarded: 

Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  United  States,  in  session  at  Savannah,  Ga.,  sends  cordial 
greetings  to  the  Board  of  Missions  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  South,  at 
Nashville,  Tenn.,  with  assurance  of  grateful  appreciation  of  inter¬ 
est  expressed  in  the  trial  of  our  missionaries  in  Africa. 

1418.  Greetings  from  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  North 

1884,  p.  233.  The  General  Conference  of  the  Methodist,  Epis¬ 
copal  Church,  in  session  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  May, 
1884,  unanimously  adopted  the  following  resolutions,  to-wit: 

1.  That  the  bishops  and  delegates  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  in  General  Conference  assembled  do  hereby  send  fraternal 
greetings  to  your  body,  and  do  invoke  the  Divine  blessing  upon 
your  labors  to  save  souls  and  to  win  the  world  back  to  God. 


Secs.  1415-1419]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  925 

2.  That  the  secretary  of  this  Conference  be  and  is  hereby  in¬ 
structed  to  furnish  your  body  with  a  copy  of  these  resolutions. 

To  this  fraternal  salutation  a  hearty  response  was  adopted  by 
the  Assembly  and  sent  to  the  secretary  of  the  Conference.  (P.  237.) 

1920,  pp.  54,  61.  Similar  action  with  reference  to  the  Methodist 
Protestant  Church. 

1419.  Aid  for  the  Waldensian  Churches 

1878,  p.  656.  The  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence,  to 
whose  consideration  was  referred  an  appeal  in  behalf  of  the  pastors 
of  the  Waldensian  Church  in  Italy,  report,  recommending: 

1.  That  this  Assembly  extend  its  heartiest  sympathies  to  this 
ancient  and  impoverished  Church. 

2.  That  the  Assembly  affectionately  urge  upon  all  believers  under 
its  care,  who  are  able  to  do  so,  to  forward  money,  in  smaller  or 
larger  sums,  to  the  Rev.  G.  D.  Mathews,  of  New  York,  to  be  sent 
on  by  him,  as  the  agent  in  America  of  the  recent  General  Presby¬ 
terian  Council,  to  the  proper  authorities  of  the  Vaudois  Church. 

1892,  p.  438.  With  reference  to  the  appeal  which  Dr.  Gay 
makes  to  us,  in  behalf  of  the  Waldensian  Church,  that  we  should 
take  a  share  in  the  evangelistic  work  in  Italy,  in  which  that  Church 
is  engaged,  your  committee  find  that  the  subject  has  already  been 
before  our  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions,  and  has  been 
.acted  on  by  that  Committee  after  full  conference  with  Dr.  Gay.  We 
recommend,  therefore,  only  an  expression  of  our  deep  interest  in 
the  work.  Adopted. 

1910,  p.  46.  The  Assembly  has  heard  with  much  pleasure  the 
message  from  the  Rev.  Alberto  Clot,  delegate  of  the  Waldensian 
Church  of  Italy  to  the  Evangelical  Churches  of  the  United  States  of 
America,  and  greatly  rejoices  in  the  progress  of  the  gospel  of  our 
common  Lord  in  Italy.  We  salute  this  ancient  and  honored  Church, 
which  truly  said  at  its  introduction  into  the  Pan-Presbyterian  Coun¬ 
cil,  that  it  had  no  claim  to  being  Re-formed,  inasmuch  as  it  has 
never  been  de-formed,  but  in  polity  and  doctrine  had  remained  the 
same  since  the  days  of  the  Apostles. 

1911,  p.  55.  The  following  letter  was  sent  to  the  Waldensian 
Church : 

To  the  oldest  Protestant  and  Presbyterian  Church  from  one  of  the 

youngest,  salutation  and  greeting : 

Our  General  Assembly,  celebrating  in  the  City  of  Louisville  the 
semi-centennial  of  its  history,  has  heard  with  peculiar  pleasure  the 
message  of  your  delegate,  the  Rev.  Professor  Alberto  Clot;  and 
through  him  we  send  back  to  you  expressions  of  our  cordial  and 
fraternal  regard.  We  shall  nourish,  and,  we  hope,  increase  our 
•affection  and  sympathy  for  your  venerable  Church:  for  the  fast¬ 
nesses  of  your  mountains  have  been  through  patient  centuries  of 
suffering,  the  fortress  of  our  common  faith.  We  rejoice  to  know 
that  God  has  greatly  prospered  you,  and  that  Rome,  once  the  cap- 


926 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  Vir_ 


ital  of  your  persecutors,  is  now  the  centre  of  your  labors.  May  the-. 
God  of  the  gospel  continue  to  bless  and  strengthen  you  and  make- 
you,  in  the  past  so  abundant  in  sufferings,  in  the  future  still  more- 
abundant  in  the  activities  and  success  of  the  gospel. 

See  also  Assembly  Minutes  1914,  p.  48;  1915,  p.  38;  1919,  p.  23- 

1420.  Correspondence  with  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of 

Scotland 

1873,  p.  324.  The  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence  beg: 
leave  to  report  the  following  paper  touching  the  question  of  the’ 
correspondence  of  our  General  Assembly  with  the  Synod  of  the- 
United  Presbyterian  Church  of  Scotland: 

Whereas  the  General  Assembly  has  been  officially  informed  that: 
said  Synod  has  deputed  Rev.  John  Eadie,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  and  the; 
Rev.  Henry  Calderwood,  LL.  D.,  to  convey  to  this  body  the  fra¬ 
ternal  regards  of  the  above-named  Church;  and 

Whereas  these  brethren  have  found  it  impossible  to  attend  the; 
sessions  of  this  General  Assembly,  but  have  forwarded  from  New 
York  their  formal  commission,  with  the  expression  of  their  regrets; 
at  being  unable  to  attend  in  person;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  1,  That  this  Assembly  hold  in  high  esteem  the  eccle¬ 
siastical  body  from  which  the  Scotch  deputation  has  proceeded,  and 
fully  reciprocate  the  fraternal  feelings  which  dictated  the  appoint¬ 
ment  of  the  above-named  delegation,  and  regret  that  their  presence- 
could  not  be  enjoyed  by  this  Assembly. 

Resolved,  2,  That  this  Assembly  appoint  the  Moderator  and  Stated 
and  Permanent  Clerks  a  committee,  who  shall  be  authorized  to 
commission  one  or  more  suitable  brethren,  who,  in  the  providence* 
of  God,  may  find  it,  in  their  power  to  attend  the  Synod  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church;  and  such  brethren  shall  be  commissioned  to 
represent  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the- 
United  States  in  that  venerable  body. 

Resolved,  3,  That  the  Stated  Clerk  be  directed  to  transmit  this; 
paper  to  Drs.  Eadie  and  Calderwood,  with  the  request  that  they' 
will  convey  to  the  Synod  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  ex¬ 
pressions  of  our  Christian  affection. 

1421.  Corrrespondence  with  the  Free  Church  of  Scotland 

1874,  p.  515.  The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church; 
in  the  United  States  has  received  with  great  pleasure  the  commis¬ 
sion,  with  accompanying  documents,  of  the  Rev.  James  Chalmers- 
Burns,  M.  A.,  and  the  Rev.  James  Hood  Wilson,  M.  A.,  deputies, 
from  the  Free  Church  of  Scotland  to  this  Assembly,  appointed  to* 
visit  us  and  “express  the  cordial  feelings  of  affection  and  respect 
entertained  by  the  Assembly  which  they  represent”  toward  the  Church- 
which  we  represent.  This  Assembly  sincerely  regrets  that  the  other 
official  engagements  of  these  distinguished  brethren  rendered  it  im- 


Secs.  1419-1422]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  927 

possible  for  them  to  be  present  at  our  sessions,  and  that  we  have 
been,  on  that  account,  denied  the  privilege  of  returning  to  them,  and 
through  them  to  the  Church  to  which  they  belong,  our  fraternal  salu- 
ations  and  the  sentiments  of  profound  and  affectionate 
iregard  which  we  entertain  for  the  Free  Church  of  Scotland. 
We  have  not  been  unobservant,  indifferent  spectators  of  the  noble 
stand  taken  by  that  Church  in  behalf  of  sound  doctrine  and  of  the 
crown-rights  of  our  Divine  Lord.  With  ourselves,  they  are  wit¬ 
ness-bearers  for  Christ’s  Kingship  in  Zion,  even  “unto  the  spoil¬ 
ing  of  their  goods.” 

We  cordially  reciprocate  the  expressions  of  esteem  and  affection 
contained  in  the  letters  of  the  deputies  to  this  body,  and  desire  them 
to  convey  to  their  General  Assembly  our  fraternal  salutations,  and 
cur  God-speed  to  the  venerable  Church  which  they  represent,  in 
all  its  endeavors  to  advance  the  cause  of  our  common  Redeemer 
rand  Lord. 

1917,  p.  23.  The  following  cablegram  was  received  from  Dr. 
George  Adam  Smith,  Moderator  of  the  United  Free  Church  of 
'Scotland : 

“With  firm  faith  in  the  righteousness  of  our  course,  we  gratefully 
hail  the  entrance  of  your  people  into  the  alliance  for  Justice,  Free¬ 
dom,  and  Peace.” 

Answer :  The  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  U.  S.,  in 
session  in  Birmingham,  Ala.,  in  acknowledging  the  receipt  of  this 
cablegram  from  the  United  Free  Church  of  Scotland,  would  take 
advantage  of  the  occasion  to  express  their  profound  sympathy  for 
them  in  their  time  of  trial  and  suffering,  and  pray  that  the  God 
•of  all  Grace  may  give  them  consolation  and  peace. 

1422.  John  Knox 

1905,  p.  8.  Rev.  Dr.  Neel  stated  to  the  Assembly  that  as  the 
Moderator  of  the  last  Assembly  he  had  received  a  communication 
from  the  officers  of  the  Alliance  of  the  Reformed  churches  holding 
the  Presbyterian  System,  requesting,  according  to  a  resolution 
adopted  by  the  last  General  Council  of  that  body,  that  steps  be 
taken  to  celebrate  on  some  appropriate  occasion  this  year  the  400th. 
anniversary  of  the  birth  of  John  Knox,  the  great  Scotch  Reformer; 
-and  that  he  had  accordingly  requested  Rev.  Dr.  R.  C.  Reed,  of 
"Columbia  Theological  Seminary,  to  prepare  a  discourse  suitable 
to  the  occasion,  to  be  delivered  before  the  General  Assembly  in 
this  house  next  Sabbath  afternoon;  and  he  requested  the  Assembly 
to  endorse  this  action.  The  Stated  Clerk  presented  an  overture 
from  the  Presbytery  of  Nashville  asking  the  Assembly  to  concur 
in  this  action  of  the  last  Moderator.  The  request  of  the  overture 
was  granted,  and  Sabbath  next,  at  3.30  P.  M.,  was  fixed  as  the 
time  for  hearing  this  commemorative  discourse. 


928 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


1423.  Calvin  Celebration 

For  details  of  the  observance  of  the  400th.  anniversary  of  the; 
birth  of  John  Calvin,  see  Alexander’s  Digest,  1910,  p.  642. 

1424.  The  evangelical  churches  of  France  and  Geneva 

1893,  p.  25.  Mr.  Frederick  Necker,  of  Geneva,  and  Rev.  E_ 
J.  Dupey,  of  Paris,  delegates  of  the  Franco- American  Committee 
for  the  Evangelization  of  France,  addnessed  the  Assembly  and 
were  replied  to  by  the  Moderator. 

P.  31.  The  General  Assembly  has  heard  with  much  delight 
MM.  Necker  and  Dupuy,  the  representatives  of  the  French  and 
Genevan  churches,  apd  heartily  commends  them  and  the  great 
cause  of  which  they  are  the  ambassadors,  to  the  churches  under  its 
care.  The  Church  of  Calvin  and  the  Church  of  the  Huguenots  have 
a  constitutional  and  traditional  claim  to  sympathy  and  succor  upon 
all  the  Presbyterians  of  this  land — a  claim  which  we  gladly  recognize^ 

The  Assembly  suggests  as  worthy  of  commemoration  by  its  min¬ 
isters  and  churches  the  two  hundred  and  eighth  anniversary  of  the 
revocation  of  the  Edict  of  Nantes,  which  occurs  the  2 2d  day  of 
October  of  the  present  year. 

1895,  p.  388.  In  response  to  a  letter  from  Edward  G.  Thurber,, 
in  behalf  of  the  Franco- American  Committees  in  Paris  and  New 
York,  the  Assembly  adopted  the  following: 

Your  committee  recommends  1.  That  this  Assembly  hereby  records 
and  publishes  its  tender  and  profound  love  for  the  Reformed 
Churches  in  France,  and  its  gratitude  to  God  for  the  grace  and 
progress  vouchsafed  to  them  in  their  faithful  ^efforts  under  unequal 
and  arduous  circumstances. 

2.  This  Assembly  commends  these  noble  and  struggling  churches 
to  the  love,  prayers  and  liberal  financial  help  of  the  people  of  God 
under  our  charge  and  oversight. 

3.  This  Assembly  requests  the  Sessions  of  our  stronger  churches 
to  remember  and  care  lovingly  for  this  ancient  people  of  God  whose 
sons  and  daughters  have  ever  been,  and  now  are,  a  tower  of  strength 
in  all  the  American  Protestant  churches. 

4.  This  Assembly  advises  that  contributions  for  this  purpose  be 
sent  to  the  Treasurer  of  Home  Missions,  and  be  by  him  forwarded 
twice  per  annum  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Franco- American  Com¬ 
mittee  in  Paris. 

1912,  p.  70a.  In  response  to  the  communication  from  the  Na¬ 
tional  Protestant  Church  of  Geneva,  we  recommend  that  the  Stated 
Clerk  be  instructed  to  make  a  suitable  reply,  expressing  our  warm 
affection  for  and  our  abiding  interest  in  this  historic  Church. 

Dr.  d’Aubigne  and  the  Reformed  Churches  of  France — 

Protestant,  Relief  in  Europe 

1920,  p.  66.  The  General  Assembly  heard  with  pleasure  and 


Secs.  1423-1424]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  920 

sympathy  the  address  of  the  Rev.  Charles  Merle  d’Aubigne,  of  Paris, 
representing  the  Reformed  Churches  of  France.  Dr.  d’Aubigne 
suggested  that  our  Church  undertake  the  re-erection  of  one  of  the 
destroyed  church  edifices  in  some  French  town  on  the  front  of  the 
battle  line  where  our  boys  were  actively  engaged  in  the  struggle. 

We  recommend  that  the  General  Assembly  ask  our  churches  to 
contribute  a  sum  of  not  less  than  $25,000  to  be  devoted  to  the  erection 
of  a  church  in  the  devastated  region  of  France,  as  a  memorial  to 
the  soldiers  of  our  Church  who  fell  in  France  during  the  war,  and 
that  the  carrying  out  of  this  matter  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  the 
Committee  on  French  and  Belgian  Relief. 

1921,  p.  16.  The  following  telegram  from1  the  Reformed  Evangel¬ 
ical  Church  of  France  was  read  and  referred  to  the  Standing  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Foreign  Correspondence: 

Reformed  Evangelical  Church  France  sends  cordial  greetings. 
Heartiest  thanks  for  reconstruction  Church  Compiegne. 

Daubigne. 

1921,  p.  4.  We  recommend  that  the  cable  message  from  Rev. 
Charles  Merle  d’Aubigne  be  answered  as  follows: 

The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States  sends  assurance  of  its  profound  interest  in  the  welfare  of  the 
Reformed  Evangelical  Church  of  France,  and  invokes  God’s  richest 
blessing  on  its  membership  and  its  work. 

We  recommend  that  the  Committee  in  charge  of  the  fund  for 
building  the  Memorial  Church  at  Compiegne  be  encouraged  to  con¬ 
tinue  its  work  until  the  full  amount  required  has  been  raised,  and 
that  this  enterprise  be  again  commended  to  the  generosity  of  our 
people. 

1921,  p.  79.  The  Select  Committee  on  Protestant  Relief  in 
Europe  made  the  following  report,  which  was  adopted: 

1.  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  authorize  the  raising  of 
$75,000  during  this  year  for  relief  in  Protestant  Europe,  $10,000  of 
which  shall  go  for  the  aid  of  the  work  of  the  Evangelical  Church  in 
Czecho-Slovakia  and  $65,000  for  the  relief  in  France  and  Belgium. 
That  the  first  $15,000  raised  shall  go  toward  the  finishing  of  the 
Memorial  Church  at  Compiegne.  In  the  event  the  whole  amount  of 
$75,000  is  not  raised,  the  amount  raised  be  prorated  to  the  Evangel¬ 
ical  Church  of  Czecho-Slovakia  and  the  churches  of  France  and 
Belgium  in  the  proportion  of  $10,000  to  $65,000. 

2.  That  the  Committee  be  instructed  to  set  aside  $2,000  of  the 
money  in  hand  to  be  used  during  the  present  year  as  an  emergency 
fund  to  be  used  in  the  four  army  camps  if  necessary,  and  that  the 
Home  Mission  Agencies  within  whose  bounds  these  camps  are  located 
be  urged  to  undertake  this  work  at  the  earliest  possible  time. 

3.  That  the  Committee  be  authorized  to  supplement  the  salaries 
of  our  own  men  who  are  serving  as  chaplains  in  the  army  and  navy 
of  the  United  States  to  the  amount  of  $300  each. 

4.  That  on  Sunday,  October  30,  which  has  been  designated  as 
Reformation  Day,  the  pastors  of  all  of  our  Churches  be  urged  to 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


930 


[Book  VII 


present  this  cause  and  take  an  offering  for  Protestant  Relief  in 
-Europe. 

5.  That  the  name  of  the  Committee  be  changed  to  “The  Assembly’s 
Committee  on  Protestant  Relief  in  Europe,”  so  as  to  conform  to  its 
•enlarged  sphere  of  work,  and  that  the  following  Committee  be 
charged  with  the  carrying  out  of  the  foregoing  recommendations: 
Rev.  Jas.  I.  Vance,  Rev.  Wm.  Crowe,  Rev.  Homer  McMillan,  Rev. 
W.  L.  Caldwell  and  Ruling  Elder  Edwin  F.  Willis. 


1425.  Bohemia 

1921,  p.  36.  We  recommend  that  the  needs  of  Bohemia  as  pre¬ 
sented  in  the  address  of  Rev.  V.  Losa  and  in  the  report  of  the  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Foreign  Correspondence  adopted  yesterday,  be  referred  to 
the  Special  Committee  now  considering  the  report  of  the  Committee 
On  French  and  Belgian  Relief,  with  the  suggestion  that  the  name  of 
the  Committee  be  changed  to  the  Committee  on  Protestant  Relief  in 
Europe,  and  that  provision  be  made  for  substantial  aid  to  Bohemia 
as  well  as  France  and  Belgium. 

1921,  p.  35.  The  Assembly  has  listened  with  pleasure  to  the 
address  of  Rev.  V.  Losa,  D.  D.,  of  the  Evangelical  Church  of  the 
Czech  Brethren,  and  assures  him  of  the  deep  interest  felt  by  our 
Church  in  the  welfare  and  prosperity  of  the  Church  which  he  rep¬ 
resents,  and  our  desire  to  help  that  Church  in  every  practical  way 
in  the  accomplishment  of  its  great  mission. 


1426.  Armenia 

1920,  p.  72.  The  time  was  extended  to  hear  Rev.  Isaac  Yonan, 
of  Armenia. 

The  Rev.  Russell  Cecil,  D.  D.,  presented  a  resolution  concerning 
the  work  in  Persia,  which  was  referred  to  a  select  committee  con¬ 
sisting  of  Rev.  Russell  Cecil,  D.  D.,  Rev.  W.  J.  McMillan,  D.  D., 
and  Rev.  J.  B.  Hutton,  D.  D. 

1920,  p.  78.  The  select  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the 
address  of  Rev.  Isaac  Yonan  made  the  following  report,  which  was 
adopted : 

Whereas  we  have  learned  of  Armenia  devastated,  crushed  and 
ruined;  her  people  enslaved  and  bleeding,  wandering  exiled  in  the 
desert;  her  children  orphaned;  Christian  girls  prisoners  or  slaves  in 
Moslem  harems;  her  ancestral  territory  seized  by  others;  her  homes 
in  ruins;  her  hopes  shattered  and  her  life  imperiled; 

And  whereas  America  shares  responsibility  for  carrying  out  the 
provisions  made  for  the  protection  of  the  weaker  nations,  and  for 
■the  reorganization  of  the  world  on  the  basis  of  justice  and  freedom; 

And  whereas  the  survivors  of  the  massacres  and  deportations  of 
1915  have  since  that  time  been  kept  alive  in  large  measure  by  the 
Smore  than  fifty  millions  of  dollars  contributed  by  American  citizens 
tand  administered  by  more  than  five  hundred  American  missionaries 


Secs.  1424-1427]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  931 

and  relief  workers,  who  heroically  remained  at  their  posts  protecting 
this  exiled  remnant  of  the  oldest  Christian  nation  from  extinction  by 
starvation, 

Be  it  resolved,  That  we  petition  the  government  of  the  United 
States,  in  the  name  of  justice,  of  humanity,  and  of  Christian  civiliza¬ 
tion,  to  take  such  action  as  may  be\  necessary  to  assist  the  Armenian 
people  to  live,  establish  order  and  achieve  the  economic  regeneration 
of  their  country; 

And  be  it  further  resolved,  That  we  commend  and  endorse  the 
efforts  of  the  Near  East  Relief  to  secure  from  the  American  people 
such  contributions  as  may  be  necessary  to  sustain  this  sorely  stricken 
people  until,  with  stable  government  established,  they  can  be  restored 
to  their  homes  and  to  self-support. 

1921,  p.  80.  The  Assembly  has  heard  with  profound  interest  the 
stirring  and  pathetic  appeal  of  Rev.  Isaac  M.  Yonan  of  Persia,  in 
behalf  of  suffering  Armenia  and  the  Near  East  Relief,  and  recom¬ 
mends  that  this  Assembly  assure  him  and  his  noble  people  of  our 
deepest  sympathy  in  their  continued  sufferings  and  the  oft-recurring 
injustices  inflicted  upon  them  by  the  heathen  Turks  for  centuries, 
past,  culminating  since  the  world  war  in  outbreaks  of  beastly  and 
indescribable  character,  enslaving  more  than  100,000  young  women 
and  claiming  the  lives  of  nearly  two  million  men  and  women  of 
all  ages,  murdered  in  brutal  ways  beyond  our  ability  to  conceive,, 
because  of  their  loyalty  to  Christ  and  refusal  to  deny  Him. 

The  pastors,  Sessions,  diaconates  and  members  of  our  churches  and 
Sunday  Schools  are  urged  to  pray  in  and  out  of  season  with  great, 
earnestness  and  faith,  and  also  to  respond  cheerfully,  liberally  and 
whole-heartedly  to  every  practical  appeal,  looking  to  the  speedy  and 
permanent  deliverance  of  our  long-suffering  brethren  in  Armenia. 
The  cause  is  truly  a  righteous  one  and  none  of  us  should  grow  faint 
in  the  way  or  stumble  in  our  service;  instead,  our  own  and  other 
Christian  nations  during  this  period  of  reconstruction  of  world 
affairs  should  insist  in  unmistakable  terms  that  the  Armenians  shall 
be  guaranteed  freedom  of  worship  and  the  protection  of  their  lives 
and  liberties,  to  the  end  that  they  may  gather  together  their  scattered 
and  suffering  people  and  broken  threads  of  holy  purpose. 

The  Assembly  prays  that  God  will  keep  and  protect  Brother 
Yonan  in  his  efforts  in  behalf  of  this  ancient  people  of  God,  and 
that  he  may  realize  that  in  fellowship  with  Him  his  resources  are 
inexhaustible. 

1427.  Near  East  Relief 

1921,  p.  32.  The  Assembly  suspended  the  consideration  of  this; 
subject  for  a  short  time  in  order  to  hear  an  address  by  Rev.  Johr* 
R.  Voris,  Associate  Secretary  of  the  Near  East  Relief  Fund.  The 
following  resolution  on  this  subject  was  adopted: 

Whereas  reports  from  the  Near  East  show  continued  suffering 
from  lack  of  necessities  of  life  among  the  Armenians,  Syrians,  and 
other  peoples  of  the  Bible  Lands,  and 


932 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


Whereas  more  than  100,000  orphan  children  would  face  imme¬ 
diate  starvation  were  it  not  for  food  supplied  by  America,  and 

Wrhereas,  American  philanthrophy  led  by  the  Church  has  saved 
these  children  and  hundreds  of  thousands  of  adult  refuges,  and 

Whereas  any  withdrawal  of  this  support  would  endanger  not  only 
all  of  these  lives  but  would  literally  menace  the  cause  of  Christian 
civilization  in  those  lands,  and 

Whereas  the  Near  East  Relief  has  proved  by  its  record,  and  par¬ 
ticularly  by  the  fact  presented  in  the  recent  annual  report  of  the 
United  States  Congress  by  which  it  is  chartered,  that  it  is  a  thoroughly 
reliable  and  efficient  organization, 

Therefore,  he  it  Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Pres¬ 
byterian  Church,  U.  S.,  approve  the  effort  to  save  the  lives  of  the 
orphan  children  of  the  Near  East  and  to  rehabilitate  through  them 
their  nation; 

That  we  give  to  the  Near;  East  Relief  our  unqualified  endorsement 
and  co-operation ; 

That  we  call  upon  the  people  of  the  local  churches  and  their  or¬ 
ganizations  to  pray,  work  and  speak  for  this  cause,  and  give  to  it 
according  to  their  ability; 

That  we  encourage  co-operation  by  General  Assembly’s  agencies 
and  by  Synods  and  Presbyteries  in  whatever  manner  may  seem 
feasible. 

1922,  p.  56.  Your  special  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the 
report  of  the  Committee  on  Protestant  Relief  in  Europe  and  that  of 
the  Permanent  Committee  on  Reformation  Day,  together  with  the 
address  of  Dr.  James  I.  Good,  would  report: 

From  information  before  the  Assembly,  no  such  conditions  have 
ever  prevailed  in  any  country  as  prevail  at  the  present  time  in  cer¬ 
tain  countries  of  Europe,  and  especially  in  Czecho-Slovakia.  A 
thrilling  opportunity  is  afforded  our  Church  to  aid  in  the  establish¬ 
ment  and  enlargement  of  the  greatest  work  in  the  history  of  Protes¬ 
tant  Christianity  since  the  Reformation. 

We  offer  the  following  recommendations: 

That  the  Assembly  express  its  appreciation  to  the  Committee  on 
Protestant  Relief  in  Elurope  for  its  faithful  service  of  love  the  past 
year,  and  that  the  Committee  be  continued  for  at  least  another  year. 
That  it  put  forth  renewed  efforts  to  adequately  inform  our  people 
of  the  conditions,  needs  and  opportunities  of  European  Protestant 
Christianity. 

That  the  Assembly  authorize  the  Committee  to  raise  at  least 
$60,000  for  its  work  the  present  year,  and  that  out  of  this  sum  it 
appropriate  whatever  may  be  necessary  up  to  $8,000  for  the  com¬ 
pletion  of  the  Memorial  Church  at  Compiegne,  the  remainder  to 
be  divided  between  the  work  in  France  and  Belgium  and  in  Czecho¬ 
slovakia,  in  such  proportions  as  may  be  deemed  wise  by  the  Com¬ 
mittee. 

That  the  Committee  be  commended  for  its  practical  interest  in 
the  two  army  chaplains  of  our  Church,  and  that  it  be  authorized  to 


Sec.  1427]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies 


933 


grant  $300  to  each  for  equipment  from  the  unexpended  balance 
now  in  its  hands.  The  remainder  of  this  balance  to  be  used  in  its 
work  of  relief. 

That  the  Assembly  has  heard  the  address  of  Dr.  James  I.  Good 
with  profound  interest  and  sympathy,  and  it  is  confident  our  peo¬ 
ple  will  claim  a  larger  and  more  direct  share  in  the  spiritual  re¬ 
habilitation  of  European  Protestantism. 

To  this  end  we  recommend,  if  the  way  be  clear,  that  the  three 
theological  seminaries — Columbia,  'Louisville  and  Unic(n — in  co¬ 
operation  with  the  Assembly’s  Committee  of  Ministerial  Education 
and  Relief,  be  authorized  to  select  six  godly  and  properly  prepared 
students  for  the  ministry  from  thd  new  Reformed  Church  of  Czecho¬ 
slovakia,  bring  them  to  this  country  and  train  them  for  more  effect¬ 
ive  ministry  in  their  Church  and  for  their  people.  That  such  expense 
as  may  be  involved  in  this  undertaking  shall  be  shared  by  the  sem¬ 
inaries  named  and  the  Committee  of  Ministerial  Education  and 
Relief  in  such  proportion  as  may  be  agreed  upon  by  them. 

Regarding  the  paper  on  Near  East  Relief  referred  to  us,  we  rec¬ 
ommend  that  this  Assembly  reaffirm  the  action  of  previous  Assem¬ 
blies,  and  in  view  of  the  urgent  need  known  to  exist,  it  endorses 
the  appeal  of  the  Near  East  Relief  in  behalf  of  the  orphans  of  the 
Near  East,  110,000  of  whom  are  in  orphanages  under  the  protection 
of  the  American  flag. 

For  our  churches  and  Sabbath  Schools  the  Assembly  suggests 
the  third  Sunday  in  January,  or  a  convenient  date,  as  a  day  for  its 
presentation  in  all  our  churches  and  Sunday  Schools,  with  oppor¬ 
tunity  for  free-will  offerings  and  pledges  toward  orphan  adoption. 

That  the  following  act  in  their  Synods  as  the  connecting  link  be¬ 
tween  the  Near  East  Rlelief  office  in  New  York  and  our  churches, 
and  that  they  use  every  effort  possible  to  secure  liberal  offerings  for 
this  worthy  cause:  Rev.  David  Park,  D.  D.,  Alabama;  Rev.  T.  J. 
Hutcheson,  Appalachia;  Rjev.  W.  S.  Lacy,  D.  D.,  Arkansas;  Rev. 
E.  W.  Way,  Florida;  Rfev.  B.  R.  Lacy,  Jr.,  D.  D.,  Georgia;  Rev. 
J.  V.  Logan,  Kentucky;  Rev.  U.  D.  Mooney,  D.  D.,  Louisiana; 
Rev.  J.  M.  Young,  Mississippi;  Rev.  Wm.  Crowe,  D.  D.,  Missouri; 
Rev.  J.  S.  Foster,  D.  D.,  North  Carolina;  Rev.  D.  B.  Gregory,  Ok¬ 
lahoma;  Rev.  W.  H.  Boggs,  South  Carolina;  Rev.  Lynn  F.  Ross, 
Tennessee;  Rev.  J.  F.  Hardie,  Texas;  Rev.  H.  J.  Williams,  Vir¬ 
ginia;  Rev.  J.  L.  Mauze,  West  Virginia;  Rev.  W.  S.  Campbell,  D. 
D.,  Rev.  J.  R.  Bridges,  D.  D.,  Rev.  D.  M.  Sweets,  D.  D.,  Rev.  J. 
G.  McAllister,  D.  D.,  W.  J.  Martin,  A.  J.  A.  Alexander,  R.  E. 
Magill. 

1428.  International  Friendship 

1917,  p.  74.  The  report  of  the  Committee  appointed  by  the 
last  Assembly  to  promote  International  Friendship  was  taken  from 
the  docket  and  approved.  The  Committee  was  continued  another 
year. 

The  report  is  as  follows: 


934 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


The  Committee  on  International  Friendship,  co-operating  with 
the  American  Council  of  the  World  Alliance  for  promoting  Inter¬ 
national  Friendship  through  the  Churches,  would  report  as  follows: 

Your  Committee  appointed  by  the  last  General  Assembly  would 
inform  the  Assembly  that  the  Atnerican  Council  of  the  World  Al¬ 
liance  has  continued  its  activities  during  the  past  year  with  increas¬ 
ing  energy.  The  membership  has  been  enlarged  from  various 
denominations,  and  now  numbers  more  than  four  hundred. 

In  view  of  the  extraordinary  situation  that  confronts  the  world 
and  of  the  importance  that  Christians  in  all  denominations  and 
communions  should  unite  in  the  largest  ways  and  with  the  sanest 
methods  for  promoting  the  adoption  of  Christian  principles  in  all 
the  relations  of  life,  your  Committee  would  commend  to  this  Assem¬ 
bly  the  adoption  of  the  following  resolution's: 

Resolved :  (1)  That  our  churches  be  urged  to  secure  from  the 
World  Alliance,  105  E.  Twenty-second  street,  New  York  City, 
literature  bearing  on  International  Friendship,  and  that  they  be  urged 
to  establish  their  local  committees  for  promoting  Christian  senti¬ 
ments  among  our  own  people  concerning  their  duty  towards  all 
people,  regardless  of  race  or  color. 

(2)  That  our  Church  papers  be  requested  to  keep  our  member¬ 
ship  informed  of  their  activities  in  behalf  of  International  Friendship. 

(3)  That  this  Assembly  appoint  a  committee  on  this  matter  to 
serve  for  the  next  year — Jas.  I.  Vance,  ,S.  H.  Chester,  Homer  Mc¬ 
Millan,  J.  F.  Cannon. 

1429.  Auburn  Theological  Seminary 

1918,  p.  36.  We  have  received  a  communication  from  Auburn 
Theological  Seminary,  asking  our  Assembly  to  appoint  a  delegate 
to  attend  the  exercises  in  celebration  of  the  one  hundredth  anniversary 
of  the  founding  of  that  institution.  We  recommend  that  this  in¬ 
vitation  be  accepted  and  that  Rev.  Harris  E.  Kirk,  D.  D.,  of  Bal¬ 
timore,  Md.,  be  appointed. 

1430.  Presbyterians  of  Ireland 

1914,  p.  48.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Knoxville,  asking  that  the  Presbyterians  of  Ireland,  through  their 
highest  court,  be  assured  of  our  sympathy  and  prayers  and  reminded 
that  an  asylum  awaits,  as  in  bygone  days,  the  persecuted  sons, 

We  recommend  the  following  answer:  That  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States,  which  in  the  past  has  furnished  a 
home  for  Ireland’s  persecuted  sons,  extends  fraternal  greetings  and 
expresses  sincere  sympathy  and  prayers  at  this  critical  time  in  her 
history. 

1921,  p.  25.  In  response  to  the  overture  of  the  Presbyterian  Min¬ 
isters’  Association  of  Charlotte,  North  Carolina,  we  recommend  that 
this  Assembly  send  greetings  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Pres- 


Secs.  1428-1435]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies 


935 


byterian  Church  of  Ireland,  expressing  to  them  our  fraternal  regards 
and  heartfelt  sympathy  in  the  distressing  conditions  that  now  prevail 
in  their  land,  and  assuring  them  of  our  earnest  prayers  and  sym¬ 
pathetic  support  as  they  contend  for  the  splendid  principles  of  our 
common  Protestant  and  Presbyterian  heritage. 

1431.  The  Universalists  may  not  use  our  church  buildings 

1891,  p.  230.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Florida:  Is  it 
lawful  for  a  church  Session  to  grant  the  use  of  the  church  building 
to  the  Universalists  for  holding  religious  services? 

Answered  in  the  negative. 

1432.  Aid  for  the  Presbytery  of  Texas 

1890,  p.  56.  In  regard  to  the  letter  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Texas  (colored),  asking  for  such  aid  as  will  enable  their  ministers 
to  give  their  whole  time  to  the  work  of  preaching,  we  recommend 
that  the  Assembly  express  their  sympathy  with  this  body,  and  urge 
the  Executive  Committee  to  give  them  all  the  pecuniary  aid  in  their 
power. 

For  the  letter  referred  to,  see  Minutes,  p.  13. 

Fraternal  letters  passed  between  the  Assembly  and  this  independ¬ 
ent  Presbytery  in  1889  (See  Minutes,  p.  617.) 

1433.  The  Woman’s  Christian  Temperance  Union 

1895,  pp.  383,  384.  The  Assembly  exchanged  greetings  with 
the  Woman’s  Christian  Temperance  Union  of  Texas. 

1434.  Declines  to  appoint  delegates  to  the  National  Temperance 

Convention 

1891,  p.  228.  This  Assembly  would  gratefully  acknowledge  the 
receipt  of  the  circular  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  Tenth 
National  Temperance  Convention,  and  the  request  that  this  Assem¬ 
bly  appoint  seven  delegates  to  the  convention  to  be  held  at  Saratoga 
Springs  during  the  present  year. 

While  the  Assembly  is  an  earnest  advocate  of  the  principles  of 
that  temperance  which  is  enjoined  in  the  word  of  God,  yet  it  is 
not  prepared  to  appoint  the  seven  delegates  as  requested. 

1893,  p.  52.  A  communication  from  the  National  Temperance 
Society,  Rev.  Dr.  T.  L.  Cuyler,  president,  inviting  this  Assembly  to 
appoint  delegates  to  a  World’s  Temperance  Congress,  to  be  held  in 
Chicago  in  June. 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  take  no  action  looking  to  rep¬ 
resentation  in  said  Temperance  Congress.  Adopted. 

1435.  Change  in  the  week  of  prayer 

1892,  p.  457.  A  communication  from  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the 


936 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States 
of  America,  containing  a  resolution  of  that  Assembly  in  favor  of 
a  change  of  the  annual  week  of  prayer  from  the  first  week  in  Jan¬ 
uary  to  a  more  opportune  season,  and  calling  the  attention  of  this 
Assembly  to  the  same. 

On  this  subject  we  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following  res¬ 
olutions  : 

Resolved,  That  while  we  would  be  perfectly  willing  to  concur  in 
any  really  desirable  change,  yet,  inasmuch  as  no  other  season  is 
designated  instead  of  the  first  week  in  January,  and  as  it  is  un¬ 
certain  whether  any  change  would  be  wise  and  profitable,  this  As¬ 
sembly  declines,  for  the  present  to  take  any  action  in  the  matter. 

1436.  Synod  of  Brazil 

1898,  p.  215.  The  following  resolution,  in  response  to  the  greet¬ 
ing  brought  to  the  Assembly  by  the  Rev.  G.  E.  Henderlite  from  the 
Synod  of  Brazil,  was  adopted: 

The  Assembly  would  express  its  gratification  at  the  cordial  mes¬ 
sage  of  greeting  from  the  Synod  of  Brazil,  so  happily  conveyed  by 
its  accredited  delegate,  the  Rev.  George  E.  Henderlite.  We  would 
record  our  profound  and  unfailing  interest  in  the  work  of  the  Synod 
of  Brazil,  which  shall  continue  to  receive  our  support  and  shall  ever 
be  remembered  in  our  prayers.  We  send  through  the  Rev.  George 
E.  Henderlite  our  most  fraternal  Christian  salutations  to  the  Synod 
of  Brazil.  - 

See  also  1904,  pp.  9,  40;  1907,  pp.  42,  58. 


1437.  General  Assembly  of  Brazil 

1910,  pp.  16,  30.  The  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence  to 
whom  was  referred  the  address  of  Rev.  Dr.  Reis,  Moderator  of  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  Brazil,  recommend 
that  this  Assembly  make  answer  as  follows: 

1.  We  have  been  profoundly  moved  by  the  clear  statement  of 
the  progress  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  Brazil. 

2.  We  thank  God  for  the  sturdy  and  vigorous  way  in  which  the 

Brazilian  Church  has  taken  hold  of  its  own  work,  and  for  the  abun¬ 

dance  of  life  in  this  fair  daughter  of  Presbyterianism  in  the  United 
States. 

3.  We  rejoice  in  and  are  grateful  for  the  part  our  own  Church 

has  been  privileged  to  have  in  this  glorious  work. 

4.  We  believe  that  our  further  help  in  Brazil  should  largely 

follow  the  lines  indicated  by  Dr.  Reis:  (a)  The  sending  of  more 
missionaries  of  the  first  order,  (b)  The  adequate  equipment  of  a 
native  ministry  by  strengthening  and  developing  Theological  Sem¬ 
inaries.  (c)  A  still  wider  and  more  efficient  use  of  the  printing 
press,  (d)  The  vigorous  prosecution  and  enlargement  of  all  school 
work. 


Secs.  1435-1439]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  937 

5.  To  these  ends  our  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions 
is  asked  to  give  our  Brazilian  work  large  consideration  as  an  invest¬ 
ment  likely  to  pay  increasing  dividends. 

6.  The  Rev.  Dr.  S.  H.  Chester  is  hereby  appointed  to  transmit 
this  action  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of 
Brazil. 

Adopted. 

1911,  p.  57.  In  response  to  the  address  of  Rev.  Rockwell  Smith, 
D.  D.,  fraternal  delegate  from  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Pres¬ 
byterian  Church  of  Brazil,  the  General  Assembly  would  express  the 
great  pleasure  with  which  it  has  heard  of  the  wonderful  growth  and 
development  of  this  Church,  which  is  one  of  the  conspicuous  fruits 
of  the  foreign  missionary  labors  of  our  Church,  and  hereby  requests 
Dr.  Smith  to  bear  back  our  most  cordial  fraternal  greetings,  and  to 
assure  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  Brazil  of  our  never  failing  in¬ 
terest  in  its  welfare  and  our  fervent  prayers  for  its  prosperity  and 
success. 

1915,  p.  69.  That  this  Assembly,  in  response  to  the  address  of 
greeting  by  Rev.  Alva  Hardie,  from  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  Brazil,  expresses  its  pride  and  joy  in  the 
prosperity  of  our  daughter,  the  Church  in  Brazil,  and  that  the  Stated 
Clerk  of  this  Assembly  be  instructed  to  transmit  this  response  to 
the  Stated  Clerk  of  the  Assembly  in  Brazil. 

1438.  Correspondence  with  the  Reformed  Episcopal  Church  in  the 

United  States 

1876,  p.  244.  Resolved,  That  this  General  Assembly  does  hereby 
express  its  desire  to  hold  ecclesiastical  correspondence  with  the 
body  known  as  the  Reformed  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United 
States,  and  that  the  Stated  Clerk  communicate  to  the  proper  author¬ 
ity  of  that  body  this  desire,  and  that  a  delegate  from  it  to  our 
next  Assembly  will  be  fraternally  and  cordially  greeted  by  us. 

In  response  to  this  action,  Rev.  Benjamin  Johnson  bore  to  the 
next  General  Assembly  the  salutations  of  that  Church,  coming  as 
an  accredited  delegate. 

The  Assembly  of  1879  sent  a  message  of  fraternal  salutation  to 
this  Church,  recognizing  it  as  maintaining  with  us  a  struggle  for 
the  same  great  principles  for  which  our  ancestors  contended.  (P.  18.) 

This  was  repeated  in  1880  (p.  195).  In  1882  Bishop  P.  F. 
Stevens  addressed  our  Assembly  as  their  delegate. 

See  also  1898,  p.  227,  1906,  pp.  11,  15,  17,  1907,  p.  58. 

1439.  State  Sunday  School  Convention 

1872,  pp.  155,  156.  The  State  Sunday  School  Convention  of 
South  Carolina  and  the  General  Assembly  exchanged  greetings. 
(See  Minutes.) 


938 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


1440.  Evangelical  Alliance 

1873,  p.  333.  In  reply  to  the  communication  addressed  to  the 
body  by  the  Rev.  S.  S.  Schmucker,  D.  D.,  accompanied  with  a 
printed  “Fraternal  Appeal,”  signed  by  sundry  others,  requesting, 
among  other  things,  that  about  twenty-five  delegates  should  be 
elected  by  this  General  Assembly  to  attend  the  meeting  of  the  Evan¬ 
gelical  Alliance,  in  New  York,  next  fall,  the  General  Assembly 
adopts  the  following  paper: 

Inasmuch  as  this  General  Assembly,  at  its  first  annual  session, 
in  1861,  extended  its  fraternal  salutations  to  all  evangelical  churches 
throughout  the  world,  expressing  its  cordial  desire  to  be  in  fellow¬ 
ship  with  all,  especially  those  of  similar  faith  and  order,  by  which 
terms  and  catholic  spirit  the  Assembly  still  abides;  yet,  inasmuch 
as  it  has  not  now  before  it  data  sufficient  for  the  full  understanding 
of  the  character  and  purposes  of  the  Evangelical  Alliance,  and  the 
extent  of  the  authority  claimed  for  it  and  its  “National  Branches;” 
therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  deems  it  inexpedient  to 
appoint  delegates  to  attend  the  approaching  meeting  of  the  Evangel¬ 
ical  Alliance  in  New  York,  but  expresses  the  sincere  hope  that  the 
Spirit  of  grace  may  preside  over  all  those  deliberations,  that  all  its 
procedings  may  redound  to  the  glory  of  God,  in  the  advancement 
of  our  common  Christianity. 

1441.  The  Young  Men’s  Christian  Association 

1881,  p.  394.  The  twenty-fourth  convention  of  the  Young  Men’s 
Christian  Association  of  the  United  States  and  British  provinces, 
in  session  at  Cleveland,  Ohio,  sent  salutations  to  the  Assembly. 
Referred  to  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence.  The  fol¬ 
lowing  report  from  that  committee  was  adopted: 

The  committee,  after  much  consideration  of  the  telegram  recom¬ 
mitted  to  it,  have  grave  doubts  of  the  expediency  of  this  Assembly 
beginning  to  hold  correspondence  with  other  than  ecclesiastical 
bodies;  yet,  since  we  have  in  this  case  gone  so  far,  the  committee 
are  of  opinion  that  the  Assembly  ought  to  return  a  reply  to  the 
Young  Men’s  Christian  Association. 

Thereupon  a  suitable  dispatch  was  adopted,  and  ordered  sent. 
Similar  messages  were  received  in  1883.  (See  p.  28.) 

1442.  Synod  of  the  Greek  Evangelical  Church 

1898,  p.  227.  The  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence  beg 
to  report  that  they  have  read  the  letter  from  the  Evangelical  Synod 
of  Greece,  and  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following  reply  to 
be  forwarded  to  the  Greek  Synod: 

Beloved  Brethren: — We  are  glad  to  acknowledge  the  receipt 
of  your  very  fraternal  letter  thanking  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  for  the  transfer  to  your 


Secs.  1440-1444]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  939 

body  of  the  title  to  the  mission  property  at  Salonica,  and  also  ex¬ 
pressing  grateful  appreciation  of  all  work  heretofore  done  by  us 
for  the'  cause  of  evangelical  religion  among  the  Greeks.  We  will 
also  express  our  great  gratification  at  the  report  given  in  your  letter, 
indicating  good  progress  in  your  work  of  building  up  the  church  of 
God  in  the  kingdom  of  Greece  and  in  the  Turkish  empire.  We 
wish  you  heartily  God-speed,  and  do  pray  that  Christ,  the  great 
Head  of  the  church,  may  crown  all  your  labors  with  abundant  success. 

Assuring  you  of  our  continued  interest  in  the  Synod  of  the  Evan¬ 
gelical  Church  of  Greece,  we  are  your  brethren  in  the  Lord,  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States. 
Adopted. 

1443.  Reply  to  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Bishops  on  Church  unity 

1887,  p.  227.  In  response  to  the  declaration  and  resolutions 
adopted  by  the  House  of  Bishops  and  House  of  Deputies  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  convened  in  the  city  of  Chicago, 
October  27th,  1886: 

The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States,  in  session  at  St.  Louis,  recognizes  with  great  joy  the  cath¬ 
olic  spirit  which  inspires  the  declaration  concerning  Christian  unity. 
It  sympathizes  fervently  with  every  effort  made  in  accordance  with 
the  Word  of  God  to  promote  godly  union  and  concord  with  all  who 
love  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  sincerity.  It  rejoices  to  consult,  not 
only  for  the  interest  of  the  historic  Church  which  it  represents,  but 
also  for  the  peace  and  prosperity  of  the  whole  body  of  Jesus  Christ 
upon  earth.  But  as  the  Cbmmission  on  Christian  Unity  does  not 
make  its  report  until  the  General  Convention  of  1889,  the  present 
General  Assembly  contents  itself  with  this  expression  of  Christian 
sympathy,  and  postpones  further  action  until  the  Assembly  of  1888. 

1444.  Protestant  Episcopal  Council 

1899,  p.  392.  The  following  was  adopted: 

The  General  Assembly  hereby  extends  its  greeting  to  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Council,  of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia,  now  in  session  in 
this  city,  expressing  our  hearty  interest  in  the  work  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church,  and  our  cordial  regard  for  their  bishops,  clergy¬ 
men  and  people  as  brethren  beloved  in  the  Lord,  invoking  upon 
them  the  blessing  of  the  Father,  Son  and  Holy  Spirit. 

A  copy  of  this  resolution,  signed  by  the  Moderator  and  Stated 
Clerk,  is  ordered  sent  to  the  Council  at  St.  Paul’s  Church,  Rich¬ 
mond,  Va. 

P.  398.  The  following  fraternal  salutation  from  the  Council  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  in  the  Diocese  of  Virginia,  was 
received : 

Ait  a  meeting  of  the  Council  of  the  Protestant  Episcopalians  in  the 
Diocese  of  Virginia,  held  in  St.  Paul’s  Church,  Richmond,  Va.,  on 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


940 


[Book  VII 


the  18th  day  of  May,  1899,  the  following  resolution  was,  on  motion 
of  the  Rev.  Professor  Wallis,  unanimously  adopted: 

Resolved ,  That  the  Secretary  be  requested  to  send  the  fraternal 
greetings  of  the  Council  of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia  to  the  General  As¬ 
sembly  of  the  Southern  Presbyterian  Church  now  in  session  in  this 
city. 

1901,  p.  17.  “To  the  General  Assembly  of  the'  Presbyterian 
Church — Greeting : 

“In  the  Providence  of  Almighty  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  you  are 
convened  within  our  charming  little  city,  and  I  beg  to  add  to  words 
of  welcome  already  given  my  earnest  greeting.  Permit  me  to  ex¬ 
press  my  prayerful  desire  that  your  forty-first  session  shall  be  marked, 
as  well  in  the  deliberations  as  in  the  devotions,  by  that  conservatism 
and  high  Christian  aim  which  has  always  characterized  your  honor¬ 
able  body. 

“It  would  afford  me  real  pleasure  to  visit  the  Assembly,  but  my 
uncertain  health  and  the  urgency  of  many  duties  incident  to  leav¬ 
ing  the  State  to-night  for  a  prolonged  absence  forbid  me  expressing 
in  person  the  fellowship  I  feel. 

“It  occurs  to  me  that  the  spacious  room  of  Trinity  Cathedral 
may  be  convenient  for  some  of  your  more  general  or  public  services, 
missionary  or  otherwise,  and  I  hereby  tender  the  use  of  it  to  you  on 
any  Sunday  evening  or  night. 

“Praying  that  the  God  of  Peace  who  brought  again  from  the 
dead  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  great  shepherd  of  the  sheep,  through 
the  blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant  may  make  you  perfect  in  every 
good  work  to  do  His  will,  working  in  you  that  which  is  well  pleasing 
in  His  sight,  I  am,  wiith  great  respect. 

We  recommend  the  following  response: 

“To  the  Right  Rev.  Wm.  M.  Browfn,  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese 

of  Arkansas  Protestant  Episcopal  Church — Greeting : 

“The  General  Assembly  appreciates  your  cordial  salutation  and 
reciprocates  heartily  the  fraternal  feeling  underlying  it,  and  tenders 
its  thanks  for  the  courtesy  extended  in  the  offer  of  the  cathedral, 
which  courtesy  would  be  gladly  accepted  if  occasion  required. 

“May  the  Lord  have  you  ever  in  His  gracious  keeping  and  bless 
you  abundantly  in  home,  heart  and  work.” 

1913,  p.  14.  A  communication  extending  greetings  from  the  Geor¬ 
gia  Diocese  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  was  read  and  re¬ 
ferred  to  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence. 

1913,  p.  22.  The  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence  re¬ 
ported,  recommending  the  following  greetings  be  sent: 

The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States  sends  cordial  greetings  to  the  brethren  of  your  historic  com¬ 
munion.  Read  Eph.  4:11-13. 


1446.  Ministerial  Union  of  Richmond 

1889,  p.  397.  The  hour  arrived  for  receiving  the  Ministerial 
Union  of  Richmond  and  suburbs.  Dr.  Kerr  formally  introduced 
the  Union,  Moderator  Cannon  welcomed  the  brethren  in  hearty 
terms,  to  which  the  Rev.  Dr.  W.  G.  Starr,  President  of  the  Union, 
eloquently  responded,  and  the  members  of  the  union  were  invited  to 
sit  with  the  Assembly  as  visiting  brethren. 


Secs.  1445-1447]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  941 

1447.  Christian  Reformed  Church  of  North  America 

1901,  p.  28.  The  following  greeting  was  received  from  the 
Synod  of  the  Christian  Reformed  Church  of  North  America,  and 

was  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence: 

The  Synod  of  the  Christian  Reformed  Church  of  North  America 
comes  to  you  with  its  cordial  and  sympathetic  greeting.  Let  us  say 
by  way  of  introduction  that  we  are  a  denomination  of  Holland 
descent,  numbering  at  present  about  150  congregations,  located  mainly 
in  New  Jersey,  Michigan  and  Iowa,  served  by  about  100  ordained 
ministers.  In  Grand  Rapids,  our  centre,  we  sustain  a  flourishing  theo¬ 
logical  school,  with  a  faculty  of  seven  professors.  The  Christian  Re¬ 
formed  Church  is  adhering  strictly  to  the  Calvinistic  Doctrines  of 
grace  as  embodied  in  the  confessional  standard  of  Dordt  and  West¬ 
minster. 

And,  becoming  more  and  more  a  part  and  parcel  of  our  common 
American  church  life,  it  has  looked  about  for  the  last  few  years  for 
ecclesiastical  sisters  in  our  broad  land,  of  like  mind  and  effort,  that 
ecclesiastical  correspondence  may  be  established  with  such  churches. 

Ey  this  correspondence  the  Synod’  of  the  Christian  Reformed 
Church  understands  a  little  more  than  the  exchange  of  greetings,  but, 
above  that — 

(a)  Sending  of  regularly  appointed  delegates  to  the  meetings  of 
each  other’s  principal  church  courts,  with  advisory  vote; 

(&)  To  pay  attention  to  each  other  that  no  one  depart  in  doctrine, 
liturgy  and  discipline  from  Reformed  principles; 

(c)  Mutual  deliberation  what  position  to  assume  with  reference 
to  third  parties;  and — 

id)  To  assist  each  other  with  advice,  especially  when  movements 
are  on  foot  to  modify  the  Confession,  Church  Constitution  or  Liturgy. 

We  would  be  delighted  to  begin  ecclesiastical  correspondence  of 
this  kind  with  your  church  because  historical  research  and  observ¬ 
ance  of  your  practice  cause  us  to  feel  that  we  are  very  much  akin. 

We  feel,  however,  that  the  distance  between  us  in  the  North  and 
you  in  the  sunny  Southland  is  so  great  that  the  expense  of  sending 
delegates  to  your  General  Assembly  would  be  heavier  than  we  as  a 
church,  with  our  many  needs  in  home  and  Indian  mission  field,  can 
bear.  Therefore,  our  Synod  however  much  it  desired  to  take  this 
step,  thought  it  not  advisable  to  enter  into  correspondence  in  the  wide 
sense  as  indicated  above. 

One  thing,  however,  our  Synod  thought  we  could  and  ought  to 
do,  and  that  is  to  send  you  this  official  letter  in  which  we  as  a 
church  express  our  great  appreciation  that  you  as  a  denomination  ad¬ 
here  so  closely  to  the  glorious  standards  set  up  by  the  fathers  of 
Westminster,  even  as  our  own  ancestors  displayed  at  Dordt.  We 
rejoice  to  hear  that  no  liberal  party  or  revision  movement  is  found 
in  your  midst,  but  conservatism,  built  upon  the  infallible  Word  of 
God,  is  in  control.  Our  earnest  hope  and  expectation  is  that  you  will 
continue  to  fearlessly  uphold  this  banner  God  gave  them  that  fear 
Him,  that  it  may  be  displayed  because  of  the  truth,  even  until  the 
Son  of  God  shall  appear  upon  the  clouds. 

And  finally,  remembering  the  apostolic  injunction,  “Let  us  con¬ 
sider  one  another  to  provoke  unto  love  and  to  good  works”  (Heb.  x. 
24)  ,  we  should  rejoice  very  much  if  you  would  join  us  in  loyally  and 
strenuously  opposing  that  cancer  in  our  present  church  organism, 
Secret  Oathbound  Societies,  which  in  so  many  ways  is  contrary  to 
God’s  Word  and'  the  welfare  of  the  bride  of  Christ. 

Trusting  you  will  carefhlly  and  fraternally  consider  this  message 
of  sympathy  and  love  sent  you  in  a  sisterly  spirit  of  appreciation, 
we  remain, 


Your  brethren  in  our  common  Lord. 


942 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


The  following  letter  was  sent  in  reply: 

Our  Assembly  receives  with  cordial  and  grateful  appreciation 
your  expressions  of  fraternal  regard.  We  rejoice  in  the  tokens  of 
God’s  favor  on  the  work  committeed  to  your  trust,  and  pray  that 
His  large  and  enlarging  blessing  may  abide  ever  with  you. 

You  are  the  heirs  of  heroic  traditions,  a  precious  legacy  of  trial 
:and  triumph,  and  we  need  wish  you  no  higher  privilege  than  that 
<of  proving  worthy,  by  God’s  grace,  of  such  an  inheritance. 

1448.  Pozsony  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church,  Hungary 

1901,  p.  50.  The  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence  reported 
the  following  response  to  the  communication  from  the  Pozsony  Re¬ 
formed  Presbyterian  congregation  in  Hungary: 

The  Committee  of  Foreign  Correspondence  would  report  as  fol¬ 
lows,  in  answer  to  the  communication  from  Pozsony  Reformed  Pres¬ 
byterian  Church,  in  connection  with  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Trans-Danubian  Reformed  Churches  in  Hungary: 

1.  That  the  communication  be  referred  to  our  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Foreign  Missions  at  Nashville,  with  authority  to  act  as 
may  seem  best  to  that  Committee,  after  careful  investigation,  the 
Assembly,  however,  expressing  the  hope  that  some  limited  aid,  at 
least,  may  be  extended  to  the  Pozsony  Church. 

2.  That  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the  Assembly  be  directed  to  reply 
to  the  communication  from  the  Pozsony  Church,  assuring  its  people 
of  our  profound  and  prayerful  interest  in  their  growth  and  spiritual 
prosperity,  and  informing  them  of  the  action  taken. 

1449.  General  Synod  of  Mexico 

1902,  p.  255.  The  report  of  the  Rev.  J.  H.  McNeilly,  D.  D.,  the 
representative  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the.  United  States  at  the 
'organization  of  the  General  Synod  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 
Mexico,  was  read,  and  was  referred  to  the  Standing  Committee  on 
Foreign  Missions. 

A  greeting  from  the  General  Synod  of  Mexico  to  this  Assembly  was 
Pead,  and  referred  to  the  same  committee. 

A  communication  from  the  Rev.  L.  G.  Mora,  delegate  from  the 
'General  Synod  of  Mexico  to  this  Assembly,  was  read,  and  was  referred 
to  the  Committee  of  Foreign  Correspondence. 

The  Assembly  was  led  in  prayer  by  the  Rev.  C.  G.  Brown  for  the 
divine  blessing  upon  this  newly  organized  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
Republic  of  Mexico. 

The  Standing  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions  presented  the  fol¬ 
lowing: 

P.  282.  The  great  event  in  our  mission  field  in  Mexico  during 
the  past  year  was  the  organization,  in  that  country,  of  the  Indepen¬ 
dent  Synod  by  the  union  there  of  the  churches  connected  with  both 
•branches  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  this  country.  According  to 


Secs.  1447-1451]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  943 

• 

the  instructions  of  the  last  Assembly,  the  Rev.  J.  H.  McNeilly,  D. 
D.,  a  member  of  the  Executive  Committee,  took  part  as  our  repre- 
senative  in  the  interesting  transaction.  Thus  in  that  field  one  great 
end  of  our  work  has  been  attained — the  end  aimed  at  in  all  countries 
— the  organization  of  a  native,  independent,  self-propagating  church. 
Our  Executive  Committee  is  instructed  to  conduct  its  work  hereafter 
in  that  country,  as  far  as  possible,  through  the  agency  of  the  newj- 
church  thus  brought  into  existence.  Adopted. 

The  Committee  of  Foreign  Correspondence  reported: 

P.  290.  We  rejoice  in  the  good  work  of  our  sister  church,  and 
pray  that  the  Lord  will  add  unto  her  number  daily  of  such  as 
should  be  saved.  Adopted. 

1450.  Northern  Synod  of  Moravian  Church 

1903,  p.  489.  A  fraternal  message  from  the  Northern  Synod  of 
the  Moravian  Church  was  read  and  was  referred  to  the  Committee 
on  Foreign  Correspondence. 

P.  491.  The  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence  reported 
recommending  the  following  response  to  the  greetings  of  the  Mo¬ 
ravian  Synod  North. 

The  General  Assembly  appreciates  your  greetings,  and  salutes  you 
in  fraternal  love. 

1908,  p.  24.  The  following  greetings  were  received: 

Your  brethren  of  the  Moravian  Chunch  greet  you  heartily  and  wish 
you  grace,  mercy  and  peace  in  all  your  deliberations.  I  should  be  with 
you  in  person,  if  not  prevented  by  official  duties. 

Edward  Bondthalee, 

Bishop  of  the  Southern  Province  of  the  Moravian  Church  in  America k 

The  message  was  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Corre¬ 
spondence  for  reply. 

The  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence  presented  the  follow¬ 
ing  report,  which  was  adopted: 

In  response  to  the  greeting  of  Bishop  Edward  Rondthaler,  of 
the  Moravian  Church,  your  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence 
would  recommend  the  following: 

The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States  most  heartily  reciprocates  your  fraternal  greetings. 

1451.  First  Presbyterian  Church,  Augusta,  Ga. 

1904,  p.  9.  The  following  telegram  was  received  and  referred  to 
the  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence: 

The  First  Presbyterian  Church,  Augusta,  Ga.,  the  birthplace  of  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States, 
celebrating  its  centenary,  sends  greetings. 

P.  17.  The  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence  reported,  and 
the  Assembly  adopted,  the  following  reply  to  the  greetings  of  the 


944  Relations  With  Other  Bodies  [Book  VII 

First  Presbyterian  Church,  Augusta,  Ga.,  which  the  Stated  Clerk 
was  instructed  to  transmit: 

The  Assembly  communicates  its  hearty  congratulations  to  the 
First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Augusta,  Ga.,  upon  the  occasion  of 
the  celebration  of  its  centennial.  II  Cor.  XIII.,  14. 

1922,  p.  21.  The  following  letter  of  greeting  was  received  and 
referred  to  a  committee  consisting  of  S.  M.  Engle,  C.  E.  McLean,  and 
Frank  Junkin: 

“The  Session  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church,  Augusta,  Ga.,  on 
behalf  of  itself  and  its  communicating  members,  extends  you  greet¬ 
ings  of  love  and  most  cordial  Christian  fellowship.  Memory  dwells 
fondly  on  that  day  sixty-one  years  ago  when  in  the  First  Presby¬ 
terian  Church,  Augusta,  Georgia,  the  Southern  Presbyterian  Church 
unfurled  the  banner  of  Christ  alongside  the  other  great  denomina¬ 
tions  of  the  world,  and  began  its  marchi  forward  to  conquer  the 
world  for  Christ.  We  are  having  daily  cause  for  thanksgiving  to 
God  for  the  gracious  outpouring  of  His  Spirit  upon  efforts  of  our 
great  Church. 

“How  appropriately  may  we  quote  the  text  upon  the  centennial 
tablet  over  our  church  door,  ‘Hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped  us.’ — I 
Sam.  7:12.” 

1922,  p.  49.  The  following  report  was  adopted: 

“The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States,  in  session  at  Charleston,  West  Virginia,  in  response  to  the 
pleasant  words  of  greeting  from  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of 
Augusta,  Georgia,  where  61  years  ago  our  Church  had  its  birth, 
returns  warmest  greetings.  We  rejoice  in  your  century  of  active 
advance,  lengthening  your  cords  and  strengthening  your  stakes.  May 
your  bow  abide  in  strength.  Hold  fast  that  thou  hast  that  no  man 
take  thy  crown.” 

1452.  National  Federation  of  Churches  and  Christian  Workers 

1904,  p.  41.  In  answer  to  a  communication  from  the  National 
Federation  of  Churches  and  Christian  Workers,  asking  for  co-op¬ 
eration  in  the  work  of  said  Federation,  your  Committee  recom¬ 
mends  the  following  answer:  The  Assembly  expresses  its  sympathy 
with  the  purposes  of  the  Organization,  but,  in  accordance  with  its 
well  established  custom  in  such  cases,  it  declines  to  appoint  the  del¬ 
egates  asked  for.  Adopted. 

Repeated  in  1905,  p.  40. 

1907,  p.  55.  An  overture  from  the  Upper  Missouri  Presbytery, 
asking  that  admission  to  the  Inter-Church  Conference  on  Federa¬ 
tion,  be  requested,  and  to  appoint  delegates  thereto,  at  this  meeting. 
It  is  recommended  that  this  be  answered  in  the  affirmative.  Adopted. 

P.  58.  On  the  overture  of  the  Presbytery  of  LaFayette,  and 
that  of  the  Presbytery  of  East  Alabama,  asking  for  representation 
of  our  Church  at  the  Inter-Church  Conference  on  Federation  to  be 
held  in  1909,  your  Committee  recommends  that  these  overtures  be 
answered  in  the  affirmative,  and  that  the  Moderator  appoint  thir- 


Secs.  1451-1454]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  945 

teen  representatives  to  the  said  Conference,  their  expenses  to  be 
borne  by  themselves.  The  Moderator,  Rev.  J.  R.  Howerton,  D.  D., 
was  appointed  chairman  of  the  delegation.  Adopted. 

1908,  p.  15.  The  Rev.  J.  R.  Howerton,  Moderator  of  the  last 
Assembly,  reported  that  under  the  instructions  of  the  Assembly  he 
had  appointed  the  following  to  represent  our  church  in  the  National 
Federation  of  Churches  and  Christian  Workers  to  meet  in  1909: 

Rev.  H.  E.  Kirk,  D.  D.,  Rev.  A.  J.  McKelway,  D.  D.,  Hon.  M. 
F.  Ansel,  Mr.  Samuel  M.  Inman,  Rev.  J.  W.  Walden,  D.  D.,  Hon. 
R.  T.  Simpson,  Rev.  T.  M.  Hunter,  D.  D.,  Rev.  J.  B.  Hutton,  D. 
D.,  President  E.  R.  Long,  J.  Farley,  E^q.,  Rev.  W.  R.  Dobyns,  D. 
D.,  Rev.  A.  B.  Curry,  D.  D.  and  Rev.  Edwin  Muller,  D.  D. 

By  appointment  of  the  last  General  Assembly,  the  Rev.  J.  R. 
Howerton,  D.  D.,  is  the  chairman  of  this  delegation. 

1453.  Presbyterian  Church  in  India 

1905,  p.  39.  A  request  from  the  First  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  India,  asking  that  they  be  “permitted  to 
-enter  into  relations  with  us  by  means  of  corresponding  members.” 

Answer :  That  the  cordial  Christian  request  from  the  First  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  India  be  granted,  and 
that  the  Moderator  of  the  Assembly,  the  Rev.  J.  T.  Plunket,  D.  D., 
be  appointed  to  bear  the  greetings  and  Christian  salutations  of  this 
Assembly  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 
India. 

1454.  Bi-Centennial  of  First  Presbytery  in  the  United  States 

1906,  p.  55.  Rev.  J.  T.  Plunket,  D.  D.,  the  retiring  Moderator, 
reported  that  he  had  attended,  as  directed,  in  April,  the  Bi-Centen¬ 
nial  of  the  organization  of  the  First  Presbytery  of  the  Presbyterian 
■Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  in  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church  of  Philadelphia,  Pa.  After  giving  some  account  of  the 
addresses,  he  makes  the  following  recommendations: 

First — That  the  Assembly  records  with  pleasure  the  fact  that 
Rev.  Dr.  Plunket,  retiring  Moderator  of  our  Assembly,  was  present 
as  our  representative  upon  the  occasion,  so  full  of  common  historic 
interest  to  Presbyterians  of  every  place,  especially  throughout  this 
country. 

Second — We  rejoice  to  learn  that  the  occasion  brought  out  ex¬ 
pressions  of  fraternity  from  so  many  sister  denominations  and  that 
we  thank  God  for  so  many  evidences  of  His  good  hand  being  over 
us  as  a  family  of  the  faith  during  the  past  two  hundred  years. 

Third — That  a  copy  of  this  report  together  with  its  recommenda¬ 
tions  be  forwarded  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States  of  America  now  in  session  at  Des 
Moines,  Iowa. 

The  report  was  received  and  approved. 


946  Relations  With  Other  Bodies  [Book  VII 

1455.  Union  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  U.  S.  A.,  and  the  Cum¬ 
berland  Presbyterian  Church 

1907,  p.  52.  The  Assembly  received  from  the  General  Assembly 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America  the 
following  announcement : 

With  deep  gratitude  to  God  for  His  guidance  in  the  matter,  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America  announces  the 
completion  at  noon  today  of  the  union  with  the  Cumberland  Presby¬ 
terian  Church,  with  the  reception  by  our  Assembly  of  the  Fraternal 
Union  delegation  appointed  by  the  Cumberland  Assembly  previous  to 
its  final  dissolution. 

The  following  reply  was  ordered  to  be  sent  to  the  General  As¬ 
sembly  in  session  at  Des  Moines: 

Your  message,  announcing  the  union  of  Presbyterians,  has  been 
received.  We  pray  that  this  union  will  result  in  the  promulgation 
of  our  Calvinistic  faith  and  in  the  extension  of  the  Kingdom  of 
Jesus  Christ. 

1456.  Alliance  of  Young  People’s  Societies 

1905,  p.  33.  The  report  of  the  select  Committee  on  Closer  Re¬ 
lations  with  Other  Presbyterian  Bodies  was  taken  from  the  docket. 
That  portion  of  the  report  touching  Young  People’s  Societies  was 
adopted  as  follows: 

The  Committee  on  Closer  Relations,  etc.,  recommend  that  the 
Assembly  adopt  the  recommendation  of  the  Ad  Interim  Committee 
on  Closer  Relations  touching  an  overture  of  St.  Louis  Presbytery, 
referred  to  it  last  year,  proposing  some  plan  of  alliance  or  affilia¬ 
tion  of  Young  People’s  Societies,  as  follows:  “We  judge  it  best, 
for  the  present,  at  least,  that  our  young  people  be  kept,  as  far  as 
possible,  under  our  own  control  and  training,  and  that  they  be 
accustomed  to  the  use  of  our  own  literature  and  methods  of  work.” 

1457.  Korea 

1909,  p.  63.  We  recommend  that  the  Moderator  of  this  As¬ 
sembly  be  appointed  to  make  suitable  response  to  the  fraternal  greet¬ 
ings  and  communications  from  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  Korea. 

1912,  p.  70j.  It  was  ordered  that  the  Moderator,  through  the  Ex¬ 
ecutive  Committee  on  Foreign  Missions,  be  appointed  to  write  a 
letter,  extending  fraternal  greetings  to  the  General  Assmbly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  Korea,  which,  it  is  expected,  will  be  or¬ 
ganized  next  fall. 

1458.  Theological  Evangelical  Seminary  of  Geneva 

1909,  p.  63.  In  regard  to  the  communications  from  the  repre¬ 
sentatives  of  the  Theological  Evangelical  Seminary,  of  Geneva,  stat¬ 
ing  that  they  had  heard  of  a  “Proposed  Movement  in  the  Southern 


Secs.  1455-1459]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  947 

Presbyterian  Assembly  looking  toward  the  establishment  of  a  Bible 
Institute  in  France,  for  the  training  of  Reformed  Ministers,  as  a 
Memorial  of  Calvin,”  we  recommend  the  following  answer: 

1.  That  the  Assembly  has  not  inuagurated  such  a  movement. 

2.  We  express  our  prayerful  and  sympathetic  interest  in  “the 
Theological  Evangelical  Seminary  of  Geneva,”  and  suggest  that  any 
of  our  Church  courts  or  individuals  who  may  advocate  such  a  Memo¬ 
rial  to  Calvin  connect  it,  if  possible,  with  the  said  Seminary  of 
Geneva. 

3.  That  this  action  be  communicated  to  Rev.  Albert  Erdman,  D. 
D.,  pastor  Em.  of  the  South  Street  Presbyterian  Church,  of  Morris¬ 
town,  N.  J.,  and  to  Mr.  Alexander  C.  Proudfit,  105  East  22nd 
Street,  New  York  City,  who  represent  the  Geneva  Seminary,  and 
from  whom  these  communications  come.  Adopted. 

1459.  United  Presbyterian  Church 

1910,  p.  30.  Your  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence,  hav¬ 
ing  carefully  considered  the  overture  from  certain  individuals  touch¬ 
ing  the  appointment  of  Committees  of  Conference  with  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church,  make  the  following  recommendation,  viz. : 

That,  as  we  have  no  direct  request  from  either  individuals  or  the 
body  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  for  conference  upon  this 
subject,  we  see  no  reason  for  action  at  this  time.  However,  we 
assure  the  brethren  of  that  Assembly  of  our  readiness  at  any  time  to 
confer  with  them  upon  the  subject  of  closer  relations.  Adopted. 

1912,  p.  23.  In  response  to  a  communication  and  three  over¬ 
tures  on  the  subject — 

We  recommend  to  the  Assembly  the  appointment  of  a  committee 
of  conference  to  confer  with  a  similar  committee,  which  we  trust  may 
be  appointed  by  the  United  Presbyterian  Assembly,  to  ascertain 
whether  a  basis  of  union  of  the  two  Churches  is  practicable,  and  if 
so,  to  report  the  said  basis  to  their  respective  Assemblies 
for  their  consideration  and  action  thereon.  We  nominate  as  mem¬ 
bers  of  this  committee  Rev.  R.  C.  Reed,  D.  D.,  Rev.  S.  L.  Morris, 
D.  D.,  Rev.'  John  F.  Cannon,  D.  D.,  Dr.  Allen  G.  Hall,  and  Hon. 
W.  F.  Stevenson. 

1913,  p.  35.  The  Committee  to  which  were  referred  the  over¬ 
tures  from  the  Presbyteries  of  Dallas,  Central  Texas,  Nashville,  and 
Upper  Missouri,  asking  that  an  ad  interim  committee  be  appointed 
by  this  Assembly,  and  that  the  Assemblies  of  other  Reformed  Churches 
Bolding  the  Presbyterian  System  in  this  country  be  requested  to  ap¬ 
point  similar  committees,  which  shall  confer  on  the  feasibility  of  a 
plan  for  closer  relations  between  these  Churches,  would  recommend 
the  following  answer: 

In  view  of  negotiations  now  pending  between  this  Assembly  and 
that  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  touching  organic  union  of 
the  two  bodies,  this  Assembly  deems  this  an  inopportune  time  to 
raise  the  question  of  closer  relations  with  other  bodies. 


948 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  Vll 


1913,  p.  23.  The  report  of  the  Committee  on  Conference  with  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America,  was  taken  up,  and 
was  read  by  Rev.  R.  C.  Reed,  D.  I).,  Chairman. 

In  accordance  with  the  recommendation  of  the  Committee,  the  re¬ 
port  was  docketed  for  consideration  by  the  next  Assembly.  It  was 
further  ordered  that  the  report  be  printed  in  the  Minutes  of  the  As¬ 
sembly  and  be  given  all  due  publicity. 

The  Committee  was  continued  until  the  next  Assembly,  and  the 
Assembly  expressed  its  appreciation  of  the  services  of  the  Com¬ 
mittee. 

Rev.  R.  C.  Reed,  D.  D.,  was  requested  to  notify  the  United  Pres¬ 
byterian  Church  of  North  America  of  our  action. 

The  report  is  as  follows:  , 

Your  Committee,  appointed  by  the  last  Assembly,  to  confer  with 
a  similar  Committee  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  in  reference 
to  the  organic  union  of  the  two  bodies,  would  respectfully  report  as 
follows,  viz. : 

Your  Committee  held  a  meeting  in  the  city  of  Nashville,  Tenn., 
in  the  month  of  September,  1912,  for  the  purpose  of  coming  to  an 
understanding  as  to  the  propositions  which  it  would  be  proper  for 
us  to  make  in  a  joint  meeting  of  the  two  Committees.  After  a  day 
of  earnest  conference,  a  paper  was  adopted  covering  all  the  points 
which,  in  the  judgment  of  your  Committee,  should  be  considered  in 
the  joint  sessions  of  the  Committees. 

On  the  4th  day  of  December,  1912,  in  the  parlor  of  the  Ebbitt 
House,  Washington  City,  the  Committees  met  and  entered  into  con¬ 
ference  at  10  a.  m.  The  paper  adopted  by  your  Committee  was  pre¬ 
sented.  A  similar  paper,  previously  adopted  by  the  Committee  of 
the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  was  also  presented.  These  papers 
furnished  the  materials  of  a  conference  lasting  through  the  whole  day. 
The  object  of  each  Committee  was  to  present,  not  individual  views 
and  preferences,  but  what  was  believed  to  be  the  views  and  prefer¬ 
ences  of  the  Church  represented.  A  beautiful  spirit  of  fraternal  love 
and  confidence  marked  the  discussions,  and  the  utmost  frankness 
characterized  the  interchange  of  ideas.  It  is  to  be  regretted  that  not 
all  the  members  of  either  Committee  were  present.  There  were,  how¬ 
ever,  a  majority  of  each  Committee  present,  and  they  agreed,  without 
a  dissenting  vote,  to  recommend  to  the  two  Assemblies  a  basis  of 
union.  As  to  the  principles  involved  in  this  basis  there  was  no  differ¬ 
ence  of  opinion,  but  there  was  not  perfect  agreement  touching  the 
wording  of  one  of  the  articles.  In  the  hope  of  reaching  a  perfect 
agreement  on  this  point,  a  joint  meeting  of  the  two  Committees  was 
held  in  the  city  of  Atlanta,  Ga.,  on  the  evening  of  May  13th,  1913. 
This  conference  was  also  characterized  by  perfect  candor.  While  on 
one  or  two  points  the  Committee  could  not  see  eye  to  eye,  they  unan¬ 
imously  agreed  to  lay  before  each  Assembly  the  fruits  of  their  labors 
as  a  basis  of  union  between  the  two  bodies. 

In  accordance  with  this  agreement,  your  Committee  respectfully 


Sec.  1459] 


Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies 


949 


presents  to  your  venerable  body  the  following  as  the  basis  agreed 
upon,  viz. : 

A  SUGGESTED  BASIS  OF  UNION 

Believing  in  the  essential  oneness  of  the  Church  of  Christ;  remem¬ 
bering  the  historic  lines  that  bind  us  to  revered  ancestors  who  witnessed 
valiantly  for  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus  and  through  whom  has  come 
to  us  a  common  heritage  of  Christian  faith  and  doctrine;  desiring 
to  prove  faithful  in  the  custodianship  of  this  inheritance  and  aim¬ 
ing  only  for  the  glory  of  God  in  the  higher  advancement  and  wider 
extension  of  His  kingdom  upon  earth,  we,  the  members  of  the  Pres¬ 
byterian  Church  in  the  United  States  and  the  members  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America,  do  find  a  common  stand¬ 
ing  ground  in  the  following  statements;  and  upon  the  basis  of  these 
fundamental  truths  we  covenant  to  join  our  ecclesiastical  bodies  in 
organic  unity: 

I 


The  doctrinal  standards  now  held  in  common  by  these  two 
Churches,  viz:  the  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith,  the  Larger  and 
Shorter  Catechisms,  shall  be  the  doctrinal  standards  of  the  United 
Church. 


II 


The  standards  are  to  be  interpreted  in  their  natural  and  obvious 
meaning,  and  no  one  shall  be  authorized  to  teach  or  preach  in  the 
United  Church  who  cannot  give  an  unqualified  assent  to  the  doc¬ 
trinal  system  contained  in  these  standards. 

Ill 


The  United  Church  would  bear  emphatic  testimony  to  the  fol¬ 
lowing  doctrines  as  essential  parts  of  the  aforesaid  system: 

(a)  The  integrity  of  the  Holy  Scriptures.  The  Scriptures  of 
the  0,ld  and  New  Testaments  are  to  be  received  as  the  very  worci  of 
God,  and  their  authority  is  to  be  recognized  as  the  only  infallible 
rule  of  faith  and  life. 

(b)  ‘‘Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  not  only  the  Son  of  God  in  re¬ 
spect  to  His  natural,  necessary  and  eternal  relation  to  the  Father, 
but  also  the  true  and  supreme  God,  being  one  in  essence  with  the 
Father  and  the  Holy  Spirit.” 

(c)  “Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  besides  the  dominion  which  belongs 
to  Him  as  God,  has  as  our  God-man  Mediator,  a  two-fold  dominion 
with  which  He  has  been  invested  by  the  Father  !as  the  reward  of 
His  sufferings.  These  are:  a  dominion  over  the  Church,  of  which 
He  is  the  living  head  and  lawgiver,  and  source  of  all  that  divine 
influence  and  authority  by  which  she  is  sustained  and  governed; 
and  also  a  dominion  over  all  created  persons  and  things,  which  is 
exercised  by  Him  in  subserviency  to  the  manifestation  of  God’s  glory 
in  the  system  of  redemption  and  the  interests  of  His  Church.” 


950 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


(d)  As  to  the  constitution  of  the  person  of  our  Redeemer,  the 
Scriptures  plainly  teach  that  He  was  conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost 
in  the  womb  of  the  Virgin  Mary  and  was  born  without  a  human 
father.  He  lived  a  life  of  perfect  obedience,  and  by  the  shedding 
of  His  blood  made  full  atonement  for  sin  and  purchased  redemption 
for  His  people. 

(e)  “The  Holy  Spirit,  the  third  person  of  the  Trinity,  eternally 
proceeding  from  the  Father  and  the  Son  does,  by  a  direct  opera¬ 
tion  accompanying  the  word,  so  act  on  the  soul  as  to  quicken,  re¬ 
generate  and  sanctify  it;  it  is  His  to  take  of  the  things  of  Christ 
and  show  them  unto  men;  and  without  His  direct  operation  the 
soul  would  persist  in  rejecting  the  truths  of  God’s  word  and  would 
refuse  to  yield  to  the  motives  which  it  presents.”  In  His  gracious 
work,  the  Holy  Spirit  is  the  revealer  of  Christ,  the  interpreter  of 
His  word,  and  the  comforter  of  the  believer. 

In  addition  to  these  essential  doctrines,  the  United  Church  would 
lift  into  prominence: 

(1)  The  mission  of  the  Church.  We  believe  that  the  Gospel  of 
the  Son  of  God  is  the  only  hope  of  a  sinful,  dying  world.  We  rec¬ 
ognize  in  the  commands  of  Christ  the  urgent  call  to  the  evangeliza¬ 
tion  of  the  world,  and  we  bow  before  the  imperative  duty  of  sending  . 
the  message  of  the  Word  for  a  witness  among  all  nations. 

(2)  The  exclusively  spiritual  character  of  the  Church’s  mission. 
This  union  is  based  on  the  statement  of  our  common  Confession  of 
Faith,  viz.:  “Synods  and  Councils  are  to  handle  or  conclude  nothing 
but  that  which  is  ecclesiastical;  and  are  not  to  intermeddle'  with 
civil  affairs  which  concern  the  commonwealth,  unless  by  way  of 
humble  petition  in  cases  extraordinary;  or  by  way  of  advice  for 
satisfaction  of  conscience,  if  they  be  thereunto  required  by  the  civil 
magistrate.” 

(3)  The  exclusively  spiritual  character  of  the  mission  of  the 
Church  does  not  imply  that  the  Church  owes  no  duty  to  civil  society. 
On  the  contrary,  it  is  the  imperative  duty  of  the  Church,  through 
its  members  as  citizens  of  the  civil  commonwealth,  to  apply  the  prin¬ 
ciples  of  Chrisianity  to  all  the  political,  social  and  industrial  con¬ 
ditions  of  society. 

IV 

The  supreme  judicatory  of  the  United  Church  shall  be  a  General 
Assembly,  the  official  title  of  which  shall  be  “The  General  Assem¬ 
bly  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America,”  it  being 
understood  and  agreed  that  this  shall  not  affect  local  and  historic 
names  of  churches,  Presbyteries  and  Synods. 

V 

As  to  the  basis  of  representation  and  in  the  conduct  and  the  pro¬ 
ceedings  of  the  first  General  Assembly,  the  Book  of  Church  Order 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  shall  be  authori¬ 
tative. 


Sec.  1459] 


Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies 


951 


VI 

The  subordinate  courts  of  the  Church  shall  continue  to  use  pro¬ 
visionally  the  book  of  rules  under  which  they  have  hitherto  been 
governed. 

VII 

The  Synods  and  Presbyteries  shall  remain  as  at  present  consti¬ 
tuted,  until  such  time  as  it  shall  manifestly  appear  that  some  change 
is  needed  for  the  best  interests  of  the  cause  and  Kingdom  of  Christ. 

VIII 

All  executive  agencies  shall  continue  as  at  present,  and  congre¬ 
gations  shall  continue  to  send  their  contributions  through  the  cus¬ 
tomary  channels.  But  these  executive  agencies  shall  co-operate 
with  each  other  as  far  as  practicable  in  the  circumstances,  and  shall 
seek  to  devise  some  method  by  which,  with  the  authoritative  action 
of  the  General  Assembly  and  the  approbation  of  the  whole  Church, 
they  can  become  completely  identified.  Before,  however,  such  a 
complete  consolidation  takes  place,  careful  steps  shall  be  taken, 
after  consultation  with  competent  attorneys,  to  safeguard  and  pre¬ 
serve  all  property  rights  affected  by  the  union  of  the  Churches. 

IX 

There  is  a  difference  in  the  historic  faith  and  practice  of  the  two 
Churches  touching  the  matter  of  praise  in  the  worship  of  God.  The 
one  Church  holds  the  belief  that  the  Book  of  Psalms  is  the  perfect 
and  divinely  accredited  manual  of  praise,  and  as  such  is  to  be 
used  in  worship  to  the  exclusion  of  all  devotional  compositions  of 
uninspired  persons. 

The  other,  while  believing  that  the  Psalms  of  Scripture  were  de¬ 
signed  for  permanent  use  in  the  Church,  and  should  have  a  large 
place  in  Christian  worship,  yet  hold  that  other  compositions  that 
are  in  harmony  with  the  teaching  of  Scripture  may,  with  propriety 
and  profit,  be  used  in  congregational  singing. 

This  difference  is  frankly  recognized;  but,  holding  our  respective 
views,  in  the  forbearance  of  love,  we  suggest  the  following  as  a 
practicable  basis: 

We  believe  that  the  Psalter  of  the  Bible,  the  Psalms  of  David,  is 
an  inspired  manual  of  praise  and  the  Spirit  of  God  indited  these 
songs  to  be  used  in  the  worship  of  the  people  of  God  to  the  end 
of  time.  The  United  Church  will,  therefore,  take  immediate  steps 
to  introduce  to  all  its  congregations  by  endorsing  and  recommend¬ 
ing,  the  Psalms  of  the  Bible  in  the  best  metrical  version  as  a 
divinely  accredited  book  of  praise.  But,  while  strongly  commend¬ 
ing  the  use  of  the  Psalms,  it  is  agreed  that  each  church  in  our 
respective  Synods  shall  be  allowed  in  the  matter  of  congregational 
singing  the  same  liberty  which  it  now  enjoys. 


952 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


Finally,  recognizing  that  it  is  impossible  to  make  specific  pro¬ 
vision  for  all  points  of  difference  that  may  arise,  it  is  understood 
that  these  Churches  enter  the  union  in  the  spirit  of  mutual  confi¬ 
dence  and  Christian  love,  and  with  a  sole  view  to  the  honor  of 
Christ  and  the  extension  of  His  Kingdom.  It  follows  from  this 
that  the  law  of  Christian  charity-  as  expounded  by  the  Apostle  Paul 
must  be  our  guide:  “Let  us  not,  therefore,  judge  one  another  any 
more;  but  judge  ye  this  rather  that  no  man  put  a  stumbling  block 
in  his  brother’s  way.”  “Let  each  of  us  please  his  neighbor  for 
that  which  is  good  unto  edifying,”  “doing  nothing  through  faction 
or  through  vainglory,  but  in  lowliness  of  mind,  each  counting  other 
better  than  himself;  not  looking  each  of  you  to  his  own  things,  but 
each  of  you  also  to  the  things  of  others.” 

1915,  p.  26.  We  recommend  that  the  following  message  be  sent 
to  the  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  now 
in  session  at  Loveland,  Colorado: 

“The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  U.  S.,  now 
in  session  at  Newport  News,  Virginia,  sends  fraternal  greetings. 
See  Gal.  1 :  3-5  : 

“Grace  be  to  you,  and  peace  from  God  the  Father,  and 
from  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  gave  Himself  for 
our  sins,  that  He  might  deliver  us  from  this  present 
evil  world,  according  to  the  will  of  God  and  our 
Father.  To  whom  be  glory  forever  and  ever.  Amen.” 

1917,  p.  21.  The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
U.  S.,  in  session  at  Birmingham,  Ala.,  greets  you  as  brethren  be¬ 
loved.  May  He,  whose  we  are  and  whom  we  serve,  make  us  all 
ready  to  do  His  will  in  sending  out  His  light  and  His  truth  which 
bring  salvation  and  peace  to  men. 

1921,  p.  24.  To  the  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church : 

Accept  the  warm  fraternal  greetings  of  the  Assembly  of  the  Pres¬ 
byterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.  in  session  at  St.  Louis.  Eph.  6:  23. 

1460.  Correspondence  with  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church 

1866,  p.  15.  Rev.  Charles  A.  Davis,  D.  D.,  delegate  from  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  ad¬ 
dressed  the  Assembly,  presenting  the  cordial  salutations  of  that 
body,  and  intimating  his  belief  that  an  extensive  and  growing  desire 
for  a  closer  union  between  the  two  bodies  prevailed. 

The  following  resolution  was  adopted: 

Resolved,  That  the  subject  of  Christian  union,  brought  before 
this  Assembly  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Davis  in  his  address,  be  referred 
to  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence,  with  instructions  to 
report  a  suitable  minute;  and  that  the  Rev.  Drs.  B.  M.  Palmer  and 
J.  M.  P.  Atkinson,  and  Ruling  Elder  George  J.  S.  Walker,  be  added 
to  the  committee. 

P.  30.  In  its  report,  which  was  adopted,  this  committee  say: 


Secs.  1459-1460]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  953 

“The  Assembly  has  received  with  the  liveliest  satisfaction,  and  re¬ 
ciprocates  with  the  utmost  cordiality,  the  Christian  greetings  of  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  through 
its  representative,  Rev.  C.  A.  Davis,  D.  D.  If  nothing  more  were 
gained  by  this  fraternal  correspondence  than  the  expression  before 
the  world  of  the  spiritual  unity  and  fellowship  of  the  Lord’s  peo¬ 
ple,  amidst  seeming  diversity  and  separation,  the  Assembly  would, 
for  this  reason  alone,  desire  its  continuance.  But  especially  is  this 
interchange  to  be  perpetuated  in  the  hope  that  it  may  tend,  at  no 
distant  day,  to  a  closer  union.  This  corresponding  delegate  has  un¬ 
officially  expressed  his  conviction  that  many,  in  their  respective 
communions,  are  ready  for  this  consummation.  And  this  declara¬ 
tion  is  made  in  face  of  the  fact  that  no  overtures  for  such  union 
have  as  yet  originated  in  the  Assembly  of  the  Cumberland  Presby¬ 
terian  Church.” 

“.  .  .  To  our  brethren  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church 

we  would  respectfully  suggest  whether  the  time  has  not  come  to 
consider  the  great  importance  to  the  kingdom;  of  our  common  Master 
of  their  union  with  us,  by  their  adoption  of  the  time-honored  Stand¬ 
ards  to  which  we  adhere.” 

P.  31.  Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  five  be  appointed  by  this 
Assembly  to  confer  with  any  similar  committee  on  the  part  of  the 
Cumberland  Presbyterian  Assembly,  to  ascertain  how  far  the  way 
is  prepared  for  an  organic  union  between  the  two  bodies  upon  the 
basis  of  the  Westminster  Standards. 

1867,  p.  133.  This  committee  made  ai  report,  which  was  referred 
to  a  special  committee. 

P.  135.  This  special  committee  made  the  following  report,  which 
was  unanimously  adopted: 

The  committee  to  which  was  referred  the  report  of  the  Committee 
of  conference  with  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  report,  for 
adoption  by  the  Assembly,  the  following  minute: 

The  Assembly  hereby  records  its  devout  acknowledgment  to  the 
great  Head  of  the  Church  for  the  manifest  tokens  of  His  presence 
with  the  committees  of  conference  during  their  deliberations,  as 
evinced  by  the  spirit  of  Christian  candor,  forbearance  and  love  dis¬ 
played  by  both  parties  in  their  entire  proceedings. 

The  Assembly  regards  the  object  for  which  that  committee  was 
appointed  as  one  fully  worthy  of  the  earnest  endeavors  and  con¬ 
tinued  prayers  of  God’s  people  in  both  branches  of  the  Church  rep¬ 
resented  in  the  committee;  but  at  the  same  time  it  is  compelled,  in 
view  of  the  terms  for  effecting  any  organic  union,  suggested  by  the 
committee  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  to  declare  that, 
regarding  the  present  period  as  one  very  unfavorable  for  making 
changes  in  our  .Standards  of  faith  and  practice,  it  is  more  espe¬ 
cially  so  for  effecting  changes  so  materially  modifying  the  system 
of  doctrine  which  has  for  centuries  been  the  distinguishing  peculiar¬ 
ity  and  the  eminent  glory  of  the  Presbyterian  churches,  both  of 
Europe  and  the  United  States. 


954 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


Resolved,  That  the  entire  documents  submitted  to  the  Assembly 
by  the  committee  be  printed  in  the  Appendix  to  the  Minutes  of 
the  Assembly. 

(See  also  Alexander’s  Digest,  pp.  440-442.) 

1903,  p.  485.  The  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence  re¬ 
ported  recommending  the  following  answer  to  the  communication 
from  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church: 

The  General  Assembly  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church 
has  unanimously  adopted  the  following  resolution: 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  nine  on  Presbyterian  fraternity 
and  union  be  appointed  by  this  Assembly  to  confer  with  such  like 
committees  as  may  be  appointed  by  other  Presbyterian  bodies  in 
regard  to  the  desirability  and  practicability  of  close  affiliation  and 
organic  union  among  the  members  of  the  Presbyterian  family  in 
the  United  States,  and  if,  in  any  particular  case  after  conference 
and  investigation,  union  shall  seem  to  be  desirable  and  practicable, 
to  suggest  suitable  measures  for  its  accomplishment  and  to  report 
such  basis  of  union  as  may  be  mutually  agreed  upon  to  the  next 
General  Assembly. 

We  recommend  the  following  reply:  While  sympathizing  with 
the  spirit  of  your  telegram,  we  do  not  see  our  way  clear  to  appoint 
the  committee  requested. 

The  report  was  adopted. 

1921,  p.  24.  To  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Cumberland  Pres¬ 
byterian  Church  in  session  at  Greenfield,  Missouri: 

The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S. 
salutes  you  in  the  Lord,  and  prays  that  God  will  bless  you  in  all 
your  deliberations.  I  Corinthians  1:  3. 

1921,  p.  30.  The  following  telegram  was  received  from  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church: 

Telegrams  received;  greatly  appreciated.  May  God  bless  abun¬ 
dantly  your  labor.  Read  Ephesians  1:3. 

For  further  correspondence  see  Assembly  Minutes  1911,  p.  18,  21; 
1912,  p.  30,  38;  1913,  p.  27,  28;  1914,  p.  24,  31;  1917,  p.  21,  23; 
1918,  p.  19;  1919,  p.  21,  23;  1920,  p.  28,  30;  1922,  p.  25,  33. 

1461.  Correspondence  with  the  Colored  Cumberland  General  As¬ 
sembly 

1878,  p.  612.  In  reference  to  a  letter  certifying  the  appoint¬ 
ment  of  Rev.  J.  N.  Hill  a  corresponding  delegate  from  the  Colored 
Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church  to  this  Assembly,  your  committee 
recommend  the  following  answer: 

1.  We  have  no  knowledge  of  any  such  branch  of  the  Church  in 
our  land,  of  their  doctrinal  belief,  or  form  of  government;  and  with¬ 
out  such  information  we  are  not  prepared  to  receive  the  delegate. 

2.  It  is  the  rule  of  this  body  to  conduct,  hereafter,  its  correspond¬ 
ence  with  other  branches  of  the  Church  by  letter,  and  not  by 
delegates;  and  we  respectfully  invite  those  with  whom  we  have 


Secs.  1460-1463]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  955 

correspondence  to  do  the  same,  except  the  Reformed  Church  of  Amer¬ 
ica,  with  whom  we  have  special  relations.  Adopted. 

Greetings  were  exchanged  by  telegram,  Assembly  Minutes  1912, 
p.  19,  38;  1913,  p.  43,  56. 

1462.  Hampton  Institute 

1915,  p.  80e.  The  following  resolution  on  Hampton  Institute 
was  adopted: 

The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States  desires  to  express  to  the  faculty  and  students  of  Hampton 
Institute  our  sincere  appreciation  of  the  cordial  hospiality  extended 
to  us  and  our  sense  of  the  great  work  that  Hampton  is  accomplish¬ 
ing,  and  to  assure  all  those  connected  with  the  institution  of  our 
earnest  prayers  that  God’s  blessing  may  ever  rest  upon  them. 

The  Assembly  directs  the  Stated  Clerk  to  transmit  this  resolution 
to  Dr.  H.  B.  Frissell,  the  President  of  Hampton  Institute,  with  the 
request  that  it  be  read  to  the  student  body. 

1463.  Correspondence  with  the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed 
Church  in  America  ( Dutch  Reformed) 

1871,  p.  12.  The  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence,  to 
whom  were  referred  the  credentials  and  communication  of  the  Rev. 
Dr.  John  A.  Todd,  delegate  to  this  General  Assembly  from  the 
General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  America,  beg  leave  to 
submit  for  the  adoption  of  the  General  Assembly,  in  response  thereto, 
the  following  resolutions: 

Resolved,  1,  That  the  General  Assembly  has  heard  with  pleasure 
the  able  and  fraternal  address  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  John  A.  Todd,  dele¬ 
gate  to  this  body  from  the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church 
in  America,  and  that  we  extend  to  him  a  cordial  welcome  to  our 
esteem  and  confidence,  and  invite  him  to  a  seat  upon  the  floor  of 
this  Assembly. 

2.  That  we  have  been  gratified  to  receive,  and  heartily  recipro¬ 
cate,  the  greetings  of  the  venerable  Synod,  as  found  in  its  printed 
Minutes  and  communicated  to  us  by  its  delegate. 

3.  That  we  recognize  in  that  branch  of  the  Church  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  a  faithful  witness  for  that  truth  of  God  which  is  set  forth 
alike  in  the  formulas  of  Heidelberg,  Dordrecht,  and  Westminster; 
and  we  therefore  cheerfully  respond  to  the  overture  of  the  Synod  for 
the  opening  of  a  fraternal  correspondence,  and  the  cultivation  of  a 
mutual  spirit  of  Christian  sympathy  and  brotherly  love. 

4.  That  we  hear  with  pleasure  of  the  probable  extension  of  the 
evangelical  labors  of  the  General  Synod  among  the  desolations  of 
the  Southern  States,  and  will  be  happy  to  extend  to  them  the  mutual 
courtesies  of  our  pulpits;  and  commend  them  to  the  fraternal  confi¬ 
dence  of  our  people. 

5.  That  Rev.  John  H.  Bryson,  principal,  and  Rev.  Samuel  J. 


956 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


Baird,  D.  D.,  alternate,  are  hereby  appointed  our  commissioners  to 
attend  the  sessions  of  the  General  Synod  to  be  held  in  the  North 
Church  of  Albany  on  the  first  Wednesday  of  June,  1871,  at  three 
o’clock  p.  m.,  to  convey  to  that  body  the  fraternal  salutations  of 
this  Assembly,  and  communicate  a  copy  of  these  resolutions.  Adopted. 

1873,  p.  309.  Rev.  Joseph  R.  Wilson,  D.  D.,  delegate  from  the 
Assembly  to  the  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church,  said  in  the  report 
of  his  attendance:  “Whilst  I  was>  careful  to  say  that  I  carried 
with  me  from  the  Assembly  I  represented  no  authority  to  propose 
terms  of  organic  union,  I  ventured  to  express  the  hope  of  a  closer 
alliance  than  now  exists  between  the  two  bodies,  should  a  benignant 
Providence  open  the  way  thereto.  The  utterance  of  this  senti¬ 
ment  produced  a  deeper  impression  than  I  could  have  foreseen;  and 
in  view  of  it,  a  committee  was  appointed  (unanimously,  I  believe,)  , 
to  take  into  consideration  the  subject  thus  suggested,  with  instruc¬ 
tions  to  report  to  the  Synod  of  1873.” 

P.  312.  The  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence  presented 
a  report,  which  was  adopted  unanimously  by  a  rising  vote  of  the 
Assembly;  whereupon,  in  view  of  this  unanimity,  the  Rev.  J.  R. 
Wilson,  upon  request  of  the  body,  led  it  in  prayer  to  God  for  His 
providential  guidance  in  all  things  pertaining  to  this  important 
business.  The  report  is  as  follows: 

Whereas,  ifi  a  paper  officially  communicated,  the  last  General 
Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  America,  has  notified  this  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  of  the  unanimous  appointment  of  a  committee  to  con¬ 
sider  carefully  the  desirableness  and  feasibility  of  establishing  closer 
relations  with  our  Church;  and 

Whereas,  The  Assembly  regards  said  notification  as  indicative 
of  a  desire  on  the  part  of  that  venerable  Synod  to  enter  into  closer 
relations  if  the  way  be  clear;  and 

Whereas,  This  Assembly  on  its  part  cordially  reciprocates  this 
feeling,  and  knows  of  no  more  effective  method  of  ascertaining  whether 
the  two  bodies  are  prepared  for  a  nearer  connection  than  the  method 
of  conference;  therefore, 

Resolved,  1,  That  this  Assembly  do  now  appoint  a  committee, 
whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  confer  with  a  similar  committee,  if  appointed 
by  the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church,  for  the  purpose  of 
ascertaining  in  what  manner  such  more  intimate  relations  may 
be  established,  and  what  ought  to  be  the  nature  and  extent  thereof, 
and  report  the  result  to  the  next  General  Assembly. 

2,  That  the  Stated  Clerk  be  directed  to  forward  a  copy  of  this 
paper  to  the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church,  to  meet  in 
New  Brunswick  in  June  of  this  present  year. 

1874,  p.  480.  This  committee  submitted  a  report,  which  was 
referred  to  a  select  committee  of  one  from  each  Synod. 

P.  507.  The  report  of  the  committee  concerning  a  plan  of  co¬ 
operation  with  the  Reformed  Church  was  taken  up,  and,  having 
been  amended,  was  adopted  unanimously.  The  report  is  as  fol¬ 
lows: 


Sec.  1463]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  957 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  and  report  upon  the  plan 
submitted  to  the  General  Assembly  by  the  Committees  of  Confer¬ 
ence  of  the  Reformed  Church  and  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States,  and  which  provides  for  “more  intimate  communion 
and  co-operation  between  these  Christian  denominations,”  and  looks 
to  the  establishment  of  “closer  relations”  between  the  two  bodies, 
respectfully  report  that  theyj  have  discharged  that  pleasing  duty, 
and  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following  minute  as  expressive 
of  the  sense  of  the  Assembly: 

1.  Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States  has  cause  for  solemn  and  devout  grati¬ 
tude  to  God  for  the  numerous  tokens  of  Divine  favor  and  approval 
wrhich  have  marked  this  negotiation  through  all  its  stages,  from 
its  first  inception  till  the  present  hour,  and  especially  for  the 
spirit  of  unity  and  Christian  fellowship,  of  mutual  forbearance, 
fraternal  love,  and  confidence,  which  have  been  vouchsafed  to  the 
members  of  the  joint  Committees  of  Conference,  and  which  have 
attended  all  their  deliberations  to  a  harmonious  issue  in  the  plan 
of  co-operation  which  has  been  submitted  to  the  two  churches  as 
embodying  the  result  of  their  complete  action. 

2.  Resolved,  That  the  aforesaid  plan  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby, 
heartily  adopted  entire  (except  as  to  the  number  of  delegates)  by 
this  Assembly,  as  the  basis  of  an  “intimate  co-operative  alliance,” 
such  as  therein  set  forth — a  union  not  organic,  but  nevertheless  a 
union  real  and  practicable,  one  which  it  is  believed  will,  under  the 
Divine  blessing,  prove  to  be  comfortable  and  useful  to  the  two 
bodies  that  at  length  are  happily  brought  into  effective  concert,  and 
which  it  is  hoped  will  redound  to  the  honor  and  glory  of  the  great 
Head  of  the  Church.  And,  in  accordance  therewith,  the  General 
Assembly  will  now  appoint  one  minister  and  one  elder,  with  alter¬ 
nates,  as  corresponding  members,  to  meet  said  Reformed  Synod 
at  its  next  convention,  in  Poughkeepsie,  New  York,  on  the  first 
Wednesday  in  June,  1874,  should  they  approve  and  adopt  said 
“plan  of  co-operation.” 

3.  Resolved,  That,  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  plan, 
the  various  questions  touching  the  details  of  co-operation  are  re¬ 
ferred  to  our  Committees  of  Education,  Publication,  Foreign  Mis¬ 
sions  and  Sustentation,  respectively,  who  shall  report,  as  soon  as 
practicable,  to  this  Committee  of  Conference  hereby  re-appointed, 
and  that  the  committee  shall  consider  and  digest  the  information 
so  obtained,  with  a  view  to  continue  the  conference  to  such  end  as 
shall  be  most  to  the  glory  of  God  and  the  interests  of  both  denom¬ 
inations. 

(The  report  of  the  Qommittee  of  Conference,  on  which  the  above 
report  was  based,  may  be  found  in  Alexander’s  Digest,  1897,  pp. 
444-446.) 

1875,  p.  25.  The  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence  report, 
approving  the  scheme  of  co-operation  reported  from  the  committee 
appointed  by  the  last  Assembly  to  continue  the  conference  with  a 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


958 


[Book  VII 


similar  committee  from  the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church 
in  America,  as  follows: 

"The  Committees  of  Conference  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  and  the  Reformed  Church 
in  America,  having  been  directed  by  their  respective  bodies  to  “re¬ 
ceive  the  plans  prepared  by  the  Boards  and  Committees”  of  the 
respective  churches  “to  modify  as  far  as  necessary,  and  harmonize 
them  all  in  one  comprehensive  scheme  of  co-operative  union,”  re¬ 
spectfully  report  that  they  met  for  that  purpose  in  the  city  of  New 
York,  on  the  15th,  day  of  January,  1 8 7 5 ,i  and,  after  a  series  of  har¬ 
monious  joint  sessions,  agreed  upon  the  following  scheme,  which 
was  afterwards  duly  approved  by  each  committee,  in  its  separate 
session,  and  is  accordingly  recommended  by  each  for  adoption  by 
its  own  General  Assembly  or  General  Synod: 

For  the  purpose  of  perfecting,  as  far  as  possible,  the  scheme  of 
co-operation  which,  in  outline,  was  agreed  upon  by  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  and  the 
General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  America,  in  the  sessions 
of  1874,  it  was  further  agreed  and  ordered  by  these  two  bodies,  that 
actual  co-operation  in  denominational  work  be  begun  between  them 
in  regard  to  Publication,  Home  Missions,  Foreign  Missions,  Edu¬ 
cation,  and  the  interchange  of  Annual  Reports.  (See  Alexander’s 
Digest,  1910,  pp.  568-570.) 


1464.  Correspondence  with  the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed 

Church  in  America  to  be  by  letter 

1890,  p.  47.  In  a  fraternal  letter  to  the  General  Synod  of  the 
Reformed  Church  in  America,  the  Assembly  says:  “Our  General 
Assembly  this  year  communicates  with  you  by  letter,  and  not  by 
delegate  as  heretofore,  and  in  explanation  of  this  change,  we  cite  the 
action  of  the  Assembly  of  1883,  as  follows:  (See  Sec.  1475,  of 
this  Digest.)  Former  Assemblies  have  continued  the  exception  here¬ 
in  provided  for  in  case  of  your  Synod  only.  We  now  deem  it  best 
to  correspond  with  you,  as  with  other  bodies,  by  letter.”  Yet,  in 
1897,  the  Assembly  did  appoint  a  fraternal  delegate  to  this  vener¬ 
able  Synod.  (Pp.  34,  44.) 


1465.  Organic  union  with  the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed 

Church 

1897,  p.  34.  With  regard  to  the  resolution  offered  by  Rev.  Dr. 
Molloy,  nominating  a  committee  to  consider  the  question  of  organic 
union  with  the  Reformed  Church  in  America,  which  was  referred  to 
your  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence,  we  would  respectfully 
say  that  we  deem  it  inexpedient  to  appoint  such  a  committee  at 
this  time. 


Secs.  1403-1467]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies 


959 


1466.  Co-operation  with  the  Reformed  Church  in  Colored  Evan¬ 
gelization 

1893,  p.  52.  Resolved,  That  Rev.  A.  L.  Phillips,  Secretary  of 
the  Executive  Committee  of  Colored  Evangelization,  be  appointed 
to  attend  the  next  meeting  of  the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed 
Church,  of  America,  and  to  present  the  cause  of  Colored  Evangeliza¬ 
tion  in  the  South. 

1895,  p.  397.  This  Assembly  authorizes  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Colored  Evangelization  to  confer,  through  the  proper 
channels,  with  the  Reformed  Churches  of  America  as  to  the  basis 
upon  which  any  or  all  of  them  may  co-operate  with  our  church  in 
the  work  of  Colored  Evangelization,  and  report  the  result  of  said 
conference  to  the  next  General  Assembly. 

1896,  p.  630.  To  this  the  General  Synod  made  the  following 
xeply : 

Re  wived,  That  the  Stated  Clerk  answer  these  communications, 
conveying  the  greetings  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  America,  and 
expressing  most  cordial  sympathy  with  the  work  that  is  being  done 
among  the  colored  population  in  the  South  and  West,  but  regretting 
that  the  press  of  work  in  other  fields  forbids  that  financial  assist¬ 
ance  to  which  our  hearts  and  sympathies  prompt  us. 

P.  605.  The  request  of  the  Executive  Committee  to  renew  this 
correspondence  during  the  coming  year  was  granted. 

1897,  p.  21.  As  there  is  good  hope  that  this  body  will  co¬ 
operate  with  us  in  the  near  future  in  the  work  of  Evangelization 
among  the  colored  people,  your  committee  recommend  that  this  cor¬ 
respondence  be  continued.  Approved. 


1467.  Further  Correspondence  with  Reformed  Church  in  America 

1898,  p.  227.  The  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence  to 
which  was  referred  the  letter  of  the  Rev.  A.  Demorest,  D.  D.,  rep¬ 
resenting  the  Reformed  Church  in  America,  recommend  that  the 
General  Assembly  record  its  high  appreciation  of  this  fraternal 
message  so  happily  expressed,  and  that  the  Rev.  E.  M.  Green, 
D.  D.,  Moderator,  be  appointed  to  make  a  suitable  reply,  convey¬ 
ing  to  the  General  Synod  our  Christian  salutations  and  best  wishes 
for  the  prosperity  and  peace  of  that  church,  so  nearly  akin  to  our 
own  in  government  and  theology,  intimating  also  our  pleasure  at 
the  correspondence  at  present  being  conducted  between  the  Reformed 
Church  and  one  of  our  Executive  Committees  with  reference  to 
co-operation  in  a  particular  branch  of  our  work,  and  expressing 
the  hope  that  this  correspondence  may  be  a  step  toward  a  nearer 
approach  of  their  church  and  our  own.  The  Moderator  is  directed 
to  embody  in  his  letter  this  action  of  the  Assembly.  Adopted. 

1900,  p.  620.  It  was  directed  that  Rev.  J.  F.  Cannon,  D.  D., 
of  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  as  principal,  and  Rev.  G.  R.  Brackett,  D.  D., 
of  Charleston,  S.  C.,  as  alternate,  be  appointed  to  respond  to  the 


960 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


letter  of  greeting  received  from  the  Reformed  Church  through  their 
delegate,  and  to  convey  to  that  body  the  Christian  salutation  of 
this  Assembly. 

See  also  Minutes  of  1902,  p.  291. 

1903,  p.  468.  Seven  overtures  have  been  placed  in  the  hands 
of  the  Committee  of  Foreign  Correspondence — one  each  from  the 
Synods  of  Tennessee,  Alabama  and  Missouri,  and  one  each  from  the 
Presbyteries  of  Maryland,  Brazos,  Fort  Worth  and  Red  River.  These 
all  ask  the  General  Assembly  to  appoint  a  Committee  of  Conference 
to  meet  a  similar  committee  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  America 
(popularly  known  as  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church)  to  consider  the 
whole  question  of  closer  fraternal  relations  and  the  possible  organic 
union  of  these  two  churches. 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  reiterate  again,  as  it  has  done 
in  the  past,  its  entire  confidence  in  the  doctrinal  soundness  of  the 
Reformed  Church  in  America;  its  appreciation  of  the  noble  testi¬ 
mony  which  this  body  of  Christians  has  borne  to  the  spirituality 
of  the  church  of  Christ;  its  genuine  and  warm  affection  for  these 
brethren,  and  the  Assembly’s  readiness  to  appoint  such  a  committee 
of  conference  whenever  the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church 
shall  indicate  that  such  a  committee  would  be  agreeable  to  it. 

Adopted. 

Them  has  been  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Committee  on  For¬ 
eign  Correspondence  the  letter  of  the  Rev.  Peter  Crispell,  convey¬ 
ing,  by  the  appointment  of  the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed 
Church  of  America,  the  greetings  of  his  church  to  ours. 

We  recommend  that  the  General  Assembly  express  its  gratifica¬ 
tion  and  pleasure  at  these  assurances  of  affection  and  good  will, 
and  designate  the  Rev.  J.  R.  Graham,  D.  D.,  a  commissioner  of 
the  Presbytery  of  Winchester,  to  communicate,  by  letter  or  other¬ 
wise,  to  the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church  the  action  of 
this  Assembly  concerning  the  appointment  of  a  committee  of  con¬ 
ference,  and  also  to  convey  to  these  brethren  the  hearty  salutations 
of  our  own  Assembly. 

Adopted. 

See  also  Minutes  of  1905,  p.  40;  1906,  p.  44;  1908,  p.  18;  1909,, 

p.  62. 

See  further  Assembly  Minutes  1911,  pp.  18,  55;  1912,  pp.  14,  70; 
1913,  p.  35. 

1468.  Reformed  Church  in  the  United  States 

1911,  p.  17.  The  following  telegram  was  received  from  the 
General  .Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  the  United  States,  and 
was  referred  to  the  Standing  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence: 

The  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  the  United  States, 
in  session  at  Canton,  Ohio,  send  cordial  greetings  and  wish  you 
God’s  blessing  in  all  your  deliberations.  See  Phil.  4:21,  23. 

The  following  reply  was  sent: 


Secs.  1467-1469]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  96!. 

1911,  p.  63.  The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  im 
in  the  United  States  appreciates  your  telegram  of  greeting.  God 
bless  your  work.  First  Thessalonians,  1,  2,  3. 

1922,  p.  33.  In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  General  Synod  of  the 
Reformed  Church  in  the  U.  S.  meets  at  Hickory,  N.  C.,  next  spring, 
and  this  is  the  first  time  this  Synod  has  met  within  the  bounds  of 
our  Church,  we  recommend  that  the  Rev.  E.  M.  Craig,  D.  D.,  the 
pastor  of  the  Hickory  Presbyterian  Church,  be  appointed  to  bear  to 
that  body  greetings  from  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S. 

See  also  Assembly  Minutes  1917,  pp.  21,  30. 

1921.  To  the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  the  U.  S.: 

1921,  p.  24.  The  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U„ 
S.  sends  cordial  greetings  and  asks  God  to  direct  you  in  your  delibera¬ 
tions.  Col.  1 :  3-4. 

1469.  Correspondence  with  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States  of  America  with  reference  to  union 

1870,  p.  501.  The  Stated  Clerk  announced  that  he  had  received 
through  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presby- 
terian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  official  information 
of  a  paper  adopted  by  that  Assembly,  as  found  on  page  934  of  its 
printed  Minutes  for  1869;  which  paper  was  addressed  to  this  body, 
and  is  as  follows: 

Whereas,  the  last  General  Assembly  acknowledged  the  separate 
and  independent  existence  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  South¬ 
ern  States,  and  enjoined  upon  all  subordinate  courts  so  to  treat  it; 
thus  according  to  its  ministers  and  members  the  privilege  of  ad¬ 
mission  to  our  body  upon  the  same  terms  which  are  extended  to 
ministers  and  members  of  other  branches  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  this  country;  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  this  General  Assembly  hereby  conveys  its  Chris¬ 
tian  salutations  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  Southern  States,  and  gives  expression  to  its  sentiments  of 
Christian  fraternity  and  fellowship  towards  the  ministers  and  mem¬ 
bers  of  that  body.  And  as  we  inherit  and  hold  with  them  the 
same  ancient  symbols  of  faith,  the  same  forms  of  government  and 
of  worship,  tnus  presenting  before  the  world  the  same  sacred  prin¬ 
ciples  to  which  our  common  ancestors  witnessed,  and  which  we 
have  maintained  together  in  the  past,  especially  since  we  occupy 
adjacent,  and  in  many  places  common  territory,  we  deem  it  due  to 
our  one  Lord,  and  to  the  best  interests  of  His  kingdom  on  earth, 
to  express  the  desire  that  the  day  may  not  be  distant  when  we 
may  again  be  united  in  one  great  organization  that  shall  cover 
our  whole  la;nd  and  embrace)  al1.  branches  of  the  Prejsbyterian 
Church. 

Resolved,  That  the  Stated  Clerk  be  directed  to  forward  a  copy 
of  these  resolutions  to  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  Southern  States. 


962 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


This  was  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence. 

P.  516.  The  Stated  Clerk  announced  to  the  Assembly  that  he 
had  received  official  information  of  the  appointment  of  a  delegation 
to  this  body  from  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
convened  in  Philadelphia,  in  the  following  paper: 

Whereas,  this  General  Assembly  believes  that  the  interests  of 
the  kingdom  of  our  Lord  throughout  our  entire  country  would  be 
greatly  promoted  by  healing  all  unnecessary  divisions;  and  whereas, 
this  General  Assembly  desires  the  speedy  establishment  of  cordial, 
fraternal  relations  with  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  of  the  United  States,  commonly  known  as  the  Southern 
Presbyterian  Church,  upon  terms  of  mutual  confidence,  respect, 
Christian  honor,  and  love;  and  whereas,  we  believe  that  the  terms 
of  reunion  between  the  two  branches  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  at 
the  North,  now  so  happily  consummated,  present  an  auspicious  op¬ 
portunity  for  the  adjustment  of  such  relations;  therefore,  be  it — 

Resolved,  1,  That  a  committee  of  five  ministers  and  four  elders 
be  appointed  by  this  Assembly  to  confer  with  a  similar  committee, 
If  it  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Assembly  now  in  session  in  the  city 
of  Louisville,  in  respect  to  opening  a  friendly  correspondence  be¬ 
tween  the  Northern  and  Southern  Presbyterian  Churches,  and  that 
the  result  of  such  conference  be  reported  to  the  General  Assembly 
of  1871. 

Resolved,  2,  That,  with  a  view  to  the  furtherance  of  the  object 
contemplated  in  the  appointment  of  said  committee,  this  General 
Assembly  hereby  reaffirms  the  concurrent  declaration  of  the  two 
Assemblies  which  met  in  the  city  of  New  York  last  year,  viz. : 
'‘That  no  rule  or  precedent  which  does  not  stand  approved  by  both 
bodies  shall  be  of  any  authority  in  the  re-united  body,  except  in 
so  far  as  such  rule  or  precedent  may  affect  the  rights  of  property 
founded  thereon.” 

Resolved,  3,  That  two  ministers  and  one  elder  of  the  committee 
appointed  by  this  Assembly  be  designated  as  delegates,  to  convey 
to  the  Assembly  now  in  session  at  Louisville,  Kentucky,  a  copy  of 
these  resolutions,  with  our  Christian  salutations. 

The  Stated  Clerk  announced  also  that,  in  pursuance  of  the  object 
referred  to  in  this  paper,  the  Rev.  J.  C.  Backus,  D.  D.,  the  Rev.  H. 
J.  Van  Dyke,  D.  D.,  and  the  Hon.  W.  E.  Dodge,  were  present, 
.awaiting  the  pleasure  of  the  Assembly.  These  delegates,  being 
introduced  by  the  Moderator,  proceeded  to  address  the  Assembly  on 
the  subject  of  their  mission.  To  these  addresses  a  suitable  response 
was  made  by  the  Moderator. 

The  Rev.  Stuart  Robinson,  D.  D.,  then  offered  the  following  reso¬ 
lution,  which  was  adopted : 

Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  duly  appreciates  the  marked  cour¬ 
tesy  and  kindness  of  the  General  Assembly  now  sitting  in  Philadel¬ 
phia,  in  commissioning  brethren  so  particularly  acceptable  to  us 
to  be  the  bearers  of  its  resolutions  to  this  body;  that  it  will  take 
into  careful  consideration  the  proposition  presented  by  them;  and 


Sec.  1469]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  963 

that,  in  order  to  proper  deliberation  and  care  in  so  important  a  mat¬ 
ter,  these  resolutions,  together  with  the  message  and  exposition  of 
the  delegation,  be  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspon¬ 
dence,  with  instruction  to  report  at  the  earliest  possible  time,  recom¬ 
mending  an  answer  to  this  proposition. 

P.  523.  The  Standing  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence 
presented  a  report  on  the  communication  from  the  General  Assem¬ 
bly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  (Old  School)  of  1869,  and  from 
the  General  Assembly  of  1870,  now  in  session  in  Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  J.  A.  Lyon,  D.  D.,  proposed  a  paper  as  an  answer  to 
the  communication  from  the  General  Assembly  in  Albany  of  1869. 

After  a  protracted  discussion  of  the  matters  presented  in  these 
papers,  in  committee  of  the  whole,  it  was  resolved  that  the  com¬ 
mittee  rise  and  report  progress,  which  motion  was  adopted,  and 
the  committee  accordingly  rose. 

The  Moderator  then  resumed  the  chair,  and  the  chairman  of 
the  “Committee  of  the  Whole”  reported  the  papers  which  had  been 
offered. 

P.  528.  The  discussion  of  the  unfinished  business,  viz.:  the 
papers  from  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence,  was  re¬ 
sumed,  and  continued  throughout  the  afternoon. 

The  vote  was  taken  on  the  motion  to  amend  the  report  of  the 
committee  by  striking  it  out  and  substituting  therefor  the  minority 
report  offered  by  Mr.  Wallace.  This  motion  was  decided  in  the 
negative. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  J.  J.  Bulloik  moved  to  strike  out  the  report,  and 
substitute  therefor  a  paper  which  he  presented.  This  motion  was 
also  decided  in  the  negative. 

The  motion  offered  by  Mr.  Prince  to  strike  out  from  the  report 
all  that  part  providing  for  a  committee  of  conference,  was  also 
decided  in  the  negative.  The  report  of  the  committee  was  then 
adopted,  and  is  as  follows: 

The  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence,  to  whom  were  referred 
the  overture  *  for  union  from  the  Old  School  General  Assembly 
North,  of  1869,  at  its  sessions  in  the  city  of  New  York,  and  also 
the  proposition  from  the  United  Assembly  of  the  Northern  Presby¬ 
terian  Church,  now  sitting  in  Philadelphia,  conveyed  to  us  by  a 
special  delegation,  respectfully  report: 

That  the  former  of  these  documents  is  virtually  superseded  by 
the  latter,  because  the  body  by  whom  it  was  adopted  has  since  been 
merged  into  the  United  Assembly,  from  which  emanates  a  new  and 
fresh  proposal,  reflecting  the  views  of  the  larger  constituency.  To 
this  proposition,  then,  “that  a  committee  of  five  ministers  and  four 
elders  be  appointed  by  this  Assembly  to  confer  with  a  similar  com¬ 
mittee  of  their  Assembly,  in  respect  to  opening  a  friendly  corre¬ 
spondence  between  the  Northern  and  Southern  Presbytrian  Churches.” 
your  committee  recommend  the  following  answer  to  be  returned : 

Whatever  obstructions  may  exist  in  the  way  of  cordial  intercourse 
between  the  two  bodies  above  named  are  entirely  of  a  public 


964 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


nature,  and  involve  grave  and  fundamental  principles.  The  South¬ 
ern  Presbyterian  Church  can  confidently  appeal  to  all  the  acts  and 
declarations  of  all  their  Assemblies,  that  no  attitude  of  aggression 
or  hostility  has  been,  or  is  now,  assumed  by  it  towards  the  Northern 
Church.  And  this  General  Assembly  distinctly  avows  (as  it  has 
always  believed  and  declared)  that  no  grievances  experienced  by 
us,  however  real,  would  justify  us  in  acts  of  aggression  or  a  spirit 
of  malice  or  retaliation  against  any  branch  of  Christ’s  visible  king¬ 
dom.  We  are  prepared,  therefore,  in  advance  of  all  discussion, 
to  exercise  towards  the  General  Assembly  North,  and  the  churches 
represented  therein,  such  amity  as  fidelity  to  our  principles  could, 
under  any  possible  circumstances,  permit.  Under  this  view  the 
appointment  of  a  committee  of  conference  might  seem  wholly  un¬ 
necessary;  but,  in  order  to  exhibit  before  the  Christian  world  the 
spirit  of  conciliation  and  kindness  to  the  last  degree,  this  Assem¬ 
bly  agrees  to  appoint  a  committee  of  conference  to  meet  a  similar 
committee  already  appointed  by  the  Northern  Assembly,  with  in¬ 
structions  to  the  same  that  the  difficulties  which  lie  in  the  way  of 
cordial  correspondence  between  the  two  bodies  must  be  distinctly 
met  and  removed,  and  which  may  be  comprehensively  stated  in  the 
following  particulars: 

1.  Both  the  wings  of  the  now  united  Assembly  during  their  sepa¬ 
rate  existence  before  the  fusion,  did  fatally  complicate  themselves 
with  the  State  in  political  utterances  deliberately  pronounced  year 
after  year,  and  which,  in  our  judgment,  were  sad  betrayal  of  the 
cause  and  kingdom  of  our  common  Lord  and  Head.  We  believe 
it  to  be  solemnly  incumbent  upon  the  Northern  Presbyterian  Church, 
not  with  reference  to  us,  but  before  the  Christian  world  and  before 
our  Divine  Master  and  King,  to  purge  itself  of  this  error,  and,  by 
public  proclamation  of  the  truth,  to  place  the  crown  once  more  upon 
the  head  of  Jesus  Christ  as  the  alone  King  in  Zion;  in  default  of 
which  the  Southern  Presbyterian  Church,  which  has  already  suf¬ 
fered  much  in  maintaining  the  independence  and  spirituality  of  the 
Redeemer’s  kingdom  upon  earth,  feels  constrained  to  bear  public 
testimony  against  this  defection  of  our  late  associates  from  the  truth. 
Nor  can  we,  by  official  correspondence  even,  consent  to  blunt  the 
edge  of  this  our  testimony  concerning  the  very  nature  and  mission 
of  the  Church  as  a  purely  spiritual  body  among  men. 

2.  The  union  now  consummated  between  the  Old  and  New 
School  Assemblies  North  was  accomplished  by  methods  which  in  our 
judgment,  involve  a  total  surrender  of  all  the  great  testi¬ 
monies  of  the  Church  for  the  fundamental  doctrines  of  grace,  at  a 
time  when  the  victory  of  truth  over  error  hung  long  in  the  balance. 
The  United  Assembly  stands  of  necessity  upon  an  allowed  latitude 
«of  interpretation  of  the  Standards,  and  must  come  at  length  to 
^embrace  nearly  all  shades  of  doctrinal  belief.  Of  those  falling 
•testimonies  we  are  now  the  sole  surviving  heir,  which  we  must  lift 
from  the  dust  and  bear  to  the  generations  after  us.  It  would  be  a 
serious  compromise  of  this  sacred  trust  to  enter  into  public  and 


Sec.  1469] 


Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies 


965 


official  fellowship  with  those  repudiating  these  testimonies,  and  to 
do  this  expressly  upon  the  ground,  as  stated  in  the  preamble  to  the 
overture  before  us,  “that  the  terms  of  re-union  between  the  two 
branches  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  at  the  North,  now  happily 
consummated,  present  an  auspicious  opportunity  for  the  adjustment 
of  such  relations.”  To  found  a  correspondence  professedly  upon 
this  idea  would  be  to  endorse  that  which  we  thoroughly  disapprove. 

3.  Some  of  the  members  of  our  own  body  were  but  a  short  time 
since  a  iolently  and  unconstitutionally  expelled  from  the  commun¬ 
ion  of  one  branch  of  the  new  united  Northern  Assembly,  under 
ecclesiastical  charges  which,  if  true,  render  them  utterly  infamous 
before  the  Church  and  the  world.  It  is  to  the  last  degree  unsatis¬ 
factory  to  construe  this  offensive  legislation  obsolete  by  the  mere 
fusion  of  that  body  with  another,  or  through  the  operation  of  a 
faint  declaration  which  was  not  intended  originally  to  cover  this  case. 
This  is  no  mere  “rule”  or  “precedent,”  but  a  solemn  sentence  of 
outlawry  against  what  is  now  an  important  and  constituent  part  of 
our  own  body.  Every  principle  of  honor  and  good  faith  compels 
us  to  say  that  an  unequivocal  repudiation  of  that  interpretation  of 
the  law  under  which  these  men  were  condemned  must  be  a  condi¬ 
tion  precedent  to  any  official  correspondence  on  our  part. 

4.  It  is  well  known  that  similar  injurious  accusations  were  pre¬ 
ferred  against  the  whole  Southern  Presbyterian  Church,  with  which 
the  ear  of  the  whole  world  has  been  filled.  Extending,  as  these 
charges  do,  to  heresy  and  blasphemy,  they  cannot  be  quietly  ignored 
by  an  indirection  of  any  sort.  If  true,  we  are  not  worthy  of  the 
“confidence,  respect,  Christian  honor  and  love,”  which  are  tendered 
to  us  in  this  overture.  If  untrue,  “Christian  honor  and  love,” 
manliness  and  truth,  require  them  to  be  openly  and  squarely  with¬ 
drawn.  So  long  as  they  remain  upon  record  they  are  an  impassable 
barrier  to  official  intercourse. 

Adopted.  Ayes,  83;  nays,  17. 

P.  535.  The  following  were  appointed  on  the  committee  con¬ 
templated  in  the  above  action,  to  confer  with ,  a  committee  to  be 
appointed  by  the  Northern  Assembly,  viz.:  Rev.  J.  Leighton  Wil¬ 
son,  D.  D.,  Thomas  E.  Peck,  D.  D.,  Andrew  H.  Kerr,  D.  D.,  Wil¬ 
liam  Brown,  D.  D.,  Joseph  R.  Wilson,  D.  D.;  Ruling  elders — 
Judge  John  A.  Inglis,  Hon.  W.  P.  Webb,  A.  G.  Mcllwaine,  Sr., 
Esq.,  Col.  Charles  A.  Ready. 

P.  542.  The  following  dissent  was  offered  in  relation  to  the 
paper  from  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence  adopted  on 
Friday : 

The  undersigned,  who  voted  in  the  negative  on  the  adoption  of 
the  report  of  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence  in  reply  to 
the  delegation  from  the  Northern  General  Assembly,  desire,  in  ex¬ 
planation  of  their  vote,  to  say,  that  if  that  parti  of  the  report  denomi¬ 
nated  “instructions”  to  our  commissioners  had  been  put  in  the  form 
of  a  “statement”  or  “declaration  of  principles,”  as  the  grounds  of 
difference  between  us  and  that  Assembly,  rather  than  in  the  appar- 


966 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


ent  form  of  charges  against  the  Northern  Church,  which,  under  the 
circumstances,  seemed  to  be  discourteous  to  them,  they  would  have 
voted  in  the  affirmative. 

The  following  protest  was  offered,  and  was,  by  a  vote  of  the 
Assembly,  admitted  to  record  without  an  answer: 

Having  voted  with  the  minority,  we  respectfully  protest  against 
the  action  taken  by  this  General  Assembly  in  reference  to  the  over¬ 
ture  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  united  Presbyterian  Church, 
now  sitting  in  Philadelphia,  proposing  a  conference  with  a  view  to 
fraternal  correspondence,  for  the  following  reasons,  in  part: 

1.  Because  it  was  advocated,  and  appears  to  proceed,  upon  a  mis¬ 
construction  of  the  actual  proposition  made  by  the  Northern  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly,  and  seems  to  be  directed  against  a  supposed  latent 
intent,  which,  however,  was  expressly  disavowed. 

2.  Because  the  instructions  appended  arraign  the  said  Assembly, 
as  now  constituted  on  its  basis  of  union,  upon  the  most  serious 
charges,  of  “the  total  surrender  of  fundamental  doctrines  of  grace,” 
as  well  as  with  the  actual  discrowning  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ; 
which,  even  if  we  believe  them  to  be  true,  it  is  at  least  indecorous 
to  prefer  while  in  the  act  of  accepting  its  proposition  for  fraternal 
conference. 

3.  Because  it  wears  an  aspect  of  inconsistency  on  our  part,  in  that, 
while  we  accept  their  proposal  for  conference,  we  require  conditions 
manifestly  offensive  and  out  of  place  in  a  simple  conference,  as 
asked  by  them. 

4.  Because  it  places  this  Assembly  and  the  Southern  Presby¬ 
terian  Church — we  do  not  say  intentionally  or  consciously,  yet,  in 
spite  of  all  explanations,  places  us — not  only  in  face  of  our  North¬ 
ern  brethren,  but  before  the  world,  in  an  attitude  palpably,  and  to 
many  of  us  painfully,  variant  from  the  placable  and  charitable 
spirit  of  the  gospel  of  peace  and  good-will. 

(Signed  with  five  names.) 


1470.  Pastoral  Letter  to  the  churches  under  our  care ,  explanatory 

of  the  above  action 

1870,  p.  537.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Palmer,  from  the  Committee  on 
Foreign  Correspondence,  presented  a  pastoral  letter  to  the  churches 
under  our  care,  which  was  adopted. 

See  Alexander’s  Digest  pp.  454-458. 

It  was  ordered  that  five  thousand  copies  of  this  Letter  be  printed 
by  the  Committee  of  Publication  for  gratuitous  distribution. 

It  was  resolved  that  the  Committee  of  Publication  be  instructed 
to  publish  in  tract  form  the  public  official  utterances  of  our  Assem¬ 
blies  in  relation  to  the  spirituality  and  independence  of  the  Church, 
including  the  Address  of  the  Assembly  of  1861  to  the  Churches 
of  Jesus  Christ  throughout  the  World,  and  the  Pastoral  Letter  now 


Secs.  1469-1472]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  967 

to  be  issued  from  this  Assembly,  and  such  other  papers  as  the  com¬ 
mittee  may  deem  needful  to  explain  the  references  in  said  letter. 

1471.  Report  of  the  Conference  Committee 

1871,  p.  10.  The  members  of  the  committee  of  nine,  appointed 
by  the  last  Assembly  to  confer  with  a  corresponding  committee 
appointed  by  the  Northern  General  Assembly,  would  respectfully 
report  that,  in  consequence  of  the  dissolution  of  the  committee  of 
the  Northern  Assembly  immediately  afterwards,  this  committee  has 
never  been  convened. 

1472.  Appointment  of  a  committee  of  conference  with  reference 

to  fraternal  relations  with  the  Northern  Presbyterian  Church 

1874,  p.  482.  Overtures  were  presented  from  some  of  the  Pres¬ 
byteries,  touching  the  relations  between  this  General  Assembly  and 
the  General  Assembly  of  the  Northern  Presbyterian  Church.  A 
paper  relating  to  the  same  subject  was  officially  communicated 
from  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the  Northern  Assembly.  These  papers 
were  referred  to  the  Standing  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence, 
which  it  was  ordered  should  be  enlarged  by  the  Moderator,  so  as 
to  contain  two  members  from  each  Synod. 

P.  491.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Kirkpatrick,  chairman  of  the  Committee 
on  Foreign  Correspondence,  presented  a  report  on  the  paper  trans¬ 
mitted  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States  of  America,  and  other  memorials. 

A  minority  report  was  offered  by  Messrs.  James  Fentress,  D. 
McNeill  Turner,  J.  O.  Lindsay  and  E.  J.  Vann. 

Another  minority  report  was  presented  by  Rev.  J.  W.  Hoyte.  All 
of  which  papers  were  received  and  placed  on  the  docket. 

P.  495.  The  report  of  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspon¬ 
dence  was  taken  up  on  a  motion  for  its  adoption,  and  after  some 
discussion,  a  motion  was  made  for  the  indefinite  postponement  of 
the  whole  subject.  On  this  question  the  ayes  and  noes  were  called. 
Result:  Ayes,  23;  noes,  91. 

P.  497.  The  Rev.  J.  W.  Hoyte  obtained  leave  to  withdraw  the 
minority  report  which  he  had  offered,  and  the  vote  then  recurring 
on  the  minority  report  offered  by  Mr.  J.  Fentress  and  others,  it  was 
taken  by  ayes  and  noes,  as  follows:  Ayes,  33;  noes,  78.  Lost. 

The  question  being  then  upon  the  report  presented  by  the  com¬ 
mittee,  the  vote  was  taken  by  ayes  and  noes,  and  is  as  follows: 
A!yes,  79;  noes,  33.  This  report,  therefore,  was  adopted,  and  is  as 
follows : 

P.  500.  The  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence  beg  leave  to 
report  to  the  General  Assembly  as  follows: 

Three  papers  were  referred  to  the  committee  touching  the  matter 
to  which  the  report  relates,  viz. :  First,  an  official  communication 
to  this  Assembly  from  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  which,  as  it  will  be  here- 


968 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


after  cited  at  large  in  this  report,  need  not  be  here  more  particularly 
described;  Second,  an  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  South  Ala¬ 
bama,  “on  the  subject  of  closer  relations  with  the  Northern  Pres¬ 
byterian  Church,”  and  expressing  the  hope  that  our  General  As¬ 
sembly  will  establish  such  relations;  Third,  an  overture  from  the 
Presbytery  of  Chesapeake,  asking  this  Assembly  to  appoint  “a  com¬ 
mittee  untrammelled  by  instructions  to  confer  with  a  similar  com¬ 
mittee  of  the  Northern  General  Assembly”  as  to  “such  measures  as 
shall  be  best  adapted  to  promote  friendly  relations  and  fraternal 
correspondence.”  Both  of  these  overtures  represent  that  an  “or¬ 
ganic  union”  between  the  two  bodies  represented  by  the  two  Assem¬ 
blies  is  not  contemplated  in  the  request  contained  in  their  papers. 

The  committee  have  given  to  the  subject  a  most  careful  and  labori¬ 
ous  consideration,  and  now  recommend  to  the  General  Assembly 
the  adoption  of  the  following  answer  to  the  same. 

The  communication  from  the  Northern  General  Assembly  is  in 
the  following  words: 

Extract  from  the  Minutes  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presby¬ 
terian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  in  session  at 

Baltimore,  May  21,  1873. 

The  General  Assembly,  deploring  the  divisions  that  have  occurred, 
and  that  continue,  among  Presbyterians  in  the  United  States  of 
America,  and  earnestly  desiring  to  do  whatever  is  consistent  with 
duty  and  fidelity  to  the  Lord  toward  healing  these  divisions;  and, 
furthermore,  having  good  reason  to  hope  that  the  action  contem¬ 
plated  in  the  following  paper  will  promote  and  secure  this  happy 
result,  do  solemnly  declare: 

First,  That,  in  accordance  with  a  resolution  unanimously  adopted 
by  each  of  the  two  bodies  now  constituting  the  reunited  Church,  all 
action  touching  the  brethren  adhering  to  the  body  popularly  known 
as  the  Southern  General  Assembly,  together  with  all  action  touch¬ 
ing  the  brethren  adhering  to  the  body  known  as  the  Old  School 
Synod  of  Missouri,  has  been,  since  the  re-union,  and  is  now,  null 
and  void,  and  therefore  of  no  binding  effect,  and  not  to  be  pleaded 
as  a  precedent  in  the  future. 

Second,  The  Assembly  also  express  confidence  in  the  soundness 
of  doctrine  and  in  the  Christian  character  of  these  brethren,  and 
cannot  doubt  that  a  more  intimate  communion  would  lead  to  the 
speedy  removal  of  the  barriers  that  now  separate  those  of  like  pre¬ 
cious  faith  to  increased  mutual  affection  and  esteem,  and  to  a  prac¬ 
tical  manifestation  of  oneness  in  Christ. 

Third,  With  regard  to  the  civil  magistrate,  and  the  relation  of 
Church  and  State,  the  Assembly  deem  it  sufficient  to  call  attention 
to  the  following  statements  and  principles  found  in  our  Standards, 
to-wit : 

(1,)  “Synods  and  councils  are  to  handle  or  conclude  nothing 
but  that  which  is  ecclesiastical,  and  are  not  to  intermeddle  with 
civil  affairs  which  concern  the  commonwealth,  unless  by  way  of 


Sec.  1472] 


Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies 


969 


humble  petition  in  cases  extraordinary,  or  by  way  of  advice,  for 
satisfaction  of  conscience,  if  they  be  thereunto  required  by  the  civil 
magistrate.”  (Confession  of  Faith,  Chap.  XXXI.,  Sec.  IV.) 

(2,)  “That  God  alone  is  Lord  of  the  conscience,  and  hath  left 
it  free  from  the  doctrines  and  commandments  of  men,  which  are  in 
anything  contrary  to  His  Word,  or  beside  it  in  matters  of  faith  or 
worship.”  “That  all  church  power,  whether  exercised  by  the  body 
in  general  or,  in  the  way  of  representation,  by  delegated  authority, 
is  only  ministerial  or  declarative.  That  is  to  say,  that  the  Holy 
Scriptures  are  the  only  rule  of  faith  and  manners;  that  no  church 
judicatory  ought  to  pretend  to  make  laws  to  bind  the  conscience  in 
virtue  of  their  own  authority;  and  that  all  their  decisions  should 
be  founded  upon  the  revealed  will  of  God.”  Form  of  Government, 
Chap.  I.,  Secs.  I.  and  VII.) 

Fourth,  For  the  purpose  of  carrying  out  the  spirit  of  the  fore¬ 
going  resolutions  the  Assembly  will  appoint  two  committees  to  con¬ 
fer  with  similar  committees,  if  appointed  by  the  General  Assembly 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States,  and  by  the  Old 
School  Synod  of  Missouri,  to  seek  closer  and  more  fraternal  rela¬ 
tions  with  these  bodies.” 

This  paper  was  adopted  unanimously,  and  the  following  com¬ 
mittee  was  accordingly  appointed  to  confer  with  a  like  committee  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church  South:  Rev.  Samuel  J.  Nicholls,  D.  D., 
Rev.  Henry  J.  Van  Dyke,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Ebenezer  Erskine,  D.  D., 
Mr.  John  K.  Morehead  and  Hon.  Joseph  W.  Edwards. 

In  order  to  a  full  understanding  of  the  whole  matter,  and  of  our 
duty  in  the  premises,  it  may  be  proper  to  refer  to  a  previous  occasion, 
when  it  was  brought  under  the  consideration  of  the  Southern  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly.  Four  years  ago,  in  1870,  a  paper  was  received 
from  the  Northern  General  Assembly,  of  which  the  following  is  a 
copy: 

“Whereas  this  General  Assembly  believes  that  the  interests  of  the 
kingdom  of  our  Lord  throughout  our  entire  country  will  be  greatly 
promoted  by  healing  all  unnecessary  divisions; 

“Whereas  this  General  Assembly  desires  the  speedy  establish¬ 
ment  of  cordial  relations  with  the  body  known  as  the  ‘Southern 
Presbyterian  Church/  on  terms  of  mutual  confidence,  respect,  Chris¬ 
tian  honor,  and  love; 

“Whereas  we  believe  that  the  terms  of  re-union  between  the  two 
branches  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  at  the  North,  now  so  happily 
consummated,  present  an  auspicious  opportunity  for  the  adjustment 
of  such  relations;  therefore,  be  it — 

“ Resolved ,  1,  That  a  committee  of  five  ministers  and  four  elders 
be  appointed  by  this  Assembly  to  confer  with  a  similar  committee, 
if  it  should  be  appointed  by  the  Assembly  now  in  session  in  the 
city  of  Louisville,  Ky.,  in  respect  to  opening  a  friendly  correspon¬ 
dence  between  the  Northern  and  Southern  Presbyterian  Churches, 
and  that  the  result  of  such  conference  be  reported  to  the  General 
Assembly  of  1871. 


970 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


“ Resolved ,  2,  That,  with  a  view  to  the  furtherance  of  the  obiect 
contemplated  in  the  appointment  of  said  committee,  this  Assembly 
hereby  reaffirms  the  ‘Concurrent  Declaration’  of  the  two  Assem¬ 
blies  which  met  in  the  city  of  New  York  last  year,  viz.: 

“  ‘That  no  rule  or  precedent  which  does  not  stand  approved  by 
both  bodies  shall  be  of  any  authority  in  the  re-united  body,  except 
in  so  far  as  such  rule  or  precedent  may  affect  thq  rights  of  property 
therein.’ 

“ Resolved,  3,  That  two  ministers  and  one  elder  of  the  committee 
appointed  by  this  Assembly  be  designated  as  delegates  to  convey 
to  the  Assembly  now  in  session  at  Louisville,  Ky.,  a  copy  of  these 
resolutions,  with  our  Christian  salutations.” 

This  communication  having  been  presented,  the  Rev.  J.  C.  Backus, 
D.  D.,  Rev.  H.  J.  Van  Dyke,  D.  D.,  and  the  Hon.  W.  E.  Dodge, 
delegates  appointed  and  present,  in  pursuance  of  the  last  resolution, 
were  introduced  and  addressed  the  Assembly  on  the  subject  of  their 
mission,  to  which  a  suitable  response  was  made  by  the  Moderator. 
The  following  resolution  was  also  adopted: 

“ Resolved ,  That  this  Assembly  duly  appreciates  the  marked  cour¬ 
tesy  and  kindness  of  the  General  Assembly  now  sitting  in  Philadel¬ 
phia,  in  commissioning  brethren  so  particularly  acceptable  to  us  to 
be  the  bearers  of  its  resolutions  to  this  body;  that  we  will  take  into 
careful  consideration  the  proposition  presented  by  them;  and  that, 
in  order  to  proper  deliberation  and  care  in  so  important  a  matter, 
these  resolutions,  together  with  the  message  and  exposition  of  the 
delegation,  be  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence, 
with  instruction  to  report  at  the  earliest  possible  time,  recommending 
an  answer  to  this  proposition.” 

The  report  of  this  committee  was  made  in  due  time,  and,  after  full 
deliberation,  was  adopted  by  the  Assembly.  The  first  part  of  the 
answer  was  in  these  words : 

“To  this  proposition,  then,  that  a  committee  of  five  ministers  and 
four  elders  be  appointed  by  this  Assembly  to  confer  with  a  similar 
committee  of  their  Assembly,  in  respect  to  opening  a  friendly  cor¬ 
respondence  between  the  Northern  and  Southern  Assemblies,  your 
committee  recommend  the  following  answer: 

“Whatever  obstructions  may  exist  in  the  way  of  cordial  inter¬ 
course  between  the  two  bodies  above  named  are  entirely  of  a  public 
nature,  and  involve  grave  and  fundamental  principles.  The  Southern 
Presbyterian  Church  can  confidently  appeal  to  all  the  acts  and  decla¬ 
rations  of  all  their  Assemblies,  that  no  attitude  of  aggression  or  hos¬ 
tility  has  been,  or  is  now,  assumed  by  it  toward  the  Northern  Church. 
And  this  General  Assembly  distinctly  avows  (as  it  has  always  believed 
and  declared)  that  no  grievances  experienced  by  us,  however  real, 
would  justify  us  in  acts  of  aggression,  or  a  spirit  of  malice  or  re¬ 
taliation  against  any  branch  of  Christ’s  visible  kingdom.  We  are 
prepared,  therefore,  in  advance  of  all  discussion,  to  exercise  towards 
the  General  Assembly  North,  and  the  churches  represented  therein, 
such  amity  as  fidelity  to  our  principles  could,  under  any  possible  cir- 


Sec.  1472] 


Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies 


971 


cumstances,  permit.  Under  this  view,  the  appointment  of  a  com¬ 
mittee  of  conference  might  seem  wholly  unnecessary;  but  in  order 
to  exhibit  before  the  world  the  spirit  of  conciliation  and  kindness  to 
the  last  degree,  this  Assembly  agrees  to  appoint  a  committee  of  con¬ 
ference,  to  meet  a  similar  committee  already  appointed  by  the  Northern 
Assembly,  with  instructions  to  the  same  that  the  difficulties  which  lie 
in  the  way  of  cordial  correspondence  between  the  two  bodies  must  be 
distinctly  met  and  removed,  and  which  may  be  comprehensively 
stated  in  the  following  particulars.” 

These  “particulars”  it  is  not  necessary  for  our  present  purpose  to 
recite.  A  pastoral  letter  also,  explanatory  of  this  paper,  was  ad¬ 
dressed  to  our  churches. 

When  this  action  of  our  Assembly  was  reported  to  the  Northern 
Assembly,  it  immediately  resolved,  “that  the  further  consideration  of 
the  subject  be  postponed,  and  the  committee  be  discharged,”  basing  its 
action  upon  the  ground  that  “the  Southern  Assembly,  while  receiving 
our  delegates  with  marked  courtesy,  and  formally  complying  with  our 
proposition  for  the  appointment  of  a  committee  of  conference,  has, 
nevertheless,  accompanied  that  appointment  with  declarations  and  con¬ 
ditions  which  we  cannot  accept,  because  they  involve  a  virtual  pre¬ 
judgment  of  the  very  difficulties  concerning  which  we  invited  the 
conference.” 

How  far  the  reason  assigned  was  sufficient  for  declining  a  confer¬ 
ence  thus  invited  and  accepted,  is  a  question  upon  which  we  are  not 
here  called  to  sit  in  judgment.  The  facts  are  before  the  world.  But 
the  practical  consideration  now  before  us  is  in  the  fact  that  a  proposal 
for  another  conference,  substantially  of  the  same  purport  as  the  one 
received  in  1870,  is  now  laid  before  us.  It  will  be  observed  that  in 
this  paper  the  Northern  Assembly,  “deploring  the  divisions  that  have 
occurred,  and  that  continue,  among  Presbyterians  in  the  United  States 
of  America,  and  earnestly  desirous  to  do  whatever  is  consistent  with 
duty  and  fidelity  to  the  Lord  toward  healing  those  divisions,”  ap¬ 
pointed  last  year  a  committee  to  confer  with  a  similar  committee,  if 
appointed  by  this  Assembly,  “to  seek  closer  and  more  fraternal  re¬ 
lations  between  these  two  bodies.”  To  any  proposal  of  this  kind 
for  removing  causes  of  alienation  among  churches,  and  looking  toward 
more  fraternal  relations,  the  Southern  Presbyterian  Church  is  now, 
and  has  been  at  all  times,  prepared  to  give  a  sincere  and  hearty 
response  in  the  affirmative.  At  the  time  of  its  organization,  in  1861, 
the  following  explicit  declaration  was  made  by  our  General  Assembly, 
in  an  “Address  to  all  the  Churches  of  Jesus  Christ  throughout  the 
Earth:”  “We  desire  to  cultivate  peace  and  charity  with  all  our  fellow- 
Christians  throughout  the  world.  We  invite  to  ecclesiastical  com- 
munion  all  who  maintain  our  principles  of  faith  and  order.”  Again, 
in  1865,  after  the  close  of  the  war,  we  find  the  following:  “It  may 
be  proper  at  this  point  to  declare,  concerning  other  churches,  in  the 
most  explicit  manner,  that  in  the  true  idea  of  ‘the  communion  of 
saints’  we  would  willingly  hold  fellowship  with  all  who  love  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  sincerity;  and  especially  do  we  signify  to  all 


972 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


bodies,  ministers  and  people,  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  struggling 
to  maintain  the  true  principles  of  the  same  time-honored  Confession, 
our  desire  to  establish  the  most  intimate  relations  with  them,  which 
may  be  found  mutually  edifying  and  for  the  glory  of  God.” 

These,  and  similar  declarations,  made  in  the  most  solemn  periods 
in  the  history  of  our  Church,  and  published  to  the  world,  were  in¬ 
tended  to  be  a  clear  and  abiding  avowal  of  the  spirit  of  our  succes¬ 
sive  Assemblies,  and  of  our  people  represented  in  them. 

But  now,  in  response  to  this  renewed  proposal,  already  referred 
to,  this  Assembly  does  hereby  again  agree  to  appoint  a  committee, 
consisting  of  three  ministers  and  two  elders,  whose  duty  it  shall  be 
to  meet  with  the  committee  appointed  by  the  Northern  Assembly,  at 
such  time  and  place  as  may  be  designated  by  the  chairmen  of  the 
two  committees,  and  enter  fully  into  conference  concerning  the  re¬ 
moval  of  those  causes  which  have  heretofore  prevented  fraternal  re¬ 
lations  between  the  two  churches. 

Inasmuch,  however,  as  it  appears  that  the  instructions  given  to  its 
committee  by  our  Assembly  in  1870  were  made  a  ground  of  serious 
objection  by  the  other  party,  this  Assembly,  with  a  sincere  desire  to 
“follow  the  things  which  make  for  peace,  and  things  wherewith  one 
may  edify  another,”  yields  to  the  wishes  of  the  Northern  Assembly 
in  this  particular,  and  appoints  its  committee  without  any  special 
instructions;  only  requiring  that  the  results  of  the  conference  shall 
be  reported  to  our  next  General  Assembly  for  its  judgment  thereon. 

In  order  to  prevent  misapprehension,  whether  on  the  part  of  our 
own  people  or  of  others,  as  to  the  purport  and  scope  of  any  negotia¬ 
tions  which  may  arise  from  the  step  here  taken,  the  Assembly  feels 
that  it  is  due  to  itself  and  to  candor  to  state  explicitly,  that  an 
organic  union  with  the  Northern  Assembly  is  not  contemplated  in 
this  action;  it  being  our  deliberate  conviction  that  the  agitation  of 
that  subject  would  tend  to  retard,  and  not  to  promote,  the  formation 
of  those  “clear  fraternal  relations”  which  we  undersand  the  com¬ 
munication  now  before!  us  to  propose. 

But,  on  the  other  hand,  the  Assembly  as  explicitly  declares  the 
readiness  and  desire  of  our  Church,  both  of  our  judicatories  in 
their  official  capacity,  and  of  our  people  in  their  social  Christian 
intercourse,  to  welcome  to  full  and  equal  fellowship  with  ourselves 
in  the  privileges  of  the  gospel,  and  in  labors  for  the  extension  of  our 
Redeemer’s  kingdom,  all  those  who,  holding  the  same  great  prin¬ 
ciples  of  evangelical  doctrine  and  ecclesiastical  polity  which  we  hold, 
are  willing  to  cast  in  their  lot  with  us  by  entering  our  communion. 

P.  504.  Rev.  H.  M.  Smith,  D.  D.,  read  a  protest  against  the 
action  of  the  Assembly  in  adopting  the  paper  providing  for  a  com¬ 
mittee  of  conference.  It  was  ordered  that  the  protest  be  spread  upon 
the  records  without  answer. 

See  Alexander’s  Digest,  pp.  464-466. 

P.  519.  The  Moderator  then  announced  the  following  names,  to 
constitute  the  Committee  of  Conference  with  the  committee  of  the 
Northern  General  Assembly,  viz.:  Rev.  William  Brown,  D.  D.,  Rev. 


Secs.  1472-1474]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  97 3 

R.  P.  Farris,  D.  D.,  Rev.  B.  M.  Palmer,  D.  D.,  Chancellor  J.  A. 
Inglis,  Hon.  B.  M.  Estes.  This  appointment  was  confirmed  by  a 
rising  vote  of  the  Assembly,  which  vote  was,  with  but  two  exceptions, 
unanimous. 

The  Rev.  J.  L.  Kirkpatrick,  D.  D.,  was,  by  vote  of  the  Assembly, 
appointed  alternate  to  any  member  of  the  committee  who  may  fail  to 
attend. 

1473.  Failure  of  the  Conference 

The  Committee  of  Conference  submitted  a  report,  which  was  re¬ 
ferred  to  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence.  That  commit¬ 
tee  submitted  the  following  unanimous  report: 

1875,  p.  17.  The  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence  respect¬ 
fully  report  that  they  have  examined  the  report  of  the  committee 
appointed  to  confer  with  a  similar  committee  from  the  Northern 
General  Assembly,  touching  an  overture  from  the  latter  body  for 
fraternal  relations;  and  that  they  have  also  considered  the  overture 
from  the  Presbytery  of  Knoxville  with  reference  to  the  same  subject. 
Your  committee  recommend  the  discharge  of  the  Committee  of  Con¬ 
ference  from  the  further^  consideration  of  the  matter  entrusted  to 
them,  accompanied  by  the  following  minute: 

This  Assembly,  in  the  name  of  the  whole  Church,  tenders  special 
thanks  to  the  Committee  of  Conference  for  the  diligence,  fidelity  and 
Christian  prudence  with  which  they  have  discharged  the  delicate 
and  important  trust  committed  to  them;  and,  whilst  regretting  the 
failure  of  the  conference  as  to  its  chief  end,  hereby  approves  in  gen¬ 
eral  the  course  of  the  committee,  and  in  particular  approves  and 
endorses,  as  satisfactory  to  the  Southern  Church,  the  condition  pre¬ 
cedent  to  fraternal  relations  suggested  by  our  committee,  viz. :  “If 
your  Assembly  could  see  its  way  clear  to  say,  in  a  few  plain  words, 
to  this  effect^  that  these  obnoxious  things  werq  said  and  done  in  times 
of  great  excitement,  and  are  to  be  regretted,  and  that  now,  in  a 
calm  review,  the  imputations  cast  upon  the  Southern  Church  (of 
schism,  heresy  and  blasphemy)  are  disapproved,  that  would  end  the 
difficulty  at  once.” 

The  adoption  of  the  above  report  was  moved  by  Ruling  Elder  J. 
W.  Clapp,  whereupon  it  was  adopted  unanimously,  and  without  dis¬ 
cussion. 

The  correspondence  between  the  itwo  committees  may  be  found  in 
Alexander’s  Digest,  pp.  467-489. 

1474.  Further  efforts  for  the  establishment  of  fraternal  relations 

1876,  p.  242.  Overture,  from  the  Presbytery  of  ,St.  Louis, 
asking  that  the  Assembly  take  some  action  in  regard  to  fraternal 
relations  with  the  Northern  General  Assembly,  in  order  to  remove 
misapprehensions  as  to  the  true  position  of  our  Church. 

The  committee  recommend  the  following  answer: 

Resolved ,  That  the  action  of  the  Baltimore  conference,  approved. 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


974 


[Book  VII 


by  the  Assembly  at  St.  Louis,  explains  with  sufficient  clearness  the 
position  of  our  Church. 

But,  inasmuch  as  it  is  represented  by  the  overture  that  misappre¬ 
hension  exists  in  the  minds  of  some  of  our  people  as  to  the  spirit  of 
this  action,  in  order  to  show  our  disposition  to  remove  on  our  part  real 
or  seeming  hindrances  to  friendly  feeling,  the  Assembly  explicitly  de¬ 
clares  that,  while  condemning  certain  acts  and  deliverances  of  the 
Northern  General  Assembly,  no  acts  or  deliverances  of  the  Southern 
General  Assemblies  are  to  be  construed  or  admitted  as  impugning 
in  any  way  the  Christian  character  of  the  Northern  General  Assem¬ 
bly,  or  of  the  historical  bodies  of  which  it  is  the  successor. 

This  report  was,  after  some  discussion,  adopted  by  a  vote  of  83 
to  6. 

The  Moderator  announced  to  the  Assembly  that  he  had  received 
an  official  telegram  from  the  Moderator  and  Clerk  of  the  Northern 
Assembly,  which  paper  was  read,  and  is  as  follows: 


The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the,  resolutions  on  fra¬ 
ternal  correspondence  with  the  General  Assembly  now  in  session  at 
Savannah,  report  that  they  are  unanimously  and'  heartily  in  sympa¬ 
thy  with  the  objects  contemplated  in  the  resolutions,  and  recognizing 
the  fact  that  the  two  Assemblies  accept  the  same  Form  of  Govern¬ 
ment  and  Directory  for  Worship,  and  are  closely  bound  together  by 
historical  as  well  as  doctrinal  and  ecclesiastical  ties;  and  whereas 
these  churches  are,  in  faith,  order  and  labor,  called  by  the  great 
Head  of  the  Church  to  united  effort  for  the  extension  of  His  kingdom 
throughout  the  country  and  world,  and  as  no  adjustment  of  dif¬ 
ferences  is  accomplished  by  the  rehearsal  of  the  past,  therefore,  with 
a  view  to  the  expression  of  the  united  and  hearty  wishes  of  this  body, 
that  at  the  earliest  practical  moment  we  may  see  the  establishment 
of  correspondence  with  the  other  Assembly,  reiterate  its  cordial  de¬ 
sire  to  establish  fraternal  relations  with  that  Assembly,  on  terms 
of  perfect  equality  and  reciprocity,  as  soon  as  it  is  agreeable  to  their 
brethren  to  respond  to  this  assurance  by  a  similar  expression. 

This  matter  was  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures 
for  immediate  action. 

P.  243.  The  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  returned  and 
submitted  the  following  response  to  the  Northern  Assembly  to  be 
telegraphed  in  reply  to  the  message  from  the  Moderator,  Rev.  Dr. 
Van  Dyke: 

We  are  ready  most  cordially  to  enter  on  fraternal  relations  with 
your  body  on  any  terms  honorable  to  both  parties,  and  then,  as  an 
explanation  of  what  our  feeling  is,  we  send  the  action  taken  in  the 
answer  to  the  overture  from  the  St.  Louis  Presbytery. 

(Here  the  despatch  recites  that  action  just  given  above.) 

This  report,  which  had  been  unanimously  adopted  by  the  com¬ 
mittee,  was  also  unanimously  adopted  by  the  house,  and  said  paper 
was  ordered  to  be  sent  to  its  proper  destination  by  telegram. 

In  grateful  recognition  of  the  “good  hand  of  the  Lord  our  God 
upon  us”  in  the  unanimity  which  our  Assembly  had  attained  in  the 
final  vote  on  this  matter,  where  division  of  sentiment  had  been  at 
first  apprehended,  it  united  in  singing  the  doxology,  “Praise  God, 


Sec.  1474]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  975 

from  whom  all  blessings  flow,”  and  then  the  Rev.  Dr.  Adger  led 
in  thanksgiving  and  prayer  to  God,  in  special  reference  to  the  har¬ 
mony  prevailing  throughout  this  Assembly. 

1877,  p.  406.  Certain  papers  from  Presbyteries,  on  the  subject 
of  “Fraternal  Relations”  were  presented  by  the  Stated  Clerk;  also 
a  communication  from  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the  Northern  General 
Assembly,  transmitting  a  copy  of  a  paper  passed  by  said  Assembly 
last  year  touching  the  same  subject.  These  papers  were  referred  to 
the  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence. 

P.  410.  This  committee  made  a  report,  the  first  part  of  which 
was  adopted  with  almost  entire  unanimity.  The  last  part  was  re¬ 
committed.. 

P.  412.  The  unfinished  business,  viz.,  concerning  the  last  clause 
in  the  report  of  the  Committee  of  Correspondence,  was  taken  up. 
The  committee  obtained  leave  to  withdraw  that  part  of  their  report, 
and  the  question  being  upon  the  first  part  as  constituting  the  whole 
report,  it  was  adopted  by  a  vote  of  109  ayes  to  4  noes.  This  report 
is  as  follows: 

The  Committee  of  Correspondence  recommend  to  the  General 
Assembly  the  following  as  our  Church’s  reply  to  the  communication 
received  at  this  session  from  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presby¬ 
terian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America: 

Whereas  the  General  Assembly  of  this  Church,  in  session  at  St. 
Louis,  in  1875,  adopted  a  paper  rendering  “special  thanks,  in  the 
name  of  the  whole  Church,  to  our  Committee  of  Conference  at 
Baltimore  for  their  diligence,  fidelity  and  Christian  prudence,”  and, 
in  particular,  approving  and  endorsing  “as  satisfactory  to  the  South¬ 
ern  Church  the  condition  precedent  to  fraternal  relations  suggested 
by  our  committee,”  viz. :  “If  your  Assembly  could  see  its  way 
clear  to  say  in  a  few  plain  words  to  this  effect,  that  these  obnoxious 
things  were  said  and  done  in  times  of  great  excitement,  and  are  to 
be  regretted,  and  that  now,  on  a  calm  review,  the  imputations  cast 
upon  the  Southern  Church  (of  schism,  heresy  and  blasphemy)  are 
disapproved,  that  would  end  the  difficulty  at  once;”  and 

Whereas  our  General  Assembly,  in  session  at  Savannah  in  1876, 
in  response  to  a  paper  from  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presby¬ 
terian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  which  met  in  Brook¬ 
lyn,  adopted  the  following  paper,  viz. : 

“We  are  ready  most  cordially  to  enter  on  fraternal  relations  with 
your  body  on  any  terms  honorable  to  both  parties.  This  Assembly 
has  already,  in  answer  to  an  overture  from  our  Presbytery  of  St. 
Louis,  spontaneously  taken  the  following  action: 

‘Resolved,  That  the  action  of  the  Baltimore  conference,  approved 
by  the  Assembly  at  St.  Louis,  explains  with  sufficient  clearness  the 
position  of  our  Church.  But,  inasmuch  as  it  is  represented  by  the 
overture  that  misapprehension  exists  in  the  minds  of  some  of  our 
people  as  to  the  spirit  of  this  action,  in  order  to  show  our  dispo¬ 
sition  to  remove  on  our  part  all  real  or  seeming  hindrance  to  friendly 
feeling,  the  Assembly  explicitly  declares  that,  while  condemning 


976  Relations  With  Other  Bodies  [Book  VII 

certain  acts  and  deliverancs  of  the  Northern  General  Assembly,  no 
acts  or  deliverances  of  the  Southern  General  Assemblies  are  to  be 
construed  or  admitted  as  impugning  in  any  way  the  Christian  char¬ 
acter  of  the  Northern  General  Assembly,  or  of  the  historical  bodies 
of  which  it  is  the  successor’  and 

Whereas  the  said  General  Assembly  at  Brooklyn,  in  response  to 
the  foregoing  paper  of  our  Assembly  at  Savannah,  adopted  the  fol¬ 
lowing,  which  has  been  communicated  to  us  at  our  present  meeting, 
\viz. : 

“The  overture  of  this  Assembly  having  been  received  by  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  in  the  South  with  such  a  cordial  expression  of  grat¬ 
ification,  the  committee  recommend  that  the  same  resolution, 
declarative  of  the  spirit  in  which  this  action  is  taken  be  adopted  by 
this  Assembly,  viz.:  ‘In  order  to  show  our  disposition  to  remove 
on  our  part  all  real  or  seeming  hindrance  to  friendly  feeling,  the 
Assembly  explicitly  declares  that,  while  condemning  certain  acts  and 
deliverances  of  the  Southern  General  Assembly,  no  acts  or  deliver¬ 
ances  of  the  Northern  General  Assembly,  or  of  the  historical  bodies 
of  which  the  present  Assembly  is  the  successor,  are  to  be  construed 
or  admitted  as  impugning  in  any  way  the  Christian  character  of  the 
Southern  General  Assembly,  or  of  the  historical  body  or  bodies  of 
which  it  is  the  successor’  now,  therefore,  be  it — 

Resolved  by  this  Assembly,  That  we  cannot  regard  this  communi¬ 
cation  as  satisfactory,  because  we  can  discover  in  it  no  reference 
whatever  to  the  first  and  main  part  of  the  paper  adopted  by  our 
Assembly  at  Savannah,  and  communicated  to  the  Brooklyn  Assem¬ 
bly.  This  Assembly  can  add  nothing  on  this  subject  to  the  action 
of  the  Assembly  at  St.  Louis  adopting  the  basis  proposed  by  our 
Committee  of  Conference  at  Baltimore,  and  re-affirmed  by  the  As¬ 
sembly  at  Savannah. 

If  our  brethren  of  the  Northern  Church  can  meet  us  on  these 
terms,  which  truth  and  righteousness  seem  to  us  to  require,  then  we 
are  ready  to  establish  such  relations  with  them  during  the  present 
sessions  of  the  Assemblies. 

P.  416.  An  official  telegram  was  sent  to  the  Northern  General 
Assembly  at  Chicago,  setting  forth  the  substance  of  the  above  action. 

P.  429.  The  following  paper  was  presented  and  ordered  to  be 
entered  upon  the  records: 

The  undersigned  members  of  this  Assembly,  who  voted  in  the 
minority  on  the  report  of  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspond¬ 
ence,  in  reply  to  the  paper  received  from  the  Brooklyn  Assembly, 
respectfully  beg  leave  to  record  the  following  as  our  reasons  for  vot¬ 
ing  against  that  report,  viz. : 

1.  That  while  we  heartily  concur  in  the  ultimatum  of  the  Balti¬ 
more  committee  of  our  Church,  we  are  of  the  opinion  that  the  action 
of  the  Cleveland  Assembly,  substantially  repeated  by  the  Assembly 
which  met  in  Brooklyn  in  1876,  effectually  estops  us  from  further 
.action  upon  this  subject,  and  that  it  is  inconsistent  with  self-respect 


Secs.  1474-1475]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  977 

for  this  Assembly  to  continue  to  press  this  ultimatum  after  its  dis¬ 
tinct  and  repeated  declinature  by  the  Northern  Assembly. 

2.  That  the  further  agitation  of  this  question  tends  only  to  de¬ 
tract  from  the  spirituality  of  our  Church. 

3.  We  can 'but  regard  the  manner  in  which  this  question  was 
hurried  to  a  vote  as  an  infringement  of  the  privileges  of  the  minority. 

1475.  Correspondence  to  be  by  letter 

1877,  p.  441.  Resolved,  That  in  accordance  with  the  strongly 
expressed  desires  of  a  number  of  our  Presbyteries,  some  of  them 
amongst  the  largest,  the  Assembly  will,  after  the  present  year,  hold 
its  correspondence  with  all  the  churches  with  whom  we  maintain 
that  sort  of  relations  by  letters  instead  of  deputations,  always  ex¬ 
cepting  the  Reformed  Church,  with  which  we  are  united  in  peculiar 
co-operative  alliance.  The  Assembly  will  hereafter  appoint  amongst 
its  Standing  Committees  a  Committee  of  Correspondence,  who  shall 
prepare  a  communication,  to  be  sent  by  us  to  other  churches,  and 
does  hereby  invite  all  churches  with  whom  we  are  or  may  be  in 
correspondence,  to  communicate  with  us  in  this  form. 

1879,  p.  23.  The  following  was  adopted:  The  Committee  on 
Foreign  Correspondence  would  declare  for  the  Assembly  that,  in 
determining  no  longer  to  send  delegates  to  corresponding  bodies  (al¬ 
ways  excepting  the  Reformed  Church,  with  which  we  are  in  co¬ 
operative  alliance),  it  was  by  no  means  the  intention  to  affect  the 
action  of  these  bodies  in  the  matter.  One  reason  for  our  action  was 
our  poverty.  But  the  Assembly  is  delighted  to  receive  delegations 
whenever  sent  to  us,  and  cordially  invites  Rev.  R.  H.  Caldwell,  the 
delegate  to  this  body  from  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church,  to 
address  us  this  morning  at  12  o’clock. 

1883,  p.  49.  The  usual  method  of  correspondence  by  letter  be¬ 
tween  this  General  Assembly  and  other  ecclesiastical  bodies  shall 
hereafter  include  the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church  in 
America  and  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 
the  United  States  of  America,  with  the  exception,  however,  that 
delegates  be  appointed  by  this*  Assembly  to  these  bodies  at  their 
next  ensuing  sessions,  in  1883  and  1884  respectively,  to  convey  our 
most  cordial  Christian  and  fraternal  salutations;  these  delegates  be¬ 
ing  instructed  to  state  to  them  this  method  of  correspondence  here¬ 
after  by  letter,  as  adopted  by  this  body,  with  the  hope  that  it  may 
meet  with  their  co-operation;  and  that  the  special  attention  of  the 
Presbyteries  be  called  to  this  action  of  the  General  Assembly  for  an 
expression  of  their  opinion  on  the  mode  of  correspondence  for  the 
future. 

This  action  was  in  response  to  overtures  from  the  Presbyteries 
of  Tuscaloosa,  Florida,  Transylvania,  West  Hanover,  Savannah,  South 
Carolina,  Louisiana  and  Harmony,  asking1  that  all  correspondence  with 
other  ecclesiastical  bodies  be  conducted  by  letter.  The  Committee  on 
Correspondence  recommended  that  the  Assembly  grant  the  request 
asked  in  the  overtures.  Rev.  J.  J.  iBullock,  D.  D.,  offered  a  substi- 


978 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


tute,  providing  that,  under  the  circumstances,  and  to  avoid  the  ap¬ 
pearance  of  discourtesy,  this  Assembly  deems  proper  that,  for  the 
present,  delegates  be  commissioned  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America  (p.  22,  Minu¬ 
tes  of  1883).  The  paper  adopted  was  offered  as  a  substitute  for  both 
papers,  and  was  generally  spoken  of  as  the  Hemphill  substitute. — A. 

1884,  p.  251.  In  response  to  the  overture  involved  in  the  above 
action,  the  Presbyteries  voted  as  follows:  By  letter,  37;  by  dele¬ 
gates,  18;  leave  the  question  to  the  Assembly,  3;  no  answer,  5. 

1884,  p.  206.  The  Northern  Assembly  sent  a  telegram  to  the 
effect  that  it  had  unanimously  resolved  to  continue  correspondence 
with  our  Assembly  by  delegates. 

P.  243.  The  Standing  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence 
made  a  report.  A  minority  report  was  also  presented,  which  latter 
report,  by  a  vote  of  48  to  42,  was  adopted,  and  is  as  follows: 

Resolved,  That,  in  regard  to  correspondence  with  other  religious 
bodies,  this  Assembly  adheres  to  the  position  taken  by  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States,  at  Lex¬ 
ington,  Ky.,  in  May,  1883.  (See  above.) 

The  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence  was  instructed  to 
prepare  a  telegram  to  the  General  Assembly  at  Saratoga,  to  inform 
it  of  the  action  of  this  Assembly  in  regard  to  the  manner  of  corre¬ 
spondence  between  the  two  bodies. 

1476.  Exchange  of  salutations  between  the  two  Assemblies 

1878,  p.  622.  The  Assembly  received  a  cordial  and  courteous 
Christian  salutation  from  the  Northern  Assembly,  in  session  at  Pitts¬ 
burg,  and,  in  the  same  spirit  which  prompted  the  message,  it  re¬ 
turned  the  courtesy  with  hearty  Christian  greetings,  and  made  a 
minute  of  the  same. 

P.  628.  A^  paper,  signed  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  R.  K.  Smoot  and,  others, 
asking  for  an  explanation  of  the  minute  adopted  yesterday  in  re¬ 
sponse  to  the  telegraphic  message  received  from  the  Presbyterian 
General  Assembly  at  Pittsburg,  was  laid  before  the  Assembly. 

P.  634.  To  this  overture  the  following  reply  was  made:  There 
is  not  a  word  in  the  reply  of  the  General  Assembly  about  fraternal 
correspondence  or  any  other  kind  of  correspondence.  All  that  was 
intended  was  simply  Christian  salutation  or  greeting  from  this  As¬ 
sembly  to  the  one  at  Pittsburg. 

1477.  Fraternal  relations  established 

1882,  p.  523.  A  resolution  was  offered  by  Rev.  Dr.  A.  W.  Pitzer, 
touching  the  matter  of  sending  delegates  to  the  General  Assembly 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  session  at  Springfield,  Ill.,  and  ex¬ 
pressive  of  a  desire  to  co-operate  with  that  body  in  home  and  foreign 
evangelization;  which  resolution  was  referred  to  the  Standing  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Foreign  Correspondence. 

This  committee  made  a  report,  which  was  discussed. 


Secs.  1475-1477]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  979 


P.  529.  Various  papers  relating  to  fraternal  relations  with  the 
Northern  General  Assembly  were  offered,  which,  together  with  the 
original  paper  presented  by  the  Standing  Committee  on  Foreign  Cor¬ 
respondence,  were  referred  to  said  committee;  and  to  this  committee 
were  added  the  names  of  A.  W.  Pitzer,  J.  H.  Wiggins,  R.  P.  Kerr, 
E.  P.  Palmer  and  C.  F.  Collier. 

P.  530.  The  Standing  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence 
made  a  report,  which  was  adopted  unanimously,  with  the  exception 
of  three  dissenting  votes,  and  the  Assembly  then  united  in  prayer 
and  thanksgiving  for  the  unanimity  thus  attained. 

The  report  is  as  follows: 

The  Standing  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence  report  to 
the  General  Assembly  that  four  overtures  have  been  placed  in  their 
hands,  viz.:  From  the  Presbyteries  of  Abingdon,  Holston,  South  Ala¬ 
bama  and  Maryland;  also  a  resolution  offered  by  Rev.  A.  W.  Pitzer, 
D.  D.  The  object  of  all  these  overtures,  with  some  slight  difference 
in  their  forms  of  expression,  is  the  same.  They  desire  and  respect¬ 
fully  request  this  General  Assembly  to  establish  fully  and  formally 
what  are  called  “fraternal  relations”  with  the  General  Assembly  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  by  send¬ 
ing  forthwith  a  delegate  or  delegates  to  that  body,  now  in  session  at 
Springfield,  Ill.  The  resolution  referred  to  proposes  also  that  such 
delegation  shall  convey  an  expression  of  “our  willingness  to  co¬ 
operate  with  that  body,  as  far  as  practicable,  in  the  work  of  home 
and  foreign  evangelization. 

After  the  most  careful  consideration  your  committee  have  been 
able  to  give  to  the  weighty  matters  involved,  they  recommend  to  the 
Assembly  the  adoption  of  the  following  paper: 

In  order  to  remove  all  difficulties  in  the  way  of  that  full  and 
formal  fraternal  correspondence  which,  on  our  part,  we  are  pre¬ 
pared  to  accept,  we  adopt  the  following  minute: 

That,  while  receding  from  no  principle,  we  do  hereby  declare 
our  regret  for  and  withdrawal  of  all  expressions  of  our  Assembly 
which  may  be  regarded  as  reflecting  upon,  or  offensive  to,  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of 
America. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  this  paper  be  sent  by  telegraph  to  the 
General  Assembly,  now  in  session  at  Springfield,  Ill.,  for  their  pray¬ 
erful  consideration,  and  mutatis  mutandis,  for  their  reciprocal  con¬ 
currence,  as  affording  a  basis  for  the  exchange  of  delegates  forthwith. 

The  last  two  paragraphs  were  accordingly  telegraphed  imme¬ 
diately  to  the  Northern  Assembly. 

P.  541.  A  telegram  received  from  the  Northern  General  Assembly 
at  Springfield,  Ill.,  was  read,  and  is  as  follows: 

The  following  report  from  the  Committee  on  Correspondence  was 
adopted  this  morning:  The  Moderator  is  instructed  to  telegraph  to 
the  Moderator  of  the  General  Assembly  in  session  at  Atlanta,  that  his 
telegram  is  received  with  warm  enthusiasm  by  this  Assembly;  and, 
in  order  to  remove  all  difficulties  in  the  way  of  that  full  and  formal 
fraternal  correspondence  between  the  two  Assemblies,  which  we  are. 


980 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VI I 


on  our  part,  prepared  to  accept,  we  adopt  the  following,  viz.:  Whilst 
receding  from  no  principle,  we  do  hereby  declare  our  regret  for,  and 
withdrawal  of,  all  expressions  of  our  Assembly  which  may  be  re¬ 
garded  as  reflective  upon  or  offensive  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States,  and  we  renew  the  ex¬ 
pression  of  our  warm  fraternal  regard  for  all  who  compose  its  com¬ 
munion,  and  our  readiness  to  exchange  delegates  forthwith. 

Also  an  unofficial  telegram  from  the  Moderator  of  said  Assem¬ 
bly  to  the  Moderator  of  this  Assembly,  giving  information  touching 
a  resolution  of  that  Assembly  to  the  effect  “that  in  the  action  now 
being  taken  we  disclaim  any  reference  to  the  actions  of  preceding 
Assemblies  concerning  loyalty  and  rebellion,  but  we  refer  only  to 
those  concerning  schism,  heresy  and  blasphemy.” 

These  papers  were  referred  to  the  Standing  Committee  on  For¬ 
eign  Correspondence,  which  had  leave  to  retire  for  their  immediate 
consideration. 

A  report  from  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence  was  read 
and  adopted,  and  is  as  follows: 

To  the  General  Assembly  in  session  at  Springfield,  III.: 

If  the  action  of  your  Assembly,  telegraphed  by  your  Moderator 
to  our  Moderator,  does  not  modify  the  concurrent  resolution  adopted 
by  your  Assembly  and  ours,  we  are  prepared  to  send  delegates 
forthwith. 

P.  552.  The  following  telegram  was  received: 

“The  action  referred  to  does  not  modify,  but  it  explains,  the 
concurrent  resolution,  and  the  explanation  is  on  the  face  of  the  action. 
There  is  nothing  behind  it  or  between  the  lines.  The  dissolution 
of  our  Assembly  is  near  at  hand.  We  may  be  ready  for  final  ad¬ 
journment  this  evening.  The  exchange  of  delegates  is  impossible 
before  Tuesday.  .Shall  we  not  each  appoint  delegates  this  day  to 
visit  the  respective  Assemblies  next  year?  We  wait  your  answer 
with  deep  and  prayerful  interest. 

P.  553.  The  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence  recom¬ 
mended  the  following  telegram  in  reply: 

“ Resolved ,  1st,  That  this  Assembly  does  hereby  declare  its  en¬ 
tire  satisfaction  with  the  full  and  explicit  terms  in  which  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of 
America  has  expressed  its  ‘reciprocal  concurrence’  in  the  paper  trans¬ 
mitted  to  said  Assembly  on  fraternal  correspondence. 

“2nd,  That  we  do  unfeignedly  rejoice  and  render  thanksgiving  to 
God  in  an  event  suited  to  take  away  the  reproach  of  alienation  be¬ 
tween  bodies  holding  the  same  Standards  of  faith,  and  tending  to 
bring  peace  to  our  borders. 

“3rd,  That  inasmuch  as  it  is  impracticable  at  this  date  to  have 
an  interchange  of  delegates,  the  Assembly  does  hereby  appoint  Rev. 
Wm,  Brown,  D.  D.,  Rev.  T.  A.  Hoyt,  D.  D.  and  Hon.  B.  M.  Estes, 
principals;  and  Rev.  R.  P.  Farris,  D.  D.,  Rev.  H.  C'.  Alexander, 
D.  D.,  and  Hon.  Patrick  Joyce,  alternates,  to  bear  to  the  next 


Secs.  1477-1478]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  981 

General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States 
of  America  our  cordial  Christian  salutations.” 

This  report  was  adopted,  with  four  dissenting  voices. 

P.  566.  The  following  telegram  was  received  from  the  General 
Assembly  at  Springfield,  Ill. : 

“The  following  delegates  to  visit  the  General  Assembly  to  meet 
in  Lexington,  Ky.,  in  1883,  have  been  unanimously  elected  by  this 
Assembly:  S.  J.  Niccolls,  D.  D.,  Thomas  ,S.  Hastings,  D.  D.,  Her¬ 
rick  Johnson,  D.  D.,  E.  P.  Humphrey,  D.  D.,  S.  Irenaeus  Prime, 
D.  D.,  Hon.  S.  M.  Moore  and  Hon.  William  Strong,  principals;  and 
Arthur  Mitchell,  D.  D.,  and  Hon.  William  E.  Dodge,  alternates. 
See  Luke  ii.  14. 

1478.  Fraternal  delegates  interchanged 

1883,  p.  14.  The  commissions  of  delegates  from  the  General  As¬ 
sembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  Amer¬ 
ica  to  this  Assembly  were  read  by  the  Stated  Clerk  and  were  re¬ 
ferred  to  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence. 

The  following  committee  was  appointed  to  wait  on  these  breth¬ 
ren  and  introduce  them  to  the  Assembly:  Rev.  J.  J.  Bullock,  D. 
D.,  Rev.  D.  O.  Davies,  D.  D.,  Rev.  J.  B.  Stratton,  D.  D.,  and  Col. 
J.  P.  Fitzgerald. 

P.  16.  The  Assembly  was  then  addressed  by  these  brethren  in 
the  following  order:  Hon.  S.  M.  Moore,  the  Rev.  S.  I.  Prime,  D. 
D.,  the  Rev.  S.  J.  Niccolls,  D.  D.,  the  Rev.  E.  P.  Humphrey,  D. 
D.,  and  the  Hon.  William  Strong. 

The  Moderator  made  a  suitable  response  to  these  salutations,  after 
which  the  Assembly  joined  in  singing  the  hymn: — 

“Blest  be  the  tie  that  binds. 

Our  hearts  in  Christian  love.” 

Rev.  William  Brown,  D.  D.,  Rev.  T.  A.  Hoyt,  D.  D.,  and  Hon. 
Patrick  Joyce  attended  the  Assembly  at  Saratoga,  as  fraternal  dele¬ 
gates  from  the  Southern  Assembly.  Their  report  is  found,  1884,  p. 
201.  In  that  report,  they  say: 

“On  the  first  day  of  their  meeting  a  resolution  reciting  that  ‘some 
differences  of  opinion  have  been  manifested  concerning  the  true 
import  of  the  resolution  adopted  by  the  two  General  Assemblies  sit¬ 
ting  respectively  in  Springfield,  Ill.,  and  in  Atlanta,  Ga.,  and  asking 
this  Assembly  to  explain  and  re-affirm  that  resolution,  was  referred 
to  a  committee  consisting  of  Ministers  Howard  Crosby  and  Herrick 
Johnson,  and  Elder  Samuel  M.  Breckenbridge.’  (Minutes,  1883,  p. 
569.)  On  the  eighth  day  the  following  report  was  made  and  unan¬ 
imously  adopted  by  the  Assembly : 

‘The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  resolution  regarding  the 
meaning  of  the  deliverance  of  the  General  Assembly  of  1882,  in  be¬ 
half  of  fraternal  relations  with  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States,  respectfully  report,  that  fraternal  relations  having  been  hap¬ 
pily  established  between  the  two  Assemblies  upon  the  basis  of  the 


982 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


withdrawal  of  all  imputations  that  may  have  been  officially  made  on 
either  side  against  the  Christian  character  of  the  other,  no  further 
action  of  this  Assembly  is  necessary.’ 

“It  will  be  observed  that  this  paper  is  so  framed  as  to  give,  though 
somewhat  incidentally,  a  distinct  and  clear  interpretation  of  the  action 
of  their  Assembly  of  1882,  and  which,  it  is  hoped,  will  be  satisfactory 
to  all  in  our  own  communion  who  may  have  been  of  a  doubtful  mind.” 

1479.  Assembly  declines  to  re-open  the  question 

1883,  p.  22.  The  report  of  the  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures 
on  certain  overtures  as  to  correspondence  with  other  ecclesiastical  bod¬ 
ies  was  taken  up,  and,  being  divided,  the  first  part  was  adopted  as 
follows : 

The  following  overtures  have  been  considered,  viz. : 

From  the  Presbytery  of  South  Carolina,  asking  that  an  official  in¬ 
terpretation  of  the  “Herrick  Johnson  Resolution”  be  demanded. 

From  the  Presbytery  of  Tombeckbee,  asking  that  further  corre¬ 
spondence  be  arrested  until  a  satisfactory  adjustment  of  hindrances 
has  been  made. 

From  the  Presbytery  of  Bethel,  asking  that  the  Atlanta  fraternal 
delegation  be  instructed  not  to  enter  the  Northern  Assembly  until 
the  “Concurrent  Resolution”  has  been  fully  complied  with. 

From  the  Presbytery  of  New  Orleans,  asking  that  the  Atlanta 
action  be  reversed,  because  based  on  incomplete  information,  and 
because  of  its  divisive  effects  in  our  Church. 

In  reply  to  all  the  above,  the  following  answer  is  recommended, 
viz. : 

While  recognizing  the  constitutional  right  of  the  Presbyteries  to 
protest  against  the  Assembly’s  actions,  yet — 

First,  Inasmuch  as  the  sentiment  of  the  majority  of  the  Church 
seems  to  approve  of  the  object  had  in  view  by  the  Atlanta  Assem¬ 
bly;  and, 

Second,  Inasmuch  as  a  majority  of  the  Presbyteries  regard  the 
establishment  of  fraternal  relations  on  the  basis  of  the  Atlanta  pro¬ 
posal  as  a  settled  fact,  which  it  would  be  unwise  to  disturb;  there¬ 
fore  this  Assembly  considers  it  unnecessary  to  take  further  action. 

1480.  Committee  of  inquiry  with  reference  to  organic  union  with 
the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America 

1887,  pp.  188,  200.  Rev.  R.  K.  Smoot,  D.  D.,  offered  the  fol¬ 
lowing  paper,  which,  after  amendment,  was  adopted: 

Whereas  it  is  within  the  knowledge  of  this  Assembly  that  some 
of  our  Presbyteries  have  sent  up  overtures  or  other  papers  as  touch¬ 
ing  organic  union,  co-operative  union,  or  any  other  relation  which 
ought  to  be  sustained  by  our  Church  and  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  United  States  of  America;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  a  special  committee,  consisting  of  one  minister 


Secs.  1478-1480]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  983 

and  one  ruling  elder  from  each  Synod,  be  appointed  by  the  Moder¬ 
ator  when  he  appoints  the  Standing  Committees,  to  which  special 
committee  all  these  overtures  and  papers  shall,  after  having  been  read 
in  open  Assembly,  be  referred,  with  instructions  to  report  to  this  As¬ 
sembly  as  early  as  practicable. 

P.  190.  The  following  were  appointed  such  committee:  Rev. 

R.  K.  Smoot,  D.  D.,  Rev.  J.  M.  P.  Otts,  D.  D.,  Rev.  J.  S.  Van 
Meter,  Rev.  T.  M.  Lowry,  Rev.  W.  F.  V.  Bartlett,  D.  D.,  Rev. 

S.  C.  Caldwell,  Rev.  M.  B.  Shaw,  Rev.  W.  H.  Parks,  Rev.  J.  A. 
Wallace,  Rev.  W.  H.  Davis,  Rev.  J.  G.  Richards,  Rev.  W.  H.  Crane, 
Rev.  C.  R.  Vaughan,  D.  D.,  A.  S.  Fletcher,  A.  W.  Dinsmore,  L.  F. 
Livingston,  E.  G.  Buckner,  T.  J.  Crawford,  J.  L.  Power,  J.  S. 
McGee,  Geo.  G.  O’Bryan,  A.  M.  McPheeters,  G.  L.  Riddle,  N. 
Hart,  C.  L.  Arbuckle,  Wm.  Withrow. 

P.  207.  The  Special  Committee  on  Organic  Union,  etc.,  made 
a  majority  report  and  a  minority  report,  which  were  received,  ordered 
to  be  printed,  and  are  as  follows: 

The  majority  of  your  special  committee,  to  which  were  referred  all 
overtures  and  papers  touching  the  subject  of  organic  and  co-operative 
union,  and  all  other  relations  with  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States  of  America,  respectfully  report  as  follows: 

Whereas  the  Synods  of  Missouri,  Arkansas  and  Alabama,  embrac¬ 
ing  fifteen  Presbyteries,  have  taken  action  favoring  reunion  of  some 
kind  between  the  two  churches;  and 

Whereas,  subsequent  thereto,  eight  Presbyteries,  to-wit:  St.  Johns, 
Upper  Missouri,  Chesapeake,  Missouri,  Holston,  Indian,  East  Ala¬ 
bama  and  Dallas,  have  manifested  special  interest  in  the  matter  by 
overtures  or  resolutions  favoring  closer  relations  between  the  two 
churches;  while  from  only  five  Presbyteries  have  come  any  expres¬ 
sion  of  dissent,  and  that  chiefly  against  organic  union;  therefore, 

Your  committee  recommend  that  a  committee  of  five  ministers  and 
five  ruling  elders,  with  the  Moderator  of  this  Assembly  added  thereto 
as  ex-officio  chairman,  be  appointed  by  the  present  Moderator  of 
this  Assembly,  to  confer  with  any  like  committee  that  the  other 
Assembly  may  appoint  concerning  the  whole  subject  of  organic  union, 
co-operative  union,  and  any  other  relation  between  the  two  Assem¬ 
blies,  and  said  committee  be  directed  to  report  the  result  of  the  joint 
conference  to  the  General  Assembly  at  its  meeting  in  May,  1888,  for 
approval  or  disapproval.  And  that  the  committee  be  instructed  to 
take  and  maintain  the  following  positions: 

1.  The  mere  acceptance  of  the  common  Standards  of  our  Church, 
Confession  of  Faith,  Shorter  and  Larger  Catechisms,  does  not,  in 
our  minds,  form  a  sufficient  basis  of  union;  but  the  acceptance  of 
that  peculiar  interpretation  of  our  Standards  which  affirms  and  em¬ 
phasizes  the  purely  spiritual  nature  of  Christ’s  kingdom,  and  forbids 
her'legislating  upon  political  and  civil  matters,  is  the  only  true  basis 
of  union. 

2.  And  further,  we  insist  that  the  colored  brethren  within  our 


984  Relations  With  Other  Bodies  [Book  VII 

bounds  shall  be  organized  into  separate  congregations,  Presbyteries 
and  Synods. 

Signed  by  W.  F.  V.  Bartlett  and  fifteen  others. 

The  minority  offered  a  substitute  for  this  majority  report.  It  is 
as  follows: 

The  undersigned  members  of  your  special  committee,  appointed 
to  examine  and  report  upon  the  papers  and  overtures  submitted  to 
the  General  Assembly  on  the  question  of  organic  or  co-operative  union 
with  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  are 
of  the  opinion  that  the  difficulties  in  the  way  are  numerous  and 
serious. 

They  arise  mainly  out  of  the  fact  that  the  two  churches  are  not 
agreed  in  matters  of  either  principle  or  polity. 

No  suggestion  has  been  made,  or,  in  the  opinion  of  those  signing 
this  paper,  can  be  made,  for  the  removal  of  this  most  serious  obstacle 
which  meets  us  at  the  very  opening  of  this  question. 

To  unite,  or  attempt  to  unite,  the  two  churches  on  any  compromise 
of  these  fundamental  differences,  or  upon  any  general  statements, 
such  as  the  reception  of  the  Standards  “pure  and  simple,”  would 
“serve  only  to  bring  together  those  who  could  not  act  in  harmony,  and 
would  perpetuate  strife  and  alienation.” 

These  conclusions  have  been  reached  by  us  after  a  full  and  careful 
examination  of  the  whole  question  in  the  light  of  all  the  papers  sub¬ 
mitted  for  our  consideration.  The  discussion  of  the  question  for 
some  time  past,  both  North  and  South,  has  made  it  equally  manifest 
that  the  further  agitation  of  this  quesion  would  hinder  the  progress, 
weaken  the  efficiency,  and  endanger  the  unity  of  our  own  Church. 

Signed  by  R.  K.  Smoot  and  nine  others. 

Rev.  W.  H.  Parks,  a  member  of  the  committee,  brought  in  a  third 
report,  signed  by  himself.  After  verbal  changes  had  been  made  in 
the  minority  report,  he  withdrew  his  individual  report  and  gave  in 
his  adhesion  to  that  of  the  minority. 

Previous  to  the  discussion  of  these  reports,  Rev.  W.  R.  Coppedge 
introduced  a  substitute  for  the  minority  report,  declaring  in  sub¬ 
stance  that  we  do  not  see  our  way  clear  to  take  any  action  looking 
toward  a  union  of  the  two  churches. 

Before  proceeding  to  consider  this  whole  question,  the  Assembly 
was  led  in  prayer  by  the  Moderator  (p.  217). 

P.  220.  During  the  discussion  Mr.  Coppedge  obtamed  leave  to 
withdraw  his  paper;  whereupon  Col.  C.  F.  Collier  offered,  as  a  sub¬ 
stitute  for  the  minority  report,  a  paper  affirming — 

In  view  of  the  diversity  of  opinion  disclosed  by  the  discussion  on 
the  floor  of  this  General  Assembly  on  the  majority  and  minority  re¬ 
ports  of  the  Committee  on  Organic  Union  and  the  kindred  questions: 
Resolved,  As  the  sense  of  this  Assembly,  it  is  inexpedient  to  take  any 
action  on  the  subject  of  organic  union  and  other  matters  kindred 
thereto.  Lost — ayes,  45;  noes,  96. 

P.  222.  Rev.  P.  H.  Hoge  offered  the  following  as  a  substitute 
for  the  minority  report: 


Sec.  1480] 


Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies 


985 


Whereas  a  number  of  overtures  in  reference  to  closer  relations  to 
the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America  have  come 
up  to  this  Assembly;  and 

Whereas  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States  of  America  has  just  adopted  the  deliverance  of  the 
two  Synods  of  Missouri  on  the  spirituality  of  the  Church;  and 

Whereas  the  two  Assemblies  ought  to  labor  together  for  the  accom¬ 
plishment  of  the  great  object  they  have  in  view,  if  they  are  sufficiently 
agreed  in  their  principles  to  make  them  more  efficient  for  their  work 
united  than  they  now  are  divided;  and 

Whereas  the  recent  action  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presby¬ 
terian  Church,  U.  S.  A.,  apparently  different  from  their  former  action 
as  to  the  spirituality  of  the  Church,  makes  the  impression  on  the 
minds  of  many  of  our  people  that  one  obstacle  to  closer  relations  to 
that  church  has  been,  or  soon  may  be,  removed;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  four  ministers  and  four  ruling 
elders,  together  with  the  Moderator,  be  appointed  to  meet  with  a 
similar  committee  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  United  States  of  America,  if  such  a  committee  shall  be  ap¬ 
pointed,  for  the  sole  purpose  of  inquiring  into  and  ascertaining  the 
facts  as  to  the  point  above  mentioned,  and  as  to  the  position  that 
Assembly  proposes  to  maintain  as  to  colored  churches,  ecclesiastical 
Boards,  and  any  other  subjects  now  regarded  as  obstacles  in  the 
way  of  united  effort  or  the  propagation  of  the  gospel,  and  report 
these  facts  to  the  next  General  Assembly  for  such  action  as  they 
may  warrant.  Adopted — ayes,  83;  noes,  58. 

On  motion  of  Dr.  Otts,  the  same  paper  was  adopted  as  a  substi¬ 
tute  for  the  majority  report — ayes,  95;  noes,  46. 

This  paper  being  then  directly  before  the  Assembly  was  adopted 
by  the  following  vote:  Ayes,  80  noes,  57. 

It  was  ordered  that  the  foregoing  paper  be  telegraphed  to  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  U.  S.  A. 

The  following  resolutions,  which  were  lost,  were  admitted  to 
record : 

1.  Offered  by  Mr.  C.  F.  Collier:  “That  so  much  of  the  paper 
appointing  a  committee  of  injuiry  as  is  prefatory  be  stricken  out, 
and  that  it  read,  ‘Resolved,  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  meet 
with  a  similar  committee,’  ”  etc. 

2.  Offered  by  Dr.  ,S.  A.  King:  “That  this  whole  matter  be  referred 
to  the  Presbyteries,  that  they  may  consider  and  report  to  the  next 
Assembly,  in  order  that  in  this  way  the  mind  of  the  whole  Church 
may  be  ascertained.” 

P.  282.  The  Northern  Assembly,  in  session  at  Omaha,  appointed  a 
committee  of  conference,  without  specific  instructions,  except  to  re¬ 
port  their  action  to  our  next  Assembly  for  approval.  Notice  of  this 
action  was  telegraphed  to  our  Assembly. 

P.  249.  The  following,  with  the  Moderator,  Rev.  G.  B.  Strickler, 
D.  D.,  constitute  the  Committee  of  Inquiry:  M.  D.  Hoge,  D.  D., 
Richmond,  Va.;  J.  R.  Wilson,  D.  D.,  Clarksville,  Tenn.;  T.  D. 


986 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


Witherspoon,  D.  D.,  Louisville,  Ky. ;  W.  F.  Junkin,  D.  D.,  Charles¬ 
ton,  S.  C.;  W.  M.  McPheeters,  M.  D.,,  St.  Louis,  Mo.;  P.  H.  Carter, 
Abilene,  Texas;  R.  T.  Simpson,  Florence,  Ala.;  W.  S.  Primrose, 
Raleigh,  N.  C. 

It  was  ordered  that  five  members  of  this  committee  shall  constitute 
a  quorum. 

Pp.  200,  211.  While  the  Assembly’s  committee  was  yet  deliberat¬ 
ing,  and  before  it  had  reported,  there  was  referred  to  it  an  official 
telegram  from  the  Omaha  Assembly,  announcing  that  that  Assembly 
had  unanimously  adopted  the  Declaration  of  Principles  adopted  by 
the  Synod  of  Missouri  at  its  session  of  1886;  also,  a  communication 
from  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the  Northern  Assembly,  the  same  being 
a  paper  adopted  one  year  ago  by  that  Assembly  on  conference  with 
other  Presbyterian  churches  with  reference  to  co-operation  and  unity 
of  effort  and  action,  particularly  in  the  foreign  field.  This  latter 
paper  was  referred  to  the  Committee  of  Inquiry,  appointed  above. 

1481.  Organic  or  co-operative  union  with  the  Presbyterian  Church 

in  the  UniteU  States  of  America 

1888,  p.  382.  The  Committee  of  Inquiry  made  a  report,  which 
was  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures. 

This  report  details  the  account  of  a  meeting  of  the  joint  com¬ 
mittees  in  Louisville  in  December,  1887,  and  consists,  as  to  its  sub¬ 
stantive  part,  of  a  letter  from  the  committee  to  the  committee  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  and  the  reply 
of  that  committee. 

See  Supplement  to  Alexander’s  Digest,  pp.  147-149. 

P.  420.  The  following  report  was  adopted — yeas,  84;  nays,  43. 

The  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  report  to  the  General  As¬ 
sembly  that  there  have  been  placed  in  their  hands  certain  papers,  all 
of  which  relate  more  or  less  to  the  subject  of  closer  relations  between 
the  churches  under  the  care  of  the  Northern  and  Southern  General 
Assemblies  respectively.  They  are  as  follows: 

1.  The  report  of  the  Committee  of  Inquiry  appointed  by  our 
last  Assembly  to  confer  with  a  similar  committee  of  the  Northern 
Assembly : 

2.  Overtures  from  fourteen  of  our  own  Presbyteries,  of  which 
number  ten  express  in  some  form  or  other  opposition  to  organic 
union  between  these  two  Presbyterian  Churches,  viz. :  Montgomery, 
Western  Texas,  Louisiana,  Greenbrier,  Transylvania,  Winchester, 
East  Hanover,  Tuscaloosa,  Lexington,  Louisville.  Of  the  remain¬ 
ing  four,  the  Presbytery  of  Eastern  Texas  proposes  simply  co-oper¬ 
ation;  Presbytery  of  Dallas  asks  for  a  postponement  of  the  matter 
until  next  year,  and  the  appointment  of  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer 
in  reference  thereto;  the  Presbytery  of  Chesapeake  expresss  satisfac¬ 
tion  with  what  the  committe  has  done,  and  asks  for  its  continuance 
for  further  service  in  the  same  way;  and  the  Presbytery  of  Potosi 
proposes  a  continuance  of  the  Committee  of  Inquiry  looking  to  co¬ 
operation  or  organic  union ; 


Sec.  1481] 


Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies 


987 


3.  A  communication  from  the  Northern  Assembly  by  telegraph, 
containing  an  official  copy  of  a  paper  passed  by  that  body.  This 
paper  expresses  a  substantial  concurrence  in  the  report  of  their  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Conference,  their  earnest  hope  of  the  happy  effects  which 
may  be  expected  to  follow  the  recent  joint  centennial  celebration, 
their  desire  for  co-operation  in  Christian  work,  and  their  conviction 
that  this  can  be  secured  to  the  fullest  extent  only  by  organic  union; 

A  paper  on  the  subject  of  organic  union,  offered  at  an  early  day 
in  the  meeting  of  the  Assembly,  by  the  Rev.  Henry  M.  Smith,  D.  D. 

Touching  the  important  matters  here  presented,  your  committee 
recommend  the  adoption  by  the  Assembly  of  the  following  paper: 

1.  After  a  careful  consideration  of  the  report  of  our  Committee  of 
Inquiry,  we  are  unable  to  discover  that  the  obstacles  to  organic 
union  heretofore  existing  between  the  Northern  and  Southern  Gen¬ 
eral  Assemblies  have  to  any  considerable  extent  been  removed. 
Therefore,  in  view  of  all  the  interests  involved,  we  continue  estab¬ 
lished  in  the  conviction  that  the  cause  of  truth  and  righteousness,  as 
well  as  the  peace  and  prosperity  of  our  beloved  Zion,  will  be  best 
promoted  by  remaining  as  we  have  been,  a  distinct  member  of  that 
one  body,  the  church,  of  which  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  the  supreme 
and  everliving  Head. 

2.  That  the  Cjommittee  of  Inquiry  be,  and  hereby  is,  discharged; 
that  the  thanks  of  the  Assembly  are  hereby  tendered  to  said  com¬ 
mittee  for  the  faithful  and  able  manner  in  which  their  duty  was  per¬ 
formed,  and  we  express  our  sincere  gratification  in  learning  that  the 
conference  of  the  two  committees  was  conducted  in  such  a  spirit  of 
“brotherly  kindness  and  charity.” 

3.  In  reference  to  the  communication  from  the  Northern  Assembly 
by  telegram  of  May  26th,  above  referred  to,  we  adopt  the  following: 

(1) ,  A  more  full  and  formal  expression  of  our  feelings  in  regard 
to  the  centennial  celebration  will  be  found  in  another  paper  of  this 
Assembly.  But  it  is  suitable  to  declare  here  also  that  we  do  very 
highly  appreciate  the  importance  in  itself  of  that  grand  event,  as 
we  do  also  appreciate  the  generous  and  munificent  hospitality  ex¬ 
tended  to  us  in  every  way  by  our  Northern  brethren,  and 
that  we  will  sincerely  rejoice  in  all  those  “fruits  of  righteousness” 
growing  out  of  it,  “which  are  by  Jesus  Christ,  to  the  praise  of  the 
glory  of  his  grace.” 

(2) ,  While  holding  fast  to  those  matters  of  principle  which  re¬ 
quire  us  to  be  a  separate  denomination,  we  do  fully  recognize  that 
vast  and  precious  heritage  of  Christian  Presbyterian  truth  and  order 
which  our  fathers  held,  and  whicfi  we  do  now  hold  in  common.  We 
declare  our  desire  to  forget,  as  far  as  possible,  all  past  dissensions, 
and  to  cultivate  among  our  churches  and  people  the  most  friendly 
relations  that  can  grow  out  of  “whatsoever  things  are  true,  honest, 
just,  pure,  lovely  and  of  good  report”;  “whereunto  we  have  already 
attained,  let  us  walk  by  the  same  rule,  let  us  mind  the  same  thing,” 
trusting  “that  if  in  anything  we  be  otherwise  minded  God  will  re¬ 
veal  even  this  unto  us.” 


988 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


4.  In  accordance  with  this  sentiment,  and  in  response  to  the  action 
of  the  Northern  Assembly,  we  cheerfully  agree  to  appoint  a  com¬ 
mittee,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  confer  with  a  similar  committee 
appointed  by  them  in  reference  to  all  such  modes  of  fraternal  co¬ 
operation  in  Christian  work,  both  at  home  and  abroad,  as  may  be 
considered  practicable  and  edifying,  and  the  said  committee  to 
report  to  the  next  Assembly. 

The  Assembly  admitted  to  record  the  explanation  of  their  votes 
by  twenty-four  different  members.  (P.  423.) 

P.  432.  A  dissent  signed  by  R.  T.  Simpson  and  thirty-seven 
others,  stating  their  objections  to  the  above  action,  was  admitted  to 
record  without  answer.  It  states: 

We  favored  the  substitute  offered  by  Dr.  Campbell,  and  object 
particularly  to  the  first  resolution  adopted,  because  we  do  not  think 
it  is  true  that  “the  obstacles  to  organic  union  heretofore  existing 
between  the  Northern  and  Southern  Assemblies  have  not  to  any  con¬ 
siderable  extent  been  removed,”  and  we  do  not  continue  “established 
in  the  conviction  that  the  cause  of  truth  and  righteousness,  as  well 
as  the  peace  and  prosperity  of  our  beloved  Zion,  will  be  best  promoted 
by  remaining  a  distinct  member  of  the  church  of  Christ.”  We 
think  that  material  progress  has  been  made  towards  organic  union, 
and  while  we  recognize  the  fact  that  our  church  is  not  now  ready 
for  organic  union,  yet  we  favor  a  continuance  of  the  conference  with 
the  Northern  church,  in  the  hope  that  all  difficulties  to  organic  union 
may  be  removed.  Entertaining  these  views  some  of  us  have  voted 
for  the  resolutions  as  the  best  we  could  do,  and  others  voted  against 
the  resolutions. 

P.  435.  The  following  were  appointed  the  Committee  on  Co¬ 
operation:  M.  D.  Hoge,  J.  R.  Wilson,  G.  B.  Strickler,  M.  H.  Hous¬ 
ton,  J.  N.  Craig,  C.  A.  Stillman,  T.  D.  Witherspoon,  Thomas  J. 
Kirkpatrick,  William  M.  McPheeters,  W.  S.  Primrose,  R.  T.  Simp¬ 
son,  D.  N.  Kennedy,  A.  W.  Machen. 

1889,  p.  573.  The  Committee  on  Co-operation  made  a  report, 
which  was  docketed. 

P.  650.  It  recites  that  Messrs.  Primrose  and  Simpson,  for  the 
satisfactory  reasons  rendered,  were  unable  to  serve. 

To  the  committee  of  the  Northern  church,  as  already  constituted, 
the  following  were  added:  Charles  L.  Thompson,  Henry  Darling, 
Charles  S.  Pomeroy,  William  C.  Young,  Samuel  M.  Breckinridge 
and  Henry  M.  Knox.  These  committees  met  in  New  York  in  De¬ 
cember,  and  in  Atlanta  in  April  following.  At  the  first  meeting  of 
the  convention,  of  which  Joseph  R.  Wilson  was  chairman,  and  W. 
E.  Moore,  secretary,  sub-committees  were  appointed  to  which  were 
assigned  the  topics:  (1),  Co-operation  in  the  foreign  field;  (2),  In 
the  home  field;  (3),  In  the  evangelization  of  the  colored  people;  (4), 
In  matters  of  publication.  These  committees  to  report  to  the  meet¬ 
ing  to  be  held  in  April  in  Atlanta. 

At  this  second  meeting,  the  two  committees,  having  acted  on  the 
reports  of  all  the  joint  sub-committees,  agreed  to  recommend  to  their 


Sec.  1481]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  989 

respective  Assemblies  to  adopt  the  following  papers,  I.,  II.,  III.  and 
IV.,  as  a  basis  of  co-operation  in  the  matter  to  which  they  respec¬ 
tively  refer,  viz. : 

I.  As  to  Co-operation  in  the  Foreign  Mission  Work 

The  two  committees  do  agree  to  report  to  the  General  Assemblies 
which  they  respectively  represent  the  following: 

It  is  a  matter  of  great  satisfaction,  for  which  we  are  bound  to 
thank  God  always,  that  the  missionaries  of  our  two  churches  have, 
from  the  beginning,  maintained  the  most  cordial  relations  as  co¬ 
laborers  in  all  the  fields  abroad  in  which  they  have  had  a  common 
work.  In  Japan  and  in  Brazil  the  missionaries  of  the  two  churches, 
with  the  native  Christians  under  their  care  have  united  to  form  in 
each  country  a  separate  Presbyterian  Church.  In  China  measures 
have  been  adopted  looking  to  the  same  end.  It  may  be  regarded  as 
the  established  policy  of  the  two  churches  that  their  missionaries 
should,  in  every  field  where  their  work  is  contiguous,  unite  in  plant¬ 
ing  and  developing  one  Presbyterian  Church,  having  no  ecclesiastical 
connection  with  either  church  in  the  United  States. 

In  view  of  these  facts,  it  is  recommended  that  the  General  Assem¬ 
blies  of  the  two  churches  counsel  the  people  under  their  care  to  avail 
themselves  of  the  missionary  literature  of  both  churches,  that  they 
may  thus'  have  a  full  and  intelligent  view  of  the  great  work  in  which 
they  are  happily  co-laborers;  and,  further,  that  each  of  the  churches 
may  recognize  the  duty  resting  on  it  to  consider  kindly  the  mission 
work  of  the  other,  to  pray  for  it,  and  in  every  way  practicable  to 
promote  its  success. 

II.  As  to  Co-operation  in  the  Home  Field 

The  committee  representing  the  General  Assemblies  of  the  Presby¬ 
terian  Church,  known  as  the  Northern  and  Southern,  believing  that 
both  bodies  do  earnestly  desire  so  to  conduct  their  Home  Mission 
work  as  to  prevent  antagonism  or  hurtful  rivalry,  and  to  avoid  even 
the  appearance,  on  the  part  of  either,  of  interfering  with  the  work 
of  the  other,  do  agree  to  recommend  to  their  respective  Assemblies 
for  adoption  the  following,  viz. : 

1.  Where  Presbyteries  belonging  to  the  two  Assemblies  cover  the 
same  ground,  they  are  advised  to  endeavor,  either  as  Presbyteries  or 
through  their  committees,  to  agree  as  brethren  to  have  the  efforts  of 
one  church  expended  in  certain  fields,  and  the  efforts  of  the  other 
church  expended  in  certain  other  fields,  within  their  common  bounds, 
so  as  to  prevent  hurtful  rivalry  or  antagonism. 

2.  Where  there  are  weak  churches  which,  standing  alone,  cannot 
support  a  minister,  but  which  can  be  grouped  with  churches  con¬ 
nected  with  the  other  Assembly  so  as  to  form  one  ministerial  charge, 
the  Presbyteries  having  jurisdiction  are  advised  to  allow  such 
churches  to  be  grouped  under  a  minister  from  either  body,  to  whom 
their  respective  Presbyteries  are  willing  to  give  them  in  charge,  and 


990 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  YII 


to  have  their  contributions  to  the  general  benevolent  funds  pass 
through  the  channels  appointed  by  their  respective  Assemblies,  and, 
where  such  churches  are  sufficiently  near,  they  are  recommended,  a 
majority  of  each  congregation  agreeing,  to  consolidate  and  form  one 
congregation,  with  such  Presbyterial  connection  as  may  be  most 
agreeable  to  the  membership. 

3.  That  persons  connected  with  churches  under  the  care  of  one 
of  these  Assemblies  who  may  remove  into  the  bounds  of  churches 
under  the  care  of  the  other  Assembly,  be  advised  to  unite  with  those 
churches,  and  to  seek  their  peace  and  prosperity.  And  where  such 
persons  are  found  in  sufficient  numbers  to  organize  a  church  (there 
being  no  other  Presbyterian  Church  in  that  immediate  vicinity),  they 
should  form  such  organization  under  the  care  of  the  Presbytery  with 
which  the  contiguous  Presbyterian  Churches  are  united;  provided 
said  Presbytery  belongs  to  either  of  these  Assemblies. 

4.  Within  the  bounds  of  a  Presbytery  connected  with  one  Assem¬ 
bly  there  may  be  communities  composed  largely  of  persons  who  are 
members  of  churches  connected  with  the  other  Assembly,  whose 
affiliations  and  preferences  are  too  strong  to  permit  them,  to  sever 
their  connection.  In  such  cases,  when  these  persons  shall  have  been 
organized  into  a  church  under  the  care  of  the  nearest  Presbytery  con¬ 
nected  with  that  Assembly  to  which  they  prefer  to  belong,  they  should 
receive  from  the  Presbytery  within  whose  bounds  they  reside  that 
sympathy  and  good  will  which  are  implied  in  the  fraternal  relations 
established  between  the  two  Assemblies. 

III.  As  to  Co-operation  in  the  Evangelization  of  the 

Colored  People 

The  Conference  Committee  of  the  two  Presbyterian  Assemblies,, 
in  joint  session  at  Atlanta,  recognize  that  no  subjects  likely  to  come 
under  their  consideration  among  the  topics  regarding  co-operation  are 
fraught  with  profounder  interest,  or  touch  graver,  issues  than  the 
evangelization  of  the  colored  people  within  our  bounds,  as  well  as 
the  settlement  of  their  wisest  and  most  profitable  ecclesiastical  re¬ 
lations  among  us. 

Whatever  differences  of  opinion  may  prevail  on  other  points,  hap¬ 
pily  all  good  men  agree  in  the  earnest  wish  to  bring  the  colored 
race  to  a  saving  knowledge  of  God’s  truth,  and  to  secure  the  best 
practicable  development  of  Christian  life  and  effort. 

Many  of  the  colored  people  are  now  members  of  our  respective 
churches,  while  many  of  the  actual  prospective  ministers  of  their  own 
race  are  in  training  in  the  schools  belonging  to  one  or  the  other 
Assembly,  or  are  members  of  Presbyteries  in  connection  with  these 
bodies.  They  are  now  receiving  our  fostering  care,  and  require  our 
unremitting  efforts  to  instruct  them,  not  only  in  the  fundamental 
elements  of  Christian  faith,  but  in  the  practical  duties  of  church  life,, 
that,  grounded  in  the  truth  and  guarded  from  the  danger  of  mere 
emotional  leligion,  and  from  the  superstition  and  fanaticism  to  which 


Sec.  1481]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies 


991 


impressible  natures  are  especially  liable,  they  may  become  intelligent, 
consistent  and  faithful  followers  of  Jesus  Christ. 

In  the  van  of  all  discussion  upon  methods  of  co-operation  to  this 
end,  we  find  ourselves  confronted  by  a  difference  of  opinion  between 
the  two  Assemblies,  so  far  as  we  can  gather  from  their  deliverances, 
as  to  the  theory  upon  which  such  concerted  efforts  are  to  be  under¬ 
taken,  and  the  distinct  aim  of  their  accomplishment. 

In  the  Southern  Assembly  the  policy  was  adopted  many  years 
since,  of  entire  independence  for  the  colored  people  in  their  church 
organizations,  as  the  ultimate  issue  of  the  cordial  efforts  of  that 
Assembly  in  behalf  of  their  colored  brethren.  (See  Minutes  of 
Southern  Assembly,  1888,  p.  458.) 

The  Northern  Assembly,  on  the  other  hand,  has  pronounced  itself 
as  not  in  favor  of  setting  off  its  colored  members  into  a  separate 
independent  organization,  while,  by  conceding  the  existing  situation, 
it,  approves  the  policy  of  separate  churches,  Presbyteries  and  Synods, 
subject  to  the  choice  of  the  colored  people  themselves.  It  believes 
that  our  great  work  among  the  colored  people,  for  their  moral  and 
religious  development,  is  to  be  done  by  recognizing  those  who  are  in 
the  church  as  entitled  to  all  rights  and  privileges  that  are  involved 
in  church  membership  and  ordination.  (See  Minutes  of  Northern 
Assembly,  1888,  p.  99.) 

However,  since  the  status  of  both  churches  finds  them  practically 
employing  the  same  methods  at  present  in  their  respective  bodies  as 
regards  the  education  of  colored  ministers,  the  progressive  evangeliza¬ 
tion  of  that  race,  and  the  organization  of  their  churches  into  Presby¬ 
teries,  we  do  not  believe  that  two  great  denominations  like  ours,  so 
near  akin,  should  be  prevented  from  cordial  co-operation,  so  far  as 
may  be  thought  wise,  by  any  differing  preferences  of  opinion  as  to  a 
final  policy,  which  might  be  safely  left  to  settle  itself  in  the  provi¬ 
dence  of  God,  either  by  the  formal  decision  of  the  colored  people 
themselves  eventually,  or  by  the  clearer  and  more  decided  conviction 
of  these  co-operating  Assemblies.  Hence,  this  joint  committee,  waiv¬ 
ing  the  consideration  of  these  differences  heretofore  stated,  agree  to 
recommend  to  the  two  Assemblies : 

1,  That  the  relation  of  the  colored  people  in  the  two  churches  be 
allowed  to  remain  in  statu  quo,  the  work  among  them  to  proceed  on 
the  same  lines  as  heretofore. 

2,  That  all  proper  aid,  comfort  and  encouragement,  in  a  spirit  of 
kindly  Christian  sympathy,  brotherhood  and  confidence,  shall  be 
extended  by  each  church  to  the  educational  and  evangelizing  efforts 
of  the  other  for  the  colored  race,  with  a  view  to  the  encouragement 
of  every  laudable  effort  to  this  end  on  both  sides. 

3,  The  schools  and  churches  under  the  care  of  the  Board  of  Mis¬ 
sions  for  the  Freedmen,  and  any  corresponding  work  undertaken  by 
the  Southern  Assembly,  especially  its  Tuscaloosa  Institute, 
for  the  education  of  colored  ministers,  shall  be  heartily  recommended 
to  the  givers  of  our  respective  churches  for  practical  aid,  as  mutually 


992  Relations  With  Other  Bodies  [Book  VIT 

concerned  in  the  same  great  missionary  work  for  the  glory  of  God 
and  the  blessing  of  our  common  country. 

IV.  As  to  Co-operation  in  Matters  of  Publication 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  subject  of  co-operation 
between  the  churches  in  the  interest  of  Publication,  report:  That 
such  co-operation  is  already  secured  between  the  business  department 
of  the  Committee  of  Publication  at  Richmond  and  the  Board  of 
Publication  at  Philadelphia,  the  latter  having  in  effect  made  the 
publication  house  in  Richmond  a  depository  of  its  issues.  The  Rich¬ 
mond  house  keeps  a  large  stock  of  these  books  of  the  Philadelphia 
Board  on  hand;  it  takes  subscriptions  for  the  periodicals,  and  receives 
in  turn  any  order  the  Publication  Board  receives  from  the  Southern 
field.  In  this  manner  the  publications  of  the  Richmond  Committee 
are  on  the  shelves  of  the  Publication  House  in  Philadelphia,  and 
find  circulation  wherever  there  is  any  demand  for  them.  It  would 
seem,  therefore,  that  we  have  reached  the  limits  of  co-operation  so 
far  as  Publication  is  concerned., 

We  make  no  report  with  regard  to  co-operation  in  educational 
institutions,  as  that  question  is  comprehended  in  the  larger  one  of 
the  evangelization  of  the  colored  people,  and  will  no  doubt  be  con¬ 
trolled  by  the  decisions  of  our  General  Assemblies  in  relation  to 
that  great  interest. 

P.  577.  A  committee  of  two  from  each  Synod,  which  elected  Dr. 
J.  W.  Lupton,  chairman,  was  appointed,  to  whom  this  report,  with 
other  papers  on  co-operative  organic  union,  was  referred.  This  com¬ 
mittee  recommended  the  adoption  of  the  report  as  a  whole.  (P.  596.) 

A  minority  of  the  committee  recommended  the  following  (p.  595)  : 

Resolved,  1,  That  inasmuch  as  we  stand  upon  distinctive  prin¬ 
ciples  as  a  separate  church  of  Christ,  we  cannot  even  by  a  recom¬ 
mendation  of  the  Assembly  lay  any  restrictions  upon  the  propaga¬ 
tion  of  our  principles  in  any  part  of  our  field ;  but  must  leave  all  such 
questions  as  those  contemplated  in  the  report  of  the  Conference  Com¬ 
mittee  to  the  Presbyteries  and  churches  immediately  concerned,  to  be 
decided  by  them  as  expediency  may  demand. 

2,  That  therefore  this  Assembly  deems  it  best  not  to  enter  into 
any  plan  of  co-operation  with  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States  of  America. 

This  was  lost  and  the  majority  report  was  adopted:  Ayes,  100; 
nays,  28.  Seven  others  later  were  recorded  aye. 

P.  609.  The  following  telegram  was  received  from  the  Northern 
Assembly: 

The  General  Assembly  in  session  in  New  York  city  have  adopted 
the  report  of  the  Committee  of  Conference  on  Co-operation,  with  the 
following  amendments:  In  paper  No.  2,  on  co-operation  in  the  home 
field,  resolutions  three  and  four  have  been  consolidated  into  one  reso¬ 
lution,  numbered  resolution  three.  In  paper  No.  3,  on  co-operation  in 
the  evangelization  of  the  colored  people,  the  sixth  paragraph  of  the 


Secs.  1481-1482]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  993 

statement  preceding  the  resolution  was  amended  by  the  omission  of 
the  words,  “while  by  conceding  the  existing  situation  it  approves 
the  policy  of  separate  churches,  Presbyteries,  and  Synods,  subject 
to  the  choice  of  the  colored  people  themselves.”  The  Assembly  fur¬ 
ther  resolved,  that  this  clause  was  stricken  out,  not  to  prejudice  future 
action,  nor  to  outline  the  future  policy  of  this  church,  but  simply 
because  this  Assembly  did  not  believe  that  it  stated  the  historical 
fact  in  the  case.  Your  concurrence  in  this  action  is  requested  in 
behalf  of  the  General  Assembly. 

P.  615.  The  Assembly  made  the  following  reply: 

“We  concur  in  the  action  of  your  Assembly  as  conveyed  in  your 
telegram,” 

P.  598.  The  following  dissent,  signed  by  L.  B.  Johnson  and 
twenty-five  others,  was  admitted  to  record  without  answer. 

We,  the  undersigned,  would  most  -emphatically,  but  respectfully, 
dissent  from  the  action  of  the  General  Assembly  in  adopting  the 
report  of  the  Committee  of  Conference  on  Co-operation,  without  send¬ 
ing  the  same  down  to  the  Presbyteries. 

1894,  p.  236.  The  Assembly  made  answer  to  the  overture  of  the 
Presbytery  of  North  Alabama  by  calling  attention  to  the  fact  that  a 
joint  plan  of  home  missionary  operations  was  adopted  by  the  North¬ 
ern  and  Southern  Assemblies  in  1889,  covering  exactly  the  ground 
mapped  out  by  the  Presbytery,  and  that  the  Home  Mission  Com¬ 
mittees  of  the  Presbyteries  occupying  the  same  territory  constitute 
an  agency  abundantly  sufficient  for  carrying  out  this  plan. 

1482.  Defect  in  the  plan  of  co-operation  as  to  Home  Missions 

1892,  p.  440.  Your  committee  has  considered  the  overture  from 
St.  John’s  Presbytery,  of  the  .Synod  of  Florida,  touching  the  question 
of  co-operation  of  said  Presbytery,  in.  its  Home  Mission  work,  with 
the  East  Florida  Presbytery,  which  is  under  the  care  of  the  Norther n 
Presbyterian  Church,  asking  that  this  Assembly  call  the  attention  of 
the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States  of  America  to  the  fact  that  articles  of  amity  and  comity  have 
been  agreed  upon  by  the  two  Presbyteries,  in  accordance  with  the 
action  of  both  Assemblies  in  1889,  and  that  the  practical  co-opera¬ 
tion  aimed  at  is  defeated  by  the  Home  Missionary  Board  of  the 
Northern  Church  failing  to  pay  their  usual  apportionments  to  their 
weak  churches  when  they  are  supplied  by  ministers  of  the  Southern 
Assembly. 

In  answer  to  this  overture,  this  Assembly  courteously  calls  the 
attention  of  the  Northern  Assembly  to  the  now  equitable  appropria¬ 
tion  of  Home  Missionary  help  to  the  ministers  supplying  jointly 
churches  of  the  two  branches,  and  to  the  fact  that  the  rules  of  its 
Board  of  Home  Missions,  as  construed  by  that  Board,  give  assistance 
only  to  ministers  holding  connection  with  their  own  Presbyteries, 
whereas  the  rules  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  of 
the  Southern  Church  allow  that  help  be  extended  to  weak  churches 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


994 


[Book  VII 


in  our  own  ecclesiastical  connection,  whether  supplied  by  a  minister 
of  the  Northern  or  Southern  Assembly. 

Your  committee  would  recommend  that  the  Stated  Clerk  be  au¬ 
thorized  to  communicate  this  action  at  once  to  the  General  Assembly 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  leaving 
it  to  that  body  to  take  such  action  as  it  may  deem  best  to  correct 
this  defect  in  the  plan  of  co-operaion  in  Home  Missionary  work 
agreed  upon  by  the  Assemblies  in  1889.  Adopted. 

1483.  Co-operation  in  the  colored  work  not  adopted 

1892,  p.  425.  Your  Committee  recommend  that,  inasmuch  as  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  and  our  own 
are  operating  in  behalf  of  the  negroes,  in  some  of  the  same  States, 
and  often  in  contiguous  territory;  and  since  the  kinds  of  work  done 
by  both  churches  are  practically  the  same,  viz. :  the  education  of 
ministers,  the  sustentation  of  feeble  churches,  the  occupation  of  des¬ 
titute  fields,  and  religious  instruction  in  secular  schools,  the  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee  of  Colored  Evangelization  be  authorized  to  invite 
the  “Freedmen’s  Board,”  or  representatives  thereof,  to  a  conference, 
in  order  to  ascertain  whether  there  is  not  some  basis  of  co-operation,  or 
united  effort  in  the  religious  culture  of  the  negro;  said  Executive 
Committee  not  to  have  power  to  conclude  any  arrangement,  but  to 
report  fully  the  results  of  said  conference  to  the  next  General  Assem¬ 
bly.  Adopted,  and  similar  authority  given  in  1893,  p.  29. 

This  conference  was  held  in  Birmingham  in  January,  1894.  The 
Northern  Assembly  was  represented  by  Revs.  R.  R.  Sutherland,  D. 
D.,  W.  C.  Young,  D.  D.,  B.  P.  Cowan,  D.  D.,  and  E.  R.  Monfort,  LL.  D. 
The  chairman  of  the  conference  was  Dr.  Stillman.  The  following 
plan  was  agreed  upon,  with  one  dissenting  vote  and  recommended 
to  the  two  Assemblies  (p  4,  Report  of  Executive  Committee) : 

The  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America  and 
the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  are  agreed — 

1.  That  we  recognize  the  solemn  duty,  laid  upon  us  by  our 
common  Lord,  to  work  for  the  evangelization  of  the  negroes  in  our 
country. 

2.  We  believe  that  this  work  can  be  better  done  if  we  work 
together  than  if  we  work  separately. 

3.  We  agree  that  the  entire  work  now  done  by  both  Assemblies 
shall  hereafter  be  conducted  together,  and  to  the  work  so  conducted 
we  pledge  our  continued  confidence,  prayers,  contributions  and  moral 
support. 

4.  In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  work  done  by  the  Northern  Church 
has  been  conducted  under  the  corporate  name  of  the  Board  of  Mis¬ 
sions  for  Freedmen  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States 
of  America,  in  whose  name  property  is  held,  and  to  which  bequests 
have  been  made,  and  it  being  deemed  advisable  for  legal  reasons  that 
the  future  work  of  the  two  churches  should  be  conducted'  under  the 
same  corporate  power,  it  is  agreed  that  said  Board,  constituted  as 
hereinafter  provided,  shall  manage  and  control  the  work  of  the  two 
Assemblies,  and  shall  make  annual  reports  to  both  Assemblies. 

5.  Said  Board  shall  consist  of  twenty-two  members,  fifteen  of 
■whom  have  been  or  may  be  appointed  by  the  General  Assembly  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  according 
to  existing  law,  and  seven  others  who  shall  be  selected  by  the  Gen- 


Secs.  1483-1484]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  995 

eral  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States,  and, 
if  vested'  rights  or  charter  requirements  shall  make  it  necessary,  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America  shall  make  legal 
and  effective  the  selection  of  the  said  seven  members. 

6.  We  make  these  mutual  concessions  because  we  hope  we  can 
unitedly  do  better  the  Masters  work  for  these  people,  the  brethren 
from  the  South  changing  their  present  responsibilities  and  power  over 
a  limited  work  to  take  part  in  the  much  larger  and  more  important 
work  to  be  done  by  both  churches;  the  Northern  church  inviting 
the  assistance  and  co-operation  of  their  brethren  from  the  South,  be¬ 
cause  of  their  local  knowledge  and  experience  and  their  vital  per¬ 
sonal  interest  in  the  success  of  these  efforts  to  Christianize  and  ele¬ 
vate  this  race  who  are  all  around  them,  touching  them  at  every  point. 

A  seventh  resolution  appoints  sub-committees  to  wait  on  the  two 
Assemblies  to  give  explanation  of  the  report. 

1894,  p.  194.  The  Special  Committee  to  whom  the  Assembly 
has  referred  so  much  of  the  report  of  the  Executive  Committee  of 
Colored  Evangelizations  as  relates  to  co-operation  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States  of  America  with  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  United  States,  and  also  overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  of 
Louisiana,  Ebenezer,  Cherokee  and  Eastern  Texas,  touching  the 
same  matter,  would  report  as  follows: 

The  committee  has  examined  the  papers  mentioned.  It  is  found 
that  the  Executive  Committee,  in  submitting  the  results  of  the  Bir¬ 
mingham  Conference,  says : 

In  the  judgment  of  your  Committee  this  plan  is  the  only  one  now 
practicable.  The  Committee  has  no  independent  advocacy  to  offer  in 
its  behalf.  If  the  church  does  not  favor  it,  what  better  reason  could 
there  be  for  its  rejection?  If  it  were  adopted  by  the  Assembly  with 
a  large  or  influential  opposition,  it  could  not  be  put  into  effective 
operation. 

The  Special  Committee  being  persuaded  that  “the  church  does 
not  favor”  he  plan,  but  that  it  meets  with  “large  and  influential 
opposition,”  and  “cannot  be  put  into  effective  operation,”  would 
recommend  that  the  Assembly  decline  to  adopt  it,  but  that  the  dili¬ 
gence  of  the  committee,  and  its  desire  to  acquiesce  in  the  will  of  the 
church,  be  commended.  The  Assembly  also  rejoices  in  the  spirit 
of  fraternity  and  mutual  confidence  manifested  by  the  two  committees 
in  conference.  Adopted. 


1484.  Organic  union  with  the  Presbyterian  Church  North  declined 

4 

1883,  pp.  40,  54.  In  response  to  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Upper  Missouri!  in  regard  to  the  appointment  of  a  committee  by  this 
General  Assembly  to  confer  with  a  similar  committee  from  the  North¬ 
ern  General  Assembly  in  reference  to  organic  union,  your  committee 
would  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following  answer,  viz. :  This 
General  Assembly  declines  to  appoint  a  committee  for  the  purpose 
stated.  Adopted. 

P.  57.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  St.  Louis,  asking^  to  reject 
proposals  for  organic  union  with  the  Northern  Church  as  impossible, 


996  Relations  With  Other  Bodies  [Book  VII 

because  of  divergent  views  on  vital  doctrines,  and  because  such  union 
would  involve  a  surrender  of  truth  on  our  part. 

Your  committee  would  recommend  the  following  answer,  viz. : 
“The  question  of  organic  union  is  not  to  be  entertained  as  a  subject 
before  the  Church.” 

1894,  p.  189.  The  following  were  appointed  a  committee  to  whom 
were  referred  all  overtures  and  papers  touching  organic  union  with 
the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  .States  of  America:  George 
Summey,  Eugene  Daniel,  J.  W.  Rosebro,  W.  M.  McPheeters,  H.  B. 
Boude,  J.  W.  Walden,  J.  M.  Purcell,  T.  Harrison,  Vincent  Davis, 
W.  M.  Hall,  W.  D.  Hoyt,  W.  H.  Gee,  G.  E.  Campbell. 

P.  194.  The  following  telegram  was  read: 

The  General  Assembly,  in  session  at  Saratoga,  has  cordially  and 
unanimously  adopted  the  following  resolution: 

Resolved,  That  a  special  committee  of  nine  be  appointed  by  the 
Moderator  to  confer  with  a  similar  committee,  if  one  should  be  ap¬ 
pointed  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States,  to  take  into  consideration  the  whole  question  of  or¬ 
ganic  union  of  the  two  bodies  upon  the  basis  of  our  common  Stand¬ 
ards  and  to  report  to  the  next  Assembly. 

P.  200.  This  committee  made  a  report  which  was  put  on  the 
docket.  Rev.  L.  H.  Blanton,  D.  D.,  presented  a  substitute  for  a 
part  of  the  report.  Docketed. 

Pp.  204,  210.  On  the  consideration  of  this  report,  Rev.  F.  B. 
Webb  offered  the  following  substitute: 

Whereas,  the  General  Assembly  has  received  several  overtures  from 
different  Presbyteries  touching  organic  union  and  co-operative  union 
between  our  church  and  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States 
of  America;  and,  whereas,  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  at  Saratoga,  N.  Y.,  has,  by 
telegram,  notified  the  Assembly  of  the  appointment  of  a  committee 
of  nine  to  confer  with  our  body  on  the  question  of  organic  union; 
therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  1.  That  this  Assembly,  reciprocating  the  fraternal  spirit 
manifested  by  the  General  Assembly  in  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 
the  United  States  of  America,  hereby  appoints  a  committee  of  four 
ministers  and  four  ruling  elders,  together  with  the  Moderator,  to 
confer  with  their  committee  on  the  same  subject. 

2.  That  the  said  committee  from  this  Assembly  be  charged  with 
the  duty  of  inquiring  into  and  ascertaining  the  position  that  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  the  United  States 
of  America  proposes  to  maintain  as  to  colored  churches,  ecclesias¬ 
tical  Boards,  and  any  other  subjects  now  regarded  as  barriers  to 
organic  union,  and  report  the  facts  to  the  next  General  Assembly, 
to  convene  at  Dallas,  Texas,  May,  1895. 

It  was  lost — ayes,  67;  nays,  91. 

P.  211.  The  report  of  the  Special  Committee  on  Organic  Union 
was  then  adopted,  and  is  as  follows: 

The  Committee  on  Organic  Union,  to  which  were  referred  the 


Sec.  1484]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  997 

overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  of  Ebenezer,  Holston,  and  North 
Alabama,  touching  the  subject  of  organic  union  with  the  Presbyterian 
Church  of  the  United  States  of  America,  begs  leave  to  report,  recom¬ 
mending  the  following  answer  be  given: 

The  General  Assembly  declines  to  reopen  the  question  of  organic 
union  by  the  appointment  of  a  committee  of  conference  as  requested 
by  the  said  Presbyteries,  on  the  following  grounds: 

1.  The  historic  difference  between  the  two  Assemblies  as  to  the 
relation  cf  the  Church  of  Christ  to  civil  government. 

2.  To  enter  into  organic  union  with  the  Northern  Church  involves 
ihe  surrender  of  the  plan  of  an  independent  negro  church  which  this 
Assembly  regards  as  essential  alike  to  the  religious  and  social  wel¬ 
fare  of  both  races. 

3.  The  essential  difference  between  the  two  Assemblies  as  to 
woman’s  sphere  and  work  in  the  church  of  Christ. 

4.  God’s  blessing  has  manifestly  rested  upon  our  chu.ich  in  its 
sepmate  existence  and  work  and  to  spring  the  divis’ve  question  of 
organic  union  we  believe  will  bring  upon  us  needless  agitation  and 
hurtful  disturbance. 

5.  Should  such  organic  union  take  place,  the  property  interests  of 
the  Southern  Church,  under  the  decision  of  the  Supreme  Court  of 
the  United  States,  would)  be  seriously  jeopardized,  in  the  event  of 
any  subsequent  change  in  our  relations. 

In  view  of  the  foregoing  recommendation  of  an  answer  to  the 
overtures  of  the  Presbyteries,  the  committee  recommends  that  the 
following  reply  be  sent  to  the  telegram  of  the  General  Assembly  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America: 

The  blessing  of  God  having  rested  upon  our  church  in  her  sepa¬ 
rate  existence  and  work,  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States,  in  session  at  Nashville,  with  affectionate 
fraternal  greetings  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  in  session  at  Saratoga,  and 
wishing  it  God-speed  in  every  good  word  and  work,  regards  it  as 
unwise  to  reopen  the  question  of  organic  union. 

Signed  by  all  the  committee,  G.  E.  Campbell  dissenting. 

P.  214.  The  following  protest,  signed  by  W.  W.  Elwang  and 
nineteen  others,  was  admitted  to  record: 

The  undersigned  respectfully  enter  their  most  solemn  protest 
against  the  action  of  this  Assembly  in  refusing  to  appoint  a  commit¬ 
tee  of  Conference  on  Organic  Union,  to  meet  a  like  committee  from 
the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States 
of  America,  now  in  session  at  Saratoga,  N.  Y.,  and  do  so  on  the 
following  grounds:  Because, 

1,  The  plainest  dictates  of  Christian  courtesy  seem  to  us  to  de¬ 
mand  the  appointment  of  such  a  committee  in  reply  to  the  fraternal 
spirit  manifested  by  the  Northern  Assembly. 

2,  The  issues  which  once  ran  the  cleavage  line  between  the  two 
communions,  in  the  opinion  of  your  protestants,  either  do  not  now 
exist  at  all,  or  are  not  as  potent  as  they  were  more  than  a  generation 


998 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


ago.  We  are  convinced  that  a  mutual  fraternal  conference  will  dis¬ 
close  a  closer  relationship  in  customs,  aims,  principles  and  doctrines 
than  is  now  suspected  by  either  party. 

3,  The  interests  of  our  beloved  church,  especially  in  our  border 
territory,  will  be  best  conserved  by  such  a  course. 

4,  The  higher  interests  of  the  Redeemer’s  kingdom,  irrespective 
of  denominational  lines,  jeoparded  by  the  invidious  inroads  of 
worldliness,  rationalism  and  infidelity,  demand  a  closer  fellowship 
of  God’s  people  for  mutual  helpfulness  and  more  effective  testimony 
and  work. 

5,  We  are  seriously  concerned  that  nothing  short  of  the  surrender 
of  principle  should  be  left  undone  to  heal  the  breach  now  dividing 
the  two  churches,  lest  the  sin  of  schism  be  justly  laid  at  our  door. 

1894,  p.  227.  To  this  protest  the  Assembly  made  the  following 
answer:  Inasmuch  as  the  General  Assembly,  in  its  answer  to  the 
overtures  of  Ebenzer,  Holton  and  North  Alabama  Presbyteries  has 
fully  expressed  its  reasons  for  not  appointing  a  committee  of  con¬ 
ference,  it  does  not  appear  to  be  needful  to  answer  the  protest. 

1895,  p.  404.  Overtures  from  two  Synods  and  five  Presbyteries, 
bearing  on  our  relations  with  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States  of  America,  have  been  placed  in  the  hands  of  your  committee. 
One  of  these  overtures  (viz.,  from  the  Synod  of  Florida)  looks  to 
organic  union  with  that  church.  Another  (from  the  Synod  of  Geor¬ 
gia)  looks  for  a  conference  in  reference  “to  the  differences  now  sepa¬ 
rating  the  two  churches.”  Another  (from  the  Presbytery  of  Columbia) 
desires  that  “closer  relations  between  the  two  churches”  be  estab¬ 
lished.  Still  another  (from  the  Presbytery  of  New  Orleans)  asks 
that  a  “Pastoral  Letter”  be  issued,  “setting  forth  fully  the  reasons 
for  our  continued  separate  existence  as  a  church  of  Christ. 

Besides  these  there  are  overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  of  Meck¬ 
lenburg,  Central  Texas,  Lexington  and  New  Orleans,  praying  this 
General  Assembly  not  to  reopen  the  question  of  organic  union  with 
our  brethren  of  the  Northern  Assembly. 

Your  committee  has  carefully  considered  these  various  overtures, 
and  now  reports  to  the  General  Assembly  that  we  do  not  think  it 
necessary  to  answer  them  in  detail,  but  recommend  to  the  Assembly 
the  following  action,  viz. : 

This  Assembly  does  not  deem  it  wise,  under  existing  conditions, 
to  agitate  the  question  submitted  in  these  overtures.  It  avails  itself 
of  this  occasion,  however,  to  place  again  on  record  its  sentiments  of 
sincere  regard  and  Christian  affection  for  that  honored  branch  of 
the  great  Presbyterian  family,  between  whom  and  ourselves  close 
fraternal  relations  already  exist.  And  we  here  renew  the  expression 
of  our  desire  that  the  plan  of  co-operation  in  Christian  work,  both  at 
home  and  abroad,  which  has  been  agreed  to  by  our  respective  Assem¬ 
blies,  may  be  always  faithfully  and  cordially  observed  by  both  these 
churches.  Adopted. 

This  action  was  reported  from  the  Committee  on  Bills  and  Over¬ 
tures.  After  the  overtures  had  been  referred  to  that  committee,  a 


Secs.  1484-1485]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  999 


proposition  was  urged  to  refer  them  to  a  special  committee,  but  was 
withdrawn. 

Fraternal  letters  were  passed  between  the  two  Assemblies.  The 
following  is  an  extract  from  that  of  the  Northern  Assembly: 

P.  412.  We  would  stir  up  your  pure  minds  by  way  of  remem¬ 
brance  touching  the  attitude  which  we  have  steadily  maintained  for 
years  toward  that  organic  reunion  which  would  make  us  one  in  fact 
as  well  as  in  faith.  While  we  do  not  purpose  to  press  this  thought 
unduly  upon  your  minds  and  hearts,  we  do  desire  again  to  assure  you 
of  our  readiness  to  reciprocate  any  advances  which  you  may  be  led 
to  make  in  this  direction,  under  the  guidance  of  the  Spirit  of  Christ, 
who  prayed  that  we  may  be  one. 

P.  420.  The  following  is  an  extract  from  the  reply  of  the  Southern 
Assembly : 

We  are  fully  one  with  you  in  all  the  fundamental  constituents  of 
the  holy  catholic  church.  Most  especially,  brethren  beloved,  we 
thank  you  for  that  truly  fraternal  spirit  and  delicate  appreciation  of 
our  position,  which  makes  your  letter  so  very  precious  and  so  very 
fragrant  to  us.  Let  us  walk  together  in  full  fraternity  of  love  and 
sympathy  in  all  the  great  and  numberless  things  in  which  we  are 
agreed,  and  thus  be  encouraged  to  pray  and  hope  that  if  in  anything 
we  differ  God  may  reveal  even  that  unto  us  and  take  away  every 
blemish. 

1485.  Closer  relations 

1914,  p.  35.  Your  Select  Committee  on  Closer  Relations  of 
Churches  holding  the  Presbyterian  System  has  had  referred  to  it 
various  papers,  which,  classified,  present  two  subjects  for  our  action, 
viz.:  the  specific  one  of  the  proposed  union  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States  with  the  United  Presbyterian  Church 
of  North  America,  and  the  more  general  one  of  closer  relations,  upon 
some  basis,  of  Churches  holding  the  Presbyterian  system. 

We  beg  to  report: 

1.  On  the  question  of  union  with  the  United  Presbyterian  Church. 
There  have  been  placed  in  our  hands  the  papers  on  this  subject 
taken  from  the  docket,  upon  which  it  was  placed  by  the  last  As¬ 
sembly,  and  three  overtures — from  the  Presbytery  of  East  Alabama, 
urging  the  prosecution  of  a  plan  looking  to  union;  from  the  Pres¬ 
bytery  of  South  Carolina,  expressing  itself  as  opposed  to  such  union; 
and  from  the  West  Hanover  Presbytery,  asking  that  affirmative  action 
upon  the  subject  be  deferred. 

Your  Committee,  after  thorough  discussion  and  prayerful  de¬ 
liberation,  believing  that  the  matter  has  been  before  the  Church 
long  enough  for  it  to  know  its  mind,  through  considerations  of  Chris¬ 
tian  courtesy  and  of  candor,  without  suggestion  as  to  the  action  to 
be  taken,  would  recommend: 

That  the  proposed  basis  of  union  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 
the  United  States  with  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North 
America,  as  adopted  by  the  Joint  Committee  of  the  two  Assem- 


1000 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


blies,  be  sent  down  by  the  Assembly  to  the  constituent  Presbyteries 
of  our  Assembly  (United  States)  for  their  adoption  or  rejection. 

2.  In  the  matter  of  closer  relations  of  Churches  holding  the  Pres¬ 
byterian  system. — There  have  been  referred  to  us  certain  papers 
containing  proposals  from  the  Presbyterian  Church  United  States 
of  America  to  the  Presbyterian  Church  United  States,  of  May,  1913, 
and  referred  to  this  Assembly;  also  Overture  from  Knoxville  Pres¬ 
bytery,  asking  the  erection  of  four  provincial  Assemblies  instead  of 
other  plans  of  Federal  Union;  from  the  Presbytery  of  Asheville, 
asking  the  appointment  of  an  Ad-Interim  Committee,  to  which 
shall  be  referred  a  proposition  for  a  Federal  Congress  of  Reformed 
Churches  holding  the  Presbyterian  System;  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Paducah,  asking  for  a  committee  of  conference  with  other  such 
committees,  to  consider  the  matter  of  Closer  Relations  with  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States;  and,  finally,  the  over¬ 
ture  from  the  Council  of  the  Reformed  Churches  in  America  hold¬ 
ing  the  Presbyterian  .System,  contained  in  its  annual  report,  asking 
that  matters  looking  to  closer  relations  and  co-operative  action  be 
referred  to  said  Council. 

It  is  the  judgment  of  this  Committee  that, 

Whereas,  the  desire  for  some  sort  of  closer  relations,  or  at  least 
of  co-operation,  seems  to  be  general;  and, 

Whereas,  in  the  Council  of  the  Reformed  Churches  in  America 
holding  the  Presbyterian  System  we  have  an  already  existing  body 
having  substantially  these  objects  and  aims  and  peculiarly  fitted 
to  the  task  in  its  personnel,  by  reason  of  its  opportunity  for  con¬ 
sideration  and  its  thorough  information  upon  the  subjects  involved, 

We  recommend: 

1.  That  the  overture  from  the  Council  of  the  Reformed  Churches 
in  America  holding  the  Presbyterian  System  be  answered  in  the 
affirmative,  which  overture  is  as  follows: 

“Whereas,  Article  5  of  the  said  Articles  of  Agreement  reads: 

“5.  The  Council  shall  promote  the  co-operation  of  the  constituent 
Churches  in  their  Foreign  Missionary  work,  and  also  in  their  gen¬ 
eral  work  in  the  United  States  of  America,  in  connection  with  Home 
Missions,  Work  Among  the  Colored  People,  Church  Erection,  Sab¬ 
bath  Schools,  Publication  and  Education.  The  Council  may  also 
advise  and  recommend  in  other  matters  pertaining  to  the  general 
welfare  of  the  Kingdom  of  Christ;”  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  Council  hereby  overtures  the  Supreme  Ju¬ 
dicatories  of  the  constituent  Churches  that  they  authorize  and  direct 
the  Council: 

a.  To  give  careful  and  full  attention  to  the  whole  subject  of 
closer  relations  and  more  effective  administrative  co-operation  be¬ 
tween  the  several  Presbyterian  and  Reformed  Churches  represented 
in  the  Council,  with  particular  reference  to  the  formulation  of  an 
effective  federation  of  their  plans,  work  and  executive  or  adminis¬ 
trative  agencies,  both  in  the  home  and  foreign  fields. 


Secs.  1485-1486]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1001 


b.  That  the  Gouncil  shall  report  its  conclusions  to  the  Supreme 
Judicatories  at  their  regular  meetings  in  1916. 

Resolved,  2.  That  when  as  many  as  four  of  the  Supreme  Judi¬ 
catories  shall  approve  the  above  overture,  the  Executive  Committee 
of  the  Council  shall  appoint  a  committee  of  members  of  the  Council, 
not  exceeding  eleven  in  number,  which  committee  shall  undertake 
the  duties  provided  for  in  the  overture,  shall  confer  with  the  boards 
and  agencies  interested  in  co-operative  work,  and  shall  report  to 
the  Council  at  its  next  meeting,  either  special  or  regular. 

2.  That  all  matters  looking  to  Closer  Relations  with  Reformed 
Churches  in  America  holding  the  Presbyterian  System  be  referred 
by  this  Assembly  to  its  constituent  representation  in  said  Council 
for  its  information  and  guidance,  and  by  this  Constituency  to  the 
Council  for  its  mature  deliberation. 

3.  That  this  action  of  the  Assembly  be  construed  as  answer  to  all 
overtures  and  documents  upon  this  subject  presented  for  our  con¬ 
sideration. 


1486.  Organic  Union 

1917,  p.  27.  The  following  telegram  from  the  Presbyterian 
Church  U.  S.  A.,  relating  to  Organic  Union,  was  referred  to  the 
Select  Committee  on  this  subject: 

The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S. 
A.  has  adopted  the  following  resolutions: 

(1)  Resolved,  That  195  Presbyteries  having  taken  action  on  an 
overture  looking  to  organic  union  between  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  U.  S.  A.  and  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.,  therefore, 

(2)  Resolved,  That  this  Assembly,  which  has  for  many  years 
stood  ready,  is  now  ready  to  enter  into  negotiations  with  a  view  to 
organic  union  with  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  ,S. 

(3)  Resolved,  That  this  matter  be  committed  to  the  General  As¬ 
sembly’s  Committee  on  Church  Co-operation  and  Union,  with  in¬ 
structions  to  enter  into  negotiations  with  the  Presbyterian  Church 
U.  S.,  through  a  committee  appointed  by  its  General  Assembly,  if 
it  should  deem  it  advisable  so  to  do. 

(4)  Resolved,  That  these  resolutions  be  telegraphed  to  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.,  in  session  at 
Birmingham,  Ala. 

1917,  p.  53.  We  recommend  the  following  answer  to  the  tele¬ 
gram  from  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  U.  S. 
A.  touching  the  matter  of  organic  union  between  the  Presbyterian 
Church  U.  S.  A.  and  the  Presbyterian  Church  U.  S. : 

While  this  Assembly  does  not  regard  organic  union  as  practicable 
at  this  time,  yet  it  hereby  appoints  the  Committee  of  Conference  on 
Union  asked  for  by  the  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States  of  America,  and  recommends  to  the  proposed  confer¬ 
ence  the  consideration  of  the  federation  of  all  the  Presbyterian 
Churches  of  our  country  upon  some  practical  and  effective  basis. 


1002 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


1487.  Union  and,  Federation 

1918,  p.  20.  The  report  of  the  Ad  Interim  Committee  on  Con¬ 
ference  with  the  Presbyterian  Church,  U.  S.  A.,  on  Union  and 
Federation  was  read  by  the  Chairman,  Rev.  J.  M.  Wells,  D.  D. 

The  report  was  then  referred  to  a  Select  Committee  of  one  mem¬ 
ber  from  each  Synod.  The  report  appears  in  the  Appendix  (p.  145ff). 

The  Moderator  appointed  the  following  Select  Committee  to  which 
the  report  of  the  Ad  Interim  Committee  on  Union  and  Federation 
was  referred. 

Ministers 

Dunbar  H.  Ogden  . Georgia 

J.  I.  Norris  . . . Arkansas 

Thos.  Cummins  . * . Kentucky 

D.  H.  Scanlon  . . . Mississippi 

W.  P.  Neilson  . Missouri 

Melton  Clark . . . . . South  Carolina 

Wm.  States  Jacobs  _ * . . Texas 

A.  J.  McQueen  . * . Sitedeoor  Memorial 

George  Summey  . Louisiana 


Elders 

Job  Going  . ,* . 

W.  C.  Tate  . 

F.  Y.  Smith  . 

S.  Strudwick  . 

A.  H.  Ferguson  .... 
Edwin  F.  Willis 
Martin  Williams 
W.  M.  B.  Hobbs 


Alabama 

.Appalachia 

Florida 

North  Carolina 
Oklahoma 
.Tennessee 
.Virginia 
.West  Virginia 


1918,  p.  25.  The  following  telegram  from  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  U.  S.  A.,  approving  of  the  continuation  of  the  Committee 
on  Union  and  Federation  was  read  and  referred  to  the  Select  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Union  and  Federation: 

The  General  Assembly,  in  session  at  Columbus,  O.,  approved  to¬ 
day  of  the  continuance  of  the  negotiations  between  our  respective 
Churches  on  the  subject  of  federation  and  union.  The  sentiment 
is  unanimous  for  the  continuance. 

1918,  p.  25.  The  report  of  the  Select  Committee  was  taken  up 
and  the  Chairman,  Rev.  D.  H.  Ogden,  D.  D.,  read  the  majority 
report  signed  by  sixteen  members  (p.  28).  Rev.  George  Summey, 
D.  D.,  read  a  minority  report  signed  by  himself  (p.  29). 

Rev.  J.  M.  Wells,  D.  D.,  offered  a  substitute  for  the  majority  and 
minority  reports. 

1918,  p.  26.  The  Substitute  paper  of  Rev.  J.  M.  Wells,  D.  D., 
was  amended  and  adopted  by  a  yea  and  nay  vote  of  152  to  72  which 
was  ordered  to  be  placed  on  record  (see  p.  27).  This  paper  is  as 
follows : 


Sec.  1487]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1003 

1918,  p.  27.  The  Assembly  approves  the  report  of  our  Ad  In¬ 
terim  Committee  on  Conference,  and  continues  a  Committee  as  re¬ 
quested  by  the  Committee  on  Conference  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  United  States  of  America. 

The  Assembly  goes  on  record  as  opposing  Organic  Union  at  this 
time,  but  as  approving  the  idea  of  a  Federal  Union  of  all  the  Pres¬ 
byterian  and  Reformed  Churches  in  the  United  States. 

That  the  Committee  be  enlarged,  so  as  to  include  one  member 
from  each  Synod. 

That  these  Committeemen  be  selected  by  the  Commissioners  pres¬ 
ent  from  the  Presbyteries  constituting  their  respective  Synods. 

That  this  Committee  select  its  own  Chairman. 

This  was  telegraphed  to  the  General  Assembly,  U.  S.  A. 

1918,  p.  45.  The  Stated  Clerk  announced  that  the  representatives 
of  the  Synods  had  selected  the  following  members  of  the  Ad  Interim 
Committee  on  Federation: 

Committee  or  Conference  on  Federation  as  Selected  by 
Commissioners  from  the  Several  Synods 


Synod  Committeemen 

Alabama  . _ . Thornton  Whaling,  D.  D. 

Appalachia  . + . ...JR.  F.  Campbell,  D.  D. 

Arkansas  . .+ . James  I.  Norris,  D.  D. 

Florida  . . . . . . . J.  G.  Venable 

Georgia  . . . * . Homer  McMillan,  D.  D. 

Kentucky  . . . . . T.  M.  Hawes,  D.  D. 

Louisiana  . George  Summey,  D.  D. 

Mississippi  . + . . . J.  B.  Hutton,  D.  D. 

Missouri  . . . . W.  R.  Dobyns,  D.  D. 

North  Carolina  . .. . J.  M.  Wells,  D.  D. 

Oklahoma  . . . +. _ _ _ Erskine  Brantly,  D.  D. 

Snedecor  Memorial  . . . I.  C.  H.  Champney,  D.  D. 

South  Carolina  . . . Hon.  W.  F.  Stevenson 

Tennessee  . ,4 . A.  B.  Curry,  D.  D. 

Texas  . . ►. . . . . Wm.  M.  Anderson,  D.  D. 

Virginia  . . . * . A.  M.  Fraser,  D.  D. 

West  Virginia  . Ernest  Thompson,  D.  D. 


The  Assembly  approved  these  members  and  appointed  Rev.  J. 
M.  Wells,  D.  D.,  to  call  the  Committee  together. 

1918,  p.  61.  The  following  message  from  the  General  Assembly, 
U.  ,S.  A.,  reached  me  at  Durant  the  day  after  the  Assembly  had 
closed:  (Stated  Clerk.) 

The  General  Assembly  in  session  at  Columbus,  Ohio,  invites  to 
appoint  delegates  to  a  general  convention  to  meet  in  Philadelphia 
to  consider  union  of  all  Evangelical  Churches  in  the  United  States. 

1919,  p.  30.  The  following  telegram  was  received  from  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.  A. : 


1004 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  Vli 


The  Presbyterian  General  Assembly,  in  session  at  St.  Louis,  Mo., 
sends  fraternal  greetings  and  the  following  message,  to  which  an¬ 
swer  is  requested: 

Resolved,  That  the  part  of  the  report  dealing  with  the  Presby¬ 
terian  Church  in  the  U.  S.  be  placed  on  the  docket,  and  that  the 
following  message  be  telegraphed  at  once  to  the  Presbyterian  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly,  in  session  at  New  Orleans,  Louisiana: 

The  Presbyterian  General  Assembly,  in  session  at  St.  Louis,  Mo., 
in  the  matter  of  the  report  of  the  Committee  on  Church  Co-opera¬ 
tion  and  Union,  rejoices  that  the  two  Committees  of  our  two  Churches 
have  made  some  progress  for  a  better  understanding  of  our  relations 
and  the  possibilities  of  united  action  in  the  Lord’s  work.  This  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  states  that  it  is  not  prepared  to  substitute  the  plan 
for  federal  union  contained  in  the  joint  report  to  the  two  Assemblies 
for  the  plan  of  federal  union  already  in  operation  through  the  Coun¬ 
cil  of  the  Reformed  Churches  in  America,  but  expresses  again  its  pref¬ 
erence  for  such  a  union  as  will  eliminate  all  competition  between  our 
Churches,  and  hereby,  in  the  most  fraternal  way,  asks  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.  to  continue  nego¬ 
tiations  with  a  view  to  a  more  satisfactory  plan  of  union.  This 
Assembly  also  expresses  the  desire  that  the  negotiations  for  union 
proceed  at  present  only  between  our  two  Churches. 

1919,  p.  47.  The  majority  report  on  Relations  with  Other  Churches 
was  adopted,  and  is  as  follows: 

Your  Committee  on  Relations  with  Other  Churches  would  re¬ 
spectfully  report  that  the  following  papers  have  been  placed  in  its 
hands,  to  wit: 

1.  The  majority  report  of  the  Committee  of  Conference  on  Fed¬ 
eral  Union.  This  report  is  signed  by  fourteen  members. 

2.  The  minority  report,  signed  by  two  members. 

3.  An  Overture  from  Louisville  Presbytery,  touching  “The  Syn¬ 
odical  plan  of  Organic  Union.” 

4.  An  overture  from  Ebenezer  Presbytery,  touching  the  same 
matter. 

5.  An  overture  from  Nashville  Presbytery,  touching  Organic  Union. 

6.  Sundry  personal  communications  relating  to  the  above  overtures. 

7.  Overture  from  Abingdon  Presbytery,  requesting  continuance  of 
negotiations  for  Federal  Union. 

8.  Overture  from  Montgomery  Presbytery,  touching  Union  with  the 
U.  P.  Church. 

Your  Committee  has  held  five  meetings,  and  has  given  to  these  mat¬ 
ters  careful  consideration  and  extended  discussion. 

After  a  very  full  and  frank  interchange  of  views,  your  Committee 
has  reached  the  conclusion  that  wide  divergence  of  opinion  exists  as 
to  what  our  Israel  ought  to  do  in  such  a  time  as  this. 

Unrest  is  reported  as  existing  to  a  marked  degree  in  the  Synods 
of  West  Virginia,  Kentucky,  Tennessee  and  Missouri.  An  increas¬ 
ing  desire  for  some  form  of  closer  relations  with  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  and  with  other  bodies  of 


Sec.  1487]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1005 

like  faith  and  order,  is  reported  from  Arkansas,  Texas  and  Flor¬ 
ida,  while  the  older  and  stronger  Synods  seem  content  with  conditions 
as  they  now  are. 

It  seems  clear  to  your  Committee  that  the  existence  of  these  di¬ 
verse  currents  of  opinion  and  desire  cannot  be  safely  or  wisely 
ignored.  We  face  a  condition,  not  a  theory.  Something  should  be 
done  to  remove  friction  and  prevent  injury  and  waste.  Those  sec¬ 
tions  of  the  Church  that  are  strong  and  untroubled  should  strive 
to  ease  the  burdens  of  our  brethren  who  are  facing  a  situation  re¬ 
plete  with  difficulties  of  a  grave  and  trying  nature. 

Five  courses  of  action  have  been  proposed,  viz.: 

1.  Complete  Organic  Union. 

2.  Organic  Union  according  to  the  so-called  “Synodical  Plan.” 

3.  Organic  Union  on  the  basis  of  Provincial  Assemblies — with 
one  Supreme  National  Assembly  as  the  capstone  of  the  system. 

4.  A  federal  body  having  only  advisory  powers,  inspirational  in 
its  influence,  serving  as  a  kind  of  clearing  house  for  the  sentiments 
of  fraternity  and  comradeship  that  dwell  in  the  Presbyterian  heart. 

5.  A  Federal  Union  with  clearly  defined  powers  and  responsi¬ 
bilities  and  which,  at  the  same  time,  conserves  the  autonomy  of  the 
constitutent  Churches  in  doctrine  and  discipline,  as  well  as  in  all 
other  matters  of  local  interest,  including  the  tenure  of  Church  prop¬ 
erty  and  other  material1  assets.  This  last  is  in  substance  the  majority 
report  of  your  Aid-Interim  Committee  on  Federal  Union. 

In  view  of  all  the  facts  brought  to  its  attention,  your  Committee 
favors  some  form  of  closer  relations.  Your  Committee,  therefore, 
recommends : 

First. — That  the  majority  and  minority  reports,  with  all  other 
papers  that  have  been  in  its  hands,  be  referred  to  an  Ad-Interim 
Committee  which,  in  conjunction  with  similar  Committees  from  one 
or  more  of  our  sister  Churches  of  like  faith  and  order,  shall  con¬ 
sider  the  whole  question  of  closer  relations. 

Second. — That  whatever  plan  or  plans  this  Ad-Interim  Committee 
shall  decide  to  report  to  the  General  Assembly,  shall  be  formulated 
in  the  most  definite  terms  possible,  and  that  this  Ad-Interim  Com¬ 
mittee  shall  make  its  report  to  the  next  General  Assembly. 

Third. — That  this  Ad-Interim  Committee  be  instructed  to  pub¬ 
lish  in  the  Church  papers,  not  less  than  two  weeks  prior  to  the 
meeting  of  the  Assembly,  the  plan  or  plans  to  be  submitted  by 
them  to  that  body. 

Fourth. — That  this  Ad-Interim  Committee  shall  be  composed  of 
one  member  from  each  Synod,  who  shall  be  nominated  by  their  re¬ 
spective  Synods  and  reported  to  the  Moderator,  to  be  appointed  by 
him.  The  Moderator  shall  designate  the  convener  as  well  as  the 
time  and  place  of  the  first  meeting  of  this  Ad-Interim  Committee. 
And  in  case  of  the  inability  of  the  Moderator  to  act,  the  Stated 
Clerk  shall  perform  these  duties.  This  action  of  the  Assembly  shall 
be  promptly  communicated  to  the  Synods  by  the  Stated  Clerk  of 
the  Assembly. 


1006  Relations  With  Other  Bodies  [Book  VII 

Fifth. — In  case  the  discussions  of  closer  relations  between  this 
Church  and  any  other  Church  shall  contemplate  organic  union,  the 
attention  of  the  Ad-Interim  Committee  is  directed  to  past  deliver¬ 
ances  and  reports  of  this  Assembly  touching  such  matter,  and  it 
is  advised  that  the  Assembly  and  the  Church  would  view  with  un¬ 
easiness  any  structure  of  Union  which  failed  to  take  into  account 
and  safeguard  in  the  United  Church  the  historic  convictions  and 
positions  of  this  Church  with  respect  to  sound  doctrine,  just  and 
effective  discipline,  the  plenary  inspiration  and  inerrancy  of  the 
Scriptures,  the  vicarious  atonement,  the  spiritual  mission  of  the 
Church  and  its  obligations  to  abstain  from  interference  in  matters 
purely  of  civil  or  political  concern,  its  position  as  to  its  negro 
constituency  in  the  South,  and  other  matters  of  like  interest  and 
importance. 

Your  Committee  feels  that  it  cannot  conclude  this  report  with¬ 
out  placing  upon  record  its  appreciation  of  the  able  and  self-sacri¬ 
ficing  work  done  by  the  members  of  the  Ad-Interim  Committee  of 
Conference  on  Federal  Union.  Theirs  was  a  difficult  and  delicate 
task.  It  has  been  discharged  with  a  skill,  a  loyalty  and  a  single- 
hearted  devotion  that  is  worthy  of  all  praise. 

(The  recommendations  above  given  are  endorsed  by  thirteen  of 
the  seventeen  members  of  the  Committee.) 

1919,  p.  49.  The  Stated  Clerk  was  directed  to  telegraph  the 
Presbyterian  Church  U.  S.  A.  the  action  of  this  Assembly  on  our 
relations  with  Other  Churches.  The  following  telegram  was  sent 
by  the  Stated  Clerk: 

Our  Assembly,  in  response  to  your  message  of  yesterday,  sends 
the  following: 

The  General  Assembly  U.  S.  has  referred  to  a  Committee  com¬ 
posed  of  one  from  each  Synod,  to  be  appointed  by  the  Synod,  the 
reports  of  the  Ad-Interim  Committee  on  Federal  Union,  together 
with  other  papers  bearing  on  relations  with  other  Churches.  This 
Committee  to  report  to  the  next  Assembly. 

1488.  Plan  of  Union 

1920,  p.  184.  (A  plan  proposed  by  the  Joint  Conference  on 
Closer  Relations  as  a  substitute  for  the  plan  contained  in  the  Re¬ 
port  of  the  Committee  previously  submitted.) 

The  Presbyterian  and  Reformed  Churches  in  the  United  States 
of  America,  desiring  to  evince  and  develop  their  spiritual  unity, 
and  to  promote  closer  relations  and  more  effective  administrative 
co-operation  among  these  Churches,  hereby  adopt  a  Preamble  and 
a  Basis  of  Union. 

Preamble. — The  Presbyterian  and  Reformed  Churches  in  the 
United  States  of  America  represent  the  same  type  of  Evangelical 
Protestant  Christianity,  commonly  known  as  Reformed  or  Calvin- 
istic.  The  Churches  of  the  Reformation  in  Europe,  to  which  they 
are  historically  related,  originated  in  different  lands  and  passed 


Sec.  1 487-1488 J  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1007 


through  different  experiences,  which  differences  by  reason  of  nation¬ 
ality  and  languages  appear  in  the  forms  of  the  original  Standards 
of  the  several  Churches.  We,  therefore,  with  clear  understanding 
of  the  nature  of  such  differences,  hereby  declare  our  conviction 
that  the  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith  and  Catechisms,  the 
Belgic  Confession,  the  Heidelberg  Catechism  and  the  Canons  of  the 
Synod  of  Dort  are  in  essential  agreement,  and  are  different  expres¬ 
sions  of  one  and  the  same  system  of  doctrine.  This  doctrinal  agree¬ 
ment  appears  in  the  recognition,  in  all  the  symbols,  of  the  funda¬ 
mental  doctrines  of  evangelical  Christianity  as  held  by  the  Reformed 
or  Calvinistic  Churches,  and  also  in  the  use  made  of  the  Apostles’ 
Creed,  the  Ten  Commandments,  the  Lord’s  Prayer,  and  the  Cate¬ 
chisms  of  the  several  Churches,  for  the  instruction  of  the  youth  of 
their  congregations. 

Basis  of  Union. — 1.  The  Doctrinal  Basis  of  the  Assembly  shall 
be  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments  acknowledged  as 
the  inspired  Word  of  God  and  the  only  infallible  rule  of  faith  and 
practice,  with  the  common  system  of  doctrine  as  set  forth  in  the 
existing  Standards  of  the  constituent  Churches. 

2.  The  Principles  of  the  Forms  of  Government  and  the  Constitu¬ 
tions  including  the  terms  of  doctrinal  subscription  of  the  several 
Churches  uniting,  are  recognized  as  a  part  of  the  Basis  of  Union. 

3.  The  Directories  of  Worship  of  the  several  Churches  shall  be 
a  part  of  the  basis  of  union  to  the  extent  that  congregations  shall 
have  the  same  freedom  of  worship  both  as  to  forms  and  usages,  un¬ 
der  the  United  Assembly,  as  they  had  before  the  Union. 

Articles  of  Agreement. — 1.  The  “United  Assembly”  to  be  consti¬ 
tuted  shall  have  the  title,  “The  United  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
and  Reformed  Churches  in  the  United  States  of  America.”  It  shall 
represent  in  one  body  all  the  Churches  united  therein  and  shall  con¬ 
stitute  the  bond  of  union,  peace  and  correspondence  among  all  the 
congregations  and  courts  of  the  constituent  Churches.  It  shall  be 
the  declarative,  executive,  administrative  and  judicial  agency  of 
the  United  Churches,  and  shall  possess  the  ecclesiastical  powers  here¬ 
inafter  delegated  to  it. 

2.  The  United  Assembly  shall  consist  of  eight  representatives 
from  each  of  the  constituent  Churches,  for  each  one  hundred  thou¬ 
sand  communicants  or  fraction  thereof  up  to  three  hundred  thou¬ 
sand;  and  when  a  Church  has  more  than  three  hundred  thousand 
communicants,  then  eight  representatives  for  each  additional  two 
hundred  thousand  communicants  or  major  fraction  thereof.  These 
representatives  shall  be  ministers  and  ruling  elders  in  equal  num¬ 
bers  and  shall  be  chosen  with  their  alternates  under  the  direction  of 
their  respective  Churches,  in  such  manner  as  their  Churches  shall 
respectively  determine. 

3.  Every  Church  entering  into  this  Union  retains  its  distinct  in¬ 
dividuality,  its  own  creed,  government  and  worship,  as  well  as  every 
power,  jurisdiction  and  right,  which  is  not  by  these  Articles  ex¬ 
pressly  and  exclusively  delegated  to  the  body  hereby  constituted. 


1008 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[  Book  VII 


4.  Subject  to  the  more  detailed  enumeration  of  its  powers,  to  be 
set  forth  in  a  formal  constitution  to  be  adopted  by  the  legal  action 
of  the  constituent  Churches,  the  powers  to  be  delegated  to  the  United 
Assembly  shall  be  in  substance  as  follows: 

(a)  To  receive  into  the  United  Body  any  other  ecclesiastical  body 
conforming  to  the  doctrine  and  order  of  the  constituent  Churches  of 
this  Union.  The  question  of  the  closer  union  of  any  two  or  more 
of  the  constituent  Churches  shall  be  a  matter  outside  the  province  of 
the  United  Assembly,  and  entirely  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the 
Churches  proposing  such  union. 

(b)  In  general  to  recommend  to  the  constituent  Churches  measures 
for  the  promotion  of  charity,  benevolence,  truth  and  holiness. 

(c)  To  correspond  with  other  Churches. 

(d)  To  institute  and  superintend  the  agencies  necessary  to  its 
general  work  of  evangelization:  Foreign  Missions,  Publication, 
Ministerial  Relief,  Schools  and  Colleges,  Home  Missions,  Church 
Erection,  Colored  Work,  Evangelism,  Stewardship,  and  such  other 
causes  as  may  be  expressly  delegated  to  it,  subject  to  the  provisions 
of  the  constitution  to  be  adopted. 

(e)  The  principle  of  local  control  in  Home  Missions  at  present 
existing  in  most  or  all  of  the  constituent  Churches  shall  continue; 
and  the  direct  administration  shall  be  exercised  as  at  present  in 
each  constituent  Church  through  its  General  Assembly,  General 
Synod  and  other  lower  courts;  except  where  any  constituent  Church 
shall  commit  the  administration  of  its  Home  Mission  work,  or  any 
part  thereof,  to  the  United  Assembly. 

5.  The  United  Assembly  shall  have  the  power,  by  executive  com¬ 
mission  or  otherwise  as  it  may  from  time  to  time  determine,  to  ex¬ 
ercise  judicial  functions  in  settling  all  questions  of  comity  arising 
between  constituent  Churches,  and  to  enforce  any  and  all  agree¬ 
ments  entered  into  by  or  between  any  two  or  more  of  said  con¬ 
stituent  Churches.  The  findings  of  the  United  Assembly  in  any 
case  shall  be  final,  and  shall  be  enforced  through  the  courts  of  the 
constituent  Churches. 

The  United  Assembly  shall  advise,  encourage  and  foster  the  com¬ 
plete  consolidation  by  constituent  Churches  of  their  work  within 
the  bounds  of  the  same  Presbytery,  Synod  or  other  considerable 
stretch  of  territory  occupied  in  common,  whenever  in  the  judgment 
of  the  United  Assembly  such  consolidation  would  contribute  to  greater 
harmony,  efficiency  and  economy  in  the  work  as  a  whole. 

When  such  consolidation  is  not  feasible,  the  United  Assembly  shall 
propose  to  the  constituent  Churches  thus  occupying  territory  in  com¬ 
mon,  definite  plans  of  co-operation  in  said  territory. 

6.  The  United  Assembly  shall  exercise  such  power  as  to  doctrine 
as  may  be  necessary  in  the  discharge  of  the  administrative  and  ju¬ 
dicial  functions  conferred  upon  it  in  these  Articles  of  Agreement,  but 
it  shall  not  have  the  power  to  impose  symbols  of  faith  or  forms  of 
worship  on  any  of  the  constituent  Churches. 

7.  The  United  Assembly  shall  exercise  such  judicial  powers  as  may 


Sec.  1488.]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1009 

be  required  for  the  work  committed  to  it  by  these  Articles  of  Agree¬ 
ment,  but  cases  of  judicial  process  involving  heresy  or  immorality 
arising  in  any  of  the  constituent  Churches  shall  terminate  as  at 
present  in  said  Churches. 

8.  The  United  Assembly  shall  have  power  to  deal  with  any  other 
matters  of  interest  common  to  any  two  or  more  of  the  constituent 
Churches,  which  may  be  referred  to  it  by  the  supreme  judicatories  of 
the  Churches  concerned  for  its  action,  with  such  authority  in  the  prem¬ 
ises  and  under  such  conditions  as  may  be  agreed  upon  by  the 
Churches  which  make  the  reference. 

9.  The  General  Assemblies  or  General  Synods  of  the  constituent 
Churches  shall  send  their  records  for  information,  and  shall  report 
to  the  United  Assembly  on  all  administrative  matters,  and  the 
United  Assembly  shall  receive  and  consider  said  records  and  reports 
and  shall  make  such  deliverances  thereon  as  are  calculated  to  stimu¬ 
late  the  whole  Church  on  matters  pertaining  to  the  advancement  of  the 
Kingdom  of  Christ. 

10.  The  officers  of  the  United  Assembly  shall  be  a  Moderator, 
Vice-Moderator,  Stated  Clerk,  Treasurer,  and  such  other  officers 
as  may  be  necessary.  The  United  Assembly  may  also  appoint  an 
Executive  Committee  with  such  authority  as  the  Assembly  may  con¬ 
fer,  to  act  in  the  intervals  between  the  meetings  of  the  Assembly. 

11.  All  boards  or  other  administrative  agencies  of  the  United 
Assembly  shall  be  composed  of  representatives  of  the  constituent 
Churches,  each  Church  being  represented  thereon  by  at  least  one 
member.  When  the  United  Assembly  shall  decide  that  the  num¬ 
ber  should  be  more  than  one  for  each  Church,  then  the  increase 
shall  be  in  proportion  to  the  volume  of  work  as  represented  by  the 
annual  investment  of  each  Church.  All  members  shall  be  nomi¬ 
nated  by  the  Churches  directly  interested  or  by  their  Boards  or 
Agencies  as  the  Churches  may  determine.  Each  Church  shall  nom¬ 
inate  one  or  more  persons  for  each  vacancy  and  the  term  of  office 
shall  be  four  years,  the  members  being  divided  into  two  classes,  one 
of  which  in  the  first  election  shall  be  elected  for  two  years  only. 

12.  The  United  Assembly  shall  hold  and  administer  all  prop¬ 
erties  given  to  said  United  Assembly  or  any  of  its  chartered,  in¬ 
corporated  or  other  agencies.  All  of  the  property  rights  of  the  con¬ 
stituent  Churches  shall  remain  as  at  present  vested  and  shall  not  be 
changed  except  by  the  proper  and  constitutional  procedure  of  the  said 
respective  constituent  Churches.  And  it  shall  be  agreed  upon  by  the 
constituent  Churches  entering  into  said  Union  that  the  General 
Assembly  or  General  Synod,  or  body  corresponding  thereto,  is  the 
supreme  court  as  respects  property  rights  of  the  respective  constituent 
Churches. 

13.  The  United  Assembly  shall  meet  in  regular  session  at  least 
biennially,  and  on  its  own  adjourment,  at  such  times  and  places  as 
may  be  determined.  In  the  conduct  of  its  meetings  it  shall  respect 
the  conscientious  views  of  its  constituent  members. 

14.  The  expenses  of  the  United  Assembly  shall  be  met  by  a  fund 


1010 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


to  be  provided  by  a  pro  rata  apportionment  on  the  basis  of  the  rep¬ 
resentation  of  each  Church  in  the  Union.  The  expenses  of  the 
representatives  shall  be  paid  by  their  respective  Churches.  All  the 
expenses  involved  in  the  settlement  of  any  question  between  the 
Churches  shall  be  borne  equally  by  the  Churches  concerned. 

15.  When  any  two  representatives,  at  a  meeting  of  either  the 
United  Assembly  or  its  Agencies,  request  a  unit  vote  by  Churches 
upon  a  pending  motion,  the  vote  shall  be  so  taken,  each  Church 
being  entitled  to  one  vote. 

16.  The  United  Assembly  shall  have  power  to  make  such  stand¬ 
ing  rules  as  shall  be  deemed  necessary  for  the  conduct  of  its  business. 

17.  Any  Church  holding  the  Reformed  Faith  and  Presbyterian  Pol¬ 
ity  may  be  received  into  this  Union  by  a  majority  of  the  represen¬ 
tatives  of  the  Churches,  voting  by  the  unit  rule,  and  upon  its 
adoption  of  the  Plan  of  Union,  these  Articles  of  Agreement  included. 

18.  Any  Church  in  this  Union  may  withdraw  therefrom  on  notice 
sufficiently  given,  and  on  its  observance  of  the  same  constitutional 
steps  as  were  followed  in  its  adoption  of  these  Articles. 

19.  Any  amendment  to  these  Articles  proposed  to  the  United  As¬ 
sembly  shall  before  its  adoption  be  approved  by  the  Assembly,  and 
receive  the  consent  of  the  constituent  Churches  acting  in  accordance 
with  their  respective  Constitutions.  When  the  United  Assembly 
shall  have  been  notified  of  such  consent  it  shall  declare  the  amend¬ 
ment  to  be  a  part  of  the  Articles  of  Agreement. 

20.  The  details  of  the  constitution  shall  be  taken  up  and  reported 
upon  by  the  Committee  to  be  appointed  by  the  supreme  judicatories 
of  the  respective  Churches  which  shall  approve  of  this  outline  of 
a  tentative  plan.  The  constitution  shall  be  adopted  by  each  Church 
in  accordance  with  its  own  constitution. 

In  case  our  Assemblies  and  General  Synods  adopt  these  recom¬ 
mendations,  we  recommend  that  their  action  be  conveyed  to  the  ap¬ 
proaching  meeting  of  the  Council  of  Presbyterian  and  Reformed 
Churches  with  the  request  that  it  appoint  a  committee  for  confer¬ 
ence  on  this  subject  with  the  committees  appointed  by  the  constituent 
Churches  to  draft  a  constitution. 

Plan  of  Union  Through  Regional  Assemblies. — In  the  first  sepa¬ 
rate  session  of  our  Committee  in  Louisville  it  was  learned  that 
some  of  our  members  believed  that  “Organic  Union  through  Regional 
Assemblies”  was  still  possible.  Therefore,  the  following  paper  was 
adopted : 

“That  a  Special  Sub-Committee,  consisting  of  Drs.  Dobyns,  Og¬ 
den,  Thompson,  Graham  and  Brownlee,  be  appointed  to  ask  repre¬ 
sentatives  of  the  Churches  represented  in  the  Joint  Conference 
whether  they  are  willing  to  recommend  a  union  of  the  Presbyterian 
and  Reformed  Churches  on  the  Regional  or  Provincial  Assembly 
plan,  and  if  so  to  present  to  us  as  fully  and  clearly  as  possible  a 
Plan  of  Union  prepared  on  the  basis  of  Regional  or  Provincial 
Assemblies.” 


Sec.  1488]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1011 

This  Special  Sub-Committee  was  also  authorized  to  discuss  the 
■“Synodical  Plan”  if  they  so  desired. 

The  Committee  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.  A.,  made 
the  following  reply  to  these  representations  of  the  Special  Sub- 
Committee  : 

“We  propose  for  discussion  such  changes  in  our  form  of  govern¬ 
ments  as  will  provide  for  Regional  Assemblies  or  General  Synods 
covering  the  territory  now  occupied  by  several  Synods  and  possess 
such  powers  as  are  now  exercised  by  the  Synod  in  the  Presbyterian 
Church  U.  S.  A. 

“This  Plan  could  retain  the  present  Synod  or  substitute  for 
several  Synods  the  proposed  General  Synods,  under  which  would 
be  grouped  immediately  the  several  Classes  or  Presbyteries  of  that 
territory. 

“Over  the  General  Synods  or  Regional  Assemblies,  the  General 
Assembly  shall  have  supreme  jurisdiction,  legislative,  judicial  and 
executive,  in  all  matters  of  faith  and  order.” 

To  this  paper  our  Committee  made  the  following  answer: 

“That  we  regard  it  as  organic  union  by  consolidation,  and  there¬ 
fore  it  would  not  be  acceptable  to  our  Church;  but  that  we  still 
;stand  ready  to  confer  with  them  on  the  subject  of  union  through 
Regional  Assemblies.” 

The  Committee  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  U.  S.  A.  prepared 
the  following  memorandum  as  to  distribution  of  powers  among  the 
several  courts: 

“ Presbyteries  or  Classes. — Powers  as  at  present. 

“ Synods . — Powers  as  at  present,  and  also  denominational  Synods 
as  they  are. 

“ General  Synods. — Powers,  complete  control  and  review  of  Pres- 
Byteries  and  Synods  under  them,  with  privilege  of  appeal  to  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly,  on  questions  of  faith  and  order,  when  asked  for  by 
at  least  one-third  of  the  General  Synod,  in  which  case  final  adju¬ 
dication  by  majority  vote  of  the  General  Assembly. 

“ General  Assembly. — Administration  of  all  Church-wide  agencies 
and  veto  power  by  two-thirds  vote  of  any  proposed  change  in  polity 
or  doctrine.” 

In  return  our  Committee  sent  to  the  Committee  of  the  Presbyte¬ 
rian  Church  U.  S.  A.,  the  “Plan  of  Union”  which  had  been  pre¬ 
pared  by  Dr.  Wells  as  a  tentative  statement  of  the  powers  this  Com¬ 
mittee  is  willing  to  grant  to  the  Supreme  Assembly. 

The  Committee  of  the  Church  U.  ,S.  A.,  sent  our  Committee  the 
following  paper: 

“We  do  not  find  in  this  proposition  any  elements  preferable  to 
the  proposed  amendments  to  the  Plan  of  Federal  Union  of  the 
Council  of  the  Presbyterian  and  Reformed  Churches.” 

In  response  to  the  first  paper  in  this  correspondence  with  the 
Committee -of  the  Church  U.  S.  A.,  the  following  paper  was  adopted: 

“Our  Committee  has  heard  the  communication  from  your  Com¬ 
mittee  through  Dr.  Stevenson.  We  feel  that  the  communication 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


1012 


[Book  VII 


does  not  indicate  that  we  are  near  enough  to  find  a  basis  for  agree¬ 
ment. 

“Our  Committee  has  already  adopted  at  a  previous  meeting  the 
following  resolution,  which  shows  the  basis  on  which  we  can  nego¬ 
tiate  further.  We  submit  it  to  you  to  see  whether,  in  view  of 
this,  you  are  ready  to  consider  the  discussion  further.” 

“  ‘That  this  Committee  is  prepared  to  consider  earnestly  and  fully 
any  form  of  Closer  Relations  that  will  safeguard  these  points,  viz. : 

1 .  The  autonomy  of  the  Churches. 

2.  The  system  of  doctrine  contained  in  the  Westminster  Con¬ 
fession  of  Faith  and  Catechisms. 

3.  The  protection  of  all  existing  property  rights. 

4.  The  complete  separation  of  Church  and  State. 

5.  Separate  Synods  and  Presbyteries  for  the  Colored  People.’  ” 

Dr.  Dobyns  asked  permission  to  record  his  vote  against  this  pa¬ 
per  as  not  being  a  “proper  answer  to  the  paper  of  Dr.  Stevenson, 
which  was  submitted  as  a  basis  of  discussion.” 

The  following  communication  came  back  from  the  Committee 
of  the  Church  U.  S.  A. : 

“Our  Committee  desires  to  have  you  define  clearly  what  you  mean 
by  ‘The  autonomy  of  the  Churches’.” 

Our  Committee  returned  the  following  answer: 

“In  response  to  your  inquiry,  we  beg  to  state  that  we  employ  the 
word  ‘autonomy’  in  the  sense  that  Presbyteries,-  Synods  and  Gen¬ 
eral  Synods  (or  Regional  Assemblies)  reserve  to  themselves  all 
powers  now  enjoyed  by  them,  except  in  so  far  as  those  powers  are 
expressly  delegated  to  the  proposed  Supreme  Assembly,  just  as  was 
done  by  the  thirteen  original  States  when  they  united  in  the  forma¬ 
tion  of  the  American  Republic.” 

The  Committee  of  the  Church  U.  S.  A.  returned  the  following 
paper : 

“Regarding  the  points  to  be  safeguarded  in  the  consideration  of 
Closer  Relations  our  Committee  believes  there  will  be  no  difficulty 
in  reaching  an  agreement  on  Nos.  2,  3,  4  and  5.  As  to  No.  1, 
concerning  which  you  have  sent  in  a  fuller  statement,  the  possi¬ 
bility  of  agreement  hangs  on  the  powers  to  be  granted  to  the  Su¬ 
preme  Assembly.  What  are  the  maximum  powers  which  you  would 
be  willing  to  grant  the  Supreme  Assembly?” 

The  following  reply  was  sent  by  our  Committee: 

“The  powers  mentioned  in  the  paper  ‘Proposed  Plan  of  Union’ 
sent  your  Committee  this  afternoon  are  the  powers  our  Committee 
regards  as  the  maximum  we  are  willing  to  grant  in  any  ‘Plan  of 
Union’.” 

Drs.  Whaling,  Campbell,  Ogden,  Thompson,  Hutton,  Brownlee 
and  Fraser  were  made  a  Sub-Committee  to  remain  over  after  ad¬ 
journment  to  continue  negotiations  with  the  Committee  of  the  Church 
U.  S.  A.  to  see  if  any  agreement  can  be  reached  as  to  powers  to  be 
granted  the  Supreme  Assembly. 

It  was  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  Sub-Committee  to  incorporate 


Sec.  1488]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1018 

in  this  report  whether  we  are  making  progress  toward  a  “Plan  of 
Regional  Assemblies,”  and  if  so,  ask  for  a  continuation  of  the 
negotiations. 

Second  Meeting  in  Washington. — The  Sub-Committee  appointed 
at  Louisville  met  in  Washington,  D.  C.,  April  21st,  and  decided 
to  recommend  to  the  Joint  Conference  the  further  strengthening  of 
the  “Plan  of  Federal  Union,”  already  adopted  by  the  Joint  Confer¬ 
ence,  by  adding  certain  amendments  taken  from  the  paper  on  Re¬ 
gional  Assemblies  offered  by  our  Committee.  The  Joint  Confer¬ 
ence  will  assemble  in  Richmond,  Va.,  May  12th  to  consider  these 
suggestions.  That  will  be  too  late  to  incorporate  the  results  in 
this  report,  which  the  Assembly  directed  the  Committee  to  place 
in  the  hands  of  the  Stated  Clerk  by  May  1st.  The  Committee  may, 
therefore,  ask  to  leave  to  present  a  supplementary  report  when  the 
Assembly  meets. 

It  is  to  be  regretted  that  the  final  conclusions  of  the  Committee 
are  so  delayed.  But  the  Assembly  will  doubtless  bear  in  mind 
that  the  Committee  could  not  be  completely  made  up  until  after 
the  last  Synodical  meetings,  which  were  held  November  18th.  The 
dates  for  meetings  had  to  be  so  fixed  as  to  secure  the  largest  possi¬ 
ble  attendance  by  members  of  large  Committees  representing  four 
Churches.  The  business  has  been  carried  forward  as  expeditiously 
as  the  gravity  of  the  subject  and  all  attending  circumstances  would 
allow. 

We  submit  herewith  the  Minutes  of  the  several  meetings  of  our 
Committee  and  of  the  Joint  Conference  and  also  copies  of  the  papers 
prepared  at  the  request  of  the  Committee  by  Drs.  Campbell,  Ogden 
and  Wells.  The  Chairman  will  also  forward  copies  of  this  report 
to  the  Stated  Clerks  of  those  bodies  which  did  not  participate  in  the 
Joint  Conference  by  reason  of  the  fact  that  they  had  no  Committees 
on  Closer  Relations. 

It  is  but  just  to  the  Assembly  and  also  to  the  members  of  this  Com¬ 
mittee  that  this  report  should  inform  the  Assembly  of  the  diligence  and 
spirit  manifested  by  the  Committee  in  the  discharge  of  the  responsible 
duties  imposed  upon  it.  At  none  of  the  three  meetings  of  the  Commit¬ 
tee  was  there  a  smaller  attendance  than  fourteen  out  of  the  seventeen 
members.  In  every  case  of  absence  a  satisfactory  reason  was  rendered 
which  was  fully  sustained  by  the  Committee.  Hundreds  of  miles  were 
travelled  and  many  days  consumed  in  order  to  reach  each  meeting. 
The  members  on  leaving  home,  as  a  rule,  made  arrangements  to  stay 
as  long  as  the  business  required.  Notwithstanding  the  wide  differences 
of  views  and  the  strong  feelings  with  which  those  views  were  held,  the 
discussions  were  conducted  with  the  utmost  courtesy  and  good  feeling. 
The  spirit  of  worship  and  of  a  desire  for  divine  leading  was  pro¬ 
nounced.  The  sessions  were  uniformly  opened  and  closed  with  prayer. 
At  the  first  meeting  of  all,  following  the  suggestion  of  the  Convener, 
all  the  members  in  succession  led  in  prayer.  It  was  at  all  times  the 
avowed  purpose  of  the  Committee,  as  well  as  its  actual  practice,  to  give 
every  member  every  opportunity  to  express  any  views  he  might  wish 


1014 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


to  express  and  at  any  length  he  might  choose,  whether  in  the  meetings 
of  our  Committee  or  in  those  of  the  Joint  Conference.  It  was  our 
object  to  have  every  phase  of  this  subject  of  Closer  Relations  given  the 
fullest  and  fairest  expression.  So  that  no  stone  was  left  unturned  to 
ascertain  what  is  the  best  policy  for  the  Church  to  adopt.  The  result 
is  this  report,  the  main  conclusions  of  which  are  presented  by  unani¬ 
mous/  action. 

The  Stated  Clerk  was  directed  to  notify  the  General  Assembly  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church,  U.  S.  A.,  of  this  action  of  our  Assembly 
on  Closer  Relations. 

That  part  of  the  report  which  relates  to  the  selection  of  a  com¬ 
mittee  to  formulate  the  plan  of  union  was  referred  to  the  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Foreign  Correspondence  to  report  a  plan. 

1920,  p.  61.  The  Assembly  heard  with  much  interest  and  pleasure 
the  address  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Joseph  A.  Vance,  touching  the  Plan  of 
Union  of  the  American  Council  on  Organic  Union  of  the  Churches  of 
Christ,  but  inasmuch  as  the  General  Assembly  had  approved  the  pro¬ 
posal  to  establish  a  United  Assembly,  it  was  deemed  inadvisable  at 
present  to  refer  the  Plan  of  Union  to  the  Presbyteries  for  considera¬ 
tion. 

1920,  p.  11.  Rev.  A.  M.  Fraser,  D.  D.,  reported  on  the  appoint¬ 
ment  of  certain  Ad-Interim  and  other  Committees.  The  report  was 
received  as  information.  The  action  of  the  Moderator  in  making 
these  appointments  was  approved.  The  report  is  as  follows: 

I  hereby  report  the  discharge  of  certain  ad-interim  duties  that 
devolved  upon  me  as  Moderator  of  the  last  Assembly: 

1.  The  Assembly  directed  me  (see  Minutes  of  Assembly,  page  48, 
paragraph  “Fourth”)  to  appoint  an  ad-interim  Committee  on  Closer 
Relations  with  “one  or  more  of  our  sister  Churches  of  like  faith 
and  order,”  this  Committee  to  be  composed  of  men  chosen  by  the 
several  Synods.  Having  been  officially  certified  of  the  election  of 
the  following  persons  by  their  respective  Synods,  I  appointed  them 
as  the  Assembly’s  Committee  on  Closer  Relations,  viz: 

Synod  Principal  Alternate 

Alabama  . Thornton  Whaling,  D.  ...R.  H.  McCaslin,  D.  D. 

Appalachia  . John  A.  Buchanan*  . R.  F.  Campbell,  D.  D. 

Arkansas  . 4 . John  Van  Lear,  D.  D . C.  H.  H.  Branch,  D.  D. 

Florida  . E.  D.  Brownlee  . 

Georgia  . Homer  McMillan,  D.  D.  ... 

Kentucky  . Dunbar  H.  Ogden,  D.  D...A.  J.  A.  Alexander* 

Louisiana  . George  Summey,  D.  D.  ...J.  F.  McKenzie 

Mississippi  . J.  B.  Hutton,  D.  D . 

Missouri  . W.  R.  Dobyns,  D.  D . C.  R.  Nisbet,  D.  D. 

North  Carolina  . J.  M.  Wells,  D.  D . 

Oklahoma  . Erskine  iBrantly,  D.  D.  ...W.  A.  Zeigler 

Snedecor  Memorial  I.  C.  H.  Champney,  D.  D. 

South  Carolina  .  W.  F.  Stevenson* 

Tennessee  . A.  B.  Curry,  D.  D . . 

Texas  . T.  A.  Wharton,  D.  D . Robert  Hill,  D.  D. 

Virginia  . A.  M.  Fraser,  D.  D . Russell  Cecil,  D.  D. 

West  Virginia  . Ernest  Thompson,  D.  D.. 


Secs.  1488-1489]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1015 


In  further  obedience  to  the  instructions  of  the  Assembly,  I  ap¬ 
pointed  the  Rev.  J.  M.  Wells,  D.  D.,  as  convener  of  the  Committee, 
Memphis,  Tennessee,  as  the  place  of  the  first  meeting,  and  11:30 
a.  m.,  January  21st,  1920,  as  the  time. 

1920,  p.  28.  The  report  of  the  Ad-Interim  Committee  on  Closer 
Relations,  was  taken  up.  The  final  report  of  the  Committee  is  as 
follows : 

The  Committee  on  Closer  Relations  begs  leave  to  submit  a  supple¬ 
mentary  report  as  follows: 

Subsequent  to  the  filing  of  our  report  with  the  Stated  Clerk  on 
May  1st,  as  required  by  the  action  of  the  last  Assembly,  another  joint 
conference  was  held  in  Richmond,  Va.,  May  12th,  at  which  the  Plan 
of  Union  contained  in  the  report  was  still  further  amended  in  ac¬ 
cordance  with  recommendation  made  by  a  joint  sub-committee  which 
had  been  appointed  at  the  Louisville  meeting  and  had  held  its  meet¬ 
ing  in  Washingon. 

We  herewith  submit  the  amended  Plan  of  Union  and  request  the 
Assembly  to  substitute  it  for  the  Plan  of  Union  contained  in  the 
report  previously  filed. 

The  Plan  of  Union  therewith  presented  was  adopted,  and  the  re¬ 
port  of  the  Committee  approved. 

1489.  Committee  Continued 

1921,  p.  11.  The  Ad  Interim  Committee  to  co-operate  with  Com¬ 
mittees  of  other  Presbyterian  bodies  in  the  formation  of  a  Consti¬ 
tution  of  the  United  Assembly  made  a  report  through  the  Chairman, 
Rev.  A.  M.  Fraser,  D.  D.  The  report  was  adopted  and  the  Com¬ 
mittee  was  given  another  year  in  which  to  give  further  consideration 
to  the  subject.  Rev.  Egbert  W.  Smith,  D.  D.,  was  substituted  for 
Mr.  A.  M.  Scales  on  this  Committee.  The  report  is  as  follows: 

The  Committee  to  co-operate  with  Committees  of  other  Presby¬ 
terian  and  Reformed  Bodies  in  framing  a  Constitution  for  a  United 
Assembly,  beg  leave  to  submit  the  following  substitute  for  the  report 
previously  filed  with  the  Stated  Clerk: 

Because  of  differences  of  opinion  in  the  Committee  with  regard 
to  the  Constitution  prepared  by  the  joint  action  of  the  Committees  of 
the  several  Churches,  a  copy  of  which  has  been  filed  with  the  Stated 
Clerk  along  with  our  previous  report,  your  Committee  has  held  sev¬ 
eral  meetings  in  St.  Louis  on  May  18th  and  19th,  with  a  view  to 
securing  uanimity.  After  prolonged  conferences,  the  following  action 
was  taken: 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  hereby  request  permission  of  the 
Assembly  to  withdraw  the  whole  report  heretofore  filed  with  the 
Stated  Clerk,  together  with  the  Constitution  filed  at  the  same 
time;  recommending  to  the  Assembly  postponement  of  action  on  the 
proposed  Constitution  for  a  year,  and  asking  for  authority  to  seek 
further  conferences  with  the  committees  of  the  other  participating 
Churches,  and  to  invite  constructive  suggestions  for  the  further 


1016 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


amendment  of  this  Constitution  to  the  end  that  obscure  passages 
may  be  made  more  clear  and  the  whole  document  brought  into  fuller 
accord  with  the  Plan  of  Union  adopted  by  the  Assembly  of  1920  as 
its  instructions  to  the  Committee  in  the  framing  of  the  Constitution. 

The  reasons  for  making  this  request  are  as  follows: 

1.  Inasmuch  as  the  General  Synods  of  two  of  the  participating 
Churches,  namely,  the  Reformed  Church  in  America  and  the  Re¬ 
formed  Church  in  the  United  States,  cannot  convene  for  two  years, 
no  time  will  be  lost  in  the  final  consummation  of  the  Union  by  this 
delay. 

2.  Subsequent  to  the  final  meeting  of  the  joint  conference  at  which 
the  Constitution  was  agreed  upon,  the  Committee  of  one  of  the  par¬ 
ticipating  Churches,  namely,  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States  of  America,  in  adopting  the  said  Constitution  did  so  with  an 
explanatory  resolution,  which  explanatory  resolution  is  itself  suscept¬ 
ible  of  different  interpretations,  showing  that  there  is  ambiguity  in 
the  Constitution  itself. 

3.  The  proposed  Constitution  has  been  made  public  so  recently  that 
there  has  not  been  sufficient  time  for  the  opinion  of  the  Church 
touching  its  meaning  and  value  to  crystallize. 

4.  It  is  of  vital  importance  to  the  success  of  the  proposed  Union 
that  there  should  be  as  much  unanimity  as  possible  within  each  of 
the  proposed  constituent  Churches,  and  we  apprehend  that  if  final 
action  is  taken  prematurely,  the  existing  divergence  of  views  within 
the  Committee  would  be  reflected  in  the  Assembly  and  the  Presby¬ 
teries,  and  the  granting  of  more  time  will  give  an  opportunity  for 
the  removal  of  differences  and  the  securing  of  substantial  support 
of  the  plan  of  our  Church. 

1922,  p.  23.  To  the  Moderator  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the 

Presbyterian  Church,  United  States  of  America,  Des  Moines,  Iowa. 

The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  ,S. 
extend  to  you  our  cordial  fraternal  greetings  and  pray  God’s  blsssing 
upon  you.  See  Colossians,  first  chapter,  third  and  fourth  verses. 

1922,  p.  32.  A  telegram  from  the  Presbyterian  Church  U.  S.  A. 
was  received  as  follows: 

May  23,  1922. 

The  one  hundred  and  thirty-fourth  General  Assembly  of  the  Pres¬ 
byterian  Church  U.  S.  A.  sends  cordial  greetings.  We  rejoice  with 
you  in  the  fruits  of  your  labors  and  the  great  achievements  of  the 
past  year  in  the  true  spirit  of  co-operation.  We  are  ready  and 
anxious  to  labor  with  you  in  America  and  the  world.  May  the 
blessing  of  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church  be  upon  you. 

1922,  p.  24.  The  report  of  the  Committee  on  Closer  Relations. 
The  majority  and  minority  reports,  together  with  the  Constitution 
and  By-Laws,  were  presented.  (See  Appendix,  page  172.)  May 
20,  1922. 

A  substitute  for  the  majority  and  minority  reports  was  presented 
by  Ruling  Elder  Geo.  E.  Price,  which  was  adopted,  and  is  as  follows : 


Sec.  1489]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1017 

SUBSTITUTE  OFFERED  BY  RULING  ELDER 

GEORGE  E.  PRICE 

Resolved ,  That  this  Assembly  approves  and  adopts  the  Constitu¬ 
tion  of  the  Presbyterian  and  Reformed  Churches  in  America  con¬ 
tained  in  the  paper  marked  Exhibit  B,  filed  at  this  meeting  with  the 
report  of  the  Committee  to  which  this  matter  was  referred  by  the 
last  Assembly,  the  same  to  become  operative  and  effective,  however, 
only  when  it  shall  have  been  approved  and  adopted  by  the  Presby¬ 
terian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America  and  at  least  one  of 
the  other  Churches  in  this  country  holding  the  Reformed  Presby¬ 
terian  faith. 

Resolved,  further,  That  the  Moderator  notify  the  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.  A.,  now  in  session  at  Des  Moines, 
Iowa,  of  this  action,  and  also  communicate  it  to  the  other  Presby¬ 
terian  bodies  of  the  country  in  such  manner  as  he  may  deem  most 
appropriate. 

The  Constitution  and  By-Laws  appear  in  the  Appendix  (Exhibit 
B,  page  180). 

1922,  p.  25.  The  following  telegram  was  received  from  the 
Presbyterian  Church  U.  S.  A.,  which  was  referred  to  the  Standing 
Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence: 

Message  regarding  Constitution  of  Presbyterian  Reformed 
Churches  received.  Is  the  Constitution  referred  to  as  paper  B  the 
one  which  was  prepared  by  joint  committees  and  referred  back  to 
committees  for  further  consideration  by  both  Assemblies  a  year  ago? 
Please  wire  immediate  reply,  for  consideration  early  Monday  morn¬ 
ing. 

1922,  p.  26.  The  Standing  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence 
made  the  following  partial  report  on  the  telegram  from  the  Presby¬ 
terian  Church  U.  S.  A. 

Your  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence  would  recommend 
that  the  following  reply  be  sent  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  U.  S.  A. : 

The  Constitution  referred  to  as  paper  B  is  the  Constitution  pre¬ 
pared  by  the  joint  committees,  with  amendments  proposed  by  the 
Southern  Committee  at  the  Richmond  joint  conference,  the  Assembly 
being  willing  for  further  discussion  of  said  amendments  by  joint 
committees,  and  results  to  be  reported  to  the  next  Assemblies. 

EXHIBIT  “B” 

(Submitted  to  the  General  Assembly  of  1922  by  the  Committee  on 

Closer  Relations.) 

Preamble 

The  Presbyterian  and  Reformed  Churches  in  the  United  States  of 
America,  to  wit:  The  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.  A.,  The 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.,  The  Reformed  Church  in  the  U.  S., 


1018 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VIL 


The  Reformed  Church  in  America,  and  The  United  Presbyterian 
Church,  desiring  to  give  expression  to  their  unity  of  spirit,  their  kin¬ 
ship  of  faith  and  order  and  their  common  purpose  to  further  the 
Redemptive  work  of  Christ  in  the  world,  do  hereby  associate  them¬ 
selves  in  one  body  to  be  known  as  THE  PRESBYTERIAN  RE- 
FORMED  CHURCHES  IN  AMERICA. 

Article  I.  The  Basis  of  Union 
Section  1 — Doctrine 

The  Presbyterian  Reformed  Churches  in  America  accept  the  Scrip¬ 
tures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments  as  the  inspired  Word  of  God 
and  the  only  infallible  rule  of  faith  and  practice.  They  recognize 
that  the  doctrinal  standards  of  the  constituent  Churches  are  in  essen¬ 
tial  agreement  and  are  different  expressions  of  one  and  the  same 
system  of  doctrine. 

Section  2 — Worship  and  Government 

Each  constituent  Church  retains  its  autonomy  in  creed,  government 
and  worship,  and  every  power,  jurisdiction  and  right  not  in  this 
Constitution  expressly  delegated  to  the  United  Assembly. 

Article  II.  The  United  Assembly 

Section  1 — The  Assembly  and  the  Constituent  Churches 

The  Presbyterian  Reformed  Churches  in  America  shall  act  through 
an  assembly  which  shall  be  known  as  the  United  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Reformed  Churches  in  America. 

This  Assembly  shall  represent  in  one  body  all  the  constituent 
Churches,  and  shall  constitute  a  bond  of  union,  peace  and  corre¬ 
spondence  among  all  the  congregations  and  jurisdicatories  of  the  con¬ 
stituent  Churches.  It  shall  be  the  declarative,  administrative  and 
judicial  agency  of  the  United  body,  but  shall  exercise  only  the  power 
delegated  to  it  in  this  Constitution. 


Section  2 — Membership 

The  United  Assembly  shall  consist  of  eight  representatives  from 
each  of  the  constituent  Churches  for  each  100,000  communicants  or 
fraction  thereof,  up  to  300,000,  and  when  a  Church  has  more  than 
300,000  communicants,  then  four  representatives  for  each  additional 
100,000  communicants  or  major  fraction  thereof.  The  basis  but 
not  the  ratio  of  representation  may  be  changed  by  the  United  Assem¬ 
bly.  These  representatives  shall  be  an  equal  number  of  ministers  and 
elders,  and  shall  be  chosen,  with  their  alternates,  under  the  direction 
of  their  respective  Churches  in  such  manner  as  these  Churches  shall 
determine. 


Sec.  1489]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1019 

Section  3 — Officers 

The  officers  of  the  United  Assembly  shall  be  a  Moderator,  Vice 
Moderator,  Stated  Clerk,  Treasurer,  and  such  other  officers  as  may 
be  necessary.  The  United  Assembly  may  also  appoint  and  define 
the  authority  of  an  Executive  Committee,  on  which  all  of  the  con¬ 
stituent  Churches  shall  be  represented,  to  act  in  the  intervals  be¬ 
tween  meetings  of  the  United  Assembly,  and  all  of  its  acts  shall  be 
subject  to  review  by  the  United  Assembly. 

Section  4 — Time  of  Meeting 

The  United  Assembly  shall  meet  in  regular  session  at  least  bien¬ 
nially,  and  in  special  sessions  at  such  times  and  places  as  may  be 
determined.  Adjourned  meetings  may  be  held  at  the  pleasure  of 
the  United  Assembly.  Special  meetings  shall  be  called  by  the 
Moderator  on  the  written  request  of  eighteen  members  representing 
at  least  two-  thirds  of  the  constituent  Churches,  or  on  the  request  of 
the  supreme  juridicatory  of  any  constituent  Church.  The  Modera¬ 
tor  shall  designate  the  time  and  place  of  special  meetings,  giving  at 
least  fourteen  days’  notice  thereof.  No  business  shall  be  transacted 
at  special  meetings  other  than  specified  in  the  call. 

Section  5 — Quorum 

A  quorum  shall  consist  of  one-fourth  of  the  membership,  one- 
fourth  of  which  shall  be  elders. 

Section  6 — Expenses 

Thei  incidental  expenses  of  the  United  Assembly  shall  be  met  by  a 
fund  to  be  provided  by  a  pro  rata  apportionment  on  the  basis  of  the 
representation  of  each  Church  in  the  union.  The  expenses  of  the 
representatives  shall  be  paid  by  their  respective  Churches.  All  the 
expenses  involved  in  the  settlement  of  any  question  between  constituent 
Churches  shall  be  borne  equally  by  the  Churches  concerned. 

Section  7 — Unit  Vote 

When  two  members  of  any  two  constituent  Churches  at  a  meeting 
of  the  United  Assembly  request  a  unit  vote  by  the  constituent  Churches 
upon  a  pending  motion,  the  vote  shall  be  so  taken,  each  Church 
being  entitled  to  one  vote. 

Section  8 — Standing  Rides 

The  United  Assembly  shall  have  power  to  make  such  standing 
rules  as  shall  be  deemed  necessary  for  the  conduct  of  its  business. 


1020 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


Article  III.  Powers  or  the  United  Assembly 
Section  1 — Unifying  Powers 

The  United  Assembly  shall  have  power  of  supervision  and  direc¬ 
tion  within  the  limits  set  by  this  Constitution  over  all  forms  of 
Christian  activity  that  are  common  to  two  or  more  of  the  constituent 
Churches,  to  wit: 

(a)  To  receive  other  Churches  into  the  united  body; 

(b)  To  correspond  with  other  Churches; 

(c)  To  harmonize  and  unify  the  work  of  the  missionary,  educa¬ 
tional  and  benevolent  agencies  of  the  constituent  Churches; 

(d)  To  advise,  encourage  and  foster  the  consolidation  by  con¬ 
stituent  Churches  of  their  work  within  the  bounds  of  Synods,  Pres¬ 
byteries  or  Classes  occupying  common  territory,  whenever  in  the 
judgment  of  the  United  Assembly  such  consolidation  would  con¬ 
tribute  to  greater  harmony,  efficiency  and  economy  in  the  work  as  a 
whole.  When  such  consolidation  is  not  feasible,  the  United  Assem¬ 
bly  may  propose  to  constituent  Churches  thus  occupying  territory  in 
common,  definite  plans  of  co-operation  in  said  territory.  Plans  thus 
proposed  shall  be  put  into  effect  only  when  accepted  by  the  proper 
judicatories  of  the  Churches  involved. 

Section  2 — Declarative  Powers 

(a)  The  United  Assembly  may  from  time  to  time  prepare  such 
deliverances  as  will  promote  charity,  truth  and  holiness,  and  serve 
to  advance  the  interests  of  the  Kingdom  of  God. 

(b)  The  United  Assembly,  having  received  and  considered  rec¬ 
ords  and  reports  from  the  constituent  Churches,  may  make  such 
deliverances  upon  them  as  will  promote  the  Kingdom  of  God.  These 
deliverances  shall  be  submitted  to  the  supreme  judicatories  of  the 
constituent  Churches  for  their  consideration  and  action. 

Section  3 — Administrative  Powers 

(a)  *The  United  Assembly  shall  have  power  to  create  and 
superintend  agencies  for  such  work  in  Foreign  Missions,  Home 
Missions,  Education,  Publication,  Ministerial  Relief,  the  Evangel¬ 
ization  of  the  Negro,  Stewardship,  and  other  missionary,  educational 
and  benevolent  causes  as  may  be  committed  to  it,  to  wit: 

To  the  agency  for  Foreign  Missions  shall  be  committed  all  mis¬ 
sion  work  on  the  Continent  of  Europe  and  in  the  Countries  in  Amer¬ 
ica  south  of  the  United  States. 

To  the  Agency  for  Home  Missions  shall  be  committed  all  mis- 

*The  word  “such”  has  been  substituted  for  “its”  in  the  former 
draft  of  the  Constitution,  and  the  passage  beginning  with  the  word's, 
“as  may  be  committed,  etc.,”  and  ending  with  the  words,  “educational 
work  among  foreign  speaking  peoples,”  added  to  the  paragraph. 


.Sec.  1489] 


Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies 


1021 


sion  work  among  the  negroes  and  foreign  speaking  peoples  in  the 
United  States. 

To  the  Agency  for  Publication  shall  be  committed  all  publication 
work  of  the  Churches  entering  said  Union,  excepting  the  Sunday 
School  publications. 

To  the  Agency  for  Education  shall  be  committed  all  educational 
work  among  foreign  speaking  peoples. 

(b)  fThe  details  of  the  organization  of  the  administrative  agen¬ 
cies  shall  be  determined  by  the  United  Assembly.  Each  constituent 
Church  shall  always  be  represented  on  each  administrative  agency. 
Representation  on  such  agency  shall  be  based  either  on  member¬ 
ship  or  gifts,  as  the  United  Assembly  shall  determine.  These  rep¬ 
resentatives  shall  be  nominated  by  the  respective  Churches  and  shall 
be  elected  by  the  United  Assembly. 

(c)  The  United  Assembly,  through  its  administrative  agencies, 
shall  study  the  fields  and  operations  of  the  various  missionary,  ed¬ 
ucational  and  benevolent  agencies  and  shall  recommend  to  the  con¬ 
stituent  Churches  methods  of  unifying  their  common  work  in  the 
interest  of  greater  harmony  and  efficiency. 

(d)  The  United  Assembly  shall  have  authority  to  propose  any 
other  action  in  reference  to  the  administrative  work  of  the  Churches, 
but  such  action  shall  become  binding  only  when  adopted  in  the  reg¬ 
ular  way  by  each  of  the  constituent  Churches.  Likewise,  each  of 
the  constituent  Churches  may  propose  action  to  the  United  Assem¬ 
bly  and  if  it  is  adopted  by  a  two-thirds  vote,  according  to  the  unit 
rule,  it  shall  be  referred  to  the  supreme  judicatories  for  final  dis¬ 
position.  If  it  is  adopted  by  all  the  constituent  Churches  it  shall 
become  a  rule  of  the  Presbyterian  Reformed  Churches  in  America. 

(e)  The  General  Assemblies  or  General  Synods  of  the  constit¬ 
uent  Churches  shall  send  their  records  for  information,  and  shall 
report  to  the  United  Assembly  on  all  administrative  matters,  and 
the  United  Assembly  shall  receive  and  consider  said  records  and 
reports. 

Section  4 — Judicial  Powers 

(a)  The  United  Assembly  shall  exercise  such  judicial  power 
as  to  doctrine  and  order  as  may  be  necessary  in  the  conduct  of  its 
work  and  in  the  discharge  of  the  administrative  and  judicial  func¬ 
tions  conferred  upon  it  in  this  Constitution.  It  shall  not  have 
power  to  impose  symbols  of  faith  or  forms  of  worship  upon  any  of 
the  constituent  Churches,  and  it  shall  have  no  jurisdiction  in  cases 
of  heresy  or  immorality  arising  in  any  of  the  constituent  Churches. 

-j-This  paragraph  as  it  appears  in  the  former  draft  of  the  Con¬ 
stitution  is  as  follows: 

(b)  The  organization  of  the  administrative  agencies  shall  be 
determined  by  the  United  Assembly,  provided  always  that  each  con¬ 
stituent  Church  shall  be  represented  in  each  administrative  agency. 
These  representatives  shall  be  nominated  by  the  respective  Churches 
or  by  their  boards  or  agencies  as  the  Churches  may  determine,  and 
shall  be  elected  by  the  United  Assembly. 


1022 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


Nor  shall  it  have  any  jurisdiction  or  power  to  determine,  in  the 
event  of  any  schism  or  division  within  any  one  of  the  constituent 
Churches,  the  question  which  of  the  contending  or  divided  parties 
in  such  Church  constitutes  the  Church  or  denomination  legally  en¬ 
titled  to  the  rights  and  property  involved  in  such  controversy.  Nor 
shall  the  United  Assembly  in  any  case  be  deemed  to  be  the  supreme 
judicatory  of  any  separate  constituent  Church. 

(b)  *Whenever  an  issue  on  a  question  of  comity  arises  between 
two  of  the  constituent  Churches,  the  question  in  issue  shall  be  sub¬ 
mitted  to  the  United  Assembly,  and  determined  according  to  the 
following  rules  of  Comity,  which  were  formulated  by  “The  Coun¬ 
cil  of  Reformed  Churches”  and  approved  by  each  constituent  Church,, 
and  which  may  be  amended  by  the  United  Assembly: 

“1.  Where  Presbyteries  or  Classes  belonging  to  the  General  Assem¬ 
blies  or  General  Synods  cover  the  same  ground,  they  are  advised  to* 
endeavor,  either  as  Presbyteries  or  Classes  or  through  their  Com¬ 
mittees,  to  agree,  as  brethren,  to  have  the  efforts  of  one  Church  ex¬ 
pended  in  certain  fields,  and  the  efforts  of  other  Churches  expended 
in  certain  other  fields,  within  their  common  bounds,  so  as  to  prevent 
hurtful  rivalry  or  antagonism. 

“2.  Where  there  are  weak  churches  which,  standing  each  alone,, 
cannot  support  a  minister,  but  which  can  be  grouped  with  churches 
connected  with  some  other  Assembly  or  Synod  so  as  to  form  one 
ministerial  charge,  the  Presbyteries  or  Classes  having  jurisdiction, 
are  advised  to  allow  such  churches  to  be  grouped  under  a  minister 
from  either  body,  to  whom  their  respective  Presbyteries  or  Classes 
are  willing  to  give  them  in  charge,  the  contributions  of  such  churches 
to  the  general  benevolent  funds  to  pass  through  the  channel  appointed 
by  their  respective  Assemblies  or  Synods. 

“3.  In  towns  of  less  than  5,000  inhabitants,  where  any  Church 
is  already  at  work,  the  others  shall  not  enter  without  conference  and 
agreement  with  the  Church  occupying  the  field. 

“4.  In  a  community  where  any  one  of  the  constituent  Churches 
has  a  church,  and  the  community  is  not  capable  of  supporting  more 
than  one  church  of  the  Reformed  faith,  the  people  of  the  community 


*This  paragraph  as  it  appears  in  the  former  draft  of  the  Con¬ 
stitution  is  as  follows: 

(b)  The  United  Assembly  shall  have  power  to  formulate  rules 
of  comity  to  govern  the  relations  between  Synods,  Presbyteries  or 
Classes  wherever  their  jurisdiction  covers  the  same  territory,  and  to 
recommend  them  to  the  constituent  Church  for  adoption.  Whenever 
an  issue  on  a  question  of  comity  arises  between  two  of  the  constituent 
Churches,  which  have  adopted  the  comity  rules  proposed  by  the 
United  Assembly,  the  question  in  issue  shall  be  sbmitted  to  the  United 
Assembly,  whose  decision  shall  be  final  and  shall  be  put  into  effect 
through  the  courts  of  the  constituent  Churches. 


Sec.  1489]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1023 

should  be  encouraged  to  connect  themselves  with  the  existing  church, 
with  the  understanding  that  a  fair  exchange  will  be  encouraged  in 
other  communities. 

“5.  That  the  supreme  judicatories  of  the  several  Churches  rec¬ 
ommend  their  church  members,  when  moving  into  new  communi¬ 
ties  in  which  there  are  no  congregations  of  their  own  Church,  to 
unite,  for  the  time  being,  with  some  other  Presbyterian  or  Reformed 
Church,  if  such  there  be. 

“6.  That  the  Synods  are  hereby  directed  each  to  appoint  three 
representatives  to  unite  with  representatives  of  other  Presbyterian 
and  Reformed  bodies  in  constituting  a  Joint  Advisory  Committee 
of  Comity,  for  the  purpose  of  effecting  a  fair  exchange  of  churches, 
to  discourage  overlapping  of  Home  Mission  forces,  to  settle  cases 
of  friction  and  promote  other  phases  of  co-operation  in  Home  Mis¬ 
sion  work,  the  Joint  Advisory  Committee  to  report  to  each  of  the 
appointing  Synods. 

“7.  That  in  any  city  of  less  than  100,000,  where  any  Presby¬ 
terian  or  Reformed  Church  is  at  work  among  foreign  people,  no 
other  Presbyterian  or  Reformed  Church  shall  open  a  work  for  the 
same  people  in  that  city,  until  other  cities  and  towns  where  such 
work  is  needed  have  been  occupied. 

“8.  That  in  case  of  any  denomination  contemplating  opening 
work  for  foreigners  in  such  cities  already  occupied  by  one  of  the 
constituent  Churches  of  this  Council,  this  matter  shall  be  referred 
to  the  committees  of  Comity  provided  for  in  No.  6  of  this  report.” 

The  decision  of  the  United  Assembly  shall  be  final  and  shall  be 
put  into  effect  through  the  courts  of  the  constituent  Churches. 

(c)  The  United  Assembly  shall  have  power  to  deal  with  any 
other  matters  of  interest  common  to  any  two  or  more  of  the  con¬ 
stituent  Churches,  which  may  be  referred  to  it  by  the  supreme  ju¬ 
dicatories  of  the  Churches  concerned,  with  such  authority  in  the 
premises  and  under  such  conditions  as  may  be  agreed  upon  by  the 
Churches  which  make  the  reference. 

Article  IV.  Property  Rights  and  Control 

(a)  In  thus  associating  themselves  in  one  body  the  constituent 
Churches  mutually  covenant  that  each  retains,  as  against  all  the 
other  constituent  Churches  and  the  United  Assembly,  the  control 
by  its  own  supreme  governing  body  of  the  use  of  the  property  be¬ 
longing  to  it,  or  to  its  subordinate  judicatories,  congregations,  in¬ 
stitutions,  committees,  or  administrative  agencies  which  is  now 
vested  in  it  by  the  civil  law  as  well  as  by  the  law  of  such  con¬ 
stituent  Church. 

(b)  The  United  Assembly  shall  be  incorporated  and  shall,  as 
against  the  constituent  Churches  or  their  several  supreme  govern¬ 
ing  bodies,  control  the  use  of  all  property  belonging  to  it  or  pos¬ 
sessed  by  any  of  the  agencies  created  and  superintended  by  it. 


1024 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


(c)  fBut  the  constituent  Churches  and  their  subordinate  judica¬ 
tories,  boards,  institutions,  congregations,  committees,  or  other  agen¬ 
cies,  retain  their  funds  and  other  properties  and  every  property 
right  now  possessed  or  enjoyed  by  them  or  any  of  them  unimpaired 
by  the  adoption  of  this  Constitution  of  the  Presbyterian  Reformed 
Churches  in  America  by  such  constituent  Churches.  And  unless 
and  until,  by  consent  of  the  constituent  Churches,  any  of  their  ex¬ 
isting  incorporated  boards  or  committees  are  legally  consolidated 
and  transferred  to  the  possession,  control  and  superintendence  of  the 
United  Assembly,  it  shall  have  no  power  over  such  boards  or  com¬ 
mittees  or  their  properties,  except  as  hereinabove  specifically  dele¬ 
gated. 

Article  V.  Admissions  and  Withdrawals 
Section  1 — Admissions 

The  United  Assembly  may  receive  into  membership  by  a  two- 
thirds  vote  of  the  constituent  Churches,  according  to  the  unit  rule,, 
any  other  Church  conforming  to  the  docrine  and  order  of  the  Pres¬ 
byterian  Reformed  Churches  in  America,  and  accepting  this  Con¬ 
stitution. 

Section  2 — Withdrawals 

A  Church  may  withdraw  from  the  Presbyterian  Reformed. 
Churches  in  America,  provided  it  gives  to  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the 
United  Assembly  due  notice  of  its  intention,  at  least  a  year  in  ad¬ 
vance,  and  observes  the  same  constitutional  steps  in  its  withdrawal 
as  it  followed  in  its  entrance  into  the  union.  Provided,  however, 
that  any  of  its  Presbyteries  or  Classes  which  have  been  formed  by 
the  consolidation  of  two  or  more  Presbyteries  or  Classes  of  the  dif¬ 
ferent  constituent  Churches,  or  by  transfer  from  another  Church,  shall 
have  the  right  to  determine  by  a  vote  of  a  majority  of  its  members 
present  at  a  regular  meeting,  or  a  special  meeting  called  for  the  pur¬ 
pose,  whether  it  shall  continue  with  the  Church  that  withdraws  or 
be  dismissed  to  one  or  another  of  the  constituent  Churches.  Con¬ 
solidated  Synods  shall  have  similar  rights,  to  be  exercised  in  ac¬ 
cordance  with  the  constitutions  of  their  respective  Churches. 


fThis  paragraph  as  it  appears  in  the  former  draft  of  the  Con¬ 
stitution  is  as  follows: 

(c)  But  the  constituent  Churches  and  their  subordinate  judica¬ 
tories,  boards,  institutions',  congregations,  conYhiittees,  or  other  agen¬ 
cies,  retain  their  funds  and  other  properties  and  every  property  right 
now  possessed  or  enjoyed  by  them  or  any  of  them  unimpaired  by  the 
adoption  of  this  Constitution  of  the  Presbyterian  Reformed  Churches: 
in  America  by  such  constituent  Churches.  And  unless  and  until,  by 
consent  of  the  supreme  governing  bodies  of  the  constituent  Churches,, 
any  of  their  existing  incorporated  boards  or  committees  are  legally 
conolidated  and  transferred  to  the  possession,  control  and  superin¬ 
tendence  of  the  United  Assembly,  it  shall  have  no  power  over  such 
boards  or  committees  or  their  properties,  except  as  hereinabove  speci¬ 
fically  delegated. 


Sec.  1489] 


Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies 


1025: 


Article  VI.  Amendments 

*  Amendments  to  the  Constitution,  after  approval  by  the  United  As- 
sembly,  shall  be  submitted  to  the  supreme  judicatories  of  the  con¬ 
stituent  Churches.  Such  amendment  shall  become  effective  upon  the-, 
approval  of  all  of  the  supreme  judicatories,  provided  such  approval 
has  been  secured  pursuant  to  the  constitution  and  form  of  government 
of  each  constituent  Church. 

1922,  p.  31.  The  following  communication  from  the  Presbyterian: 
Church  U.  S.  A.  was  referred  to  the  Standing  Committee  on  Foreign 
Correspondence : 

The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  U.  S.  A. 
acknowledges  the  communication  from  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  U.  S.  regarding  the  adoption  of  the  Constitution 
for  a  United  Assembly  of  Presbyterian  and  Reformed  Churches,  to  be 
operative  and  effective  when  approved  by  the  Assembly  of  the  Presby¬ 
terian  Church  U.  S.  A.  and  at  least  one  other  Church  in  the  country 
holding  the  Presbyterian  and  Reformed  Faith. 

We  reaffirm  our  willingness  to  take  any  steps  in  the  direction  of  the 
actual  union  of  Presbyterian  and  Reformed  Churches.  In  our  judg¬ 
ment,  however,  this  proposed  Constitution  secures  no  closer  union  than- 
is  already  made  possible  by  the  Constitution  of  the  General  Council 
of  the  Refonned  Churches  already  adopted  by  the  majority  of  the 
Presbyterian  and  Reformed  Churches  and  now  in  operation.  We  there¬ 
fore  believe  that  for  the  present  we  should  endeavor  to  promote  that 
co-operation  already  made  possible  through  the  Council  of  the  Re¬ 
formed  Churches  and  its  amended  articles  of  agreement  until  such 
time  as  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  the  U.  S.  is  willing  to  proceed 
further  and  adopt  measures  which  will  secure  actual  organic  union. 

1922,  p.  34.  In  reply  to  the  Assembly  of  the  U.  S.  A.  touching 
the  closer  relation  question,  we  recommend  that  the  following  message 
be  sent: 

The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  ,S.  A., 
having  expressed  a  preference  for  the  General  Council  of  the  Re¬ 
formed  Churches  in  America  over  the  Constitution  of  the  Presbyterian 
Reformed  Churches,  which  has  been  the  subject  of  discussion  between 
us  for  several  years  past,  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  U.  S.  accepts  that  decision.  We  renew  our  expression 
of  most  cordial  admiration  and  affection  for  your  venerable  Church. 


*This  article  as  it  appears  in  the  former  draft  of  the  Constitution 
is  as  follows: 

Amendments  to  the  Constitution,  after  approval  by  the  United  As¬ 
sembly,  shall  be  submitted  to  the  supreme  judicatories  of  the  con¬ 
stituent  Churches.  Such  amendments  shall  become  effective  upon  the 
approval  of  three-fourths  of  the  supreme  judicatories,  provided  such 
approval  ha&  been  secured  pursuant  to  the  constitution  and  form  of 
government  of  each  constituent  Church,  and  provided  further,  that  in 
case  there  shall  not  be  unanimous  action  thereon  by  the  constituent 
Churches,  such  amendment  shall  not  become  effective  until  the  re¬ 
gular  meeting  of  the  United  Assembly  following  that  meeting  which 
canvassed  the  vote. 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


1026 


[Book  VII 


We  thank  God  for  the  great  work  yon  have  done,  are  doing,  and  are 
destined  to  do. 

1922,  p.  77.  Overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  of  Transylvania, 
North  Alabama,  and  Upper  Missouri,  asking  the  Assembly  to  appoint 
committees  on  various  forms  of  closer  relations  with  the  Presbyterian 
Church  U.  S.  A.  and  other  Presbyterian  bodies. 

Your  Committee  recommends  that  these  overtures  be  answered  in 
the  negative,  in  view  of  the  action  of  this  Assembly  on  the  matter  of 
closer  relations  already  taken. 


1490.  Correspondence  with  Presbyterian  Church,  U.  S.  A. 

1921,  p.  24.  The  Standing  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence 
made  the  following  partial  report: 

That  the  following  message  be  sent  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.  A.,  in  session  at  Winona  Lake, 
Indiana : 

The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S. 
extends  to  you  our  warm  fraternal  greetings  and  invokes  God’s  bless¬ 
ing  on  you  in  all  your  deliberations.  I  Thess.  1:2. 

1921,  p.  25.  The  overture  of  Rev.  Dunbar  H.  Ogden  and  Rev. 
Wm.  R.  Dobyns,  concerning  conference  with  other  Presbyterian  and 
Reformed  Churches,  relative  to  the  union  of  these  bodies  on  the  basis 
of  Regional  Assemblies  or  General  Synods,  was  referred  to  the  Assem¬ 
bly’s  Ad  Interim  Committee  to  co-operate  with  the  other  constituent 
bodies  in  the  formation  of  the  constitution  of  a  United  Federal 
Assembly. 

1921,  p.  27.  The  following  telegram  from  the  General  Assembly 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  the  United  States  of  America  was  read 
and  referred  to  the  Standing  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence: 

Greetings.  The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
U.  S.  A.,  in  session  at  Winona  Lake,  Indiana,  has  taken  the  following 
action  regarding  the  proposed  United  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
and  Reformed  Churches: 

1.  The  Assembly  refers  back  to  its  Committee  on  Church  Co-oper¬ 
ation  and  Union  the  proposed  constitution  for  a  United  Assembly  of 
the  Presbyterian  and  Reformed  Churches  with  instructions  to  the  effect 
that,  while  willing  to  approve  any  measures  which  will  promote  closer 
relation  with  the  Presbyterian  and  Reformed  Churches,  it  is  united 
and  earnest  in  the  desire  for  an  actual  union  of  the  Churches  of  the 
Reformed  Faith  and  Order. 

2.  The  Assembly  instructs  the  Moderator  and  Stated  Clerk  to 
send  a  message  to  the  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States  now  in  session  at  St.  Louis,  expressing  the  desire  of 
th  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America  for  the 
real  union  of  the  Presbyterian  and  Reformed  Churches  and  the  hope 
that  the  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States 
may  take  such  action  as  will  not  only  promote  closer  relation,  but 
secure  the  reunion  of  our  two  kindred  bodies. 


Secs.  1489-1490]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1027 


1921,  p.  33.  We  recommend  the  following  response  to  the  tele¬ 
gram  of  the  General  Assembly  in  the  U.  S.  A.,  on  the  subject  of 
closer  relations: 

The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States,  in  session  at  St  Louis,  has  continued  its  Committee  on  Co¬ 
operation  and  Union,  with  enlarged  powers,  postponing  action  on  its 
report  for  another  year,  and  giving  it  authority  for  further  conference. 

Reciprocating  the  sentiments  of  fraternal  regard  implied  in  your 
telegram  and  assuring  you  of  our  confidence  and  Christian  love,  we 
deem  it  inexpedient  at  this  time  to  take  any  further  action,  but  we 
have  referred  your  telegrams,  together  with  other  proposals  on  the 
subject  of  closer  relations,  to  our  Ad  Interim  Committee. 

1921,  p.  59.  The  following  communication  was  received  from  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.  A.  It 
was  referred  to  the  Standing  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence: 

Please  accept  cordial  greetings  from  the  one  hundred  and 
thirty-third  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  U.  S.  A. 
Acknowledgment  is  hereby  made  to  your  telegram  concerning  failure 
of  our  Church  to  make  response  to  messages  sent  our  previous 
Assemblies.  We  beg  your  pardon  for  this  seeming  discourtesy. 
Through  remissness,  for  some  unaccountable  reason,'  the  messages 
never  reached  our  Assemblies. 

In  answer  to  criticisms  of  our  actions  concerning  specific  violations 
of  comity  agreement,  we  beg  to  say  no  change  in  the  meaning  of  the 
identical  note  was  made,  but  in  view  of  wrong  interpretations  in  the 
public  press,  in  certain  localities,  which  seemed  to  work  injustice  to 
certain,  parties  involved,  and  only  with  sincere  desire  that  it  be  inter¬ 
preted  and  understood  in  harmony  with  its  purpose  and  intent,  the  note 
of  explanation  was  added  by  the  Commission  and  adopted  by  the 
Assembly.  We  exceedingly  regret  that  misunderstanding  should 
arise  from  any  source,  and  would  assure  you  of  our  sincere  desire 
to  maintain  the  most  cordial  relations  with  you,  our  brethren.  More¬ 
over,  we  would  reassure  you  of  our  disposition  to  confer  in  the  most 
frank  and  fraternal  spirit  concerning  all  matters  that  may  yet  arise 
involving  our  mutual  interests. 

1921,  p.  62.  The  Standing  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspon¬ 
dence  made  the  following  supplemental  report,  which  was  adopted: 

Your  Committee  recommends  that,  in  response  to  the  message  from 
the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  U.  ,S.  A.,  concern¬ 
ing  matters  of  comity,  the  following  message  be  sent: 

We  acknowledge  receipt  of  your  telegram  concerning  certain  mat¬ 
ters  of  comity  between  your  Church  and  ours  in  Louisiana,  Arkansas 
and  Texas.  Your  message  having  been  received  on  the  eve  of  our 
adjournment,  we  have  appointed  Rev.  R.  F.  Campbell,  Rev.  Russell 
Cecil,  Rev.  A.  B.  Curry,  Hon.  W.  F.  Stevenson  an  Ad  Interim  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Comity,  authorized  to  confer  with  any  Committee  appointed 
by  your  Assembly  on  this  matter  or  any  similar  matters  that  may 
arise  between  our  two  bodies,  and  to  report  to  our  next  General  As¬ 
sembly. 


1028 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


1491.  Amending  the  provisions  of  the  Constitution  as  to  the  powers 
of  the  Assembly  to  establish  union ,  correspondence,  etc. 

1883,  pp.  40,  54.  The  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  pre¬ 
sented  a  report  on  the  following  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Mecklenburg : 

“In  view  of  the  uncertainty  and  ambiguity  of  our  present  law 
upon  the  subject  of  the  power  of  the  Assembly  in  settling  the  terms 
of  correspondence,  co-operation  and  organic  union  with  other  churches, 
the  Assembly  is  asked  to  send  down  to  the  Presbyteries  an  amend¬ 
ment  to  the  Constitution  which  shall  prohibit  the  Assembly  from 
finally  concluding  the  terms  or  basis  of  correspondence,  co-operation 
or  organic  union  with  other  churches  unless  a  previous  Assembly 
shall  have  agreed  to  the  same,  and  two-thirds  of  the  Presbyteries  have 
concurred  therein.” 

Your  committee  would  recommend  the  following  amendment  to 
he  sent  down  to  the  Presbyteries  for  adoption,,  viz. :  In  the  Book  of 
Church  Order,  Chap.  V.,  Sec.  VI.,  Art.  V.,  instead  of  the  words,  “To 
correspond  with  other  churches,”  insert  the  following,  viz.:  “ To 
correspond,  co-operate  or  go  into  organic  union  with  other  churches, 
after  two-thirds  of  the  Presbyteries  have  agreed  thereto.” 

1884,  p.  251.  Eighteen  Presbyteries  answer  in  the  affirmative, 
sixteen  in  the  negative,  twenty-five  give  modified  answers,  approving 
only  of  parts  of  the  overture,  and  one  declines,  on  constitutional 
grounds,  to  act. 

1887,  p.  207.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Lexington,  asking 
that  the  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  Presbyteries  be  required  to  form 
organic  union  with  other  Churches. 

Answer:  (p.  231)  The  Assembly  declines  to  send  down  the  pro¬ 
posed  amendment. 


1492.  Provincial  Assemblies 

1883,  p.  57.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  St.  Louis,  asking 
this  Assembly  to  appoint  a  committee  of  conference  to  confer 
with  a  similar  one  from  the  Northern  Church,  on  the  propriety  of 
re-arranging  the  territory  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  this  country 
so  as  to  form  three  or  four  Provincial  Assemblies,  and  a  General 
Presbyterian  Council,  composed  of  an  equal  number  of  representa¬ 
tives  from  each  Provincial  Assembly,  this  council  to  meet  every  three 
or  four  years. 

Your  committee  recommend  the  following  answer:  This  Assembly 
judges  that  the  providence  of  God  does  not  indicate  the  time  to  be 
yet  ripe  for  such  action. 

1493.  Preservation  of  our  identity  and  independence  as  a  denom¬ 
ination 

1865,  p.  358.  Overture  from  the  Synod  of  South  Carolina,  de¬ 
claring  in  substance  its  continued  approval  of  the  course  adopted  by 


Secs.  1491-1494]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1029 


the  Southern  Presbyteries  in  organizing  this  General  Assembly; 
declaring  its  purpose  to  adhere  with  renewed  energy  and  affection 
to  our  own  cherished  denomination;  extending  a  welcome  to  our 
communion  and  fellowship  to  all  who  cordially  adopt  our  Standards 
and  sympathize  with  us  in  our  principles  as  to  the  province  of  the 
Church;  and  warning  our  churches  against  all  schismatical  intruders. 
The  Assembly  expressed  its  agreement  with  the  Synod  in  these 
views. 

1882,  p.  567.  Resolved ,  That  this  Assembly  does  at  this  time 
solemnly  declare  its  conviction,  that  the  great  Head  of  the  Church 
in  his  wise  and  gracious  providence  did  raise  up  this  branch  of  his 
kingdom,  and  entrusted  to  it  a  great  and  special  work,  and  has  in 
her  past  history  set  his  seal  of  approbation  on  her  in  that  measure  of 
success  which  he  has  heretofore  granted  her  in  the  execution  of  the 
special  work  with  which  he  has  honored  her;  and  inasmuch  as  her 
special  work  is  not  yet  fully  accomplished,  and  her  testimony  not  yet 
fully  delivered,  this  Assembly  does  further  solemnly  declare  that  it 
is  our  high  and  sacred  duty  to  preserve  our  individuality  as  a  church 
entire  and  intact,  and  to  encourage  no  tendencies  looking  toward 
blending  this  body  into  any  other. 

1494.  Conference  on  co-operation 

1881,  p.  389.  An  overture  from  the  Synod  of  Texas,  asking  this 
Assembly  to  request  the  Northern  Assembly  to  appoint  a  committee 
to  confer  with  one  to  be  appointed  by  this  Assembly  about  the  terri¬ 
tory  in  Texas,  so  as  to  avoid  conflict  in  labors. 

Answer:  The  Assembly  would  express  its  earnest  desire  that 
brethren  in  Texas,  from  the  Northern  and  Southern  churches,  should 
endeavor  to  avoid  interfering  with  one  another  in  their  church  work, 
and  cultivate  peace;  but  would  refer  to  our  Presbyteries  all  practical 
propositions  for  the  cultivation  of  their  fields;  and  would  have  the 
Synod  of  Texas,  in  a  way  merely  advisory,  do  all  that  it  can  to 
promote  charity  and  edification. 

1883,  p.  19.  A  communication  from  the  Assembly  in  session  at 
Saratoga  was  received  by  telegraph  as  follows: 

The  following  action  was  taken  this  morning: 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  seven  (7)  be  appointed  by  this 
General  Assembly,  to  confer  with  a  similar  committee,  if  it  shall  be 
appointed  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 
the  United  States,  now  in  session  in  Lexington,  Ky.,  in  regard  to 
any  plan  or  method  of  co-operation  in  any  part  of  the  great  work  that 
the  Master  has  laid  upon  his  servants,  and  which  it  might  appear  could 
be  more  effectually  accomplished  by  cordial  and  friendly  co-operation 
than  by  separate  and  independent  action;  and  that  these  committees 
report  the  result  of  their  deliberations  to  their  respective  Assemblies 
in  1884. 

P.  57.  It  was  resolved  that  a  committee  of  seven  be  appointed 
by  this  Assembly,  to  confer  with  a  like  committee  appointed  by  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States 


1030 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


of  America,  in  regard  to  any  plans  or  methods  looking  to  the  more 
successful  conduct  of  the  work  of  the  Church  in  such  regions  and 
concerning  such  interests  as  are  more  or  less  common  to  the  two 
Churches,  and  that  this  committee  report  to  our  next  Assembly. 

P.  50.  A  paper  read  by  Rev.  R.  K.  Smoot,  D.  D.,  was  referred 
to  this  concurrent  committee. 

For  an  account  of  the  meeting  of  these  committees,  see  Alexander’s 
Digest,  p.  505. 

1884,  p.  198.  The  committee  appointed  by  the  last  General 
Assembly  to  confer  with  a  committee  of  the  General  Assembly  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  .States  of  America,  in  refer¬ 
ence  to  some  plan  of  co-operation  between  the  two  churches,  pre¬ 
sented  a  report,  which  having  been  read,  was  referred  to  a  committee 
of  one  member  from  each  Synod. 

P.  219.  A  report  of  the  Special  Committee  on  ‘‘Co-operative 
Work”  was  presented,  and  was  adopted  unanimously  by  a  rising 
vote  of  the  Assembly.  The  report  is  as  follows: 

The  committee  to  whom  has  been  referred  the  matter  of  co¬ 
operation  between  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of 
America  and  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  would 
respectfully  submit  to  the  General  Assembly  the  following  report: 

The  papers  placed  in  the  hands  of  your  committee  are  three  in 
number:  1,  An  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Louisville,  to  the 
effect  that  this  General  Assembly  shall  “not  adopt  the  plan  for  the 
joint  occupancy  of  the  Danville  Theological  Seminary,  recommended 
by  the  committees  of  conference  of  the  two  Assemblies;”  2,  An  over¬ 
ture  from  the  Transylvania  Presbytery  to  the  same  effect,  with  the 
addition  formal  request  that  the  Assembly  shall  “give  such  shape  to 
its  action  as  shall  tend  to  settle  permanently  this  and  kindred  ques¬ 
tions,  including  that  of  organic  union;”  3,  The  record  of  the  pro¬ 
ceedings  of  the  conference  of  the  joint  committees  at  Louisville, 
November  1,  1883,  with  the  remarks  prefatory  thereto  submitted  by 
the  chairman  of  the  Southern  committee. 

All  of  these  papers  referred  to  your  committee  have  received  its 
careful  consideration.  It  will  be  seen  that  action  upon  the  first  and 
second  will  be  essentially  included  in  whatever  action  may  be  taken 
upon  the  third;  and  to  this  attention  may  be  immediately  directed. 

Upon  examination  it  does  not  appear  from  this  paper  that,  by 
any  formal  act  of  the  Southern  committee,  it  was  ever  adopted  at 
a  regular  meeting  of  that  committee,  and  ordered  by  it  to  be  for¬ 
warded  to  this  Assembly  as  its  report.  The  document,  however,  does 
contain  a  “certified  copy”  of  the  proceedings  of  the  joint  conference; 
and  your  committee,  waiving  the  informality  of  the  paper,  addressed 
themselves  to  the  consideration  of  its  matter. 

The  substantive  propositions  contained  in  it  are  three,  viz. : 

1.  The  first  is  the  recommendation  concerning  the  joint  occupancy 
of  Danville  Seminary,  which  is  as  follows:  “An  equal  joint  use  and 
occupancy  of  the  Seminary  by  the  two  branches  of  the  Church 


Sec.  1494]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1031 

(Northern  and  Southern),  by  the  appointment  of  an  equal  number 
of  Directors  and  Trustees  from  each  branch,  and  giving  to  the  South¬ 
ern  branch  at  least  an  equal  number  of  Professors.  Should  ad¬ 
ditional  funds  be  raised  for  the  further  endowment  of  the  institution, 
each  body  shall  have  absolute  control  of  the  funds  raised  by  itself, 
using  only  the  income  from  each  fund  for  the  support  of  the  Semi¬ 
nary,”  and  “that  the  occupancy  be  in  perpetuity,  and  that  the 
Seminary  be  removed  to  Louisville.” 

2.  The  second  is  the  recommendation  with  reference  to  a  plan 
of  co-operation  in  Home  Missions,  to-wit:  that  each  Assembly 
adopt  a  concurrent  resolution  as  follows:  “This  Assembly,  while 
asserting  its  right  to  labor  in  every  part  of  our  common  country, 
would  most  earnestly  enjoin  upon  those  charged  with  the  direction  of 
Home  Mission  work,  that  they  see  that  nothing  be  done  through 
strife  or  vain  glory;  that,  in  prosecuting  this  work,  the  interest  of  the 
other  Assembly  already  in  occupancy,  either  with  an  organized 
church  or  missionary  labor,  shall  be  most  carefully  respected,  and 
that  the  matter  of  consolidating  feeble  churches  and  cases  of  dis¬ 
agreement,  threatening  the  disturbance  of  fraternal  relations,  shall 
be  referred  to  a  joint  Commission  of  the  Presbyteries  having  juris¬ 
diction.” 

3.  The  third  recommendation  is  that  respecting  “comity  in  mat¬ 
ters  of  discipline,”  namely,  that  a  concurrent  resolution  be  adopted 
to  this  effect:  “ Resolved ,  That  this  General  Assembly,  as  a  matter 
of  comity  between  our  own  Church  and  the  Northern  Presbyterian 
Church,  growing  out  of  the  fraternal  relations  so  recently  established, 
enjoin  upon  our  church  Sessions,  Presbyteries  and  Synods,  that  they 
have  due  regard  to  the  discipline  of  all  the  Sessions,  Presbyteries  and 
Synods  of  that  church,  and  mutatis  mutandis 

Your  committee  urge  that,  because  of  insuperable  practical  diffi¬ 
culty,  the  first  recommendation  be  not  adopted. 

With  respect  to  the  second,  your  committee  report  that  they  believe 
it  impossible  to  devise  any  specific  plan  of  co-operation  in  Home  Mis¬ 
sions  which  shall  be  universally  applicable  throughout  the  Church, 
and  they  therefore  recommend  that  no  such  plan  be  adopted  by  this 
Assembly,  but  that  the  Assembly  be  content  to  leave  this  whole  mat¬ 
ter  to  the  working  of  those  broad  principles  of  justice  and  Christian 
charity  which  alone  will  restrain  either  church  from  encroaching  upon 
the  natural  territory  of  the  other.  In  the  judgment  of  your  committee, 
if  these  principles  are  not  adequate  to  the  securing  of  harmony  be¬ 
tween  the  two  churches,  then  that  result  can  never  be  attained  by 
the  mere  adoption  of  any  plan  of  co-operation. 

With  regard  to  the  third,  it  is  hereby  recommended  that  this 
Assembly  adopt  the  concurrent  resolution  with  reference  to  “comity 
in  matters  of  discipline.” 

Respecting  that  part  of  the  overture  of  the  Presbytery  of  Transyl¬ 
vania  which  urges  this  Assembly  to  “give  such  shape  to  its  action  as 
shall  tend  to  settle  permanently”  the  question  of  “organic  union,” 
your  committee  make  answer  that  no  such  action  is  necessary,  for 


1032 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


the  reason  that  we  regard  the  mind  of  the  Church  as  fully  expressed 
against  organic  union  by  the  action  of  former  Assemblies.  (See 
Minutes  of  Assembly  of  1882,  pages  567  and  568,  and  Minutes  of 
1883,  pages  57  and  58  ;  p.  995  of  this  Digest.) 

1495.  General  Presbyterian  Alliance  ( Western  Section) 

1874,  p.  483.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  whom  were  referred 
certain  papers  relating  to  a  General  Presbyterian  Council. 

P.  518.  The  report  of  the  committee  concerning  a  General  Pres¬ 
byterian  Council  was  taken  up,  and,  after  discussion,  the  following 
substitute,  offered  by  Rev.  H.  M.  Smith,  D.  D.,  was  adopted: 

In  answer  to  the  overture  from  a  committee  of  the  General  Assem¬ 
bly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America, 
and  from  ministers  of  other  Presbyterian  churches,  touching  a  con¬ 
ference  of  representatives  of  the  various  Presbyterian  bodies  through¬ 
out  the  world,  with  a  view  of  “coming  into  formal  communion  with 
each  other,  and  of  promoting  great  causes  by  joint  action,”  this 
Assembly  respectfully  submits  that  we  most  heartily  sympathize  with 
every  desire  to  advance  the  interests  of  the  Redeemer’s  kingdom. 
Nevertheless,  in  forming  relations  with  other  bodies,  we  are  to  be 
governed  by  our  recognized  principles  of  government.  We  must, 
therefore,  respectfully  decline  this  request,  since,  in  our  judgment, 
church  courts,  as  such,  cannot  recognize  the  principle  of  an  irre¬ 
sponsible  alliance.  The  only  question  we  can  properly  consider  is 
the  principle  of  co-ordination  with  courts  constituted  according  to 
our  Presbyterian  form  of  government. 

1875,  p.  46.  Overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  of  Louisville, 
Florida,  Lexington  and  East  Hanover.  These  overtures  concur  in 
asking  this  Assembly  to  revoke  the  action  of  the  last  in  regard  to  the 
proposed  confederation  of  Presbyterian  churches,  and  to  adopt  meas¬ 
ures  favorable  to  that  scheme. 

Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  appoint  a  committee  on  the  con¬ 
federation  of  Presbyterian  churches  of  the  world,  with  authority  to 
correspond  with  similar  committees  of  other  Presbyterian  bodies  in 
reference  to  the  Constitution  to  be  proposed  for  such  a  General 
Council;  and  if  the  committee  deem  it  wise  and  practicable,  appoint 
a  delegate  or  delegates  to  the  proposed  conference  to  be  held  in  Lon¬ 
don,  on  the  ......  day  of  July,  1875. 

1876,  p.  204.  The  Rev.  .Stuart  Robinson,  from  the  committee 
appointed  by  the  last  Assembly  in  relation  to  a  proposed  confeder¬ 
ation  of  Presbyterian  churches  of  the  world,  made  a  report,  and  also 
another  report  concerning  his  attendance  as  a  delegate  upon  the  meet¬ 
ing  of  the  Presbyterian  Alliance  in  London  last  July. 

These  reports  were  received  and  were  considered  at  length  in  con¬ 
nection  with  certain  overtures  bearing  on  the  same  subject.  Where¬ 
upon  the  following  from  the  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  was 
adopted  by  a  vote  of  78  to  39: 

P.  225.  Overtures  from  Transylvania  Presbytery,  expressing  the 


Secs.  1494-1495]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1033 

hope  that  the  General  Assembly  will  decline  to  enter  the  proposed 
council;  from  the  Presbytery  of  Louisiana,  asking  the  Assembly  tot 
reconsider  the  subject  of  the  Pan-Presbyterian  Council,  and,  if  it 
seems  best  to  them,  to  repeal  resolutions  passed  at  the  St.  Louis  As¬ 
sembly;  from  the  Presbytery  of  Memphis,  approving  the  action  of 
the  last  General  Assembly  in  appointing  a  committee  on  the  con¬ 
federation  of  the  Presbyterian  churches  of  the  world,  and  expressing 
the  wish  that  all  needful  steps  be  taken  to  put  in  operation  the 
plan  adopted  in  July,,  1875,  by  the  delegates  assembled  in  council. 

Your  committee,  after  the  consideration  of  these  overtures  and  the 
subjects  presented  in  them,  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following 
resolutions : 

Resolved,  1,  That  this  Assembly  hereby  expresses  its  approval,  in 
general,  of  the  proceedings  of  the  conference  held  in  London  in  July 
last,  composed  of  the  representatives  in  a  large  portion,  some  15,000 
congregations,  of  the  Presbyterian  churches  of  the  world. 

Resolved,  2,  The  Assembly  approves  of  the  general  tenor  of  the 
Constitution  of  the  Alliance  providing  for  a  General  Presbyterian 
Council,  to  be  held  every  three  years. 

Resolved,  3,  That  this  Assembly  will  appoint  delegates  to  repre¬ 
sent  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  in  the  General 
Council,  to  be  held  in  Edinburgh  in  1877,  provided  that  this  appoint¬ 
ment  of  delegates  shall  not  be  understood  as  pledging  any  funds  of 
the  Church  to  defraying  the  expenses  of  the  delegates  to  the  council. 

Resolved,  4,  That  the  delegation  so  appointed  shall  select  from 
their  own  number  members  to  prepare  any  paper  concerning  the 
condition  and  position  of  our  Church,  to  be  spread  upon  the  records 
of  the  council;  and,  in  case  the  delegates  be  unable  to  attend  the 
council,  they  are  hereby  authorized  to  represent  our  Church  by  such 
official  letter  as  they  may  agree  upon. 

P.  237.  The  following  paper,  offered  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hoge,  was 
passed  with  but  one  dissenting  voice: 

Resolved ,  That  in  appointing  delegates  to  the  General  Presbyterian 
Alliance,  it  is  with  the  distinct  declaration  that  it  is  not  to  be  regarded 
as  another  and  a  higher  court,  but  as  an  assemblage  of  committees, 
appointed  by  the  several  churches  which  they  represent,  for  the  pur¬ 
pose  of  joint  conference  and  joint  report,  and  for  such  action  only 
as  belongs  to  an  association  of  delegates  thus  constituted. 

The  report  of  the  committee  appointed  by  the  General  Assembly 
of  1875  on  the  confederation  of  the  Presbyterian  churches  of  the 
world  is  found  in  the  Appendix  to  the  Minutes  of  1877,  page  487. 
The  report  of  Rev.  Stuart  Robinson,  D.  D.,  delegate  to  the  conference 
held  in  London,  July  21-23,  1875,  to  frame  a  Constitution  for  a  Gen¬ 
eral  Presbyterian  Council,  is  found  on  page  489  of  the  Minutes  for 
1877.  The  resolutions  adopted  by  the  Assembly  of  1876  (see  above) 
are  substantially  the  same  as  those  recommended  in  the  report  of  the 
above  coJhmittee. 

The  Constitution  adopted  for  the  Alliance  is  on  page  492  Minutes 
of  1877,  and  is  as  follows: 


1034 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


Whereas  churches  holding  the  Reformed  faith,  and  organized  on 
Presbyterian  principles,  are  found,  though  under  a  variety  of  names-, 
in  different  part  of  the  world; 

Whereas  many  of  these  were  long  wont  to  maintain  close  rela¬ 
tion,  but  are  at  present  united  by  no  visible  bond,  whether  of  fellow¬ 
ship  or  of  work; 

And  whereas,  in  the  providence  of  God,  the  time  seems  to  have 
come  when  they  may  all  more  fully  manifest  their  essential  oneness, 
have  closer  communion  with  each  other,  and  promote  great  causes 
by  joint  action,  it  is  agreed  to  form  a  Presbyterian  Alliance,  to  me~t 
in  general  council  from  time  to  time,  in  order  to  confer  upon  mat¬ 
ters  of  common  interest,  and  to  further  the  ends  for  which  the  Church 
has  been  constituted  by  her  Divine  Lord  and  only  King.  In  forming 
this  Alliance  the  Presbyterian  churches  do  not  mean  to  change  their 
fraternal  relations  with  other  churches,  but  will  be  ready,  as  here¬ 
tofore,  to  join  with  them  in  Christian  fellowship  and  in  advancing 
the  cause  of  the  Redeemer  on  the  general  principle  maintained  and 
taugfit  in  the  Reformed  Confessions,  that  the  Church  of  God  on  earth, 
though  composed  of  many  members,  is  one  body  in  the  communion  of 
the  Holy  Ghost,  of  which  body  Christ  is  the  Supreme  Head,  and  the 
Scriptures  alone  are  the  infallible  law. 

1.  Designation. — This  Alliance  shall  be  known  as  “The  Alliance 
of  the  Reformed  Churches  throughout  the  World  holding  the  Pres¬ 
byterian  System. 

II.  Membership. — Any  church  organized  on  Presbyterian  prin¬ 
ciples,  which  holds  the  supreme  authority  of  the  Scriptures  of  the 
Old  and  New  Testaments  in  matters  of  faith  and  morals,  and  whose 
creed  is  in  harmony  with  the  consensus  of  the  Reformed  Confessions, 
shall  be  eligible  for  admission  into  the  Alliance. 

III.  The  Council. — 1.  Its  Meetings. — The  Alliance  shall  meet  in 
general  council  once  in  three  years. 

2.  Its  Constituency. — The  Council  shall  consist  of  delegates,  being 
ministers  and  elders,  appointed  by  the  churches  forming  the  Alliance; 
the  number  from  each  church  being  regulated  by  a  plan  sanctioned 
by  the  Council,  regard  being  had  generally  to  the  number  of  congre¬ 
gations  in  the  several  churches,  the  delegates,  as  far  as  practicable, 
to  consist  of  an  equal  number  of  ministers  and  elders.  The  Council 
may,  on  the  recommendation  of  a  committee  on  business,  invite  Pres¬ 
byterian  brethren,  not  delegates,  to  offer  suggestions,  to  deliver  ad¬ 
dresses,  and  to  read  papers. 

3.  Its  Powers. — The  Council  shall  have  power  to  decide  upon  the 
application  of  churches  desiring  to  join  the  Alliance;  it  shall  have 
power  to  entertain  and  consider  topics  which  may  be  brought  before 
it  by  any  church  represented  in  the  Council,  or  by  any  member  of 
the  Council,  on  their  being  transmitted  in  the  manner;  hereinafter 
provided;  but  it  shall  not  interfere  with  the  existing  creed  or 
constitution  of  any  church  in  the  Alliance,  or  with  its  internal  order 
or  external  relations. 

4.  Its  Objects. — The  Council  shall  consider  questions  of  general 
interest  to  the  Presbyterian  community;  it  shall  seek  the  welfare  of 
churches,  especially  such  as  are  weak  or  persecuted;  it  shall  gather 
and  disseminate  information  concerning  the  kingdom  of  Christ 
throughout  the  world;  it  shall  commend  the  Presbyterian  system  as 
Scriptural,  and  as  combining  simplicity,  efficiency  and  adaptation  to 
all  times  and  conditions;  it  shall  also  entertain  all  subjects  directly 
connected  with  the  work  of  evangelization,  such  as  the  relation  of 
the  Christian  Church  to  the  evangelization  of  the  world,  the  distri¬ 
bution  of  mission  work,  the  combination  of  church  energies,  es¬ 
pecially  in  reference  to  great  cities  and  destitute  districts,  the  training 
of  ministers,  the  use  of  the  press,  colportage?  the  religious  instruction 
of  the  young,  the  sanctification  of  the  Sabbath,  systematic  beneficence, 
the  suppression  of  intemperance  and  other  prevailing  vices,  and  the 
best  methods  of  opposing  infideliy  and  Romanism. 

5.  Its  Methods. — The  Council  shall  seek  to  guide  and  stimulate 


Secs.  1495-1497]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1035 


public  sentiment  by  papers  read,  by  addresses  delivered  and  pub¬ 
lished,  by  the  circulation  of  information  respecting  the  allied  churches 
and  their  missions,  by  the  exposition  of  Scriptural  principles,  and 
by  defense  of  the  truth;  by  communicating  the  Minutes  of  its  pro¬ 
ceedings  to  the  supreme  courts  of  the  churches  forming  the  Alliance, 
and  by  such  other  action  as  is  in  accordance  with  its  constitution  and 
objects. 

6.  Committee  on  Business. — The  Council,  at  each  general  meet¬ 
ing,  shall  appoint  a  Committee  on  Business,  through  which  all  com¬ 
munications  and  notices  of  subjects  proposed  to  be  discussed  shall 
pass.  The  Committee  appointed  at  one  general  meeting  shall  act  pro¬ 
visionally,  so  far  as  is  necessary,  in  preparing  for  the  following  meet¬ 
ing. 

IV.  Change  of  Constitution. — No  change  shall  be  made  in  this 
Constitution,  except  on  a  motion  made  at  one  general  meeting  of 
Council,  not  objected  to  by  a  majority  of  the  churches  and  carried 
by  a  two-thirds  vote  at  the  next  general  meeting. 


1496.  Delegates  to  the  General  Council  to  be  accredited  by  com¬ 
missions 

1877,  p.  413.  Your  Committee  further  recommend  that  the  dele¬ 
gates  to  the  General  Council  of  the  Presbyterian  Alliance  from  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  be  accredited  to  the  former 
body  by  commissions  duly  issued  by  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the  General 
Assembly.  Adopted. 

1497.  The  Dabney  resolutions  tabled 

A  paper  was  offered  by  Rev.  R.  L.  Dabney,  D.  D.,  with  reference 
to  the  import  of  this  Assembly’s  being  admitted  as  a  constituent  part 
of  the  General  Alliance.  This  paper,  found  on  page  656,  Minutes 
for  1878,  recites  the  full  and  equal  rights  and  courtesies  extended  to 
the  commissioners,  appointed  by  the  Southern  Assembly,  and  that 
we  recognize  these  happy  events  as  constituting  a  virtual  and  distinct 
reconciliation  with  us  of  all  the  churches  which  joined  in  this  cor¬ 
dial  and  courteous  extension  of  equal  rights  in  that  council  to  the 
commissioners  of  our  Church,  upon  that  Scriptural  basis  of  truth 
always  held  by  our  Church,  touching  the  essentials  of  those  subjects 
of  difference  which  had  unhappily  interrupted  the  full  communion  of 
sundry  of  those  churches  with  us.  The  subjects  cited  were  such  as 
lawfulness  of  slavery  as  a  civil  institution,  which  the  Church  has 
no  mission  to  condemn,  the  liberty  of  conscience  in  matters  political, 
and  the  power  of  church  courts  to  decide  political  questions  and  pro¬ 
mulgate  political  decrees,  etc.  This  paper  submitted  the  following 
resolutions : 

Resolved,  That  this  happy  and  unconditional  recognition  of  the 
Church  we  represent,  through  its  commissioners  in  the  Presby¬ 
terian  Alliance,  is  to  be  construed  by  us  as  a  graceful,  virtual  and 
distinct  withdrawal  on  the  part  of  the  brethren  lately  in  separation 
from  us,  of  all  condemnatory  doctrines  and  declarations,  and  a 
hearty  and  peaceful  reconciliation  upon  the  scriptural  position  we 
have  occupied,  and  still  occupy;  leaving  each  branch  of  the  Pres- 


1036 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


byterian  churches,  as  well  as  ourselves,  to  hold,  without  reproach, 
its  own  opinions  on  all  non-essentials  of  church  and  civil  order. 
And  it  is  on  this  understanding,  as  hereby  assumed  by  us,  and  in 
act  conceded  to  us,  that  our  Church  holds  its  place  as  a  constituent 
of  the  General  Presbyterian  Alliance. 

Resolved,  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Stated  Clerk  to  trans¬ 
mit  certified  copies  of  these  resolutions  to  the  Business  Committee 
of  the  last  council,  and  to  the  Moderator  of  that  council  appointed 
for  1880,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

No  one  offering  to  debate  the  paper,  it  was  tabled  without  de¬ 
bate  by  a  vote  of  69  to  41.  (Page  641.) 

To  this  Dr.  Dabney  and  twenty-eight  others  entered  a  dissent 
and  protest  (p.  656),  alleging  two  reasons:  1,  The  form  in  which 
the  vote  was  taken  was  out  of  order  and  injurious  to  the  rights  of  the 
minority;  2,  Because  it  put  the  Assembly  and  the  Church  in  a  pain¬ 
fully  equivocal  position  before  the  world  and  assailants.  This 
second  ground  the  protest  argues  at  length.  The  answer  to  the 
protest  was  confined  to  the  first  reason,  and  asserts  that  the  motion 
to  table  was  an  orderely  one,  and  did  not  infringe  upon  the  rights  of 
any.  The  action  of  the  house,  laying  the  resolutions  on  the  table, 
clearly  evinced  the  will  of  the  Assembly,  that  the  subject  matter  of 
the  resolutions  should  not  be  discussed.  (P.  662.)  Condensed  from 
the  Minutes  of  1878. 

The  committee  to  answer  the  protest  consisted  of  Drs.  Armstrong, 
Preston  and  Bullock;  Elders  J.  D.  Jones  and  C.  A.  Carrington. 

1879,  p.  19.  Iu  answer  to  an  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Central  Texas,  inquiring  into  the  significance  of  the  above  action, 
the  following  was  adopted: 

The  action  of  our  Assembly  in  sending  delegates  to  “the  General 
Presbyterian  Council,”  and  in  tabling  the  paper  alluded  to  in  the 
overture  of  the  Presbytery  of  Central  Texas,  is  not  to  be  understood 
as  implying  any  change  in  our  position  upon  questions  of  differ¬ 
ence  between  ourselves  and  other  bodies,  or  any  surrender  of  our 
testimony. 

1498.  Delegates  to  the  Council  should  he  chosen  from  the  various 

Synods 

1881,  p.  388.  Overture  from  Holston  Presbytery,  asking  that 
the  appointment  of  delegates  to  the  General  Presbyterian  Council 
be  distributed  amongst  our  various  Synods,  at  least  one  from  each 
Synod,  and  that  it  be  referred  to  the  Synods  to  make  the  nomina¬ 
tion,  each  for  itself. 

Your  committee  recommend  the  Assembly  to  reply  that  it  has 
no  control  over  the  action  which  it  may  please  the  Assembly  of  1883 
to  take  respecting  its  appointments,  but  is  willing  to  express  the 
opinion  that  the  appointments  should  be  distributed,  and  that  nom¬ 
inations  from  Synods  should  be  invited. 


4 

Secs.  1497-1501]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1037 

1499.  Standing  committee  to  correspond  with  the  Council 

1881,  p.  389.  A  request  from  the  Council  for  a  small  Stand¬ 
ing  Committee  to  be  appointed  by  this  Assembly,  with  whom  the 
Clerks  of  the  Council  might  correspond. 

Your  committee  recommend  that  this  request  of  the  Council  be 
complied  with  by  the  Assembly.  Adopted. 

The  Clerks  of  the  Assembly  were  appointed  the  committee  to  cor¬ 
respond  with  the  Council. 

1500.  Expenses  of  the  Council 

1885,  p.  433.  In  accordance  with  the  request  of  an  overture 
from  the  delegates  of  our  Assembly  who  attended  the  third  Gen¬ 
eral  Council  of  the  Alliance  of  Reformed  Churches  holding  the 
Presbyterian  System,  held  at  Belfast,  the  Assembly  hereby  directs 
the  Treasurer  to  pay  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  American  Branch  of 
the  Alliance  so  much  as  may  be  required  to  meet  the  apportion¬ 
ment  fixed  for  our  Church  by  the  Executive  Commission  for  the  year 
1885-’86,  provided  the  same  shall  not  exceed  $132. 

1886,  p.  40.  The  Assembly  hereby  directs  its  Treasurer  to  pay 
to  the  Treasurer  of  the  American  Branch  of  the  Executive  Commis¬ 
sion  of  the  “General  Alliance  of  Reformed  Churches  holding  the 
Presbyterian  System”  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  ($150),  to  aid 
in  defraying  the  ad  interim  expenses  of  the  Alliance  for  the  year 
1885-’86,  and  the  same  amount  for  the  year  1886-’87,  these 
amounts  to  be  paid  during  the  years  for  which  they  are  to  furnish  aid. 

1501.  General  Alliance  of  the  Reformed  Churches  Western  Section 

( continued ) 

1889,  p.  615.  Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  of  the  General  Assem¬ 
bly  be  directed  to  pay,  out  of  any  money  in  the  treasury  not  other¬ 
wise  appropriated,  to  George  Junkins,  Esq.,  Treasurer  of  the 
Western  Section  of  the  Alliance,  $480,  this  Assembly’s  proportion 
of  the  expenses  of  the  Alliance. 

1890,  p.  38.  The  attention  of  the  Assembly  being  called  to  the 
fact  that  its  share  of  the  funds  necessary  for  the  annual  expenses 
of  the  Western  Section  of  the  Commission  is  $480,  the  following 
committee  is  appointed,  and  requested  to  raise  this  amount  among 
the  churches  and  forward  it  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Assembly,  to 
be  paid  over  to  the  proper  officer  of  the  Alliance:  Dr.  C.  R.  Hemp¬ 
hill.  Dr.  W.  T.  Thompson,  E.  A.  Ramsey,  M.  M.  Gilliam,  J.  L. 
Bowles,  W.  M.  McPheeters,  J.  A.  Orr. 

1891,  p.  257.  Resolved ,  1,  The  Assembly,  having  received  the 
annual  report  of  the  Eastern  and  Western  Section  of  the  Alliance^ 
rejoices  that  so  much  has  been  done  for  our  brethren  of  like  pre¬ 
cious  faith  on  the  continent  of  Europe  and  for  the  foreign  field 
at  large. 

2,  To  the  overture  of  the  Presbytery  of  East  Hanover,  proposing 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


1038 


[Book  VII 


that  our  share  of  the  expenses  be  met  out  of  the  Assembly’s  fund, 
the  Assembly  returns  a  negative  answer. 

3,  To  the  communication  from  the  committee  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  United  States  of  America,  inviting  us  to  unite  in  the  form¬ 
ulation  of  a  consensus  creed,  the  Assembly  returns  the  following 
answer:  We  are  not  prepared  at  this  time  to  unite  in  the  move¬ 
ment  to  formulate  a  consensus  creed,  and  therefore  we  decline  to 
appoint  the  proposed  committee. 

4,  That  Rev.  W.  S.  P.  Bryan,  Rev.  M.  D.  Hoge,  D.  D.,  Rev. 
J.  C.  Molloy,  Judge  J.  W.  Martin,  Col.  M.  A.  Candler,  J.  B. 
O’Bryan  and  James  E.  Webb  be  appointed  an  ad  interim  committee 
to  raise  the  fund  needed  to  pay  our  proportion  of  the  expenses  of 
the  Alliance,  and  to  report  to  the  next  Assembly  the  names  of  thirty 
delegates  and  alternates  to  attend  the  next  meeting  of  the  Alliance. 

1892,  pp.  458,  463.  Resolved,  1,  That  our  share  of  the  expenses 
of  the  Alliance  be  paid  hereafter  out  of  the  Treasury  of  the  Assem¬ 
bly,  and  that  to  this  end  a  committee  of  three  be  appointed  to 
secure  the  sum  necessary  to  meet  those  expenses. 

The  Moderator  appointed  the  Revs.  Drs.  R.  P.  Kerr  and  W.  T. 
Hall,  and  ruling  elder  Geo.  E.  Dennis,  the  committee  called  for 
by  the  foregoing  resolution. 

2,  That  the  nominations  of  delegates  to  the  next  Council  at  To¬ 
ronto,  Canada,  submitted  by  the  ad  interim  committee,  be  confirmed, 
a  copy  of  which  is  returned  to  the  Assembly  with  this  report,  and 
that  the  Stated  Clerk  be  directed  to  issue  commissions  to  each  prin¬ 
cipal,  mentioning  his  alternate  in  the  same  document. 

3,  That  a  small  -Standing  Committee  be  appointed,  which  shall 
be  the  medium  of  communication  between  this  Assembly  and  the 
Alliance,  and  shall  have  power  to  fill  vacancies  in  the  list  of  dele¬ 
gates;  this  committee  to  be  reappointed  at  the  Assembly  next  suc¬ 
ceeding  each  General  Council  of  the  Alliance. 

H.  H.  Boude,  G.  A.  Trenholm,  E.  C.  Gordon,  S.  G.  Wentworth 
and  J.  M.  Duncan,  were  made  this  committee. 

1893,  p.  52.  The  Assembly  ordered  that  the  annual  assessment 
made  to  meet  the  expenses  of  the  Alliance  be  paid  hereafter  from 
the  treasury  of  the  General  Assembly;  and  to  this  end  the  assess¬ 
ments  laid  upon  the  Presbyteries  by  the  Assembly  be  increased 
twenty-five  per  cent. 

1894,  p.  235.  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Abingdon,  to 
submit  to  the  Presbyteries  the  question  of  discontinuing  our  con¬ 
nection  with  the  Alliance  of  the  Reformed  Churches  throughout  the 
World  holding  the  Presbyterian  System. 

Answer :  It  is  inexpedient  to  take  such  action. 

1896,  p.  573.  Your  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence,  to 
which  was  referred  the  communication  from  “The  Western  Section 
of  the  Alliance  of  the  Reformed  Churches  throughout  the  World 
holding  the  Presbyterian  System,”  respectfully  report  that  they  have 
carefully  considered  the  same,  and  recommend  the  adoption  by  this 


Sec.  1501]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1039 

Assembly  of  the  “Plan  of  Co-operation”  submitted  in  said  communi¬ 
cation,  which  is  as  follows: 

The  Boards  and  Committees  of  Home  Missions,  Church  Erection, 
Freedmen’s  Missions  and  Sabbath  School  Work  of  the  American 
churches  in  “The  Alliance  of  the  Reformed  Churches  holding  the 
Presbyterian  System,”  both  in  the  United  States  and  Canada,  rec¬ 
ognizing,  with  gratitude  to  God,  their  substantial  unity,  both  in 
faith  and  polity,  do  agree  upon  the  following  principles  of  action 
for  their  guidance  in  their  work,  viz. : 

1.  That  in  the  work  of  all  these  Boards,  as  related  to  each  other, 
the  authority  of  the  church  courts  is  to  be  recognized  as  final. 

2.  That  there  shall  be  no  interference  with  churches,  missions, 
or  Sabbath  Schools  at  present  existing,  unless  by  voluntary  agree¬ 
ment  between  the  denominations  directly  concerned. 

3.  That,  ordinarily,  no  churches,  missions  or  Sabbath  Schools 
shall  be  established  in  small  communities  where  the  field  is  fully 
occupied  by  other  Presbyterian  or  Reformed  Churches. 

4.  That  the  supreme  judicatories  of  the  several  churches  rec¬ 
ommend  their  church  members,  when  moving  into  new  communi¬ 
ties,  in  which  there  is  no  congregation  of  their  own  church,  to 
unite,  for  the  time  being,  with  some  other  Presbyterian  or  Reformed 
Church,  if  such  there  be. 

5.  That  if  cases  of  difference  of  opinion  arise  in  connection  with 
the  work,  they  shall  be  referred  for  consideration  and  amicable  ad¬ 
justment  to  the  missionary  authorities  of  the  denomination  directly 
concerned. 

6.  The  delegation  of  this  General  Assembly  to  the  Council  of 
the  Alliance  of  the  Reformed  Churches  to  convene  in  the  city  of 
Glasgow  is  instructed  to  bring  to  the  attention  of  the  Council  the 
basis  of  representation  in  the  Council  and  the  matter  of  the  ex¬ 
penses  of  the  Alliance,  with  the  view  of  reducing  expenses,  if  pos¬ 
sible,  and  of  making  an  equitable  distribution  of  the  same  among 
the  several  bodies  represented  in  the  Alliance.  Adopted. 

1895,  p.  409.  The  Council  of  1888  fixed  the  following  basis  of 
representation : 

For  each  hundred  congregations  or  less,  two  delegates  up  to  one 
thousand  congregations;  above  one  thousand  congregations,  one  dele¬ 
gate  for  each  additional  one  hundred  up  to  two  thousand  congrega¬ 
tions;  above  two  thousand  congregations,  one  delegate  for  each  addi¬ 
tional  two  hundred  and  fifty  congregations. 

In  the  case  of  union  of  churches  represented  in  the  Alliance,  it 
is  recommended  that  the  number  of  delegates  remain  as  previous  to 
union  till  the  following  meeting  of  Council,  when,  on  the  union  being 
reported  to  the  Council,  the  future  number  of  delegates  shall  be  deter¬ 
mined. 

1897,  p.  32.  This  Assembly  expresses  its  great  satisfaction  that 
the  plan  of  co-operation  in  Home  Missions  brought  to  the  attention  of 
the  last  Assembly  by  this  committee  of  the  Alliance  has  been  adopted 
by  the  General  Assemblies  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States  of  America,  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church  and  of 


1040 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VI L 


the  Presbyterian  Church  in  Canada,  as  well  as  by  our  own,  and  by 
the  General  .Synods  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  America  and  the  Re¬ 
formed  Church  in  the  United  States. 

1898,  p.  228.  The  Committee  of  Foreign  Correspondence,  to 
which  was  referred  the  letter  of  the  Rev.  William  Caven,  D.  D., 
chairman,  and  the  Rev.  W.  H.  Roberts,  D.  D.,  Secretary,  of  the 
Western  Section  of  the  “Alliance  of  Reformed  Churches  throughout 
the  World  holding  the  Presbyterian  System,”  which  letter  stated 
That  our  apportionment  for  the  expenses  of  the  Alliance  is  not  paid, 
Mio  recommend: 

1.  That  the  Treasurer  of  the  General  Assembly  be  directed  to  pay 
what  is  due  from  our  Assembly  out  of  the  funds  in  the  treasury. 

2.  That  the  members  of  the  American  Section  from  our  church 
endeavor  to  have  the  expenses  of  the  American  Section  reduced,  and 
n  corresponding  reduction  obtained  in  the  apportionment  of  our  As¬ 
sembly. 

3.  That  the  Rev.  G.  W.  Finley,  D.  D.,  the  Rev.  F.  H.  Johnston,  D. 
D.,  and  Elder  W.  M.  Graybill  be  appointed  a  committee  of  correspon¬ 
dence  with  the  American  Section,  and  that  they  be  instructed  to  notify 
the  delegates  of  their  appointment  to  attend  the  approaching  meeting 
in  Washington,  D.  C.,  September  27,  1899.  Also,  that  they  be  author¬ 
ized  to  fill  vacancies  in  the  list  of  delegates. 

For  list  of  delegates,  see  Minutes  of  1898,  p.  228. 

1899,  p.  423.  The  committee  reported  the  following  reply  to  the 
communication  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Western  Section  of  the 
Alliance  of  Reformed  Churches  Throughout  the  World  Holding  the 
Presbyterian  System;  which  reply  was  adopted: 

In  view  of  the  communication  from  W.  H.  Roberts,  American  Sec¬ 
retary  of  the  Alliance  of  the  Reformed  Churches  Throughout  the  World 
Holding  the  Presbyterian  System,  we  hereby  commend — 

1.  That  $480  be  appropriated  as  our  pro  rata  of  the  expenses  of 
the  Alliance. 

2.  That  the  Assembly  has  heard  with  pleasure  the  greetings  of 
their  representative,  Rev.  R.  P.  Kerr,  D.  D. 

3.  That,  since  the  Peace  Conference  of  the  accredited  repre¬ 
sentatives  of  the  nations,  looking  forward  to  the  disarmament  of  the 
several  armies  and  navies  of  the  nations,  is  now  in  session  at  The 
Hague,  Holland,  the  Assembly,  at  the  hour  of  recess  this  afternoon, 
$>e  led  in  prayer  for  this  Conference  by  the  Moderator. 

1900,  p.  620.  The  General  Assembly  has  heard  with  pleasure 
the  address  of  Rev.  R.  H.  Fleming,  D.  D.,  the  representative  of 
the  Western  Section  of  the  Alliance  of  the  Reformed  Churches  Hold¬ 
ing  the  Presbyterian  System. 

It  is  recommended  that  the  Treasurer  of  the  Assembly  be  in¬ 
structed  to  pay  the  $480  due  the  Alliance  for  the  current  year. 

As  to  the  establishment  of  mission  work  through  summer  stations 
on  the  continent  of  Europe,  in  which  this  Assembly  is  asked  to 
engage,  it  is  recommended  that  this  matter  be  referred  to  the  As¬ 
sembly’s  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign  Missions. 

It  is  recommended  that  the  Standing  Committee  to  be  a  medium 
>of  communication  between  the  Assembly  and  the  Alliance  be  re- 


Sec.  1501]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1041 

appointed.  This  committee  consists  of  Rev.  G.  W.  Finley,  D.  D., 
Rev.  F.  H.  Johnston,  D.  D.  and  Prof.  William  M.  Graybill. 
Adopted. 

For  report  of  the  delegates  to  the  Alliance,  see  Minutes  of  1900, 
pp.  605-608. 

1901,  p.  20.  The  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence  made 
a  report  on  the  communication  from  the  Alliance  of  Reformed 
Churches  throughout  the  World  holding  the  Presbyterian  System. 
The  report  was  adopted,  and  is  as  follows: 

In  answer  to  the  communication  from  the  Executive  Committee 
of  the  Western  Section  of  “The  Alliance  of  the  Reformed  Churches 
throughout  the  World  holding  the  Presbyterian  System,”  your  com¬ 
mittee  recommends — 

1.  That  the  Assembly  express  continued  interest  in  the  work  of 
the  Alliance. 

2.  That  provision  be  made  for  meeting  our  apportionment  of  the 
expenses,  viz.,  $480. 

3.  That  the  matters  in  the  communication  called  to  our  atten¬ 
tion  be  referred  for  their  consideration  to  the  several  Executive  Com¬ 
mittees  of  our  Assembly  dealing  respectively  with  these  matters. 

4.  That  the  representative  of  the  commission  accredited  to  us 
to  bear  its  official  salutations  be  given  opportunity  to  discharge  this 
honorable  and  pleasing  duty. 

See  also  pp.  16,  68. 

1902,  p.  290.  The  Assembly  has  listened  with  pleasure  to  the 
address  of  Rev.  George  D.  Matthews,  D.  D.,  the  General  Secretary 
of  the  Alliance  of  the  Reformed  Churches,  and  expresses  its  con¬ 
tinued  interest  in  the  united  work  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

We  note  with  pleasure  the  appointment  of  Rev.  R.  P.  Kerr,  D. 
D.,  of  Richmond,  Va.,  as  chairman  of  the  Western  Section. 

We  recommend  that  the  sum  of  $495,  apportioned  to  our  church 
for  the  expenses  of  the  Alliance,  be  paid. 

Also  that  the  attention  of  the  Synods  be  called  to  the  resolution 
adopted  by  the  Western  Section,  as  to  “the  necessity  for  the  adapta¬ 
tion  of  the  Home  Mission  work  to  the  changing  conditions  of  our 
population.” 

We  rejoice  in  the  movements  towards  union  in  th,e  mission 
churches  of  the  Presbyterian  faith  and  order  in  Asia,  and  recom¬ 
mend  that  these  bodies  be  represented  at  the  meetings  of  the  Coun¬ 
cil.  Adopted. 

For  list  of  delegates  to  Liverpool  Council,  see  Minutes,  p.  290. 

For  report  of  Executive  Commission  of  Alliance,  see  Minutes,  pp., 
333-335. 

1903,  pp.  539-544.  Report  of  Western  Section  of  Executive  Com 

mission  of  the  Alliance,  and  Memorial  on  an  Advanced  Course  of 
Sabbath  School  Lessons. 

1904,  p.  40.  Relative  to  the  annual  report  of  the  Western  Sec¬ 
tion  of  the  Executive  Commission  of  the  Alliance  of  Reformed 
Churches  (See  Appendix  to  Minutes),  we  recommend  resolutions  A, 
B,  and  C,  concerning  the  use  of  the  Bible  in  public  schools.  We 


1042 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


recommend  that  the  second  Sabbath  of  September  be  again  set 
apart  as  a  day  of  prayer  for  our  public  schools.  We  recommend 
that  the  resolutions  on  the  question  of  Marriage  and  Divorce  be 
approved.  We  recommend  that  the  apportionment  on  our  Church 
for  the  annual  expenses  of  the  Alliance  be  paid.  We  recommend 
that  Rev.  R.  H.  Fleming,  D.  D.,  delegate  from  the  Alliance  to  this 
body  to  convey  its  fraternal  greetings,  be  invited  to  address  the  As¬ 
sembly. 

In  answer  to  an  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  ,St.  Louis  to  re¬ 
quest  the  Western  Section  of  the  Executive  Commission  of  the 
Alliance  of  the  Reformed  Churches  holding  the  Presbyterian  Sys¬ 
tem,  to  propose  to  the  churches  composing  the  Alliance  some  plan 
for  a  closer  alliance  of  Young  People’s  Societies  of  our  various 
churches, 

Your  committee  recommends  that  this  overture  be  referred  to  the 
Committee  on  Conference  with  Other  Presbyterian  Bodies. 

See  Minutes,  pp.  118-120,  for  report  of  Western  or  American  Sec¬ 
tion. 

1905,  p.  39.  That  the  first  Sabbath  of  November  be  set  apart  as 
a  session  of  special  thanksgiving  to  God  for  the  blessings  bestowed 
upon  so  many  churches  and  countries  from  the  great  religious  revival 
which  we  call  the  Reformation  of  the  Sixteenth  Century. 

2.  That  the  apportionment  of  our  Church  for  the  annual  expenses 
of  the  Alliance  (viz.,  $480)  be  paid. 

3.  The  report  of  the  Special  Committee  on  Candidates  for  the 
Ministry  as  made  to  ^he  Alliance  is  highly  interesting  reading,  and 
the  facts  therein  presented  are  worthy  of  the  serious  reflection  of  our 
whole  Church.  There  is  nothing  in  the  report,  however,  which  calls 
for  action  by  this  Assembly  as  appears  in  this  report. 

4.  We  find  nothing  calling  for  special  attention  or  action  on  the 
part  of  our  Assembly  in  the  report  on  Fraternal  Associate  Member¬ 
ship  in  Evangelical  Churches,  as  made  to  the  Alliance. 

1906,  p.  44.  We  learn  with  great  pleasure,  from  the  report  of 
the  Western  Section  of  the  Alliance,  of  the  good  work  going  on  in 
all  parts  of  the  world  through  the  instrumentality  of  our  brethren 
of  this  Alliance.  In  regard  to  the  matter  suggested  about  co-opera¬ 
tive  work  for  residents  in  foreign  ports  and  immigrants  to  our  land, 
we  recommend  that  this  work  be  taken  up  by  our  Committees  of 
Home  and  Foreign  Missions. 

We  are  glad  to  see  that  our  representation  has  been  increased 
from  ten  to  nineteen,  and  our  apportionment  has  been  reduced  from 
$480  to  $380,  and  recommend  that  this  apportionment  be  paid  by 
the  Treasurer  of  the  Assembly. 

For  report,  see  Minutes,  pp.  99-103. 

1907,  p.  58.  In  relation  to  the  report  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mission  of  the  Alliance  of  the  Reformed  Churches  throughout  the 
World  holding  the  Presbyterian  system,  your  Committee  recom¬ 
mends  the  adoption  of  all  the  recommendations  and  suggestions 
contained  in  said  report  touching  Foreign  Missions,  Home  Missions, 
the  Sabbath  School  and  Young  People’s  Work,  Defections  in  Church 


Sec.  1501]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1043 

Membership  and  the  Calvin  Anniversary.  The  Committee  also  rec¬ 
ommends  that  the  Moderator  of  the  General  Assembly  appoint 
nineteen  representatives  for  this  Church  in  the  council  which  is  to 
be  held  in  the  city  of  New  York,  in  the  year  1909.  We  also 
recommend  that  the  sum  of  $380,  the  amount  apportioned  to  our 
Church  as  the  expenses  of  said  Alliance,  be  appropriated  and  paid 
out  of  the  funds  of  the  General  Assembly.  Adopted. 

1908,  pp.  18,  47.  We  call  attention  to  the  fact  that  the  Ninth 
General  Council  of  the  Alliance  of  the  Reformed  Churches  through¬ 
out  the  World  holding  the  Presbyterian  System  will  meet  in  the 
city  of  New  York  in  the  fall  of  1909. 

We  recommend  that  the  nineteen  delegates  from  our  church,  with 
their  alternates,  be  appointed  by  the  Moderator,  their  expenses  to 
be  met  by  themselves;  that  $380,  the  amount  apportioned  to  our 
church,  be  appropriated  to  pay  our  share  of  the  expenses  of  the 
Alliance  for  the  present  fiscal  year  ending  March  31,  1909. 

Delegates  to  Alliance  of  Reformed  Churches,  New  York,  1909: 

Principals :  Ministers  A.  B.  Curry,  J.  E.  Jones,  A.  A.  McGeachy, 
W.  R.  Henderson,  D.  M.  Sweets,  W.  L.  Lingle,  Chas.  R.  Hyde,  A. 
M.  Fraser,  S.  M.  Smith,  W.  B.  Y.  Wilkie,  R.  E.  Vinson,  T.  S.  Wil- 
.son,  P.  R.  Law;  Ruling  Elders,  Thos.  W.  Bullitt,  C.  W.  Dorsey, 
Gov.  Hoke  Smith,  Geo.  W.  Watts,  W.  A.  Clark,  Rhodes  S.  Baker. 

Alternates’.  Ministers,  C.  W.  Grafton,  A.  F.  Carr,  E.  C.  Caldwell, 
W.  W.  Elwang,  C.  W.  Sommerville,  Robert  Adams,  J.  F.  Lawson, 
F.  T.  McFaden,  W.  J.  McKay,  W.  H.  Neal,  J.  P.  Robertson,  W.  E. 
Cave,  Melton  Clark;  Ruling  Elders,  E.  Hotchkin,  S.  M.  Inman, 
Gov.  R.  B.  Glenn,  A.  M.  Scales,  Geo.  R.  Cannon,  Thos  S.  Mc- 
Pheeters. 

Ad  interim  committee  to  fill  any  vacancies:  A.  B.  Curry,  J.  E. 
Jones,  A.  A.  McGeachy.  Adopted. 

1909,  p.  62.  We  have  examined  the  report  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mission  of  the  Alliance  of  Reformed  Churches  throughout  the  World 
holding  the  Presbyterian  System,  and  would  make  the  following 
recommendations  in  connection  with  the  same. 

(a)  That  reports  on  Foreign  Missions,  Home  Missions,  Evange¬ 
listic  and  Sabbath  School  Work  be  referred  to  our  Executive  Com¬ 
mittees  respectively. 

(b)  That  the  amount  of  expense  as  apportioned  to  us,  $380,  be 
paid. 

(c)  That,  at  such  a  time  as  may  be  convenient  to  him  and  to 
the  Assembly,  the  Rev.  A.  J.  McKelway,  D.  D.,  be  granted  the 
privileges  of  the  floor  for  a  brief  address  on  the  cause  of  Church 
Federation.  And  that  Rev.  Dr.  W.  W.  Moore  be  heard  as  a  dele¬ 
gate  from  this  Executive  Commission.  Adopted. 

1910,  p.  46.  The  Assembly  has  heard  with  interest,  pleasure  and 


1044 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


profit  the  able  address  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  R.  H.  Fleming  representing 
the  Western  Section  of  the  Council  of  Reformed  Churches  through¬ 
out  the  World  holding  the  Presbyterian  System,  and  is  grateful  for 
his  graphic  statement  of  “the  faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints.” 

For  report  of  Executive  Commission  of  Alliance  (Western  Sec¬ 
tion),  see  Minutes,  pp.  150-159. 

1915,  p.  38.  The  report  of  the  Executive  Commission  of  the 
Alliance  of  the  Reformed  Churches  throughout  the  World  holding 
the  Presbyterian  System1  (Western  Section),  for  the  year  ending 
March  31st,  1915,  was  placed  in  our  hands.  While  the  report 
(which  will  be  found  in  the  Appendix)  is  too  lengthy  to  be  incor¬ 
porated  herewith,  we  would  indicate  to  the  Assembly  that  it  covers 
the  field  of  Foreign  Missions  with  the  effect  of  the  war  thereupon. 
Special  notice  is  drawn  to  the  magnitude  and  importance  and  the 
urgency  of  winning  our  great  continent  for  Christ.  In  the  appeal 
for  peace  we  quote  the  following:  “We  appeal  to  our  fellow  Chris¬ 
tians  to  join  with  us  in  prayer  and  to  study  the  things  that  make  for 
peace,”  and  again,  “In  view  of  this  catastrophe,  we  appeal  most 
earnestly  to  all  the  Churches  connected  with  this  Alliance  to  implore 
Almighty  God  to  influence  the  warring  nations  so  that  a  righteous 
peace  may  be  speedily  secured.”  We  suggest  that  the  Assembly  be 
now  led  in  prayer  in  accordance  with  this  request.  We  recommend 
the  continued  interest  of  our  Assembly  in  this  Alliance. 

1917,  p.  47.  There  have  come  into  the  hands  of  the  Committee 
on  Foreign  Correspondence  the  minutes  of  the  Executive  Commission 
of  the  Alliance  of  the  Reformed  Churches  throughout  the  World 
holding  the  Presbyterian  System,  Western  (American)  Section. 

The  meeting  of  the  Western  Section  of  the  Commission  was  held 
in  the  chapel  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church,  Columbia,  -S.  C., 
March  7-8,  1917. 

In  connection  with  this  report,  Rev.  I.  S.  McElroy,  D.  D.,  ad¬ 
dressed  the  Assembly  as  delegate  from  the  Western  Section  of  the 
Commission.  The  thanks  of  the  Assembly  are  tendered  Dr.  McElroy 
for  his  address. 

The  minutes  of  the  Commission  show  encouraging  progress  in  the 
Churches  in  extending  the  Kingdom  of  our  Lord.  We  quote  some 
figures  as  to  the  activity  of  the  Churches  of  the  Alliance  in  Foreign 
Missions : 

The  Conference  of  Foreign  Mission  Boards  of  1915  shows  that 
there  are  246  organizations  contributing  to  this  work  in  North 
America;  of  these  nine  are  Presbyterian  in  polity  and  doctrine.  The 
total  contributions  from  all  organizations  amounted  to  $18,793,990, 
and  of  that  $4,509,407,  or  nearly  one-fourth,  came  from  Presby¬ 
terian  sources.  The  total  number  of  missionaries  from  all  these  or¬ 
ganizations  is  10,500;  of  these  3,100  are  Presbyterians.  The  total 
native  staff  is  about  50,000,  of  whom  about  10,000  are  associated 
with  the  Presbyterian  section  of  the  work. 


Sec.  1501]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1045 

We  would  call  attention  to  the  postponing  of  the  date  for  the 
meeting  of  the  Eleventh  Council  of  the  Alliance  from  September, 
1917,  to  September,  1918. 

In  the  report  of  the  Committee  on  Necrology  we  note  the  just 
tribute  paid  to  our  worthy  and  beloved  brother,  Rev.  Julius  Walker 
Walden,  D.  D.,  LL.  D. 

We  are  gratified  to  note  that  Rev.  R.  C.  Reed,  D.  D.,  of  Columbia 
Seminary,  is  the  Vice-Chairman  of  the  Western  Section  of  the  Ali- 
ance. 

The  next  place  of  the  meeting  of  this  Section  of  the  Commission 
is  to  be  at  Princeton,  N.  J.,  as  the  guests  of  the  Theological  Semi¬ 
nary. 

1919,  p.  54.  As  to  the  papers  touching  the  Alliance  of  Reformed 
Churches,  Executive  Committee  (Western  Section),  that  the  special 
attention  of  the  Assembly  be  directed  to  the  fact  that  one  of  our 
ministers,  Rev.  Dr.  R.  C.  Reed,  of  South  Carolina,  is  now  Chairman 
of  the  Western  Section,  and  that  the  date  of  the  next  meeting  of  the 
Alliance  has  been  referred  to  the  Executive  Committee  with  power,  in 
correspondence  with  the  Eastern  Section;  and  that  the  Assembly 
authorize  the  present  Moderator  to  reappoint  the  requisite  number 
of  representatives  of  our  Church  to  the  next  meeting  of  the  Alliance, 
or  to  fill  vacancies  in  the  list,  with  the  further  recommendation  that, 
in  his  appointment,  at  least  two-thirds  of  said  appointees  shall  be 
of  men  not  previously  appointed  to  a  meeting  of  the  said  Alliance. 

1920,  p.  12.  The  Assembly  directed  me  [the  Moderator,  Rev. 
Dr.  Fraser]  (see  Minutes  of  Assembly,  paragraph  3,  pages  54  and 
55)  to  reappoint  as  representatives  of  our  Church  in  the  General 
Council  of  Reformed  Churches  Throughout  the  World  Holding 
the  Presbyterian  System,  the  same  persons  who  had  been  appointed 
by  the  Assembly  of  1916  for  a  meeting  of  the  Council  which  failed 
to  convene  because  of  the  World  War.  I  was  also  directed  to  fill 
any  vacancies  that  may  have  occurred  since  1916. 

In  my  effort  to  discharge  this  duty,  I  met  with  two  embarrassments. 
First,  the  number  of  representatives  assigned  to  our  Church  has  been 
reduced  from  thirty  to  twenty-one.  This  made  it  necessary  to  drop 
the  names  of  nine  of  those  appointed  at  first,  together  with  their 
alternates.  Second,  some  of  the  representatives,  chosen  because  of 
their  residence  in  particular  Synods,  have  changed  their  residence 
to  other  Synods  since  their  appointment.  My  construction  of  my 
duty  was  that  I  was  limited  to  reappointment  except  in  cases  of 
actual  vacancy.  I  have,  therefore,  followed  the  list  exactly  as  it 
is  contained  in  the  Minutes  of  1916  as  far  as  possible.  There  was 
only  one  vacancy,  that  caused  by  the  death  of  Ruling  Elder  J.  C. 
Calhoun,  the  alternate  from  the  Synod  of  Virginia.  I  appointed 
Ruling  Elder  R.  E.  Magill,  of  the  Synod  of  Virginia,  to  fill  that 
vacancy,  Mr.  Magill  having  been  one  of  the  original  representatives 
at  large,  and  his  name  occurring  first  on  the  list  of  those  who  had 


1046 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


to  be  left  off.  With  these  explanations,  I  report  the  following  as 
the  list  of  representatives  to  the  Council  appointed  by  me,  viz: 

Synod  Principal  Alternate 

Alabama  . , . R.  H.  McCaslin,  D.  D . J.  S.  Foster,  D.  D. 

Appalachia  . C.  C.  Carson,  D.  D . J.  N.  Fisher* 

Arkansas  . T.  L.  Green  . C.  H.  H.  Branch,  D.  D. 

Florida  . L.  B.  Skinner*  . Joseph  Venable,  D.  D. 

Georgia  . E.  L.  Hill,  D.  D . S.  L.  McCarty 

Kentucky  . H.  H.  Sweets,  D.  D . E.  C.  Ward* 

Louisiana  . T.  M.  Hunter,  D.  D . G.  H.  Cornelson,  D.  D. 

Missouri  . W.  W.  Elwang,  D.  D . A.  A.  Wallace,  D.  D. 

Mississippi  . C.  W.  Grafton,  D.  D . W.  C.  Wells*  ll 

North  Carolina  ....A.  A.  McGeachy,  D.  D . J.  M.  Wells,  D.  D. 

Oklahoma  . C.  C.  Weaver,  D.  D . A.  H.  Ferguson* 

South  Carolina.. ..A.  D.  P.  Gilmour,  D.  D . Alexander  Martin,  D.  D. 

Tennessee  . . Wm.  Crowe,  D.  D . C.  S.  Ivie* 

Texas  . R.  M.  Hall,  D.  D . Bradford  Hardie* 

Virginia  . W.  J.  McMillan,  D.  D . R.  E.  Magill* 

West  Virginia  . G.  E.  Price*  . D.  P.  McGeachy,  D.  D. 

At  Large 

Arthur  G.  Jones,  D.  D 

R.  B.  Glenn*  . 

E.  Thompson,  D.  D.  ... 

R.  P.  Williams*  . 

D.  H.  Ogden,  D.  D . 

*R'uling  Elder. 

1921,  p.  30.  There  was  placed  in  our  hands  the  report  of  the 
Western  Section  of  the  World  Alliance  of  Reformed  Churches,  and 
we  find  the  following  overture  addressed  to  the  Supreme  Judicatories 
of  the  Constituent  Churches: 

“1.  That  the  Western  Section  of  the  Alliance  of  the  Reformed 
Churches  holding  the  Presbyterian  System  would  respectfully  over¬ 
ture  the  Supreme  Judicatories  of  its  Constituent  Churches  to  give 
earnest  consideration  at  their  spring  meetings  to  the  needs  and  op¬ 
portunities  of  our  brethren  in  the  various  Reformed  and  Presbyterian 
bodies  on  the  continent  of  Europe. 

“(a)  We  would  call  special  attention  to  the  desperate  condition 
of  many  of  the  ministers  of  the  Reformed  Churches  in  Hungary, 
Transylvania,  Poland,  Lithuania  and  Jugo-Slavia  who  have  been 
deprived  of  their  means  of  support  by  the  measures  adopted  by  the 
governments  under  whose  rule  they  have  fallen  since  the  war,  and 
who  for  that  reason,  and  also  on  account  of  the  prevailing  industrial 
conditions  in  those  countries,  are  destitute  of  both  clothing  and  food. 

“(b)  We  would  also  call  attention  to  the  great  opportunities  con¬ 
fronting  our  brethren  in  Czecho-Slovakia,  where  great  numbers  are 
coming  out  of  the  Romish  Church  who  could  be  reached  by  the 
evangelistic  effort  of  the  Evangelical  Church  of  the  Czech  brethren 
if  there  were  church  building  accommodations  for  the  congregations 
that  could  be  gathered  and  support  for  the  ministers  that  would  be 
required  to  preach  to  them. 

“2.  That  this  Section  suggests  to  the  General  Assemblies  and 


Henry  Moore* 

Byron  Clark,  D.  D. 
JU.  C.  Caldwell,  D.  D. 
.E-  E.  Smith,  D.  D. 

,E.  T.  Wellord,  D.  D. 


Sec.  1501]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1047 

General  Synods  of  our  constituent  Churches  for  consideration,  and 
if  deemed  wise,  for  adoption,  the  following  program: 

“(a)  That  the  Month  of  October  next  be  designated  as  “Conti¬ 
nental  European  Month,”  in  which  special  efforts  shall  be  made  to 
provide  for  the  immediate  needs  of  the  suffering  brethren  of  our  Re¬ 
formed  and  Presbyterian  Churches  in  Europe;  this,  however,  not  to 
conflict  with  plans  already  made  in  any  denomination  for  that  object. 

“(b)  That  donations  in  clothing,  unused  or  slightly  worn,  or 
whole  cloth,  linen  (especially  bed  linen),  and  shoes,  be  sent  during 
that  month  to  a  depot  or  depots  designated  by  the  Committee 
appointed  by  our  Alliance;  also  that  food  drafts  or  money  can  be 
sent  through  this  medium,  all  these  to  be  sent  direct  to  the  following 
suffering  Churches:  Hungary,  Transylvania,  Vienna,  Czecho-Slo- 
vakia,  Germany,  Poland  and  Lithuania;  also  money  can  be  sent  to 
France,  Belgium  and  Italy  if  desired. 

“(c)  That  the  last  Sunday  in  October  (Reformation  Day)  be 
designated  as  a  Day  of  Prayer  in  all  our  churches  for  our  oppressed 
and  suffering  brethren  in  Europe,  and  that  on  that  day  offerings  be 
taken  for  this  object,  unless  this  conflicts  with  any  previous  plan  in 
any  of  the  denominations.” 

We  recommend  that  this  suggested  program,  in  so  far  as  it  can 
be  so  adjusted  as  not  to  interfere  with  arrangements  already  made  for 
contributions  to  other  causes  in  October,  be  approved  by  the  Assem¬ 
bly  and  commended  to  our  churches.  We  especially  recommend  that 
the  suggestions  in  regard  to  donations  of  food  and  clothing  be  com¬ 
mended  to  our  people,  and  that  the  last  Sunday  of  October  (Refor¬ 
mation  Day),  in  connection  with  the  commemorative  services  held  on 
that  day,  be  also  observed  as  a  Day  of  Prayer  for  our  oppressed  and 
suffering  brethren  in  Europe. 

We  also  recommend  that  the  names  of  Dr.  I.  S.  McElroy  and  Dr. 
,S.  H.  Chester  be  added  to  the  list  of  delegates  at  large  to  the  Council 
of  the  Presbyterian  Alliance  to  be  held  in  Pittsburg  in  September. 

1921,  p.  80c.  The  following  resolution  touching  membership  in 
the  Council  of  the  Reformed  Churches  in  America  was  adopted: 

If  any  of  the  principals  and  their  alternates  who  have  been  elected 
to  membership  in  the  General  Council  of  the  Alliance  of  the  Reformed 
Churches  holding  the  Presbyterian  System  throughout  the  World, 
to  convene  in  Pittsburg,  Pa.,  during  September,  1921,  should  fail  to 
attend  this  meeting  of  the  Council,  their  places  may  be  filled  by  the 
Moderator  of  this  General  Assembly,  or  by  those  members  of  the 
Council  from  our  Church  who  may  be  in  attendance  on  said  Council. 

1922,  p.  80.  Rev.  Ernest  Thompson,  D.  D.,  made  a  report  of 
his  attendance  upon  the  meeting  of  the  Western  Section  of  the  Alli¬ 
ance  of  the  Reformed  Churches  Throughout  the  World  Holding  the 
Presbyterian  System,  and  of  his  appointment  to  represent  the  Alli¬ 
ance  at  this  meeting  of  the  Assembly.  This  report  was  referred  to 
the  Standing  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence. 

1922,  p.  34.  The  report  of  Rev.  Ernest  Thompson,  D.  D.,  con¬ 
cerning  the  meeting  of  the  Western  Section  of  the  Alliance  of  the 


1048 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


Reformed  Churches  throughout  the  world  holding  the  Presbyterian 
system  was  placed  in  our  hands  and  carefully  read  by  us.  Four 
items  in  that  report  call  for  action  on  our  part: 

1.  We  recommend  that  the  matter  of  raising  $100,000  for  chapels 
in  Bohemia  and  $25,000  for  the  Jewish  Mission  be  referred  to  the 
Protestant  Relief  Committee  of  the  Assembly. 

2.  We  recommend  that  the  Continental  Committee  be  authorized 
to  take  up  the  matter  of  securing  traveling  expenses  of  theological 
students  from  the  Continent  of  Europe  with  the  several  seminaries 
of  our  Church. 

3.  We  heartily  approve  of  the  effort  to  have  more  English  services 
on  the  Continent  of  Europe. 

4.  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  approve  of  the  increase  in 
the  appropriation  to  this  great  cause,  the  total  appropriation  not  to 
exceed  $700. 

1502.  Eastern  Section 

1921,  p.  35.  The  Assembly  has  heard  with  peculiar  pleasure  the 
address  of  Rev.  J.  R.  Fleming,  D.  D.,  Secretary  of  the  Eastern  Sec¬ 
tion  of  the  Alliance  of  Reformed  Churches  holding  the  Presbyterian 
System.  We  welcome  him  as  the  guest  of  our  Presbyterian  Bodies 
represented  in  this  Alliance,  and  wish  him  God  speed  on  the  mission 
on  which  he  has  come  to  our  country. 

s 

1503.  Federal  union  between  the  Reformed  Churches 

1893,  p.  52.  A  communication  from  the  Rev.  R.  M.  Patterson, 
renewing  the  invitation  to  this  Assembly  to  co-operate  in  the  effort 
to  establish  a  “Federal  Union  between  the  Reformed  Churches  in 
the  United  States  holding  the  Presbyterian  System,”  the  object  of 
which  shall  be  “to  secure  co-operation  in  religious  work,  and  in  the 
promotion  of  such  moral  and  social  reforms  as  affect  the  welfare  of 
the  nation,”  and  asking  for  the  appointment  of  a  committee  to  attend 
a  conference,  the  purpose  of  which  shall  be  “to  perfect  a  plan  of 
federation  to  be  submitted  to  the  General  Assemblies  and  General 
Synods  for  their  consideration  and  action.” 

Answer :  This  Assembly  does  not  desire  to  enter  into  the  federal 
union  proposed. 

1894,  p.  234.  Rev.  W.  F.  Junkin,  D.  D.,  a  delegate  from  the 

Alliance  of  the  Reformed  Churches  throughout  the  world,  presented 
to  the  Assembly  the  plan  of  federation  agreed  to  by  committees  of 
eight  different  ecclesiastical  bodies  in  the  United  States  connected 
with  said  Alliance,  and  inviting  this  General  Assembly  to  adopt 
these  articles  of  federation.  * 

Reply :  This  Assembly  does  not  desire  to  enter  into  the  federal 
union  proposed. 

1904,  p.  12.  The  following  communication  was  received  by 
telegraph  from  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 


Secs.  1501-1503]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1040 


the  United  States  of  America,  and  referred  to  the  Committee  of 
Foreign  Correspondence: 

The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.  A., 
in  session  at  (Buffalo,  has  adopted,  with  only  one  dissenting  vote,  the 
following  resolutions: 

Whereas  it  is  known  to  this  Assembly  that  the  General  Assembly 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States,  now  in  session  at 
Mobile,  Ala.,  has  before  it  overtures  from  some  of  its  Presbyteries 
looking  to  closer  relations  with  this  Assembly,  and, 

Whereas,  we  earnestly  desire  to  remove  all  obstacles  to  such  rela¬ 
tions,  now,  therefore,  be  it, 

Resolved,  1.  That  this  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States  of  America  hereby  removes  all  asper¬ 
sions  and  charges  of  any  and  every  kind  made  by  previous  Assem¬ 
blies,  reflecting  on  the  Christian  character  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  U.  S.,  and  is  ready  at  any  time  to  confer  on  the  subject  of 
closer  relations,  whenever  such  conference  shall  be  agreeable  to  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States. 

2.  That  the  Moderator  and  Stated  Clerk  be  instructed  immediately 
to  communicate  this  action  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presby¬ 
terian  Church  in  the  United  States. 

P.  15.  The  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspondence  reported,  and 
the  Assembly  adopted  the  following  reply  which  the  Stated  Clerk 
was  directed  to  wire  immediately: 

The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States  learns  with  joy  of  the  action  of  your  Assembly  in  the  removal 
of  all  aspersions  upon  the  Christian  character  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States,  and  declares  its  readiness  to  follow  the 
leadings  of  Providence  in  the  matter  of  closer  relations,  overtures 
touching  which  are  now  before  us  for  consideration. 

P.  32.  The  report  of  the  committee  was  then  adopted,  and  is  as 
follows : 

Your  committee,  to  which  were  referred  the  various  overtures  and 
communications  to  this  General  Assembly  on  the  subject  of  Closer 
Relations  with  the  Presbyterian  and  Reformed  Churches  in  the 
United  States,  would  respectfully  state  that  they  have  carefully  con¬ 
sidered  the  following  overtures  and  memorials:  From  the  Synod  of 
Alabama  and  the  Presbyteries  of  Meridian,  Mecklenburg  and  Enoree, 
and  from  a  joint  conference  of  representatives  of  the  Reformed  Pres¬ 
byterian  Church  (General  Synod),  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States  of  America,  the  Reformed  Church  in  America,  and  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church,  held  in  New  York  City,  December  9-10, 
1903,  all  asking  the  appointment  of  a  committee  to  confer  with 
similar  committees  from  other  churches  on  the  bringing  about  of 
closer  relations  and  co-operation  between  the  various  Reformed  and 
Presbyterian  Churches.  Also,  we  have  considered  a  memorial  from 
the  Presbytery  of  Nashville,  asking  this  Assembly  to  assure  our 
sister  churches  of  our  willingness  to  confer  on  the  subject  of  closer 
relations,  whenever  such  conference  would  be  likely  to  result  in 
closer  fellowship;  but  asking  that  the  Assembly  defer,  for  a  year,  the 
appointment  of  a  committee.  We  have  had  for  our  careful  consid- 


1050 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


eration,  overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  of  Arkansas,  Ouachita  and 
Red  River,  asking  the  appointment  of  a  committee  to  confer  with  a 
Committee  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of 
America,  looking  to  closer  relations  with  that  Church.  We  have 
considered,  also,  a  communication  from  the  Reformed  Church 
in  America  (Dutch),  expressing  their  willingness  to  confer  with  a 
committee  from  our  Church,  on  closer  relations  with  us.  And  also 
overtures  from  our  Presbyteries  of  Durant,  Wilmington,  Tuscaloosa 
and  North  Alabama,  asking  us  to  appoint  a  Committee  of  Confer¬ 
ence  with  the  Reformed  Church  in  America.  We  have  also  given 
due  consideration  to  the  action  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States  of  America,  rescinding  all  former  expressions  of  their 
General  Assemblies  reflecting  on  the  Christian  character  of  our 
church  and  this  with  a  view  to  remove  all  obstacles  to  closer  relations 
between  these  two  churches. 

Your  committee  recognize  that  there  is  not  only  in  our  own  church, 
but  also  in  other  churches  holding  the  Presbyterian  Reformed  Cal- 
vinistic  system  a  very  general  and  strong  desire  for  closer  rela¬ 
tions  between  these  churches,  whereby  may  be  expressed  their  essen¬ 
tial  unity  in  doctrine  and  discipline,  and  whereby  they  may  more 
effectively  co-operate  in  the  work  of  Christ’s  Kingdom. 

We,  therefore,  recommend  that  this  Assembly,  wishing  to  promote 
closer  fraternity  in  the  spirit  of  love  and  candor,  appoint  a  com¬ 
mittee  of  six  ministers  and  three  Ruling  Elders,  which  committee 
shall  be  named  by  the  Moderator,  who  shall  be  authorized  and  em¬ 
powered  to  confer  with  similar  committees  that  may  be  appointed 
by  other  Presbyterian  and  Reformed  Churches,  when  notified  that 
it  is  the  wish  of  such  other  churches  to  enter  into  conference  with  ur 

And  the  committee  appointed  by  this  Assembly  is  to  confer  on 
the  subject  of  closer  relations  with  such  churches  as  may  enter  the 
conference,  with  a  view  to  discover:  1.  The  real  sentiment  of  the 
churches  on  the  subject.  2.  The  leadings  of  God’s  Providence  in  the 
matter.  3.  The  obstacles  that  may  stand  in  the  way  of  closer  fellow¬ 
ship.  4.  Whether  and  how  such  obstacles  can  be  removed.  5.  And 
what  may  be  the  nature  and  form  of  the  relations,  which  shall  best 
secure  effective  co-operation,  by  federation  or  otherwise,  and  at  the 
same  time,  preserve  loyalty  to  those  great  principles  for  which  the 
various  churches  have  been  called  to  testify. 

And  the  committee  shall  report  to  the  next  meeting  of  the  General 
Assembly  the  result  of  its  conferences. 

The  Moderator  appointed  the  following  to  constitute  the  Com- 
•>.!  'ee  uf  (  onUience j 

Rev.  G.  B.  Strickler,  D.  D.,  Rev.  C.  R.  Hemphill,  D.  D.,  Rev.  J. 
F.  Gannon,  D.  D.,  Rev.  J.  H.  McNeilly,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Wm.  E.  Boggs, 
D.  D.,  Rev.  J.  R.  Howerton,  D.  D.,  Capt.  C.  N.  Roberts,  Hon.  Charl¬ 
ton  H.  Alexander  and  Thad  Harrison,  Esq. 

The  Assembly  added  the  Moderator  (Rev.  S.  M.  Neal,  D.  D.)  to 
the  committee. 

1905,  p.  13.  The  report  of  this  Committee  was  referred  to  a 


Sec.  1503]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1051 

select  committee  of  thirteen,  to  be  composed  of  one  member  from 
each  Synod,  to  be  appointed  by  the  Moderator. 

P.  45.  The  Assembly  resumed  consideration  of  the  unfinished 
business,  being  the  substitute  for  an  amendment  to  the  second  sec¬ 
tion  of  the  report  of  the  Special  Committee  on  Closer  Relaions  with 
Other  Presbyterian  Churches.  The  report  of  the  committee  was  as 
follows : 

Your  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  report  of  the  ad  interim 
Committee  of  Conference  on  Closer  Relations  with  other  Presbyterian 
Churches,  appointed  by  the  Assembly  at  Mobile,  1904,  with  certain 
overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  of  Central  Mississippi,  Chesapeake, 
Chickasaw,  Lexington,  Mississippi,  Western  Texas,  and  other  papers 
pertaining  to  this  subject  would  report: 

That  it  has  carefully  considered  these  several  papers,  and  would 
recommend  to  the  Assembly  the  following  action: 

1.  That  the  General  Assembly  commend  the  fidelity  and  diligence 
of  the  Committee  on  Closer  Relations  with  other  Presbyterian  and 
Reformed  bodies. 

2.  That  the  Assembly  continue  the  Committee  on  Closer  Relations 
with  Presbyterian  and  Reformed  Churches,  increased  as  hereinafter 
provided,  and  authorize  their  conference  with  similar  committees  of 
such  Churches,  should  they  be  appointed,  with  a  view  of  perfecting 
a  plan  of  co-operation,  the  results  of  such  conference  to  be  submitted 
to  the  General  Assembly  at  its  next  meeting. 

3.  That  the  Committee  on  Closer  Relations  is  instructed  to  give 
due  consideration  to  all  suggestions  and  criticisms  that  may  be  offered 
by  any  of  our  Church  courts,  or  by  any  of  the  officers  and  members 
of  our  Church. 

4.  That  the  Moderator  of  this  General  Assembly  (Rev.  J.  T. 
Plunket,  D.  D.)  be  added  to  the  Committee  on  Closer  Relations,  and 
that  he  shall  by  appointment  add  to  said  committee  one  member 
from  each  Synod  not  now  represented  on  said  committee. 

The  amendment  was  to  add  to  the  second  section  the  following 
v:ords : 

It  is  the  intention  of  this  item  of  the  report  to  eliminate  federation 
from  future  consideration. 

The  substitute  offered  for  this!  amendment  was: 

In  connection  with  this  recommendation  the  Assembly  expresses 
its  inability,  under  all  the  conditions,  to  approve  the  plan  of  federa¬ 
tion  submitted  through  the  committee  of  the  Pittsburg  Conference. 

The  substitute  and  the  amendment  were  both  lost,  and  the  report 
wras  then  adopted  unchanged. 

1504.  Report  of  the  ad  interim  Committee  of  Conference  on  Closer 

Relations 

1905,  p.  107.  This  committee  respectfully  submits  the  following 
report : 

1.  The  chairman  of  your  committee  (Rev.  G.  B.  Strickler,  D.  D.), 
was  invited  in  July  last  (1904)  to  meet  with  “the  Executive  Com- 


1052 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


mittee  of  the  Joint  Conference  on  Closer  Relations  between  Presby¬ 
terian  and  Reformed  Churches  in  the  United  States,”  to  make  arrange¬ 
ments  for  a  larger  conference  between  the  full  committes  of  the  dif¬ 
ferent  Churches  represented.  This  conference  was  held  in  Philadelphia 
in  September  last,  and  agreed  to  call  a  general  conference  of  the 
committee  to  meet  in  Pittsburg,  Penn.,  on  the  29th  of  November,  and 
proposed  a  tentative  plan  of  Federation  to  be  presented  for  its  con¬ 
sideration.  Your  chairman  was  not  able  to  attend  the  meeting  in 
Philadelphia,  but  the  committee  was  represented  by  Dr.  C.  R.  Hemp¬ 
hill. 

2.  On  the  29th  of  November,  1904,  your  committee  met  in  Pitts¬ 
burg,  in  conference  with  committees  from  the  following  Churches: 
Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  (General  Synod),  Reformed*  Church 
in  America,  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.  A,,  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  U.  S.,  United  Presbyterian  Church,  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
Church,  and  Reformed  Church  in  the  United  States.  The  conference 
lasted  for  three  days,  and  the  subjects  designated  were  discussed'  with 
earnestness  and  in  the  spirit  of  fraternity,  in  the  attempt  to  formu¬ 
late  some  plan  by  federation  or  otherwise  by  which  a  closer  fellow¬ 
ship  of  the  Churches  might  be  attained,  and  they  might  be  able  to 
co-operate  more  effectively  in  the  service  of  the  Lord  in  extending 
the  kingdom  in  our  country.  Jt  was  found  that  the  real  sentiment 
of  all  the  Churches  favored  such  co-operation  in  the  general  work  as 
might  be  found  practicable,  while  each  Church  should  retain  its  sepa¬ 
rate  organization.  The  obstacles  in  the  way  of  closer  relations  than 
those  now  existing  were  freely  and  frankly  and'  kindly  discussed  with 
a  view  to  their  removal,  and  to  discover  a  method  of  co-operation 
that  would  be  effective  and  at  the  same  time  preserve  our  distinctive 
principles.  The  joint  conference  formulated  the  plan  *of  federation 
accompanying  this  report,  and  resolved  to  send  it  to  the  various 
Churches  represented  in  the  conference  for  such  action,  as  the  supreme 
judiciary  of  each  Church  might  determine  to  take.  And  the  joint 
conference  recommended  that  the  Churches  appoint  committees  to 
meet  hereafter  in  a  similar  conference,  and'  take  such  further  steps 
as  may  be  indicated  by  the  action  of  the  Churches  as  to  this  plan. 
Your  Committee,  therefore,  hereby  submits  this  plan  for  your  consid¬ 
eration;  and  if  you  should  desire  that  further  effort  should  be  made 
for  closer  fellowship  and  co-operation,  then  we  recommend  that  you 
appoint  a  committee  of  conference  to  meet  with  the  committees  of 
the  other  Churches  to  perfect  the  plan  and  put  it  into  operation,  if 
the  way  be  clear,  according  to  the  method  that  may  appear  to  you 
wisest  and  best. 

3.  The  following  overture  was  referred  to  us  by  the  last  As¬ 
sembly:  The  Presbytery  of  St.  Louis  respectfully  overtures  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  at  Mobile.  Ala.,  to  request  the  Western  Section  of  the 
Executive  Commission  of  the  Reformed  Churches  holding  the  Pres¬ 
byterian  system  to  propose  to  the  Churches  composing  the  alliance 
some  plan  for  a  closer  alliance  or  affiliation  of  the  Young  People’s 
Societies  of  our  various  Churches. 

To  this  overture  we  recommend  that  the  Assembly  give  the  fol¬ 
lowing  answer: 

We  judge  it  best,  for  the  present,  at  least,  that  our  young  people 
be  kept,  as  far  as  possible,  under  our  own  control  and  training,  and 
that  they  be  accustomed  to  the  use  of  our  own  literature  and  methods 
of  work. 

4.  Copy  of  the  action  of  our  Assembly  having  been  sent  by  our 
Stated  Clerk  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
Church,  the  chairman  of  your  committee  received  a  letter  fromT  the 
Rev.  W.  H.  Black,  D.  D.,  chairman  of  their  Committee  on  Closer 
Relations,  expressing  a  readiness  to  confer  with  us  on  that  subject. 
This  letter  was  considered  by  our  committee  while  at  Pittsburg,  and 
the  chairman  was  instructed'  to  say  that  since  the  Cumberland  Church 


♦Substantially  the  same  as  “Articles  of  Agreement,”  p.  1054. 


Secs.  1503-1504]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1053 

was  represented  in  the  conference,  and  since  we  were  conferring  with 
its  representative  as  with  the  representatives  of  other  Churches,  we 
did  not  consider  another  and  different  conference  necessary. 

1905,  p.  57.  The  following  resolution  was  referred  to  the  ad 
interim  Committee  on  Closer  Relations: 

Our  representatives  are  requested  to  seek  to  have  the  basis  of 
representation  in  the  committee  of  co-operation  or  council  of  federa¬ 
tion  established,  not  upon  the  numerical  strength  of  each  denomi¬ 
nation  entering  therein,  but  upon  the  principle  which  will  give  the 
smallest  church  representation  equal  with  the  largest,  after  the 
analogy  of  representation  of  the  several  States  of  the  Federal 
Government  in  the  Senate  of  the  United  .States  of  America,  where 
the  smallest,  Rhode  Island,  for  example,  has  the  same  representation 
with  the  largest  in  area,  Texas,  and  most  populous  in  inhabitants, 
New  York. 

1906,  p.  12.  Overtures  touching  Closer  Relations  and  the  Articles 
of  Agreement  issued  by  the  Charlotte  Conference  of  Committees  (See 
next  Section),  were  received  from  the  following  Presbyteries:  North 
Alabama,  Paducah,  Arkansas,  Mobile,  East  Alabama,  Louisville, 
Savannah,  Knoxville,  Ebenezer,  Upper  Missouri,  Greenbrier,  West 
Lexington,  Macon,  Charleston,  Transylvania,  Muhlenburg,  Chesa¬ 
peake,  Winchester,  Lexington  and  Nashville. 

It  was  ordered  that  all  these  papers,  and  others  touching  this 
matter  of  Closer  Relations  with  other  Presbyterian  bodies,  be  re¬ 
ferred  to  a  Select  Committee  consisting  of  one  member  from  each 
Synod,  said  Committee  to  choose  its  own  Chairman. 

The  Committee  is  as  follows: 

P.  16.  E.  D.  McDougall,  Ala.;  B.  W. Green,  Ark.;  B.  L.  Baker, 
Fla.;  T.  H.  Rice,  Ga. ;  D.  M.  Sweets,  Ky. ;  Geo.  Battalora,  La.;  W. 
Y.  Frierson,  Miss. ;  H.  N.  Spencer,  Mo.;  A.  J.  McKelway,  N.  C.; 
Robt.  Adams,  S.  C.;  G.  W.  Bull,  Tenn. ;  O.  G.  Jones,  Tex.;  Eugene 
Daniel,  Va. 

The  committee  appointed  by  the  last  Assembly  to  confer  with 
Committees  of  other  Presbyterian  bodies  touching  Closer  Relations, 
presented  its  report,  which  was  referred  to  the  above  Select  Com¬ 
mittee,  and  is  as  follows: 

1805.  “ Articles  of  Agreement.” 

1906,  p.  62.  The  Committee  on  “Closer  Relations  with  the  Presby¬ 
terian  and  Reformed  Churches  in  the  United  States,”  appointed 
originally  by  the  Mobile  Assembly,  was  continued  by  the  Assembly 
last  year  at  Fort  Worth,  and  enlarged  by  the  addition  of  the  follow¬ 
ing  names:  Rev.  W.  J.  McKay,  D.  D.,  Rev.  W.  McF’.  Alexander, 
D.  D.,  Hon.  T.  C.  McRae  and  Rev.  J.  T.  Plunket,  D.  D.,  and  was 
authorized  to  confer  with  similar  committees  of  other  Presbyterian 
and  Reformed  Churches  with  a  view  of  perfecting  a  plan  of  co-opera¬ 
tion,  and  was1  instructed  to  give  due  consideration  to  all  suggestions 
and  criticisms  that  might  be  offered  by  any  of  the  church  courts  or 
by  any  of  the  officers  and  members  of  our  Church. 

This  Committee,  on  the  14th  of  March,  1906,  in  the  First  Presby¬ 
terian  Church,  Charlotte,  N.  C.,  met  in  conference  with  the  Reformed 


1054 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


Presbyterian  Church  (General  Synod),  the  Reformed  Church  in  Amer¬ 
ica,  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church,  the  Reformed  Church  in  the  United 
States,  and  the  Associate  Reformed  Church.  After  three  days  of 
conference,  the  following  “Articles  of  Agreement”  were  adopted': 

ARTICLES  OF  AGREEMENT 

1506.  Reformed  Churches  in  America  Holding  the  Presbyterian 

System 

The  Reformed  Churches  in  America  holding  the  Presbyterian  Sys¬ 
tem,  desiring  to  evince  and  develop  their  spiritual  unity  and  to  pro¬ 
mote  closer  relations  and  more  effective  administrative  co-operation 
among  these  Churches,  hereby  adopt  fthe  following  Articles  of  Agree¬ 
ment  in  furtherance  of  these  purposes: 

1.  For  the  prosecution  of  work  that  can  be  done  better  unitedly 
than  separately  an  Ecclesiastical  Council  is  hereby  established,  which 
shall  be  known  by  the  name  and  style  of  “The  Council  of  the  Re¬ 
formed  Churches  in  America  holding  the  Presbyterian  System.” 

2.  The  Council  shall  consist  of  at  least  four  representatives,  min¬ 
isters  or  ruling  elders,  from  each  of  the  constituent  Churches,  for 
each  one  hundred  thousand  communicants  or  fraction  thereof  up  to 
three  hundred  thousand;  and  where  a  church  has  more  than  three 
hundred  thousand  communicants,  then  four  representatives,  ministers, 
or  elders,  for  each  additional  two  hundred  thousand  communicants 
or  fraction  thereof.  These  persons  shall  be  chosen  with  their  alter¬ 
nates  under  the  direction  of  their  respective  supreme  judicatories, 
in  such  manner  as  those  judicatories  shall  respectively  determine. 

3.  Every  Church  entering  into  this  agreement  retains  its  dis¬ 
tinct  individuality,  its  own  creed,  government  and  worship,  as  well 
as  every  power,  jurisdiction  and  right,  which  is  not  by  these  Articles 
expressly  and  exclusively  delegated  to  the  body  hereby  constituted. 

4.  The  Council  shall  exercise  only  such  powers  as  are  conferred 
upon  it  by  these  Articles,  or  such  as  may  hereafter  be  conferred 
upon  it  by  the  constituent  Churches.  It  shall  not  interfere  with  the 
creed,  worship,  or  government  of  the  Churches,  and,  in  particular, 
all  matters  of  discipline  shall  be  left  to  the  exclusive  and  final  judg¬ 
ment  of  the  ecclesiastical  authorities  of  the  Churches  concerned.  AIL 
acts  of  the  Council  affecting  the  interests  of  any  of  the  constituent 
Churches  shall  have  only  advisory  authority,  except  in  matters  cov¬ 
ered  by  Articles  6  and  7. 

5.  The  Council  shall  promote  the  co-operation  of  the  constituent 
Churches  in  their  Foreign  Missionary  work,  and  also  in  their  general 
work  in  the  United  States  of  America,  in  connection  with  Home 
Missions,  Work  among  the  Colored  People,  Church  Erection,  Sabbath 
Schools,  Publication  and  Education.  The  Council  may  also  advise  and 
recommend  in  other  matters  pertaining  to  the  general  welfare  of 
the  kingdom  of  Christ. 

6.  The  Council  shall  have  power  to  deal  with  questions  which 
may  arise  between  the  constituent  Churches,  in  regard  to  matters 
within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Council,  which  the  constituted  agencies 
of  the  Churches  concerned  have  been  unable  to  settle,  and’  which  may 
be  brought  to  the  attention  of  the  Council  by  the  supreme  judicatories 
of  the  parties  thereto;  and  such  differences  shall  thereupon  be  deter¬ 
mined  by  the  Council  or  by  such  agencies  as  it  may  appoint.  If 
determined  by  an  agency,  such  as  a  Committee  or  Commission,  there 
shall  be  the  right  of  appeal  to  the  Council  for  final  decision.  The 
representatives  in  the  Council,  of  Churches  which  are  parties  to  ques¬ 
tions  at  issue,  shall  be  excluded  from  voting  upon  such  questions. 
Every  final  decision  shall  be  transmitted  by  the  Council  to  the  su¬ 
preme  judicatories  of  the  Churches  concerned,  which  shall  take  such 
steps  as  are  necessary  to  carry  the  decision  into  effect. 

7.  The  Council  shall  have  power  to  deal  with  any  other  matters 
of  interest  common  to  any  two  or  more  of  the  constituent  Churches, 


Sec.  1506J  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies 


1055 


which  may  be  referred  to  it  by  the  supreme  judicatories  of  the 
Churches  concerned’  for  its  action,  with  such  authority  in  the  premises 
and  under  such  conditions  as  may  be  agreed  upon  by  the  Churches 
which  make  the  reference.  It  may  also  initiate  movements  having 
co-operation  in  view,  -subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Churches  con¬ 
cerned. 

8.  The  Council  shall  have  power  to  open  and  maintain  a  friendly 
correspondence  with  the  Presbyterian  and  other  Evangelical  Churches 
for  the  purpose  of  promoting  concert  of  action  in  matters  of  common 
interest;  but  nothing  in  this  Article  shall  be  construed  as  affecting 
the  present  rights  of  correspondence  of  the  constituent  Churcnes. 

9.  The  Council  shall  give  full  faith  and  credit  to  the  acts,  pro¬ 
ceedings  and  records  of  the  duly  constituted  authorities  of  the  several 
constituent  Churches. 

10.  The  officers  of  the  Council  shall  be  a  President,  Vice-President, 
Stated  Clerk,  Treasurer,  and  such  other  subordinate  officers  as  may 
be  necessary. 

11.  The  Council  shall  meet  in  regular  session  at  least  biennially, 

and  on  its  own  adjournment,  at  such  time  and  place  as  may  be 
determined.  In  conduct  of  its  meetings  it  shall  respect  the  con¬ 
scientious  views  of  its  constituent  members.  The  President  shall  call 
special  meetings  at  any  time  when  requested  so  to  do  by  a  majority 
of  the  representatives  of  each  of  two  or  more  of  the  constituent 

bodies;  thirty  days’  notice  of  such  meetings  shall  be  given  to  all  the 

members,  and  only  such  business  may  be  transacted  as  is  specified 
in  the  notice. 

12.  The  incidental  expenses  of  the  Council  shall  be  met  by  a 
fund  to  be  provided  by  a  pro  rata  apportionment  on  the  basis  of  the 

representation  of  each  Church  in  the  Council.  The  expenses  of  the 

representatives  shall  be  paid  by  their  respective  Churches.  All  the 
expenses  involved  in  the  settlement  of  any  question  between  the 
Churches  shall  be  borne  equally  by  the  Churches  concerned. 

13.  When  the  representatives  of  three  of  the  Churches,  at  a  meet¬ 
ing  of  either  the  Council  or  its  agencies,  request  a  unit  vote  by 
Churches  upon  a  pending  motion,  the  vote  shall  be  so  taken. 

14.  The  Council  shall  have  power  to  make  such  regulations  and 
by-laws  as  shall  be  deemed  necessary  for  the  conduct  of  its  business. 

15.  After  this  Council  shall  have  been  constituted,  any  Church 
holding  the  Reformed  Faith  and  Presbyterian  Polity  may  be  received 
into  the  Council  by  a  majority  of  the  representatives  of  the  Churches, 
voting  by  the  unit  rule,  and  upon  its  adoption  of  the  Articles  of 
Agreement. 

16.  Any  Churcli  in  the  Council  may  withdraw  therefrom  on  notice 
officially  given,  and  on  its  observance  of  the  same  constitutional  steps 
as  were  followed  in  its  adoption  of  these  Articles. 

17.  Any  amendment  to  these  Articles  proposed  to  the  Council  shall 
before  its  adoption  be  approved  by  the  Council,  and  receive  the 
consent  of  two-thirds  of  the  constituent  Churches  acting  in  accordance 
with  their  respective  Constitutions.  When  the  Councils  shall  have 
been  notified  of  such  consent  it  shall  declare  the  amendment  to  be 
a  part  of  the  Articles  of  Agreement. 

18.  These  Articles  of  Agreement  shall  go  into  effect  when  any 
two  or  more  Churches  shall  adopt  the  same  by  proper  action,  and 
elect  their  representatives  in  the  manner  herein  provided. 

The  above  articles  were  adopted  at  Charlotte,  N.  C.,  March  16,  by 
the  Committees  on  Closer  Relations  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian 
Church  (General  Synod),  the  Reformed  Church  in  America,  the  Pres¬ 
byterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  the  United  Pres¬ 
byterian  Church,  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United’  States,  the 
Reformed  Church  in  the  United  States,  and  the  Associate  Reformed 
Presbyterian  Church. 

After  these  articles  had  been  adopted  by  the  General  Conference, 
they  were  approved  by  your  Committee,  by  a  vote  of  twelve  to  two, 


1056  Relations  With  Other  Bodies  [Book  VII 

and  ordered  to  be  sent  to  this  Assembly  with  the  recommendation 
that  they  be  adopted. 

We  add  that  the  Chairman  of  the  Executive  Conference,  the  Rev. 
J.  Preston  Searle,  and  the  temporary  Secretary,  ask  from  the  con¬ 
stituent  bodies  approving  the  “Articles  of  Agreement”  authority  to 
make  such  arrangements  as  may  be  necssary  for  convening  the 
first  meeting  of  the  council  provided'  for  in  these  articles. 

(The  Executive  Committee  which  was  appointed  by  the  Conference 
consists  of  the  officers  of  the  Conference  and  the  chairmen  of  the 
several  committees.  See  Assembly’s  Minutes,  1905,  pp.  110-111.) 

P.  45.  It  was  resolved  that  the  Articles  of  Agreement  touching 
Closer  Relations  be  referred  to  the  Presbyteries  for  their  action. 

1907,  p.  12.  The  responses  of  the  Presbyteries  to  the  Articles  of 
Agreement  touching  Closer  Relations  with  other  Presbyterian  bodies 
in  this  country,  sent  down  by  the  last  Assembly,  together  with  a 
number  of  overtures  and  other  documents  bearing  upon  this  subject, 
were  presented  by  the  Stated  Clerk. 

The  resolution  concerning  this  matter  which  had  been  docketed 
yesterday,  was  taken  from  the  docket,  and  the  following  was  adopted 
in  its  stead. 

That  all  reports,  papers  and  overtures  sent  up  to  the  Assembly 
by  Presbyteries  or  individuals,  touching  the  proposed  Articles  of 
Agreement,  be  referred  to  a  special  committee  composed  of  one  min¬ 
ister  and  one  ruling  elder  from  each  Synod,  said  committee  to  be 
appointed  by  the  Moderator  and  to  select  its  own  chairman,  and 
that  this  committee,  first,  shall  consider  and  report  upon  the  con¬ 
stitutionality  of  the  proposed  adoption  of  said  articles,  with  a  brief 
statement  of  the  reasons  for  its  conclusions,  and,  second,  shall  recom¬ 
mend,  upon  the  ground  of  its  findings  and  of  a  study  of  all  the 
papers  concerned,  the  course  to  be  pursued  by  the  Assembly. 

The  Moderator  appointed  the  following  as  the  committee  called 
for  in  the  above  resolution: 

Neal  L.  Anderson  and  J.  L.  Dean,  Alabama;  John  C.  Williams 
and  Chas.  McKee,  Arkansas;  A.  W.  Pierce  and  C.  D.  Rinehart, 
Florida;  I.  S.  McKlroy  and  P.  M.  Dougan,  Georgia;  J.  S.  Lyons 
and  John  .Stites,  Kentucky;  Geo.  D.  Booth  and  C.  L.  Pond,  Louis¬ 
iana;  W.  D.  Hedleston  and  W.  Calvin  Wells,  Mississippi;  W.  R. 
Dobyns  and  J.  G.  Trimble,  Missouri;  Alex  Martin  and  J.  D.  Mur¬ 
phy,  North  Carolina;  W.  M.  McPheeters  and  P.  A.  McKellar,  South 
Carolina;  T.  A.  Wharton  and  Allen  G.  Hall,  Tennessee;  T.  F.  Gal¬ 
lagher  and  W.  B.  Hamilton,  Texas;  Russell  Cecil  and  F.  T.  Glas¬ 
gow,  Virginia. 

P.  28.  The  Select  Committee  on  Papers  Touching  the  Articles  of 
Agreement,”  presented  majority  and  minority  reports, 

The  following  resolutions  were  adopted  preliminary  to  the  discus¬ 
sion: 

1.  Your  Committee  on  Articles  of  Agreement  recommend  to  the 
General  Assembly  that  the  whole  matter  involved  in  the  report  of 
your  committee  be  made  a  continuing  order  until  the  same  shall 
have  been  disposed  of. 

2.  Your  Committee  on  the  Articles  of  Agreement  recommend  that 
the  Assembly  allow  designated  representatives  of  the  majority  and 


Sec.  1506]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1057 

minority  reports  two  and'  one-half  hours  each  for  each  side  in  which 
to  present  the  views  of  the  majority  and  minority  of  the  committee, 
and  that  then  the  debate  be  open  for  other  members  of  the  Assembly. 

Before  entering  upon  the  consideration  of  the  reports  presented, 
the  Assembly  engaged  in  special  prayer  for  the  divine  presence  and 
guidance. 

P.  43.  It  was  resolved  that  the  morning  call  be  suspended  and 
the  unfinished  business  be  taken  up  immediately;  and  also  that 
speeches  hereafter  on  this  subject  be  limited  to  ten  minutes  each,  the 
Moderator  dividing  the  time  as  equally  as  practicable  between  the 
two  sides  to  the  question. 

The  discussion  continued  till  12  o’clock,  when  the  vote  was  taken 
upon  the  minority  report  of  the  committee,  and  the  yeas  and  nays 
being  called,  the  paper  was  rejected  by  a  vote  of  92  yeas  to  99  nays. 

The  following  is  the  paper: 

We,  the  undersigned,  a  minority  of  the  committee,  to  which  was 
referred  the  consideration  of  “The  Articles  of  Agrement,”  beg  leave 
to  report  as  follows,  viz.: 

1.  That  we  find  the  proposed  action  unconstitutional,  for  the 
reasons  following,  to-wit: 

(1)  That  the  Articles  create  a  court  unknown  to  our  Constitution, 
to  which  not  only  advisory,  supervisory,  and  administrative  powers 
and  rights  are  delegated,  but  also  judicial  powers  and  jurisdiction, 
pertaining  to  matters  vitally  affecting  the  welfare  of  our  church. 

(2)  The  Constitution  provides  for  our  receiving  other  ecclesiastical 
bodies  under  our  jurisdiction,  but  makes  no  provision  for  bringing 
our  church  under  the  jurisdiction  of  another  ecclesiastical  body. 

3.  In  view  of  the  above  conclusion  reached  by  us  we  recommend 
that  the  Assembly  decline  to  enact  the  Articles  of  Agreement  recom¬ 
mended  by  the  Charlotte  Conference. 

(Signed  with  ten  names.) 

The  majority  was  then  adopted  by  a  vote  of  96  yeas  to  94  nays, 
and  is  as  follows: 

P.  45.  Your  committee  to  which  was  referred  the  Articles  of 
Agreement  and  the  returns  and  overtures  from  the  Presbyteries,  in 
re  the  vote  of  the  Presbyteries  upon  said  articles,  beg  leave  to  report: 

1.  We  have  counted  the  vote  of  the  Presbyteries  and  find  that  of 
the  seventy-nine  which  have  made  returns  to  the  General  Assembly, 
fifty  have  voted  in  favor  of  the  adoption  of  the  Articles,  twenty-eight 
have  voted  in  favor  of  the  rejection  of  the  Articles  and  two  took  no 
action.  The  names  of  the  Presbyteries,  with  their  action,  are  as 
follows : 

In  favor  of  adopting:  Maryland,  Ouachita,  Orange,  North  Mis¬ 
sissippi,  East  Alabama,  Arkansas,  Transylvania,  Lafayette,  Ethel, 
Eastern  Texas,  Fort  Worth,  Muhlenburg,  Florida,  Ebenezcr,  Meck¬ 
lenburg,  Albemarle,  King’s  Mountain,  St.  Louis,  Suwanee,  Mobile, 
West  Lexington,  T'ombeckbee,  Meridian,  Potosi,  Atlanta,  Palmyra, 
Charleston,  North  Alabama,  Upper  Missouri,  Brazos,  Savannah, 
Mangurn,  Pine  Bluff,  Paris,  Augusta,  Pee  Dee,  Western  Texas, 
Louisville,  Nashville,  Concord,  Knoxville,  Central  Texas,  Asheville, 
Dallas,  New  Orleans,  Paducah,  Washbourne,  Enoree  and  Central 
Alabama. 


1058 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


Against  adopting:  Cherokee,  Norfolk,  West  Hanover,  Lexington, 
Abingdon,  Winchester,  Chesapeake,  Harmony,  Bethel,  Fayetteville, 
El  Paso,  Macon,  Wilmington,  Durant,  Western  District,  Mississippi, 
Memphis,  Holston,  Athens,  South  Carolina,  Montgomery,  Columbia, 
East  Hanover,  Roanoke,  Louisiana,  Chickasaw,  Central  Mississippi 
and  Tuscaloosa. 

No  action:  Kanawha  and  Greenbrier. 

We  have  no  returns  from  Presbyteries  of  Red  River,  Indian,  St. 
John’s  and  Brownwood. 

2.  In  our  opinion  the  General  Assembly  can  adopt  the  Articles 
of  Agreement  without  violation  of  the  Constitution  of  the  church. 
Our  reasons  therefor  are  as  follows: 

First — They  do  not  contravene  the  letter  of  the  Constitution. 

Second — They  are  in  harmony  with  the  spirit  of  the  Constitution. 

Third — They  are  in  line  with  precedents  made  by  former  General 
Assemblies. 

Fourth — They  are  within  the  class  of  powers  given  to  the  General 
Assembly  by  the  Constitution. 

3.  We  have  carefully  considered  all  the  overtures  and  papers  sent 
up  by  the  Presbyteries  with  return  of  their  votes  and  find  none  of 
them  requires  answer  from  this  General  Assembly  other  than  that 
contained  in  this  report. 

4.  We  recommend  that  the  Articles  of  Agreement  be  adopted  by 
the  General  Assembly. 

5.  As  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  will  be 
entitled  to  twelve  representatives  in  the  Council  provided  for  by  said 
Articles  of  Agreement,  we  recommend  that  the  representatives  be 
divided  into  three  classes  of  four  members  each,  to  consist  of  two 
ministers  and  two  ruling  elders  each. 

We  further  recommend  that  the  representatives  chosen  by  this 
General  Assembly  be  divided  into  three  classes  to  serve  respectively, 
one,  two  and  three  years,  and  that  hereafter  as  vacancies  occur  in  the 
representation  by  expiration  of  terms  of  service,  the  persons  chosen 
to  fill  said  vacancies  be  chosen  for  a  full  term  of  three  years. 

6.  We  recommend  that  the  Moderator  appoint  a  committee  of  five 
who  shall  nominate  and  report  to  this  General  Assembly  the  names 
of  twelve  persons  qualified  to  serve  as  representatives  from  this 
church,  dividing  the  same  into  classes  as  provided  for  in  this  report. 

7.  We  recommend  that  until  some  other  provision  be  made,  the 
representatives  certify  to  the  then  Moderator  of  the  General  Assem¬ 
bly  their  actual  expenses  incurred  in  attending  to  their  duties  as  such 
representatives,  and  if  the  same  be  approved  by  the  Moderator,  the 
Stated  Clerk  and  Treasurer  pay  them. 

P.  53.  The  nominating  committee  referred  to  above  (item  6) 
"was  as  follows:  J.  M.  Grier,  Chalmers  Fraser,  F.  W.  Lewis,  W.  D. 
Hedleston  and  J.  L.  Dean. 

P.  58.  The  committee  on  nomination  of  delegates  to  council, 
established  by  the  adoption  of  Charlotte  “Articles  of  Agreement,” 


Sec.  1506] 


Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies 


1050 


would  recommend  the  following  delegates  with  their  alternates,  in 
order  named: 

Class  1.  To  serve  one  year :  Rev.  W.  McF.  Alexander,  D.  D.* 
New  Orleans,  La.;  Rev.  W.  T.  Hall,  D.  D.,  Columbia,  S.  C. ;  Mr. 
C.  N.  Roberts,  Sherman,  Texas;  Mr.  H.  O.  Fulton,  Columbia, 
Tenn.  Alternates :  Rev.  J.  E.  Jones,  D.  D.,  Meridian,  Miss.;  Rev. 
J.  H.  McNeilly,  D.  D.,  Nashville,  Tenn.;  Hon.  W.  F.  Stevenson* 
Cheraw,  S.  C. ;  Mr.  C.  Matheson,  Gainesville,  Fla. 

Class  II.  To  serve  two  years:  Rev.  J.  F.  Cannon,  D.  D.,  St.. 
Louis,  Mo.;  Rev.  J.  S.  Lyons,  D.  D.,  Louisville,  Ry. ;  Hon.  Hoke 
Smith,  Atlanta,  Ga. ;  Hon.  T.  C.  McRae,  Prescott,  Ark.  Alternates  r 
Rev.  M.  McN.  McKay,  D.  D.,  Fort  Smith,  Ark.;  Rev.  Neal  L. 
Anderson,  D.  D.,  Montgomery,  Ala.;  Col.  T.  W.  Bullitt,  Louisville* 
Ky. ;  Mr.  J.  M.  Chaney,  Jr.,  Independence,  Mo. 

Class  III.  To  serve  three  years:  Rev.  J.  R.  Howerton,  D.  D.,. 
Montreat,  N.  C. ;  Rev.  Russell  Cecil,  D.  D.,  Richmond,  Va. ;  T.  H. 
Somerville,  LL.  D.,  Oxford,  Miss.;  Judge  R.  T.  Simpson,  Florence* 
Ala.  1 Alternates :  Rev.  J.  Y.  Fair,  D.  D.,  Savannah,  Ga. ;  Rev.. 
Robt.  Hill,  D.  D.,  Dallas,  Texas;  Mr.  F.  T.  Glasgow,  Lexington* 
Va. ;  Hon.  A.  M.  Scales,  Greensboro,  N.  C. 

This  report  was  received  and  adopted,  and  the  parties  therein 
nominated  were  elected. 

1908,  p.  18.  Your  committee  has  examined,  with  care,  the  report 
.  from  the  Council  of  the  Reformed  Churches  in  America  holding  the 
Presbyterian  System.  We  would  call  attention  to  the  fact  that  the 
terms  of  the  following  members  representing  our  church  in  this 
Couucil  will  expire  this  year — Rev.  W.  McF.  Alexander,  D.  D.,  Rev. 
W.  T.  Hall,  D.  D.,  Mr.  C.  N.  Roberts  and  Mr.  H.  O.  Fulton,  with 
their  alternates,  Rev.  J.  E.  Jones,  D.  D.,  Rev.  J.  H.  McNeilly,  D.  D., 
Hon.  W.  F.  Stevenson  and  Mr.  C.  Matheson.  We  recommend  that 
these  vacancies  be  filled  by  the  Moderator. 

We  recommend  that,  in  compliance  with  the  request  of  the  Coun¬ 
cil,  the  report  of  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Missions  and  the  report 
of  the  Committee  on  Home  Missions,  which  are  in  the  Minutes  of 
the  Council,  be  referred  to  our  Executive  Committee  on  Foreign 
Missions  and  our  Executive  Committee  on  Home  Missions,  res¬ 
pectively. 

We  recommend  that  $83,  the  amount  apportioned  to  our  church 
be  appropriated  as  our  share  of  the  incidental  expenses  of  the 
Council,  to  be  paid  out  of  the  funds  of  the  Assembly. 

Adopted. 

P.  17.  That  inasmuch  as  the  Council  of  Reformed  Churches  in 
America  at  its  late  meeting  designated  the  evangelization  of  the 
negroes  as  a  field  in  which  the  various  churches  constituting  the 
council  are  willing  to  unite,  our  Assembly  hereby  express  its  ap¬ 
proval  of  such  co-operation  and  welcome  the  help  of  our  sister 
churches  in  giving  a  pure  gospel  to  our  large  colored  population,, 
with  the  hope  that  such  united  effort  may  result  in  the  building  up 
of  a  strong  colored  Presbyterian  Church;  and,  furthermore,  that 


1Q60 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


our  secretary,  Dr.  James  G.  Snedecor,  place  himself  in  touch  by  cor¬ 
respondence  or  otherwise,  with  the  proper  authorities  of  said 
churches,  with  a  view  to  facilitating  as  far  as  he  can  said  co-opera¬ 
tion. 

P.  33.  An  overture  from  the  Synod  of  South  Carolina,  asking 
for  the  appointment  of  an  ad  interim  committee  to  consider  the  con¬ 
stitutional  and  other  objections  that  have  been  or  may  be  brought 
against  the  action  of  the  Birmingham  Assembly  in  the  matter  of  the 
Articles  of  Agreement. 

Answer :  In  view  of  the  fact  that  no  objection  is  mentioned  nor 
any  unconstitutional  act  specified  in  the  above  overture,  the  Assem¬ 
bly  sees  no  reason  why  an  ad  interim  committee  should  be  appointed. 
Adopted. 

P.  47.  The  Moderator  reappoints  as  representatives  in  the  Coun¬ 
cil  of  the  Alliance  the  four  members  whose  terms  expire  this  year, 
with  their  alternates,  viz. : 

Principals :  W.  McF.  Alexander,  D.  D.,  W.  T.  Hall,  D.  D.,  Mr. 
C.  N.  Roberts,  Mr.  H.  O.  Fulton. 

Alternates :  J.  E.  Jones,  D.  D.,  J.  H.  McNeilly,  D.  D.,  Hon.  W. 
F.  Stevenson,  Mr.  C.  Matheson. 

1909,  p.  63.  In  regard  to  the  communications  from  the  Council 
of  the  Reformed  Churches  in  America,  holding  the  Presbyterian 
system,  we  would  recommend: 

1.  That  the  Assembly  appoint  a  Standing  Committee  on  the 
Minutes  of  this  Council. 

2.  That  our  apportionment  of  the  expenses  of  the  Council,  amount¬ 
ing  to  the  sum  of  $83,  be  paid. 

3.  That  all  matters  pertaining  to  the  work  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittees  of  our  Church  be  referred  to  those  Committees,  respectively, 
with  power  to  act.  Adopted. 

1910,  p.  65.  The  Standing  Committee  on  the  Council  of  the 
Reformed  Churches:  made  the  following  report,  which  was  adopted: 

Your  Standing  Committee  on  the  Minutes  of  the  Council  of  the 
Reformed  Churches  in  America  Holding  the  Presbyterian  System 
respectfully  offer  the  following  report: 

1.  We  have  examined  the  printed  Minutes  of  the  Council  and 
find  them  kept  in  proper  order  and  detail. 

2.  We  note  with  pleasure  that  co-operation  in  our  Foreign  Mis¬ 
sion  work  by  our  several  governing  bodies  is  already  an  accom¬ 
plished  fact. 

3.  We  learn  that  joint  agreements  as  to  the  conduct  of  Home 
Mission  work  have  been  entered  upon  by  some  of  the  constituent 
bodies,  and  with  good  results. 

4.  We  recommend  that  the  sum  of  $83,  asked  of  our  Assembly 
for  the  annual  expenses  of  the  Council  for  the  year  ending  March 
31,  1911,  be  paid. 

5.  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  answer  in  the  affirmative 
the  overture  from  the  Council  requesting  permission  to  call  con¬ 
ferences  of  the  representatives  of  the  official  agencies  of  the  con- 


Sec.  1506]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1061 

stituent  churches  of  the  Council,  when  such  conferences  are  neces¬ 
sary  and  practicable. 

6.  We  recommend  that  the  Council’s  overture  that  our  Assembly 
authorize  our  Executive  Committee  of  Home  Missions  to  supply 
certain  information  about  Home  Missions,  be  answered  in  /the 
affirmative. 

7.  We  recommend  the  re-election  of  the  following  representatives 
of  our  Assembly  in  Council  for  a  period  of  three  years:  Rev.  J.  R. 
Howerton,  D.  D.,  Lexington,  Va. ;  Rev.  Russell  Cecil,  D.  D.,  Rich¬ 
mond,  Va. ;  T.  H.  Somerville,  LL.  D.,  Oxford,  Miss.;  Judge  R.  T. 
Simpson,  Florence,  Ala.  Alternates’.  Rev.  J.  Y.  Fair,  D.  D.,  Rich¬ 
mond,  Va.;  Rev.  Robt.  Hill,  D.  D.,  Dallas,  Tex.;  F.  T.  Glasgow, 
Lexington,  Va.;  A.  M.  Scales,  Greensboro,  N.  C. 

1911,  p.  40. .  We  commend  the  spirit  of  unity,  and  progressive¬ 
ness  that  is  manifested  in  the  proceedings  of  the  Council  and  urge 
the  hearty  cooperation  of  all  our  Churches  as  the  recommendations 
of  the  Council  may  be  amended  and  modified  to  suit  our  respective 
needs  and  conditions. 

As  to  work  among  the  colored  people,,  see  this  Digest,  p.  308. 

In  reference  to  work  among  foreign  speaking  people,  see  this 
Digest,  p.  300. 

For  co-operation  in  Home  Missions,  see  this  Digest,  p.  1054. 

In  regard  to  Education  and  Publication,  see  this  Digest,  p.  1054. 

We  recommend  the  appointment  of  the  following  representatives 
of  the  executive  agencies  of  this  Assembly  in  the  Council  of  1912: 
Rev.  S.  L.  Morris,  D.  D.,  Rev.  H.  H.  Sweets,  D.  D.,  Mr.  R.  E. 
Magill. 

We  recommend  the  appropriation  of  $83.00  asked  of  our  Assem¬ 
bly  for  the  annual  expenses  of  the  Council  for  the  year  ending 
March  31,  1912. 

We  recommend  the  re-election  for  a  period  of  three  years  of 
Rev.  W.  McF.  Alexander,  D.  D.,  New  Orleans,  La.,  and  Mr.  H. 
O.  Fulton,  Columbia,  Tenn.,  and  the  substitution  of  the  name  of 
Rev.  R.  C.  Reed,  D.  D.,  Columbia,  S.  C.,  instead  of  the  name  of 
Rev.  W.  T.  Hall,  deceased,  and  the  name  of  Prof.  D.  F.  Eagleton, 
Sherman,  Tex.,  in  place  of  Capt.  C.  N.  Roberts,  infirm. 

1913,  p.  70h.  Your  Standing  Committee  on  the  Minutes  of  the 
Council  of  the  Reformed  Churches  in  America  Holding  the  Pres¬ 
byterian  System  would  respectfully  report  that  we  have  examined 
the  Minutes  of  the  Executive  Committee,  which  has  met  twice  during 
the  year,  there  having  been  no  meeting  of  the  Council,  and  would 
rcommend : 

1st.  That  the  Treasurer  be  authorized  to  pay  our  apportionment 
of  seventy-five  dollars  for  the  annual  current  expenses  of  the  coun¬ 
cil  for  the  year  ending  March  31st,  1914. 

2nd.  That  the  following  members  be  re-elected  for  a  period  of 
three  years:  Rev.  J.  R.  Howerton,  D.  D.,  Lexington,  Va. ;  Rev.  Rus¬ 
sell  Cecil,  D.  D.,  Richmond,  Va. ;  Prof.  T.  H.  Somerville,  LL.  D., 
Oxford,  Miss.;  Judge  A.  C.  Howze,  Birmingham,  Ala.  Alternates: 


1062 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


Rev.  J.  Y.  Fair,  D.  D.,  Richmond,  Va. ;  Rev.  Robt.  Hill,  D.  D., 
Dallas,  Tex.;  Mr.  F.  T.  Glasgow,  Lexington,  Va. ;  Mr.  A.  M. 
Scales,  Greensboro,  N.  C. 

1914,  p.  63.  We  recommend: 

1.  That  the  Assembly  approve  the  request  of  the  Council,  on 
page  4  of  printed  Minutes,  “that  the  Supreme  Judicatories  authorize 
their  Executive  Agencies  to  appoint  representatives  to  be  present  at 
future  meetings  of  the  Council.” 

2.  That  the  Assembly  adopt  the  following  recommendation,  page 
13  of  printed  Minutes: 

“In  order  to  make  effective  the  principles  of  comity  adopted  at 
previous  meetings  of  the  Council,  we  recommend: 

“1.  That  the  Supreme  Judicatories  direct  their  Synods  each  to 
appoint  three  representatives  to  act  with  representatives  of  other 
Presbyterian  and  Reformed  bodies  in  constituting  a  Joint  Advisory 
Committee  of  Comity,  for  the  purpose  of  effecting  a  fair  exchange 
of  Churches,  to  discourage  overlapping  of  Home  Mission  forces,  to 
settle  cases  of  friction,  and  promote  other  phases  of  co-operation  in 
Home  Mission  work,  the  Joint  Advisory  Committee  to  report  to 
each  of  the  appointing  Synods. 

“2.  That  in  any  city  of  less  than  100,000  where  any  Presbyterian 
or  Reformed  Church  is  at  work  among  foreign  people,  no  other 
Presbyterian  or  Reformed  Church  shall  open  a  work  for  the  same 
people  in  that  city  until  other  cities  and  towns  where  such  work  is 
needed  have  been  occupied. 

“3.  That  in  case  of  any  denomination  contemplating  opening 
work  for  foreigners  in  such  cities  already  occupied  by  one  of  the 
constituent  Churches  of  this  Council,  this  matter  shall  be  referred 
to  the  Committee  of  Comity,  provided  for  in  Resolution  1  of  this 
report.” 

4.  That  the  following  resolutions,  printed  Minutes,  page  18,  be 
referred  to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Publication  and  Sabbath 
School  Work  and  the  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  Minis¬ 
terial  Relief  for  consideration  and  appropriate  action: 

“ Resolved ,  That  this  Council  appoint  a  committee  to  consider, 
formulate  and  report  to  the  Council  plans  for  the  introduction  of 
moral  and  religious  training,  in  our  public  schools;  plans  which, 
without  violating  any  phase  of  the  great  and  cherished  principle 
of  government  by  which  Church  and  State  are  separated  in  our  land, 
may  yet  be  systematic  and  competent. 

“ Resolved ,  That  the  Council  request  each  of  the  Judicatories 
to  appoint  a  committee  to  co-operate  with  the  committee  of  the 
Council  both  in  securing  facts  and  formulating  plans. 

“As  to  the  Bible  in  public  schools,  the  following  is  recommended : 

“Whereas,  the  Word  of  God  is  the  charter  of  the  spiritual  and 
civil  rights  of  man,  as  abundantly  illustrated  in  the  history  and 
institutions  of  this  country;  and, 

“Whereas,  persistent  efforts  are  being  made  to  exclude  the  Bible 
from  use  in  the  public  schools;  therefore,  be  it 


Sec.  1506]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1063 

“Resolved,  That  the  Council  overtures  the  Supreme  Judicatories 
to  use  every  proper  means  in  maintaining  the  Word  of  God  as  an 
essential  element  in  the  education  and  training  of  the  youth  of  the 
land.” 

5.  That  the  Assembly  re-elect  for  the  term  of  three  years  the 
following  representatives,  whose  terms  expire  at  this  time:  Rev.  W. 
McF.  Alexander,  D.  D.,  Rev.  R.  C.  Reed,  D.  D.  Prof.  D.  F. 
Eagleton,  Mr.  H.  O.  Fulton. 

6.  That  the  Assembly  direct  that  the  sum  of  $75.00,  the  appor¬ 
tionment  of  expenses  of  the  Council  assigned  to  our  Church,  be 
paid  by  the  Treasurer  of  this  Assembly. 

1915,  p.  74.  Your  Committee  on  the  Minutes  of  the  Council  of 
the  Reformed  Churches  in  America  has  carefully  considered  the 
minutes,  and  submits  the  following  report: 

This  Council  includes  seven  constituent  Churches  namely:  the 
Reformed  Church  in  America,  the  Reformed  Church  in  the  U.  S., 
the  Presbyterian  Church  U.  S.  A.,  the  United  Presbyterian  Church, 
the  Presbyterian  Church  U.  S.,  the  Associate  Reformed  Presbyterian 
Synod,  and  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church  (Colored). 

The  regular  meetings  of  the  Council  are  held  biennially,  and  no 
meeting  has  been  held  during  the  past  ecclesiastical  year.  The  next 
regular  meeting  will  be  held  on  the  third  Tuesday  of  March,  1916. 

In  the  intervals  between  the  regular  meetings  the  business  of  the 
Council  is  transacted  by  the  Executive  Committee,  which  Committee 
also  in  these  intervals  formulates  and  forwards  the  reports  to  the 
constituent  bodies.  This  Executive  Committee  is  composed  of  the 
four  officers  of  the  Council,  together  with  the  chairmen  of  the  six 
committees.  This  Assembly  is  represented  on  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  by  T.  H.  Sommerville,  LL.  D.,  the  Vice-President  of  the 
Council,  and  by  Rev.  Russell  Cecil,  D.  D.,  Chairman  of  the  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Home  Missions. 

The  Executive  Committee  met  in  Philadelphia  December  15, 
1914,  and,  in  accordance  with  the  action  last  year  of  this  Assembly 
and  of  other  constituent  bodies,  appointed  the  Committee  of  Eleven 
on  Closer  Co-operation,  of  which  Rev.  J.  ,S.  Lyons,  D.  D.,  of  At¬ 
lanta,  was  made  Chairman  and  Rev.  Russell  Cecil,  D.  D.,  of  Rich¬ 
mond,  was  made  a  member. 

This  Committee  of  Eleven  is  charged  with  very  important  and 
far-reaching  duties,  and  is  instructed  to  give  attention  to  “more 
effective  administrative  co-operation  between  the  several  Presbyte¬ 
rian  and  Reformed  Churches  represented  in  the  Council,  with  par¬ 
ticular  reference  to  the  formulation  of  an  effective  federation  of  their 
plans,  work,  and  executive  or  administrative  agencies,  both  in  the 
home  and  foreign  fields.”  The  work  of  this  Committee  has  been 
so  distributed  as  to  give  promise  of  results  that  will  be  of  distinct 
value  to  the  Churches.  This  Committee  of  Eleven  is  called  to  meet 
in  Philadelphia  on  June  22,  1915,  and  it  is  composed  of  the  fol¬ 
lowing  members:  Rev.  J.  S.  Lyons,  D.  D.,  with  Rev.  Drs„  Geo. 
Alexander,  R.  W.  Miller,  T.  H.  Mackenzie,  D.  F.  McGill,  W.  H. 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


1064 


[Book  VII 


Roberts,  Russell  Cecil,  J.  B.  Laird,  J.  Alvin  Orr,  E.  S.  Bromer, 
and  J.  D.  Searle. 

We  recommend: 

( 1 )  That  the  Assembly  direct  our  four  Executive  Secretaries  to 
confer  and  co-operate  in  their  judgment,  if  feasible,  through  their 
respective  Executive  Committees,  with  the  Committee  of  Eleven  on 
Closer  Co-operation  of  the  Council. 

(2)  That  the  Treasurer  of  the  Assembly  be  directed  to  pay  the 
annual  apportionment  of  $75.00,  our  share  for  the  current  expenses 
of  the  Council. 

(3)  That  the  following  be  appointed  members  of  this  Council  for 
a  term  of  three  years:  Principals,  Rev.  J.  F.  Cannon,  D.  D.,  St. 
Louis,  Mo.;  Rev.  J.  S.  Lyons,  D.  D.,  Atlanta,  Ga. ;  Hon.  T.  C. 
McRae,  Prescott,  Ark.;  Pres.  J.  R.  Dobyns,  Clarksville,  Term. 

1916,  p.  53.  The  Committee  on  the  Minutes  of  the  Council  of 
Reformed  Churches  in  America  holding  the  Presbyterian  System, 
beg  leave  to  report  the  following: 

The  Council  held  its  regular  session  in  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  on 
March  22  and  23,  1916.  Present:  Official  delegates,  47,  and  33 
representatives  of  the  30  Boards  of  Churches  represented.  Total 
present,  80. 

We  call  attention  to  the  following  action  as  part  of  the  action  of 
the  Council  upon  the  subject  of  Home  Missions,  under  the  head 
Comity : 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  supreme  judicatories  direct  their  Synods 
to  appoint  three  representatives,  and  that  the  Synods  direct  the 
Presbyteries  and  Classes  also  to  appoint  three  representatives  to  act 
with  representatives  of  other  Presbyterian  and  Reformed  bodies  in 
constituting  Joint  Advisory  Committees  of  Comity  for  the  purpose 
of  effecting  a  fair  exchange  of  churches,  to  discourage  overlapping 
of  Home  Mission  forces,  to  settle  cases  of  friction,  and  promote  other 
phases  of  co-operation  in  Home  Mission  work,  the  Joint  Advisory 
Committees  to  report  to  each  of  the  appointing  bodies. 

Before  definite  action  is  taken  on  any  specific  matter,  a  confer¬ 
ence  between  the  interested  bodies  shall  be  had. 

2.  That  in  cities  with  less  than  one  hundred  thousand  popula¬ 
tion,  where  one  Presbyterian  or  Reformed  church  is  operating  among 
the  foreign  population,  all  other  Presbyterian  and  Reformed  churches 
are  instructed  to  co-operate  in  said  work  through  the  denomination 
already  in  charge. 

3.  That  the  various  constituent  bodies  engaged  in  work  among 
foreigners  of  the  same  nationality  be  encouraged  to  co-operate  in 
the  matter  of  providing  suitable  literature  for  these  people,  in  the 
education  of  young  men  for  the  ministry,  and  in  the  possible  ex¬ 
change  of  congregations,  where  such  action  would  advance  the  work 
among  such  people. 

4.  That  the  supreme  judicatories  instruct  their  Stated  Clerks  to 
send  printed  copies  of  this  action  to  the  Stated  Clerks  of  all  their 
Synods,  Presbyteries,  and  Classes,  together  with  a  letter  calling 


Sec.  1506]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1065 

special  attention  to  the  significance  of  this  action,  and  asking  that 
immediate  attention  be  given  it  and  the  committees  provided  for  be 
appointed. 

1.  We  recommend  that  said  action  be  taken. 

Again  we  call  attention  to  this  action,  under  the  subject  of  The 
Protestant  Reformation : 

(a)  Protestant  Reformation. — Whereas,  the  four  hundredth  an¬ 
niversary  of  the  Protestant  Reformation  occurs  in  1917;  and 

Whereas,  the  Churches  constituting  the  Council  of  the  Reformed 
Churches  holding  the  Presbyterian  System  represent  historically  one 
great  branch  of  the  Christian  Church  of  the  Reformation,  there¬ 
fore, 

Resolved,  That  the  Council  recommends  to  the  several  supreme 
judicatories  the  holding  of  suitable  anniversary  services  for  the  pur¬ 
pose  of  emphasizing  the  great  principles  of  the  Reformation  in  the 
sixteenth  century. 

(b)  Public  Schools. —  (1)  That  the  Council  appoint  a  committee 
to  consider,  formulate,  and  report  to  the  Council  plans  for  the  in¬ 
troduction  of  moral  and  religious  training  in  our  public  schools, 
plans  which,  without  violating  any  phase  of  the  great  and  cherished 
principle  of  government  by  which  Church  and  State  are  separated 
in  our  land,  may  be  yet  systematic  and  competent. 

(2)  That  the  Council  request  each  of  the  judicatories  to  appoint 
a  committee  to  co-operate  with  the  committee  of  the  Council  both 
in  securing  facts  and  formulating  plans. 

2.  We  recommend  that  said  action  be  taken,  and  that  Dr.  W.  W. 
Moore,  of  Richmond,  Va.,  be  appointed  to  co-operate  with  the  com¬ 
mittee  of  the  Council  in  securing  facts  and  forming  plans. 

3.  We  recommend  that  the  following  be  elected  to  fill  vacancies 
for  a  term  of  three  years: 

Rev.  Ernest  Thompson,  D.  D.,  Charleston,  W.  Va. 

Rev.  R.  F.  Campbell,  D.  D.,  Asheville,  N.  C. 

Mr.  Calvin  Wells,  Jackson,  Miss. 

Mr.  A.  M.  Scales,  Greensboro,  N.  C. 

Alternates : 

Rev.  J.  Y.  Fair,  D.  D.,  Richmond,  Va. 

Rev.  Robert  Hill,  D.  D.,  Tyler  Tex. 

Mr.  F.  T.  Glasgow,  Fexington,  Va. 

Rev.  R.  F.  Kirkpatrick,  D.  D.,  Memphis,  Tenn. 

4.  We  recommend  that  the  $75.00  assessment  made  on  this  As¬ 
sembly  be  paid. 

1917,  p.  26.  The  Committee  on  Minutes  of  Council  of  Reformed 
Churches  of  America  holding  the  Presbyterian  System  report  as 
follows : 

The  minutes  of  the  1916  Council,  placed  in  our  hands,  were  ex¬ 
amined  by  the  General  Assembly  of  1916,  and  report  of  such  is 
found  in  the  Minutes  of  said  Assembly. 

We  have  selected  the  following  members  in  place  of  those  whose 
terms  expired  March  31,  1917:  Rev.  W.  McF.  Alexander,  D.  D., 


1066 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


New  Orleans;  Prof.  D.  A.  Penick,  Austin,  Texas;  Rev.  R.  C.  Reed, 
D.  D.,  Columbia,  S.  C. ;  Mr.  H.  O.  Fulton,  Columbia,  Tenn. 

Alternates — Rev.  A.  B.  Curry,  D.  D.,  Memphis,  Tenn.;  Rev.  W. 
L.  Lingle,  D.  D.,  Richmond,  Va. ;  Mr.  Geo.  W.  Watts,  Durham, 
N.  C. ;  Mr.  H.  T.  McIntosh,  Albany,  Ga. 

1918,  p.  39.  Your  Committee  on  the  Minutes  of  the  Council  of 
the  Reformed  Churches  in  America  holding  the  Presbyterian  Sys¬ 
tem  would  respectfully  report  that  the  copy  of  the  Minutes  of  the 
meeting  held  in  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  March  19-20,  1918,  has  been 
examined  and  the  various  requests  and  recommendations  carefully 
considered. 

In  accordance  with  the  action  of  previous  Assemblies  concerning 
closer  co-operation  in  the  work  and  the  administrative  agencies  of 
the  Churches  of  the  Council,  your  Committee  would  recommend: 

1.  That  the  suggested  Conferences  of  the  Secretaries  of  Foreign 
Missions,  Home  Missions,  Christian  Education  and  work  among 
colored  people,  to  consider  how  the  agencies  of  the  constituent 
Churches  can  best  co-operate  in  their  work,  be  referred  to  the  re¬ 
spective  Committees  for  consideration  and  action. 

2.  That  the  Assembly  view  with  favor  the  suggestion  of  the  Coun¬ 
cil  under  the  head  of  Ministerial  Relief  concerning  “the  reciprocal 
recognition  by  each  of  the  boards  of  the  constituent  Churches  of 
full  credit  in  each  for  the  years  of  service  rendered  in  any  one  of 
them  where  a  minister  is  transferred  from  one  Church  to  another,’’ 
and  that  this  matter  be  referred  to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Min¬ 
isterial  Relief  for  its  investigation  and  such  action  as  in  its  judg¬ 
ment  is  considered  wise. 

3.  That  the  special  attention  of  the  Assembly  be  directed  to  the 
statement  in  the  report  of  the  Council  concerning  the  great  short¬ 
age  of  ministers  and  of  ministerial  candidates,  duetto  so  many  min¬ 
isters  being  engaged  in  some  form  of  war  work  and  the  enlistment  of 
so  many  students  in  the  army  and  navy,  and  to  the  suggestion  of 
the  Council  that  consecrated  laymen  be  more  largely  used  in  the 
conduct  of  religious  services  and,,  in  the  supply  of  vacant  churches. 

4.  That  the  plan  of  Federal  Union  for  all  the  Presbyterian  and 
Reformed  Churches  in  America  submitted  by  the  Council  for  the 
consideration  of  this  Assembly  be  referred  to  the  Conference  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Federation  with  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.  A. 

5.  That  the  following  persons  be  elected  to  membership  on  the 
Council  for  a  term  of  three  years: 

Rev.  J.  S.  Lyons,  D.  D.,  Rev.  J.  F.  Cannon,  D.  D.,  Hon.  T.  C. 
McRae,  Mr.  R.  A.  Brand;  Alternates,  Rev.  R.  H.  McCaslin,  D. 
D.,  Rev.  R.  E.  Douglas,  D.  D.,  Mr.  W.  R.  McDaniel,  Mr.  G.  W. 
Taylor. 

6.  That  the  Treasurer  of  the  Assembly  be  directed  to  pay  $75.00, 
the  amount  apportioned  to  our  Church,  for  the  expenses  of  the 
Council. 

1919,  p.  68.  Your  Committee  on  Minutes  of  the  Council  of  Re¬ 
formed  Churches  in  Atnerica  holding  the  Presbyterian  System  re- 


Sec.  1506]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1067 

spectfully  report  that  the  year  which  we  are  appointed  to  consider 
was  not  a  time  for  a  regular  meeting  of  the  said  body.  Into  our 
hands  has  come  a  report  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee  of  the  Council.  It  is  brief,  because  little  was  done.  A  plan 
of  Federal  Union  is  therein  resubmitted  to  us  in  succinct  form,  the 
Request  being  made  for  us  to  approve  it  “that  the  plan  may  be  put 
into  “execution.”  We  only  call  attention  to  these  facts,  as  a  more 
comprehensive  plan  for  Federal  Union  is  already  before  the  Assem¬ 
bly. 

The  Council  asks  our  “consent  ...  to  the  following  resolu¬ 
tion:  First,  that  the  Supreme  Judicatories  authorize  their  Execu¬ 
tive  Agencies  to  appoint  representatives  to  be  present  at  future  meet¬ 
ings  of  the  Council;  second,  that  each  of  the  -Supreme  Judicatories 
appoint  Standing  Committees  to  report  upon  the  minutes  and  recom¬ 
mendations  of  the  Council.”  We  recommend  that  our  “consent”  be 
so  given. 

We  also  recommend:  First,  that  Rev.  J.  S.  Lyons,  D.  D.,  the 
duly  accredited  delegate  from  the  Council  to  this  Assembly,  be 
heard  as  such,  if  the  privilege  is  desired;  second,  that,  in  place  of 
the  four  brethren  whose  tehns  expire  at  this  time,  the  following  be 
appointed  to  represent  our  Church  in  the  Council  for  the  next  three 
years : 

Rev.  Robt.  Hill,  D.  D.,  Tyler,  Texas. 

Rev.  A.  L.  Patterson,  D.  D.,  Savannah,  Ga. 

Rev.  D.  Clay  Lilly,  D.  D.,  Winston,  N.  C. 

Dr.  A.  J.  A.  Alexander,  Spring  Station,  Ky. 

And  the  following  be  their  alternates,  in  the  order  in  which  they 
are  named: 

Hon.  Rhodes  S.  Baker,  Dallas,  Texas. 

Rev.  Dr.  C.  H.  H.  Branch,  Texarkana,  Ark. 

Rev.  W.  H.  Boggs,  Columbia,  S.  C. 

Rev.  U.  D.  Mooney,  D.  D.,  New  Orleans,  La. 

Third.  That  our  pro  rata  share  of  $75.00  for  the  annua!  ex¬ 
penses  of  the  Council  be  paid  out  of  the  Assembly’s  treasury. 

Fourth.  That  we  pray  the  blessing  of  our  God  and  Saviour 
upon  the  Council  in  the  gift  of  power  to  suggest  the  best  things  and 
the  wisest  methods  for  promoting  “redemption  through  His  blood 
according  to  the  riches  of  His  grace.” 

1920,  p.  80c.  Your  Committee  on  the  Council  of  Reformed 
Churches  in  America  begs  leave  to  report  as  follows: 

We  have  carefully  read  the  minutes  of  the  meeting  of  the  Coun¬ 
cil  of  Reformed  Churches  in  America,  and  find  that  the  Council  de¬ 
sires  to  call  the  attention  of  the  Churches  interested  to  two  matters 
of  special  importance: 

1.  The  Council  asks  our  churches  to  consider  the  need  of  “in¬ 
creasing  greatly  and  promptly  the  endowments  of  our  Christian 
colleges,  in  order  that  competent  Christian  teachers  may  be  retained* 
and  that  students  may  not  be  turned  away  because  of  excessive  tui¬ 
tion  charges.”  In  calling  the  attention  of  our  Assembly  to  this  mat- 


1068 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


ter,  the  Council  urges,  as  argument,  that  “government  figures  show 
that  the  cost  of  living  has  increased  82  per  cent.”  Another  set  of 
government  figures  show  that  at  the  same  time  the  average  wage  of 
the  workers  in  eight  leading  industries  has  increased  95  per  cent., 
but  that  the  salaries  of  teachers  in  Presbyterian  colleges  have  in¬ 
creased  only  31  per  cent.,  and  to  enable  them  to  live  they  must  be 
given  increased  compensation.  Unless  this  is  remedied  they  will 
be  compelled  to  yield  to  strong  pressure  and  go  to  other  institutions 
where  good  teachers  are  sorely  needed.  It  will  not  do  to  increase 
tuition  charges,  or  we  will  shut  out,  or  turn  toward  State  Schools, 
the  very  boys  and  girls  we  are  seeking  for  the  Christian  vocations, 
and  who  need  the  training  and  inspiration  of  the  Christian  college. 
The  only  remedy  for  a  situation  which  has  become  critical  is  a 
large  increase  in  college  endowments.” 

2.  The  Council  asks  our  Assembly  to  send  the  following  recom¬ 
mendation  to  our  Presbyteries: 

“That  all  Presbyteries  take  suitable  action  calling  the  attention 
of  ministers  and  Sessions  to  the  marked  tendency  toward  much 
closer  co-operation  among  Churches  of  the  Presbyterian  type,  and 
that  they  recommend  to  their  congregations,  especially  to  those  lo¬ 
cated  in  cities,  that,  in  all  cases  where  a  change  of  site  is  contem¬ 
plated,  conference  be  had  with  representatives  of  any  adjacent  church 
of  the  Presbyterian  family,  with  a  view  to  arranging,  if  possible, 
for  such  a  combination  and  redistribution  of  forces  as  will  pro¬ 
vide  accessible  Churches  and  make  for  greater  efficiency,  instead  of 
seeming  competition,  on  the  part  of  the  Presbyterian  organizations.” 

We  find  that  it  will  be  necessary  for  this  Assembly  to  elect  four 
representatives,  with  their  alternates,  to  succeed  those  whose  terms 
expire  in  1920.  We  recommend  the  following  for  the  year  term 
1920-1923: 

Principal  Alternate 

Rev.  Geo.  Summey,  D.  D . Rev.  Wm.  Crowe,  D.  D. 

H.  L.  Moseley  . . . Rev.  Thos.  C.  Johnson,  D.  D. 

Rev.  A.  W.  Blackwood,  D.  D . Hon.  A.  M.  Scales 

J.  B.  Milligan  . , . H.  R.  Todd 

And  for  the  unexpired  term  of  Rev.  J.  F.  Cannon,  D.  D.,  de¬ 
ceased,  Rev.  C.  R.  Nesbit,  D.  D. 

1921,  p.  80b.  The  standing  Committee  on  the  Minutes  of  the 
Council  of  the  Churches  in  America  holding  the  Presbyterian  Sys¬ 
tem  made  the  following  report,  which  was  adopted : 

We  have  carefully  read  the  report  of  the  Council  of  the  Reformed 
Churches  in  America  holding  the  Presbyterian  System,  also  pam¬ 
phlet,  “Constitution  of  the  Presbyterian  Reformed  Churches  in 
America  as  approved  by  the  Joint  Committee  at  Philadelphia,  Feb¬ 
ruary  9,  1921.” 

Inasmuch  as  the  contents  of  these  two  papers  deal  almost  exclus¬ 
ively  with  Church  Union,  and  that  question  having  already  been 
presented  to  the  Assembly  by  the  Ad  Interim  Committee  on  Closer 


Sec.  1506] 


Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies 


1069 


Relations  with  other  Churches  of  Like  Faith  and  Order,  we  have 
no  recommendations  to  make  as  to  these  two  papers. 

We  find  it  necessary  for  this  Assembly  to  elect  four  representatives, 
with  their  alternates,  to  succeed  those  whose  terms  expire  in  1921. 

We  recommend  the  following  for  the  three-year  term,  1921-1924: 

Principals — Rev.  J.  S.  Lyons,  D.  D.,  Atlanta,  Ga. ;  Rev.  C.  R. 
Nisbett,  D.  D.,  Kansas  City,  Mo.;  Elder  E.  T.  Miller,  St.  Louis, 
Mo.;  Elder  R.  A.  Brand,  Wilmington,  N.  C. 

Alternates — Rev.  R.  H.  McCaslin,  D.  D.,  Montgomery,  Ala.; 
Rev.  R.  E.  Douglas,  D.  D.,  Macon,  Ga. ;  W.  R.  McDaniel,  Milford, 
Texas. 

And  for  the  unexpired  term  of  the  Rev.  A.  W.  Blackwood,  Jr., 
D.  D.,  Dr.  J.  M.  Wells,  D.  D.,  Wilmington,  N.  C.,  for  two  years. 

1922,  p.  31.  Report  of  Standing  Committee  on  the  Minutes  of 
the  Presbyterian  and  Reformed  Churches  in  America. 

Your  Committee  had  placed  in  its  hands  the  following  papers: 

The  Minutes  of  the  General  Council  of  the  Presbyterian  and 
Reformed  Churches  in  America,  the  report  of  the  Council,  an  over¬ 
ture  from  Tuscaloosa  Presbytery  asking  that  the  amended  consti¬ 
tution  be  sent  down  to  the  Presbyteries  for  their  approval  and 
adoption,  and  a  letter  from  Rev.  J.  Sprole  Lyons,  D.  D.,  suggest¬ 
ing  that  we  elect  representatives  on  this  Council  on  the  old  basis 
of  representation  rather  than  on  the  new  basis  as  a  matter  of  econ¬ 
omy,  stating  that  the  U.  S.  A.  Church  was  going  to  take  the  same 
action. 

Rev.  Geo.  Summey,  D.  D.,  of  New  Orleans,  was  elected  as  official 
delegate  to  this  Assembly. 

We  recommend — 

First — That  the  Assembly  approve  the  action  of  the  Council  in 
adopting  the  amended  constitution  or  plan  of  union,  in  spite  of 
some  apparent  irregularities  attendant  upon  the  canvass  of  the  re¬ 
turns  of  the  constituent  bodies  of  the  Council. 

Second — That  the  overture  from  Tuscaloosa  Presbytery  be  an¬ 
swered  in  the  negative. 

Third — That  the  official  delegate,  Rev.  Geo.  Summey,  D.  D.,  be 
heard  by  the  Assembly  pending  the  adoption  of  this  report. 

Fourth — We  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  suggestion  of  Rev. 
J.  S.  Lyons,  D.  D.,  President  of  the  Council,  touching  the  basis  of 
representation. 

We  note  that  the  term  of  the  following  principals  and  alternates 
expires  at  this  meeting: 

Principals — Rev.  Robert  Hill,  D.  D.,  Tyler,  Texas;  Rev.  A.  L. 
Patterson,  Savannah,  Ga.;  Rev.  D.  Clay  Lilly,  D.  D.,  Lexington, 
Ky. ;  Dr.  A.  J.  A.  Alexander,  Spring  Station,  Ky. 

Alternates — Hon.  R.  S.  Baker,  Dallas,  Texas;  Rev.  C.  H.  H. 
Branch,  Texarkana,  Ark.;  Rev.  W.  H.  Boggs,  Columbia,  S.  C.; 
Rev.  U.  D.  Mooney,  D.  D.,  New  Orleans,  La. 

We  recommend  that  these  gentlemen  be  re-elected  for  a  term  of 
three  years. 


1070  Relations  With  Other  Bodies  [Book  VIE 

(For  full  report,  see  page  200  of  Appendix,  and  for  Amended 
Constitution,  see  page  210  of  Appendix.) 

1507.  Comity  between  the  Assemblies 

The  following  memorial  was  addressed  to  the  Assembly  U.  S.  A. : 

1915,  p.  21.  Overtures  have  reached  us  from  two  of  our  Presby¬ 
teries  in  the  South  complaining  of  breaches  of  comity  on  the  part 
Hof  Presbyteries  subject  to  your  jurisdiction.  Rev.  Geo.  Summey, 
D.  D.,  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Orleans,  a  Presbytery  under  our 
jurisdiction,  is  commissioned  to  lay  the  facts  before  your  venerable 
body.  While  passing  no  judgment  on  the  merits  of  these  com¬ 
plaints,  we  bespeak  for  him  your  patient  hearing,  as  we  are  exceed¬ 
ingly  anxious  that  the  relations  of  comity  existing  between  the  two 
Assemblies  should  not  be  disturbed  by  any  action  of  the  lower  courts. 

1915,  p.  30.  In  answer  to  the  protest  from  the  Committee  on 
Comity  of  the  Synod  of  Texas,  concerning  violations  of  the  prin¬ 
ciples  of  comity  adopted  by  the  highest  Judicatories  of  the  Church, 

We  recommend  that  this  protest  be  referred  to  the  Council  of 
Reformed  Churches  in  America  holding  the  Presbyterian  System. 

The  following  telegram  was  received  from  the  General  Assembly, 
XJ.  S.  A.: 

1915,  p.  76.  The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
in  session  at  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  has  adopted  the  following  action, 
which  is  hereby  transmitted  to  you  for  such  action  as  may  be  agree¬ 
able  to  your  venerable  body: 

“The  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  beg  leave  to  report  in 
the  matter  of  a  memorial  from  the  Presbyterian  Church  U.  S.  that 
they  have  received  the  papers  placed  in  their  hands  by  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Geo.  Summey,  the  accredited  representative  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  U.  S.;  that  they  have  heard  him,  and  beg  to  submit  the 
following  as  their  recommendation  for  the  action  of  the  Assembly: 

“Resolved,  That  papers  which  have  been  referred  to  the  Com¬ 
mittee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  in  the  matter  of  the  memorial  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  U.  S.  are  hereby  referred  to  the  Executive 
Commission  with  power;  they  are  directed: 

“(1)  To  confer  with  our  own  Presbyteries  and  Synods,  in  order 
that  the  facts  in  the  case  may  be  known  and  that  the  rights  of  our 
Presbyteries  may  be  safeguarded,  and  that  justice  may  be  done  to 
■all  concerned. 

“(2)  Also  to  confer  with  any  committee  or  other  agency  that 
may  be  appointed  by  the  General  Assembly  U.  S.  in  a  spirit  of 
fraternal  and  brotherly  kindness. 

“(3)  Also  to  endeavor  to  make  more  definite  the  basis  of  comity 
between  the  bodies. 

“Resolved,  That  this  action  to  be  telegraphed  by  the  Stated  Clerk 
<to  the  General  Assembly  U.  S.  in  session  at  Newport  News.” 

In  response  to  this  communication  from  the  General  Assembly 


Secs.  1506-1507]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1071 

of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.  A.,  your  Committee  rec¬ 
ommend  the  following  action: 

That  a  committee  of  five  be  appointed  to  meet  and  confer  with 
the  Commission  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
U.  S.  A.  concerning  the  matters  complained  of  in  the  memorial 
sent  to  that  body  through  our  accredited  representative,  Rev.  Geo. 
Summey,  D.  D.,  with  a  view  to  securing  a  righteous  and  satis¬ 
factory  settlement  of  them.  In  case  such  a  settlement  is  not  se¬ 
cured,  the  Committee  is  authorized  to  refer  the  matters  to  the 
Council  of  Reformed  Churches  in  America  holding  the  Presbyterian 
System,  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  “Articles  of  Agree¬ 
ment.” 

And  in  case  a  satisfactory  settlement  is  reached,  the  Committee 
is  authorized  to  withdraw  the  memorial  sent  by  this  Assembly  to 
the  Council. 

The  Committee  is  further  authorized  to  consider  with  the  Com¬ 
mission  any  proposed  modifications  of  the  present  basis  of  comity. 

We  recommend  that  the  Committee  consist  of  Rev.  W.  McF. 
Alexander,  D.  D.,  Rev.  R.  B.  Willis,  D.  D.,  Rev.  T.  A.  Wharton, 
D.  D.,  Rev.  J.  S.  Lyons,  D.  D.,  with  Rev.  Russell  Cecil,  D.  D.,  as 
alternate,  and  Rev.  Homer  McMillan,  D.  D. 

1915,  p.  41.  Rev.  George  Summey,  D.  D.,  was  clothed  with 
authority  to  represent  the  Assembly  in  the  case  of  the  protest  from 
the  Presbytery  of  El  Paso  before  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  U.  S.  A. 

1916,  p.  19.  The  Ad-Interim  Committee  on  Comity  with  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  U.  S.  A.,  made  the  following  report  through 
its  Chairman,  Rev.  W.  McF.  Alexander,  D.  D.,  which  was  adopted: 

Your  Committee  of  Conference  on  Comity  appointed  by  the  last 
General  Assembly  to  confer  with  the  Executive  Commission  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  U.  S.  A.,  with  a  view  of  securing  action  from 
that  Commission  as  a  satisfactory  settlement  of  the  three  cases  involv¬ 
ing  comity  which  were  presented  to  the  last  Assembly  U.  S.  A.  by 
a  memorial  from  the  last  Assembly  U.  S.,  and  which  cases  were 
referred  to  its  Executive  Commission  with  power  by  the  Assembly 
U.  ,S.  A.,  reports  as  follows: 

The  Assembly  U.  S.  of  1915  was  overtured  by  three  Presbyteries 
complaining  of  violation  of  the  comity  agreements  between  the  Pres¬ 
byterian  Church  U.  S.  and  the  Presbyterian  Church  U.  S.  A.  by 
three  Presbyteries  of  the  Assembly  U.  S.  A.  These  cases  occurred 
at  Springdale,  Ark.,  El  Paso,  Texas,  and  New  Orleans,  La.  These 
three  cases  were  referred  by  the  last  Assembly  U.  S.  to  the  Assem¬ 
bly  U.  S.  A.  with  a  view  of  having  that  Assembly  investigate  and 
correct  what  was  complained  of.  This  Assembly  also  commissioned 
Rev.  George  Summey,  D.  D.,  as  its  accredited  representative  to. 
present  the  facts  in  the  cases  to  the  Assembly  U.  S.  A.,  at  Rochester, 
N.  Y. 

The  Assembly  U.  S.  A.  received  a  memorial  and  the  papers  in 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


1072 


[Book  VII 


the  case  and  heard  Dr.  Summey,  and  promptly  took  the  following 
action;  (see  p.  1070). 

Your  Committee,  in  pursuance  of  the  purpose  for  which  it  was 
appointed,  “to  meet  and  confer  with  the  Commission,  etc.,  with  a 
view  to  securing  a  righteous  and  satisfactory  settlement  of  them,” 
reports  that  it  has  held  three  conferences  with  a  like  Committee  ap¬ 
pointed  by  the  Commission  of  the  Assembly  U.  S.  A.,  one  at  Pitts¬ 
burg,  Pa.,  one  at  Atlanta,  Ga.,  and  one  at  Philadelphia.  Your 
Committee  regrets  that  it  was  necessary  to  hold  three  meetings,  but 
it  was  impossible  to  get  the  satisfactory  settlement  of  the  cases  other¬ 
wise,  and  your  Committee  thinks  no  more  important  question  has 
been  before  the  Church  for  years,  and  congratulates  you  that  the 
Assembly,  U.  S.  A.,  after  these  conferences  with  your  Committee  as 
to  what  would  be  a  satisfactory  settlement  of  these  three  cases,  has 
rendered  an  official  decision  through  its  Executive  Commission  to 
which  the  cases  were  referred  with  power,  in  accordance  witli  the 
conditions  agreed  upon  by  the  Joint  Committees  in  conference,  as 
a  satisfactory  and  final  settlement  of  the  cases  involved,  the  Spring- 
dale  case,  the  El  Paso  case,  and  the  New  Orleans  case. 

In  the  conference  of  the  Joint  Committees  it  developed  that  no 
satisfactory  settlement  could  be  reached  unless  the  principle  were 
admitted  that  each  Assembly  had  the  exclusive  right  of  interpreta¬ 
tion  of  its  own  Constitutional  law  for  itself,  and  in  the  final  agree¬ 
ment  neither  Assembly  was  asked  to  do  anything  that  would  violate 
its  own  interpretation  of  its  own  law.  At  the  meeting  in  Philadel¬ 
phia  the  Joint  Committees  adopted  a  report  unanimously  in  ac¬ 
cordance  with  this  principle,  embodying  the  conditions  of  a  satis¬ 
factory  and  final  settlement  of  the  cases,  when  it  should  have  been 
approved  by  the  Executive  Commission  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
U.'  S.  A.,  to  which  its  Assembly  had  committed  them  with  power. 

This  agreement  was  presented  to  the  Executive  Commission,  U. 
S.  A.,  at  its  April  meeting  in  Philadelphia  by  its  Conference  Com¬ 
mittee,  and  it  was  approved  as  its  official  findings  in  the  cases  in¬ 
volved  and  as  a  satisfactory  and  final  settlement  of  them. 

Your  Committee  feels  that  it  has  accomplished  what  you  ap¬ 
pointed  it  to  do  in  securing  this  satisfactory  settlement  of  the  cases 
complained  of  in  your  memorial  by  this  official  decision  of  the  As¬ 
sembly  U.  S.  A.  through  its  Executive  Commission,  to  which  they 
were  committed  with  power;  it  is  a  cause  of  rejoicing  that  the  cases 
of  friction  between  the  two  Assemblies  originating  in  the  lower 
courts  will  be  thus  removed  when  the  men  and  the  Presbyteries 
subject  to  its  jurisdiction  carry  out  the  provisions  of  the  findings 
of  the  Executive  Commission,  to  which  the  Assembly  U.  S.  A.  com¬ 
mitted  this  matter  with  power.  It  is  a  cause  of  rejoicing  that  both 
Assemblies  wish  nothing  to  mar  the  good  feeling  existing  between 
the  two  Assemblies,  and  that  each  hereafter  will  endeavor  to  have 
the  covenants  and  agreements  between  the  two  Churches  kept  with¬ 
out  modification  or  annulment  by  any  of  the  lower  courts. 

Your  Committee  recommends: 


Sec.  1507]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1073 

1.  That  this  Assembly  agree  that  the  settlement  of  these  cases 
by  the  official  findings  of  the  Executive  Commission,  U.  S.  A.,  to 
which  these  cases  were  committed  with  power,  when  the  provisions 
thereof  are  carried  out  by  the  lower  courts  and  individuals  subject 
to  its  jurisdiction,  is  satisfactory  and  final. 

2.  That  this  Assembly  express  its  appreciation  of  the  fraternal 
spirit  and  brotherly  kindness  exhibited  by  the  Assembly  U.  S.  A. 
in  taking  up  the  cases  presented  in  your  memorial,  in  hearing  cour¬ 
teously  your  accredited  representative,  in  seeking  a  conference  with 
your  Committee  as  to  what  would  be  a  satisfactory  settlement,  in 
investigating  from  their  own  men  and  Presbyteries,  and  in  finally 
approving  as  its  official  findings  in  the  cases  the  agreement  of  the 
Joint  Committees  of  Conference  as  a  satisfactory  settlement. 

3.  That  this  Assembly  express  its  thanks  to  the  Rev.  George 
Summey,  D.  D.,  your  commissioned  representative,  for  his  faithful 
work  in  connection  therewith,  which  has  led  to  this  solution. 

4.  That  this  Assembly  enjoin  all  our  lower  courts  and  ministers 
to  keep  strictly  the  covenants  and  agreements  between  the  two  As¬ 
semblies  on  comity,  that  no  cause  of  friction  may  arise  from  their 
actions. 

Your  Committee  was  also  empowered  “to  consider  with  the  Com¬ 
mission  any  proposed  modifications  of  the  present  basis  of  comity.” 
Your  Committee  gathered  together  the  existing  agreements  on  com¬ 
ity  from  the  Minutes  of  the  Assemblies — this  was  the  work  of  Dr. 
Homer  McMillan— and  agreed  on  two  additional  rules  of  comity. 
They  are  as  follows: 

“The  following  rules  of  comity  were  adopted  by  the  Joint  Com¬ 
mittees  of  Conference  in  addition  to  those  already  in  existence: 

“1.  The  covenants  and  agreements  between  the  two  Churches 
should  be  kept  without  modification  or  annulment  excepting  through 
the  contracting  General  Assemblies. 

“2.  The  right  is  recognized  of  a  particular  church  to  withdraw 
from  its  own  body  to  that  of  the  other,  where  it  is  done  at  its  own 
motion  or  at  the  permission  of  its  Supreme  Judicatories,  and  the 
proper  ecclesiastical  and  legal  steps  are  taken.” 

These  rules  will  be  found  in  the  findings  of  the  Commission  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church,  U.  S.  A.,  and  already  adopted  by  them. 

Your  Committee  recommends: 

5.  That  this  Assembly  adopt  them. 

Your  Committee  also  discovered  that  only  one  of  the  recommenda¬ 
tions  of  the  Council  of  the  Reformed  Churches  to  the  Assembly  in 
Louisville  in  1911  is  on  record  as  having  been  adopted.  They  are 
printed  in  the  Appendix  of  the  Assembly  of  1911. 

Your  Committee  recommends: 

6.  That  all  of  those  recommendations  be  adopted  by  this  Assembly. 

Your  Committee  herewith  transmits  to  you  the  paper  gathering 

together  the  covenants  and  agreements  between  the  two  Assemblies 
on  comity  prepared  by  Dr.  McMillan  and  recommends: 


1074  Relations  With  Other  Bodies  [Book  VII 

7.  That  it  be  printed  in  the  Appendix  for  convenience  of  refer¬ 
ence  (p.  179). 

Your  Committee  herewith  transmits  to  you  an  official  copy  of 
the  findings  of  the  Executive  Commission  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  U.  S.  A.,  in  the  cases  referred  to  it  with  powrer  for  your 
information  as  to  its  decision  in  settling  the  cases  in  accordance 
with  the  agreements  of  the  Joint  Committees  of  Conference,  together 
with  a  letter  from  Dr.  W.  H.  Roberts,  Stated  Clerk,  certifying  to 
it,  and  your  Committee  recommends: 

8.  That  this  paper  and  letter  be  printed  in  the  Appendix  to  the 
Minutes. 

The  diligence  and  efficiency  of  the  Committee  were  commended, 
and  the  gratitude  of  the  Assembly  was  expressed  at  the  unanimous 
and  amicable  conclusion  reached. 

The  Stated  Clerk  was  directed  to  telegraph  the  General  Assem¬ 
bly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  U.  S.  A.,  of  our  action. 

1916,  p.  25.  The  report  of  Rev.  George  Summey,  D.  D.,  the 
representative  from  this  Assembly  to  bear  greetings  and  certain 
overtures  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  U. 
S.  A.,  last  May,  was  read.  It  was  received  as  information,  and 
the  thanks  of  this  Assembly  were  extended  to  Dr.  Summey  for  his 
diligence  in  this  matter. 

1917,  p.  53.  In  response  to  Overture  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Washburn,  we  recommend  that  the  Assembly  send  to  the  General 
Assembly  U.  S.  A.,  now  in  session  at  Dallas,  Texas,  the  following 
communication : 

Brethren  in  Christ:  We  observe  from  the  Minutes  of  your  As¬ 
sembly,  1916,  page  116,  Vol.  XVI,  that  the  form  of  the  report 
agreed  upon  by  our  Joint  Committee  on  Comity  appointed  by  the 
Assemblies  of  1915,  which  was  presented  unchanged  to  our  Assem¬ 
bly  of  1916,  was  upon  presentation  to  your  Assembly  of  1916  so 
altered  by  the  addition  of  an  “explanation”  as  to  convey  the  impres¬ 
sion  that  the  agreement  was  not  mandatory  upon  the  lower  courts,  but 
advisory. 

As  a  matter  of  fact,  the  findings  of  our  Joint  Committee  in  the 
specific  case  giving  rise  to  their  appointment  have  not  been  carried 
out.  This  failure  on  the  part  of  the  subordinate  courts  under  the 
jurisdiction  of  your  Assembly  to  carry  out  the  findings  of  your  Ex¬ 
ecutive  Commission  is  a  matter  of  deep  regret  to  us,  and  we  bring 
it  to  your  attention  in  a  spirit  of  frank  Christian  courtesy,  asking 
that  you  give  it  the  careful  consideration  that  it  deserves.  We  can 
but  feel  that  the  surest  road  to  a  more  perfect  comity  lies  through 
the  proper  adjustment  of  such  cases  and  the  removal  of  friction. 

1919,  p.  44.  The  Standing  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspond¬ 
ence  presented  the  following  action  as  answer  to  the  telegram  from 
the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America  on  the 
location  of  the  Central  Presbyterian  Church  of  Kansas  City,  Mo. 
It  was  adopted  and  ordered  sent: 

Touching  the  telegram  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 


Sec.  1507]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1075 

States  of  America,  your  Committee  recommends  that  the  follow¬ 
ing  answer  be  sent: 

The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States  acknowledges  the  receipt  of  your  message  of  the  twentieth 
instant,  touching  the  location  of  the  Central  Church,  Kansas  City. 
It  has  the  most  intense  desire  and  willingness  to  make  all  possible 
effort  to  prevent  friction  or  hurtful  rivalry  in  church  location.  It 
has  investigated  the  case  in  hand,  and  sees  no  reason  why  it  should 
interfere  with  the  action  of  the  Central  Church  in  locating  nearly 
a  mile  from  the  nearest  Presbyterian  Church  and  in  the  center  of 
its  own  membership.  The  accepted  rules  of  comity  concern  com¬ 
munities  of  5,000,  and  fewer,  and  foreign  work  in  communities  of 
100,000  or  fewer.  Article  VI  does  not  bear  on  this  case.  This 
General  Assembly  endorses  the  action  of  the  Presbytery  of  Upper 
Missouri,  which  carefully  investigated  the  case  on  the  ground. 

1919,  p.  52.  From  the  Presbytery  of  New  Orleans,  memorial¬ 
izing  the  General  Assembly  to  memorialize  the  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  .States  of  America  touching  the 
latter’s  failure  thus  far  to  notice  in  any  way,  so  far  as  its  published 
Minutes  or  any  reported  action  show,  the  fraternal  communication 
of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States  in  May,  1917  (Minutes,  page  53),  or  to  explain  the  reasons 
for  making  a  change  in  an  agreement  that  was  formally  entered 
into  and  officially  accepted  and  signed,  or  to  account  for  the  fact 
that  the  provisions  of  that  agreement  have  not  been  carried  out. 

The  Presbytery  also  overtures  the  Assembly  to  carry  out  its  own 
provision,  if  the  said  agreement  is  not  carried  out  implied  in  the 
action  of  1916  (Minutes  1916,  page  21;  Minutes  1915,  page  76) 
that  the  matters  of  comity  referred  to  be  referred  to  the  Council 
of  Reformed  Churches  of  America  in  accordance  with  the  provision 
of  Articles  of  Agreement. 

Answer. — The  Moderator  is  authorized,  in  response  to  this  over¬ 
ture,  to  appoint  a  committee  of  three,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to 
make  a  thorough  investigation  of  the  matters  referred  to  in  the 
overture,  and  recommend  suitable  action  to  the  next  Assembly. 

1919,  p.  69 j.  The  following  Committee  was  appointed:  Rev. 
George  Summey,  D.  D.,  Rev,  T.  A.  Wharton,  D.  D.,  Rev.  John 
Van  Lear,  D.  D.,  Mr.  J.  D.  Hill. 

1920,  p.  24.  The  report  of  the  Committee  was  amended  and 
approved.  (For  the  full  report  see  Assembly  Minutes,  p.  166ff.) 
Following  are  the  recommendations: 

1920,  p.  169.  The  Committee  makes  the  following  recommenda¬ 
tions  : 

1.  That  the  General  Assembly  U.  S.,  declare  it  to  be  its  sense 
that  the  fundamental  principles  of  fraternal  correspondence  are  in¬ 
volved  in  this  matter,  and  that  it  is  essential  to  the  maintenance  of 
such  correspondence  that  the  bodies  in  such  relations  shall  care¬ 
fully  answer  each  other’s  communications.  Otherwise  no  friendly 
settlement  of  any  question  can  be  possible. 


1076 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


2.  That  the  General  Assembly  U.  S.,  declare  its  serious  objection 
to  and  protest  against  any  change  or  modification  or  “rider”  at¬ 
tached  to  an  agreement,  and  deplore  the  silence  which  has  followed 
its  calling  attention  to  this  matter  and  inquiring  into  it. 

3.  That  the  General  Assembly  U.  S.,  re-submit  its  unanswered 
communication  to  the  General  Assembly  U.  S.  A.,  with  a  prelimi¬ 
nary  statement,  immediately,  and  by  special  delivery  letter,  asking 
reply  during  the  sessions  of  this  Assembly  in  Charlotte,  as  follows: 

To  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  U.  S.  A., 
in  session  in  Philadelphia,  Pa. : 

“Dear  Brethren: — With  sincere  desire  to  preserve  the  cordial 
relations  of  fraternity  and  correspondence  which  have  marked  our 
recent  history,  and  which  have  caused  us  to  come  nearer  together 
in  heart  and  life  and  work,  this  Assembly  asks  your  most  kind  at¬ 
tention  to  its  communication  of  May  24,  1917,  to  which  it  has  never 
received  a  reply  and  of  which  it  finds  no  mention  whatever  in  your 
Minutes  of  the  years  1918  and  1919. 

“This  Assembly  respectfully  urges  that  the  maintenance  of  the 
relation  of  fraternal  correspondence  depends  upon  a  careful  atten¬ 
tion  to  each  other’s  communications  and  the  cordial  observance  of 
the  solemn  agreements  that  have  been  made  between  the  Assemblies 
themselves  or  by  their  duly  authorized  representatives.  This  As¬ 
sembly  deplores  the  continued  existence  of  many  conditions  which 
it  faithfully  sought  in  1915  and  1916  to  adjust  upon  the  terms  of 
the  supposed  identical  note  or  agreement  made  on  March  17,  1916, 
and  approved  and  signed  on  April  6,  1916,  by  your  Executive  Com¬ 
mission  with  power. 

1920,  p.  80e.  The  following  paper  was  read  by  Rev.  Geo.  Sum- 
mey,  D.  D.,  and  adopted  by  the  Assembly: 

This  General  Assembly  notes  with  regret,  in  the  last  moment  of 
its  sessions,  that  its  fraternal  communication  to  the  General  Assem¬ 
bly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  Unied  States  of  America, 
touching  certain  matters  of  comity,  and  re-submitting  to  that  As¬ 
sembly  an  unanswered  communication  of  the  Assembly  of  1917,  has 
as  yet  received  no  reply. 

1922,  p.  191.  (For  details  of  the  three  cases  considered  see  Assem¬ 
bly  Minutes,  1922,  pp.  186ff.) 

The  report  of  the  Committee  was!  adopted  p.  26. 

1922,  p.  191.  From  the  review  of  the  three  cases  of  Comity 
referred  to  vour  Committee,  two  things  seem  evident:  (1)  That 
in  no  one  of  them  did  the  subordinate  courts  submit  to  the  decisions 
of  the  Executive  Commission  of  their  own  Assembly,  thereby  rais¬ 
ing  the  question  whether  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  U.  S.  A.  is  unable  in  cases  of  Comity  to  enforce  its 
mandates  on  the  lower  courts.  (2)  That  in  no  one  of  them,  at 
this  late  day,  is  substantial  redress  for  the  wrong  done  practi¬ 
cable,  without  entailing  injury  on  the  general  cause  of  Christianity 
and  Presbyterianism.  “The  law’s  delays”  have  served  to  entrench 


Secs.  1507-1502]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1077 

the  work  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.  A.  in  New 
Orleans,  La.,  Springdale,  Ark.,  and  El  Paso,  Tex.,  and  your  Com¬ 
mittee,  while  unable  to  approve  the  steps  by  which  this  result  was 
accomplished,  has  no  other  recommendations  to  offer  in  regard  to 
these  cases  than  those  agreed  upon  by  the  Joint  Committee  and 
already  embodied  in  this  report. 

The  following  action  was  unanimously  taken  by  the  Joint  Com¬ 
mittee  touching  comity  and  co-operation  of  the  Presbyterian 
Churches  in  the  U.  S.  A.  and  in  the  U.  S.  in  the  future: 

1.  The  Joint  Committee  recommends  that  the  two  Assemblies 
urge  their  respective  Presbyteries  and  Synods  to  make  every  effort 
to  settle  all  cases  of  comity  locally,  before  appeal  is  made  to  the 
Comity  Committees  of  the  Assemblies.  When  cases  are  initiated 
the  procedure  shall  be  as  follows :  lire  complaining  body  shall 
prepare  in  writing  its  case  and  keep  a  written  record  of  the  facts 
as  disclosed  in  local  conferences  before  appeal  shall  be  made  to 
higher  courts,  and  these  shall  be  transmitted  to  the  appeal  courts 
for  their  use. 

2.  That  the  Joint  Committees  on  Comity  endorse  the  proposed 
plan  for  co-operation  among  the  Home  Mission  agencies  of  the 
Council  of  Reformed  Churches,  by  which  these  agencies  shall  en¬ 
deavor  to  do  together,  wherever  practicable,  mission  work  they  are 
now  doing  separately. 

In  concluding  its  work,  the  Joint  Committee  adopted  the  follow¬ 
ing  resolution:  “In  order  to  prevent  misunderstanding,  it  is  agreed 
that  each  Committee  may  make  whatever  report  it  may  see  fit  to 
the  Assembly  appointing  it,  supplementary  to  the  resolutions 
adopted  by  the  Joint  Committee.” 

If  the  Assembly  sees  fit  to  adopt  this  report,  the  present  Com¬ 
mittee  asks  to  be  discharged.  In  our  opinion  the  powers  of  such 
Committee  should  be  given  to  the  Executive  Committee  of  Home 
Missions. 

1508.  Federal  Council  of  Churches  of  Christ  in  America 

1911,  p.  56.  Touching  the  address  of  Rev.  E.  B.  Sanford,  D. 
D.,  Secretary  of  the  Federal  Council  of  the  Churches  of  Christ 
in  America,  to  which  we  recommend  the  following: 

The  Assembly  has  heard  with  great  pleasure  the  annual  address 
of  Dr.  Sanford  in  behalf  of  the  Federal  Council  of  Churches  of 
Christ  in  America.  We  rejoice  in  the  work  that  has  heretofore 
been  accomplished  through  the  agency  of  this  Council,  and  we 
pray  that  God  may  bless  and  guide  the  Council  in  its  future  work. 
But  while  we  recognize  the  Council  as  a  body  which  illustrates 
our  unity  in  the  faith,  we  do  not  believe  that  failure  to  cooperate 
in  its  special  work  would  be,  on  the  part  of  any  of  its  constituent 
bodies,  a  denial  of  that  unity.  We  stand  ready  at  all  times  to 
cooperate  with  the  Council  in  any  work  which,  in  our  judgment, 
is  vital  to  the  interests  of  the  Kingdom  of  Christ. 


1078 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


At  the  same  time,  we  feel  impelled,  for  what  we  deem  sufficient 
reasons,  to  refrain  for  the  present  from  cooperation  with  the  Coun¬ 
cil  as  such. 

1912,  p.  70a.  We  recommend  that  overtures  from  the  Synod 
of  Missouri  and  from  the  Presbyteries  of  West  Lexington  and 
Central  Texas,  asking  that  we  re-enter  into  formal  relationship 
with  the  Federal  Council  of  the  Churches  of  Christ  in  America, 
be  answered  in  the  affirmative;  that  the  Rev.  W.  S.  Jacobs,  D.  D., 
be  elected  our  representative  on  the  Executive  Committee,  and  that 
the  Moderator  of  this  Assembly  be  empowered  to  appoint  delegates 
to  the  quadrennial  to  be  held  in  Chicago  in  December,  1912. 

1913,  p.  67.  An  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Nashville, 
asking  that  the  Assembly  do  not  withdraw  from  the  Federal  Coun¬ 
cil  of  the  Churches  of  Christ  in  America. 

In  view  of  the  foregoing  action,  designed  to  secure  a  statement  of 
the  doctrinal  position  of  the  Presbyterian  Churches  upon  the  rela¬ 
tion  of  the  Church  to  Social  Service  (in  part  for  its  effect  on  the 
said  Council),  your  Committee  would  recommend  that  this  over¬ 
ture  be  answered  in  the  affirmative,  and  further  recommend  that 
this  Assembly  now  declare  that  by  this  action  it  does  not  as  a 
Church  court  approve  of  the  Social  Service  program  presented  by 
the  Federal  Council,  and  that  it  disapproves  of  the  failure  of  the 
Federal  Council  to  make  it  plain  that  its  Social  Service  program 
was  not  intended  to  be  adopted  by  the  Churches  as  organized 
bodies. 

1914,  p.  48.  The  Standing  Committee  on  Foreign  Correspon¬ 
dence  would  report  that  there  have  come  into  our  hands: 

1.  A  Statement  of  Principles  of  the  Federal  Council  of  the 
Churches  of  Christ  in  America.  We  have  given  most  careful  at¬ 
tention  to  this  statement  of  principles  underlying  and  guiding  the 
development  of  the  work  of  the  Council,  and  find  such  safeguards 
and  limitations  as  to  denominational  autonomy  of  the  constituent 
bodies  that  we  can  and  do  most  heartily  recommend  their  approval. 

2.  A  summary  of  the  report  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  the 
Federal  Council  of  the  Churches  of  Christ  in  America,  together 
with  the  address  of  its  Secretary,  Rev.  Chas.  S.  MacFarland,  be¬ 
fore  the  Assembly. 

We  note  with  pleasure  the  report  of  its  wide  and  general  ac¬ 
tivities  and  commend  its  various  lines  of  work  as  therein  outlined. 

We  especially  recommend  the  approval  of  the  Council’s  program 
concerning  an  increase  of  chaplains  in  the  United  States  Army  and 
Navy,  a  campaign  of  religious  activity  and  evangelism  in  connec¬ 
tion  with  the  Panama-Pacific  Exposition,  and  the  establishment 
of  an  office  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  with  Rev.  Henry  K.  Carroll, 
D.  D.,  as  Associate  Secretary,  in  charge. 

1915,  p.  39.  The  Assembly  has  heard  with  pleasure  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Charles  S.  MacFarland,  Secretary  of  the  Federal  Council  of  the 
Churches  of  Christ  in  America,  and  we  have  had  placed  in  our  hands 


Sec.  1508]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1079 

certain  communications,  together  with  the  annual  report  of  the 
Council. 

We  recommend  the  celebration  of  the  four  hundredth  anniver¬ 
sary  of  the  Protestant  Reformation  on  the  31st  day  of  October, 
1917,  in  commemoration  of  the  nailing  of  the  theses  by  Martin 
Luther  on  the  door  of  the  Castle  Church,  Wittenberg. 

We  commend  to  the  Church  for  their  favorable  consideration 
and  co-operation,  as  far  as  possible,  the  work  of  the  Federal 
Council  through  its  Commission  on  Church  and  Country  Life, 
calling  attention  to  their  program  for  the  thorough  investigation  of 
present  conditions  and  for  the  most  of  their  plans  to  improve  or 
provide  a  remedy. 

We  also  strongly  commend  the  report  on  Family  Life,  on  the 
Lax  Relations  of  the  Church  and  Home,  and  the  report  of  the 
Commission  on  Sunday  Observance. 

While  there  are  thus  many  things  in  the  reports  of  the  Council 
which  we  approve  and  heartily  endorse,  there  are  actions  taken 
which  so  do  violence  to  the  historic  and  scriptural  position  of  our 
Church  that  we  can  do  naught  else  than  decline  to  accept  the 
responsibility  for  them  and  enter  our  protest.  In  some  instances 
they  are  contrary  to  the  doctrine  of  the  separation  of  the  Church 
and  the  State  and  the  only  proper  attitude  of  approach  which  the 
Church  has  to  the  affairs  of  the  State;  in  others  they  deal  with 
matters  that  are  wholly  extraneous  to  the  recognized  mission  of 
the  Church  on  earth. 

The  note  sounded  for  our  forward  movement  in  the  Church  is 
Evangelism.  Is  it  not,  then,  of  the  greatest  importance  that  we 
guard  the  pure  evangel  from  accretions  that  may  turn  us  aside 
from  our  great  mission  and  dissipate  our  energies  on  the  perishing 
things  of  time,  when  they  should  be  concentrated  on  and  conse¬ 
crated  to  the  mighty  things  of  eternity? 

Troublous  times  such  as  these  caused  that  action  in  the  Presby¬ 
terian  Church  which  necessitated  the  birth  of  the  Church  South; 
should  we  not,  then,  most  carefully  guard  against  the  age  ten¬ 
dencies  which  are  turning  the  forces  of  the  Church  into  so  many 
side  channels  and  so  weakening  the  force  of  her  one  supreme  call 
to  save  men  for  time  and  eternity? 

The  matters  which  we  would  disavow  are  such  as  these: 

Action  concerning  the  European  war: 

‘(P.  36.)  \The  Federal  Council  herebjy  suggests  to  President 
Wilson  and  Secretary  Bryan  that  they  take  steps  at  an  early  date 
to  urge  upon  the  governments  of  the  world  the  need  of  a  universal 
treaty,  providing  that  the  signatory  powers  agree  to  enforce  the  ob¬ 
servance  of  the  agreement  upon  the  nation  that  transgresses  the 
treaty  by  immediate  military  intervention.” 

“That  steps  be  taken  to  secure  similar  action  on  the  part  of 
the  Roman  Catholic  Church  of  the  United  States,  appealing  to 
the  Pope,  etc.,  to  take  similar  action  in  the  matter.” 

Again,  “We  express  the  hope  that  the  Congress  of  the  United 


1080 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


States  will  give  the  several  States  of  the  Union  the  opportunity, 
according  to  the  principles  of  our  government,  to  vote  for  or 
against  a  constitutional  prohibition  amendment.” 

P.  127.  Again,  “The  Country  Church.  *  *  *  There  is 

no  solution  of  the  problem  of  the  country  church  apart  from  the 
reorganization  of  rural  business.” 

Topics  of  investigation  and  report:  “Social  Effects  of  Co-opera¬ 
tion”;  “Promotion  of  Material  Property”;  “Educational  Better¬ 
ment”;  “Promotion  of  Independence  and  Self-Respect”;  “Promo¬ 
tion  of  Democracy”;  “Solution  of  the  Trust  Problem”;  “Promotion 
of  Political  Efficiency.” 

In  view  of  these  facts,  your  Committee  is  forced  to  one  of  two 
conclusions:  Either  that  this  Assembly  should  now  sever  its  rela¬ 
tions  with  the  Federal  Council,  or  that  we  postpone  action  with  the 
hope  that  the  said  Council  may  yet  regard  the  principles  for  which 
our  Church  stands;  and  we  recommend  that  action  be  deferred  for 
one  year. 

Further,  that  the  sum  of  $311.00  be  appropriated  for  the  expenses 
of  the  Council,  and  that  eleven  delegates,  with  alternates,  be  ap¬ 
pointed  as  requested  for  the  General  Council  of  1917. 

1915,  p.  80j.  The  following  were  appointed  delegates  to  repre¬ 
sent  our  Church  in  the  next  meeting  (1916)  in  the  Federal  Council 
of  the  Churches  of  Christ  in  America: 


Principals 

Wm.  Crowe,  D.  D . 

Wm.  Cumming,  D.  D.  ... 
Homer  McMillan,  D.  D. 

J.  W.  Stagg,  D.  D . 

Henry  H.  Sweets,  D.  D. 

J.  K.  Smith,  D.  D . 

Joseph  Rennie,  D.  D . 

C.  R.  Nisbet,  D.  D . 

A.  A.  McGeachy,  D.  D. 
W.  J.  McMillan,  D.  D. 


Alternates. 

-A.  S.  Johnson,  D.  D. 

E.  E.  Smith 

D.  H.  Ogden,  D.  D. 

.JE.  F.  Abbott,  D.  D. 
.Chas.  E.  Diehl,  D.  D. 
U.  D.  Mooney,  D.  D. 
G.  T.  Storey 

F.  T.  McFaden,  D.  D. 
.Melton  Clark,  D.  D. 

.D.  P.  McGeachy 


1916,  p.  76.  The  Assembly  has  heard  with  pleasure  the  addresses 
of  Rev.  Dr.  Chas.  S.  Macfarland,  General  Secretary  of  the  Federal 
Council  of  the  Churches  of  Christ  in  America,  and  of  Rev.  Dr. 
Wm.  States  Jacobs,  a  member  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  the 
Council  from  our  Church,  and  there  have  also  been  placed  in  our 
hands  the  Annual  Reports  of  the  Council,  together  with  certain 
other  communications  from  that  body. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  the  General  Assembly  of  last  year 
placed  on  record  its  protest  against  certain  actions  of  the  Federal 
Council  that  were  deemed  to  be  in  violation  of  our  distinctive  prin¬ 
ciples  and  historic  position.  See  pages  39  and  40  of  the  Minutes 
for  1915. 

We  gather  from  representations  made  to  the  Assembly,  and  from 
the  reports  of  the  Council  of  1915,  that  it  is  the  desire  of  the  Coun- 


Sec.  1508]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1081 

cil  to  adjust  satisfactorily  the  matters  complained  of,  but  inasmuch 
as  it  appears  that  the  action  of  our  Assembly  was  not  laid  formally 
and  directly  before  the  Council,  and  inasmuch  as  it  is  a  matter  of 
vital  importance  that  we  should  have  a  definite  and  official  reply 
from  the  Council  with  reference  to  these  matters,  if  we  are  to  con¬ 
tinue  to  co-operate  cordially  in  the  work  of  the  Council,  we  recom¬ 
mend  that  the  Assembly  repeat  the  protest  of  last  year  and  direct 
the  Stated  Clerk  to  transmit  this  action  to  the  Federal  Council,  and 
that,  pending  a  reply,  action  looking  to  a  withdrawal  of  our  Church 
from  the  Council  be  deferred  for  one  year.  The  Assembly  also  re¬ 
quests  our  representatives  in  the  Council  to  take  charge  of  this  pro¬ 
test  and  see  that  it  is  properly  presented. 

We  recommend  further  that  the  Assembly  appoint  a  Permanent 
Committee  of  three  members,  to  be  known  as  the  Committee  on 
Federation  and  Comity,  that  shall  be  the  official  channel  of  communi¬ 
cation  between  the  Federal  Council  and  our  Assembly,  and  we  would 
suggest  as  members  of  this  Committee:  Rev.  Melton  Clark,  D.  D., 
Rev.  Wm.  Crowe,  D.  D.,  and  Rev.  J.  C.  Molloy,  D.  D. 

We  would  call  the  attention  of  the  Assembly  to  the  fact  that  there 
is  a  vacancy  in  our  representation  in  the  Council,  due  to  the  death 
of  the  Rev.  John  W.  Stagg,  D.  D. 

We  recommend  that  the  Chairman  of  this  Committee,  Rev.  R.  F. 
Kirkpatrick,  D.  D.,  be  elected  in  his  stead. 

1917,  p.  49.  Your  Committee  note  that,  after  respectful  hearing 
and  careful  consideration  by  the  Council  of  the  Protest,  it  made 
answer  as  follows: 

( 1 )  That  the  Council  recognizes  with  cordial  appreciation  the 
service  rendered  by  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  U.  S.  and  fully 
recognizes  its  high  loyalty  to  principle  and  the  emphasis  it  has 
placed  on  the  spiritual  function  of  the  Church,  and  further  that  it 
was  the  effort  and  desire  of  the  Council  to  respect  the  principles  of 
its  constituent  members. 

(2)  That  nothing  is  official  which  is  sent  out  by  committees  or 
commissions  unless  adopted  by  the  Council;  that  the  things  men¬ 
tioned  in  the  Protest  have  not  been  adopted  by  the  Council. 

(3)  That  no  action  taken  by  the  Council  becomes  in  the  slight¬ 
est  respect  binding  upon  any  Church  represented  in  the  Council 
unless  subsequently  adopted  by  that  Church,  since  by  the  Constitution 
of  the  Council  “its  province  shall  be  limited  to  the  expression  of  its 
counsel  and  the  recommending  of  a  course  of  action  in  matters 
common  to  the  Churches.” 

(4)  That  the  Council  again  clearly  affirms  its  adherence  to  the 
absolute  separation  of  Church  and  State. 

We  recommend: 

1st.  That  the  Protest  and  the  answer  of  the  Council  and  the  report 
of  the  delegation  appointed  by  the  Assembly  of  1915  be  printed  in 
the  Appendix  of  the  Minutes  of  the  Assembly,  (p.  179.) 

2nd.  That  the  Assembly  express  its  appreciation  of  the  spirit  in 
which  the  answer  to  the  Protest  was  made  and  that  the  Council  con- 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


1082 


[Book  VII 


veyed  its  answer  to  us  through  a  delegate,  to  wit:  Rev.  F.  D.  Kersh- 
ner. 

3rd.  That  the  answer  of  the  Council  be  accepted  as  satisfactory 
by  the  Assembly. 

4th.  Inasmuch  as  the  Constitution  of  the  Council  and  the  Coun¬ 
cil’s  answer  to  the  Protest  affirm  that  the  actions  of  the  Council  have 
only  the  force  of  recommendations,  and  not  in  the  slightest  respect 
binding  on  the  Churches  represented  in  the  Council,  that  the  Assem¬ 
bly  deny  any  responsibility  for  actions  of  the  Council  until  the 
actions  are  approved  by  the  Assembly. 

5th.  That  the  Assembly’s  relation  to  the  Council  may  be  cordial, 
and  that  the  historic  position  of  the  Assembly  as  to  the  spiritual 
nature  of  the  Church  may  be  safeguarded,  that  the  delegation  of  this 
Assembly  to  the  Council  be  directed  to  use  their  influence  to  have 
the  Council  avoid  policies  and  actions  which  are  in  violation  of  our 
distinctive  principles. 

6th.  That  the  messages  from  the  special  session  of  the  Council 
being  directed  to  citizens,  no  action  be  taken  thereon. 

7th.  That  in  this*  time  of  trial  and  sorrow  our  people  be  exhorted 
to  be  much  in  prayer  and,  with  repentance  and  confession  of  sin, 
to  turn  unto  God  and  in  all  their  ways  acknowledge  Him;  to  avoid 
passion  and  bitterness  in  thought,  speech,  and  action;  to  be  diligent 
in  acts  of  mercy;  to  use  every  means  of  nourishing  the  spiritual  life 
of  our  people  and  direct  them  in  ways  of  righteousness. 

8th.  In  order  that  the  ministrations  of  the  Gospel  may  be  given 
to  the  men  in  the  army  and  navy  who  have  gone  forth  in  answer 
to  their  country’s  call,  that  the  ministers  who  are  qualified  insofar 
as  the  need  may  require  are  asked  to  cffer  themselves  as  chaplains. 

9th.  That  all  our  members  may  use  and  seek  opportunities  to 
win  for  Christ  our  young  men  who  are,  or  may  soon  be,  called 
away  from  home  to  the  perils  of  the  field  of  battle. 

1918,  p.  36.  Your  Committee  has  read  with  care  and  with  pleas¬ 
ure  the  report  of  the|  Federal  Council  of  the  Churches  of  Christ  in 
America.  We  feel  honored  that  the  important  office  of  the  Chair¬ 
man  of  the  Executive  Committee  is  occupied  by  a  man  of  our  own 
Assembly,  one  whom  we  ourselves  have  chosen  as  Moderator.  We 
note  with  gratification  that  the  Council  is  aiding  effectively  in  the 
great  work  of  ministering  to  the  bleeding  body  of  a  suffering  world 
and  isi  also  holding  clearly  before  it  the  peculiar  task  of  the  Church, 
namely,  the  redeeming  of  the  souls  of  men. 

1919,  p.  55.  Touching  the  Reports  of  the  Proceedings,  the  Dec¬ 
laration,  and  the  Resolutions  of  the  Federal  Council  of  the 
Churches  of  Christ  in  America,  its  Message  and  other  papers  sub¬ 
mitted:  (a)  That  the  Assembly  note  with  special  care  the  fact  that 
in  the  Resolutions  adopted  by  the  said  Federal  Council  at  its  meet¬ 
ing  May  6-8,  1919,  in  Cleveland,  Ohio,  the  Council  repeats  the 
acts  against  which  the  Assembly  protested  so  vigorously  in  1915 
and  1916;  (b)  that  the  Assembly  now  utter  its  most  emphatic  pro¬ 
test  against  the  Council’s  repeating  the  objectionable  acts  and  vio- 


Sec.  1508]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1083 

lating  its  own  agreement  of  1916,  touching  the  making  of  deliver¬ 
ances  on  political,  industrial  and  other  such  objects;  (c)  that  this 
Assembly  ask  that  this  protest  be  entered  on  the  records  and  pub¬ 
lished  with  the  proceedings  of  the  Council.  The  objectionable  acts 
of  the  Council  passed  May  6-8,  1919,  violating  its  own  former 
agreement,  were  its  representing  and  affirming,  as  the  belief  of  the 
Churches  connected  with  it,  certain  views  on  political  relations,  inter¬ 
national  relations,  labor  and  capital  problems,  wage  questions  and 
working  days,  woman’s  work,  race  problems,  the  making  of  laws 
and  the  enforcement  of  the  same,  treaties  with  foreign  countries, 
women’s  full  political  and  economic  equality,  and  similar  questions; 
(d)  and  that  the  Moderator  appoint  the  requisite  number  of  dele¬ 
gates  to  the  Federal  Council. 

As  to  the  matter  of  the  payment  of  the  expenses  of  delegates  to 
the  Council,  referred  to  in  the  communications  of  Rev.  Dr.  Crowe, 
Vice-President,  Rev.  Dr.  Chas  S.  Macfarland,  Secretary,  and  the 
overture  of  Memphis  Presbytery,  that  this  payment,  as  well  as  the 
payment  of  the  assessment  of  our  Church,  be  carefully  attended  to 
by  the  Assembly’s  Treasurer  for  the  past  year  and  for  the  year  to 
come;  and  that  the  Assembly  express  its  special  appreciation  of 
the  work  of  Rev.  Andrew  R.  Bird,  of  Washington,  in  connection 
with  the  General  Committee  on  Army  and  Navy  Chaplains  of  the 
Federal  Council. 

1919,  p.  69 j .  Delegates  to  Federal  Council  of  Churches  of  Christ 
in  America 

Principals.  Alternates. 

Rev.  A.  S.  Johnson,  D.  D . Rev.  J.  M.  Wells,  D.  D. 

Rev.  E.  E.  Smith  . +....*...Rev,  J.  A.  Trostle 

Rev.  D.  H.  Ogden,  D.  D . . Rev.  J.  P.  Robertson,  D.  D. 

Rev.  C.  E.  Diehl,  D.  D . ...Rev.  A.  B.  Curry,  D.  D. 

Rev.  U.  D.  Mooney,  D.  D . , . Rev.  George  Summey,  D.  D. 

Rev.  G.  T.  Storey  . Rev.  F.  H.  Barron,  D.  D. 

Rev.  F.  T.  McFaden,  D.  D . Rev.  Thornton  Whaling,  D.  D. 

Rev.  Melton  Clark,  D.  D . Rev.  Donald  McQueen 

Rev.  D.  P.  McGeachy  . ....Rev.  H.  W.  DuBose 

F.  B.  Flutton, 

1920,  p.  66.  The  annual  reports  of  the  Federal  Council  of  the 
Churches  of  Christ  in  America,  together  with  a  number  of  other 
communications  from  that  body,  have  been  referred  to  the  Commit¬ 
tee  on  Foreign  Correspondence. 

One  of  these  papers  is  the  answer  of  the  Federal  Council  to  the 
communication  of  our  General  Assembly  of  1919,  touching  the 
action  of  the  Federal  Council  upon  civil  affairs.  Our  Communi¬ 
cation  called  the  attention  of  the  Council  to  the  fact  that  we  had 
protested  a  number  of  times  against  resolutions  of  the  Council  on 
civil  and  political  matters  which  we  regarded  as  inconsistent  with 
the  historic  principle  of  the  entire  separation  of  the  Church  and 
State. 


1084 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


The  answer  of  the  Council  to  our  communication  is  a  long  and 
carefully  prepared  paper,  rehearsing  the  successive  steps  in  this 
correspondence  and  calling  attention  to  Section  4  of  the  Constitu¬ 
tion  of  the  Council,  which  reads: 

“This  Federal  Council  shall  have  no  authority  over  the  constit¬ 
uent  bodies  adhering  to  it,  but  its  province  shall  be  limited  to  the 
expression  of  its  counsel  and  the  recommending  of  a  course  of  action 
in  matters  of  common  interest  to  the  churches,  local  councils,  and 
individual  Christians. 

“It  has  no  authority  to  draw  up  a  common  creed  or  form  of 
government  or  of  worship,  or  in  any  way  to  limit  the  full  autonomy 
of  the  Christian  bodies  adhering  to  it.” 

The  Council  insists  that  it  has  endeavored  in  the  actions  of  the 
general  body,  and  also  of  its  various  commissions,  to  adhere  to  the 
principles  announced  in  this  section  of  the  Constitution,  and  it 
says: 

“It  is  our  judgment  that  with  a  proper  understanding  of  the  situ¬ 
ation,  there  is  no  real  line  of  cleavage  between  the  principles  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  and  the  Constitution  of 
the  Federal  Council.” 

It  further  says: 

“We  would,  however,  remind  the  General  Assembly  that  while  in 
agreement  upon  these  fundamental  principles,  the  various  consti¬ 
tuent  denominations  vary  in  their  emphasis  and  vary  at  times  in 
the  application  of  these  principles  to  concrete  and  practical  issues. 

“We  would  remind  the  Assembly  that  this  same  difference  of 
emphasis  and  difference  in  practical  application  obtains  also  within 
the  constituent  denominations  themselves,  as  illustrated  by  the  action 
of  the  General  Assembly  itself,  which  on  one  occasion  took  action 
on  the  question  of  prohibition  quite  contrary  to  the  action  of  a 
previous  Assembly.” 

Touching  the  action  of  our  General  Assembly  in  regard  “to  the 
treatment  of  social  questions  on  the  part  of  the  Church,”  the  Coun¬ 
cil  also  insists  that  it  has  not  taken  any  action  inconsistent  with 
the  position  of  our  Assembly,  and  in  connection  with  this  makes 
the  following  statement: 

“In  a  body  like  the  Federal  Council,  which  unites  thirty-one 
denominations,  it  would  be  too  much  to  expect  that  every  particular 
action  taken  should  express  the  unanimous  judgment  of  these  bodies 
in  every  case,  and  it  is  for  this  reason  that  wise  provision  was  made, 
as  above  noted,  whereby  ‘the  action  taken  does  not  become  in  the 
slightest  respect  binding  upon  any  Church  represented  in  this  Coun¬ 
cil  unless  that  Church,  through  its  own  separate  and  specific  ap¬ 
proval,  elects  to  make  it  so.’  ” 

We  recommend  to  the  General  Assembly  that,  while  continuing 
our  relation  with  the  Federal  Council,  we  reaffirm  our  loyal  ad¬ 
herence  to  the  principle  of  the  separation  of  Church  and  State,  and 
reserve  the  right  to  protest  in  the  future  to  any  action  or  actions  of 
the  Federal  Council,  or  any  of  its  commissions,  which,  in  our  judg- 


Sec.  1508]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1085 

ment,  are  not  in  accordance  with  this  principle  and  with  Section  4 
of  the  Constitution  of  the  Council  itself,  which  has  been  quoted 
above. 

We  also  recommend  that  the  present  representatives  of  our  Church 
in  the  Council  be(  re-elected,  Dr.  Russell  Cecil,  who  was  alternate,  to 
take  a  place  made  vacant  by  Dr.  J.  F.  Cannon,  deceased,  and  Dr. 
Dunbar  H.  Ogden  to  be  alternate  to  Dr.  Cecil,  as  members  of  the 
Executive  Cjommittee,  and  Dr.  R.  F.  Campbell  as  a  member  of  the 
Administrative  Committee;  and  that  Dr.  James  I.  Vance  be  re-elected 
to  membership  in  the  Federal  Council. 

1921,  p.  34.  The  General  Assembly  has  listened  with  profound 
interest  to  the  address  of  Dr.  Robert  E.  Speer,  President  of  the  Fed¬ 
eral  Council  of  the  Churches  of  Christ  in  America,  setting  forth  the 
new  and  larger  plans  adopted  at  the  fourth  quadrennial  meeting  of 
the  Council  held  in  Boston  in  December,  1920,  looking  to  the  co¬ 
ordinating  of  the  work  of  the  Constituent  Churches  in  matters  of  com¬ 
mon  interest  and  the  prosecution  of  work  that  can  be  better  done  in 
union  than  in  separation. 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  express  its  approval  in  general 
of  these  plans  as  outlined  in  the  address  and  as  set  forth  in  the 
report  of  the  Council,  and  its  desire  to  co-operate  in  all  practical 
wayg  in  the  effort  to  realize  the  end  for  which  the  Council  is  organ¬ 
ized,  which  is  to  manifest  the  essential  spiritual  oneness  of  the 
Evangelical  Churches  of  America  in  Jesus  Christ  as  their  divine 
Lord  and  Saviour,  and  to  promote  the  spirit  of  fellowship,  co-opera¬ 
tion  and  service  among  them. 

Heretofore  the  expenses  of  the  Council  have  been  largely  met  by 
private  contributions,  but  at  the  Boston  meeting  it  was  decided  to 
ask  the  Constituent  Churches  to  assume  responsibility  for  an  annual 
expense  budget  of  $300,000  to  be  equitably  divided  among  them. 

We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  express  approval  of  this  method 
of  financing  the  Council,  and  that  the  question  of  our  equitable 
apportionment  and  the  method  of  providing  it  be  referred  to  the 
Assembly’s  Standing  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence. 

1921,  p.  43.  An  appeal  of  the  Federal  Council  of  the  Churches 
of  Christ  in  America  for  an  appropriation  to  meet  its  expenses  has 
been  referred  to  this  Committee.  We  recommend  that  the  General 
Assembly  appropriate  $5,000  out  of  its  funds  for  this  purpose. 

1921,  p.  34.  We  recommend  that  in  accord  with  the  spirit  of  the 
Assembly’s  action  in  1919,  the  Assembly’s  Treasurer  be  directed  to 
pay  the  expenses  of  the  two  representatives  who  attended  the  quad¬ 
rennial  meeting  of  the  Federal  Council  in  Boston  December  1  to  6, 
1920. 

We  recommend  that  the  following  be  appointed  as  representatives 
from  our  Church  to  the  Federal  Council,  to  continue  from  this  time 
until  after  the  next  quadrennial  meeting  succeeding  this  meeting  of 
the  Assembly: 

Principals — A.  B.  Curry,  J.  L.  Mauze,  G.  T.  Storey,  R.  F.  Camp¬ 
bell,  J.  I.  Vance,  R.  H.  McCaslin,  A.  M.  Aiken,  E.  D.  McDougall, 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


1086 


[Book  VII 


George  Summey,  J.  B.  Hutton,  W.  S.  Campbell,  John  Van  Lear, 
Wm.  Everett,  S.  H.  Chester,  L.  E.  McNair,  Wm.  Crowe. 

Alternates — W.  L.  Caldwell,  D.  H.  Ogden,  S.  M.  Glasgow,  Homer 
McMillan,  H.  W.  DuBose,  J.  M.  Wells,  P.  B.  Hill,  Ernest  Thomp¬ 
son,  Melton  Clark,  E.  T.  Miller,  J.  P.  Robertson,  E.  E.  Smith,  H.  G. 
DuBose,  C.  W.  Wells,  F.  T.  McFaden,  T.  M.  Boyd. 

We  also  recommend  that  these  representatives  J.  I.  Vance  and  J. 
B.  Hutton,  with  H.  W.  DuBose  and  Ernest  Thompson  as  alternates, 
be  designated  for  membership  in  the  Executive  Committee,  and 
George  Summey,  with  J.  M.  Wells  as  alternate,  for  membership  on 
the  Administrative  Committee. 

1922,  p.  33.  In  answer  to  a  personal  letter  from  Dr.  T.  H.  Law, 
thirty-seven  Presbyteries  have  sent  up  overtures  to  the  Assembly  con¬ 
cerning  the  Federal  Council;  as  follows:  Thirteen  request  the  As¬ 
sembly  to  withdraw  the  whole,  or  a  part,  of  the  $5,000  appropriation 
to  the  support  of  the  Federal  Council;  nine  to  withdraw  from  the 
Federal  Council;  thirteen  approving  of  the  Federal  Council  and  the 
appropriation;  and  two  decline  to  answer. 

There  are  two  propositions  before  the  Committee  touching  the 
Federal  Council:  Shall  our  Church  withdraw  from  the  Federal 
Council?  If  we  remain  in  the  Federal  Council,  what  appropriation 
shall  be  made  for  its  support? 

In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  Federal  Council  is  the  only  organiza¬ 
tion  which  unifies  Protestant  Christianity  in  the  U.  S.  of  America' 
furnishes  a  medium  of  accomplishing  certain  desirable  things  which 
we  as  a  Church,  are  debarred  from  undertaking;  and  makes  it  pos¬ 
sible  for  us  to  combine  our  efforts  with  the  thirty  other  constituent 
bodies  in  such  work  as  general  evangelism,  restoration  of  devastated 
churches  in  Europe,  relief  of  distress  caused  by  famine,  solving  race 
problems,  and  other  matters  of  similar  nature,  we  would  recommend 
that  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.  do  not  withdraw  from  the 
Federal  Council;  but  that  our  representatives  be  instructed  to  pro¬ 
test  against  any  action  of  the  Council  that  does  not  jealously  guard 
the  spirituality  of  the  Church  and  recognize  as  its  supreme  mission 
the  preaching  of  the  Gospel. 

In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  Federal  Council  is  including  in  its 
budget  of  expenses,  causes  that  do  violence  to  the  conscience  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  of  the  United  States,  as  well  as  to  its  traditions, 
therefore,  this  Assembly  declines  to  make  any  appropriation  for  the 
work  of  said  Council  at  this  time. 


1509.  Reduction  of  Armaments 

1921,  p.  34.  In  response  to  the  communication  from  the  Federal 
Council  and  from  the  World  Alliance  of  Churches  regarding  the 
reduction  of  armaments,  we  recommend  that  the  Assembly  declare 
that: 

While  we  would  hail  with  joy  any  world  movement  looking  toward 
the  reduction  of  armaments,  we  feel  that  this  is  a  matter  that  should 


Secs.  1508-1511]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1087 

be  handled  by  the  Council  itself  rather  than  by  its  Constituent 
bodies  acting  in  their  separate  capacity  as  Churches.  We  gladly 
call  attention  to  the  letter  addressed  by  the  Council  to  our  pastors 
on  this  subject. 

1510.  Life  and  Work  of  the  Churches  of  the  World 

1921,  p.  34.  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  approve  the  Con¬ 
ference  on  the  Life  and  Work  of  the  Churches  of  the  World  as 
proposed  at  Geneva,  Switzerland,  August,  1920,  upon  the  under¬ 
standing  that  its  program  and  all  proposals  regarding  it  shall  be 
first  submitted  to  our  General  Assembly  by  the  Committee  of  Ar¬ 
rangements  before  being  put  into  effect. 

The  appointment  of  Reverends  Russell  Cecil,  J.  I.  Vance,  J.  L. 
Mauze  and  S.  H.  Chester,  made  by  the  Conference  at  Geneva,  as 
members  of  the  American  Section  of  the  Committee  of  Arrangements 
of  the  proposed  World  Conference,  is  hereby  approved  by  the  As¬ 
sembly,  and  they  are  authorized  to  represent  our  Church  on  that 
Committee. 

1511.  Inter-Church  World  Movement 

1919,  p.  27.  The  paper  on  the  Inter-Church  World  Movement 
was  referred  to  a  Select  Committee  consisting  of  the  following:  W. 
R.  Dobyns,  R.  H.  Fleming,  T.  L.  Green,  T.  C.  Stevenson,  J.  A. 
Owen. 

1919,  p.  69b.  The  Select  Committee  on  the  Inter-Church  World 
Movement  made  a  report,  which  was  adopted,  and  is  as  follows: 

The  Special  Committee  to  which  were  referred  the  papers  and 
addresses  concerning  the  “Inter-Church  World  Movement”  respect¬ 
fully  offer  the  following  report: 

It  is  gratifying  that  a  movement  of  such  wide  vision  should  have 
originated  in  our  Church,  and  the  action  of  our  Executive  Committee 
of  Foreign  Missions  from  which  it  sprang,  is  significant  as  outlin¬ 
ing  the  intention  and  purpose  of  this  forward  step,  in  the  follow¬ 
ing  words: 

“Meeting  just  one  day  after  the  great  war  came  to  an  end,  and 
realizing  the  great  opportunity  that  this  opens  to  the  Church  of 
Christ,  we  recommend  that  this  Executive  Committee  of  Foreign 
Missions,  through  our  Chairman,  Rev.  Jas.  I.  Vance,  D.  D.,  invite 
the  Foreign  Mission  Boards  of  North  America,  the  Y.  M.  C.  A. 
and  the  Y.  W.  C.  A.  to  enter  into  a  simultaneous  missionary  drive 
by  all  the  Protestant  Evangelical  Churches  of  North  America  to 
raise  a  sufficient  fund  for  the  equipment  and  support  of  all  their 
Foreign  Mission  work;  and  to  recruit  a  sufficient  force  of  evangel¬ 
ists,  teachers,  doctors  and  nurses  to  go  to  the  front,  that  the  non- 
Christian  world  may  be  immediately  evangelized,  and  Christian 
education,  medical  sanitary  work  and  social  service  be  adequately 
done  in  non-Christian  lands.” 

The  plans  of  operation  are,  of  necessity,  now  imperfect,  yet 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


1088 


[Book  VII 


enough  is  set  forth  in  the  above  action  and  the  findings  of  the 
Cleveland  Conference  to  lead  us  to  recommend: 

1.  That  we  endorse  the  action  of  our  Executive  Committee  in 
approving  in  principle  this  movement. 

2.  That  in  doing  so  we  desire  to  allow  nothing  thus  arising  to 
interfere  with  the  prosecution  of  our  progressive  policy  and  program 
of  securing  the  $12,000,000  for  benevolences. 

3.  That  our  participation  in  the  movement  be  referred  to  the 
General  Assembly’s  Stewardship  Committee  to  carry  on  in  such 
way  as  they  deem  best. 

1920,  p.  52.  The  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  to  which 
have  been  referred  the  various  papers  concerning  the  Inter-Church 
World  Movement  recommend: 

( 1 )  That  the  Assembly  commend  the  conservative  spirit  mani¬ 
fested  by  the  various  Executive  Committees  in  carrying  out  the  in¬ 
structions  given  by  the  last  Assembly  with  reference  to  participation 
in  the  Inter- Church  World  Movement,  and  authorize  the  payment 
of  the  following  sums,  as  representing  the  maximum  of  obligations 
incurred  by  our  Church  in  this  work,  leaving  the  amounts  actually 
to  be  paid  out  to  be  adjusted  by  the  various  Executive  Committees 

in  accordance  with  their  proportionate  obligations,  namely: — 

* 

Maximum  to  be  paid  by  the  Foreign  Missionary 


Committee . $15,000 

By  the  Home  Missionary  Committee  .  5,000 

By  the  Committee  on  Christian  Education  and  Minis¬ 
terial  Relief  . 5,000 

By  the  Committee  of  Publication  and  Sunday 

.School  Work .  2,500 


(2)  That  the  Assembly  reaffirm  its  endorsement  in  principle  of 
the  Inter-Church  World  Movement,  and  bid  it  God-speed. 

That  this  Assembly  appoint  a  committee  of  three  to  nominate  for 
election  by  the  Assembly  itself  the  representatives  in  the  Inter-Church 
World  Movement; 

That  these  representatives  be  instructed  to  safeguard  the  historic 
position  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  concern¬ 
ing  the  spiritual  character  of  the  mission  and  work  of  the  Church 
of  God ; 

That  they  be  further  instructed  to  co-operate  in  securing  a  more 
intimate  relation  between  the  Inter- Church  World  Movement  and 
the  Church,  and  in  bringing  this  Movement  more  immediately 
under  the  direction  and  control  of  the  Church; 

That  these  representatives  be  required  to  make  report  to  the  suc¬ 
ceeding  Assembly. 

That  the  Assembly  instruct  its  representatives  in  the  Inter-Church 
Movement  and  in  the  Federal  Council  of  the  Churches  of  Christ 
in  America  to  confer  together  with  a  view  to  formulating  a  plan 
for  the  co-ordination  of  the  Movement  and  the  Council. 


Secs.  1511-1512]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1089 

1920,  p.  65.  The  Committee  appointed  to  nominate  the  repre¬ 
sentatives  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  U.  S.  on  the  Inter-Church 
World  Movement  made  the  following  report,  which  was  adopted: 

The  Committee  to  nominate  for  election  by  the  General  Assem¬ 
bly,  those  who  are  to  represent  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States  in  the  Inter- Church  World  Movement  would  name 
the  following:  A.  D.  P.  Gilmour,  D.  Clay  Lilly,  James  I.  Vance, 
Russell  Cecil,  S.  L.  Morris,  H.  H.  Sweets,  J.  O.  Reavis,  C.  E. 
Graham,  John.  J.  Eagan,  John  R.  Pharr,  R.  E.  Magill,  S.  W. 
McGill. 

1920,  p.  68.  In  carrying  out  the  resolution  in  regard  to  a  con¬ 
ference  of  the  representatives  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States  in  the  Inter-Church  World  Movement  and  the  Fed¬ 
eral  Council  of  the  Churches  of  Christ  in  Atnerica,  looking  to  a 
co-ordination  of  the  two,  Rev.  A.  D.  P.  Gilmour,  D.  D.,  was  ap¬ 
pointed  Convener  of  this  Conference. 

1920,  p.  76.  The  Standing  Committee  on  Systematic  Benefi¬ 
cence  made  a  report  as  to  how  the  expenses  of  members  of  the  Inter- 
Church  World  Movement  are  to  be  met.  The  report  was  adopted, 
and  is  as  follows: 

In  view  of  a  telegram,  received  and  read  from  a  representative 
of  the  Inter-Church  World  Movement,  and  in  view  of  the  fact  that 
the  Movement  is  putting  on  a  campaign  in  July  for  its  own  financ¬ 
ing, 

We  would  recommend  that  the  Assembly’s  financial  obligation  be 
limited  to  paying  the  expenses  of  its  appointees  by  which  it  is  rep¬ 
resented  in  the  Inter-Church  World  Movement. 

1512.  A  Protest 

1920,  p.  70.  The  undersigned  members  of  this  General  Assem¬ 
bly,  do  hereby  most  respectfully  but  earnestly  protest  against  the 
action  of  this  Assembly,  taken  in  the  afternoon  and  evening  of 
May  26,  1920,  in  connection  with  the  Inter-Church  World  Move¬ 
ment. 

More  particularly,  we  protest: 

Against  the  Assembly’s  entering  upon  a  relation  and  work  to 
which  several  Synods  and  many  of  our  Presbyteries  have  formally 
declined  to  give  their  endorsement,  to  which  not  one  Synod  or  Pres¬ 
bytery  has  asked  that  the  Assembly  give  endorsement  or  adherence, 
and  in  respect  to  which  there  is  no  constitutional  provision. 

Against  the  unwisdom  of  entering  upon  that  relation  and  work 
by  a  bare  majority  of  the  Assembly,  the  matter  being  important 
enough  to  call  for  as  full  concurrence  as  possible  of  the  entire 
Church. 

Against  the  Assembly’s  refusal,  by  a  majority  of  barely  one  vote, 
to  submit  so  vital  a  question  of  relation  and  work  to  the  Presby- 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


1090 


[Book  VII 


teries  for  their  advice  and  consent,  as  to  the  Church’s  future  attitude 
towards  the  Inter- Church  World  Movement. 

(.Signed  with  32  names.) 

The  Moderator  appointed  the  following  Committee  to  answer 
this  protest:  Rev.  J.  L.  Caldwell,  D.  D.,  J.  T.  McCutchan,  and 
R.  F.  Campbell,  D.  D.,  who  presented  the  following,  which  was 
adopted  and  put  on  record: 


ANSWER  TO  PROTEST 

Your  Committee  appointed  to  reply  to  the  protest  against  the 
Assembly’s  action  in  the  matter  of  the  Inter-Church  World  Move¬ 
ment  respectfully  recommend  the  following  answer  by  the  Assembly: 

1.  The  action  protested  against  was  not  a  matter  of  “ entering 
upon  that  relation  and  work,”  as  alleged,  for  that  had  already  been 
done  by  action  of  the  last  Assembly.  And,  furthermore,  it  was  not 
by  “a  bare  majority,”  unless  a  vote  of  136  to  103  may  be  so  called. 

2.  The  vote  referred  to  as  a  “bare  majority  of  one ”  was  not 
upon  the  Church’s  attitude  in  an  indefinite  sense,  as  implied  in 
the  protest,  the  Assembly  already  having  passed  upon  the  relation 
of  the  Church  to  this  movement  for  the  ensuing  year;  the  vote  was 
upon  its  continued  relations  after  that  time,  a  matter  which  was 
already  by  the  constitution  subject  to  overture  by  the  Presbyteries, 
without  submission  of  the  question  to  them  by  this  Assembly. 

1513.  Faith  and  Order 

1911,  p.  56.  To  the  invitation  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  to  participate  in  the  World  Conference  on  Faith  and  Or¬ 
der,  we  recommend  the  following  reply: 

From  the  General  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
we  have  received  a  very  courteous  invitation  to  unite  in  “a  com¬ 
mission  to  bring  about,  if  possible,  a  conference  for  the  considera¬ 
tion  of  questions  touching  Faith  and  Order,”  and  in  “conducting 
such  a  conference  without  any  power  to  legislate.”  The  invitation 
expresses  “the  belief  that  the  beginnings  of  unity  are  to  be  found 
in  the  clear  statement  and  full  consideration  of  those  things  in 
which  we  differ  as  well  as  those  in  which  we  agree.” 

The  committee  recommends  that  this  Assembly  accept  the  invi¬ 
tation  and  appoint  as  its  representatives  in  this  Conference,  Rev. 
Russell  Cecil,  D.  D.,  Rev.  W.  H.  Marquess,  D.  D.,  W.  R.  Hoyt, 
Esq.,  and  as  alternate  to  either  Rev.  J.  Horace  Lacy,  D.  D.,  and 
that  their  traveling  expenses  be  paid  by  the  Treasurer  of  the  As¬ 
sembly. 

1913,  p.  21.  The  report  of  our  representative  to  the  World’s 
Conference  of  Faith  and  Order  was  received  as  information,  and 
the  Committee  continued. 

1916,  p.  76.  The  report  of  the  Committee  appointed  by  the  Gen- 


Secs.  1512-1513  ]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1091 

eral  Assembly  of  1911  on  the  World  Conference  on  Faith  and 
Order. 

This  report  indicates  progress,  but  that  the  work  of  the  Com- 
mittee  has  not  been  completed. 

We  recommend,  therefore,  that  the  Assembly  approve  this  re¬ 
port,  and  that  the  Committee  be  continued  for  another  year. 

1917,  p.  24.  The  report  of  the  Committee  representing  our 
Church  in  the  World  Conference  on  Faith  and  Order. 

(1)  We  recommend  that  the  Assembly  adopt  the  two  recommen¬ 
dations  of  the  report,  to  wit: 

(a)  That  the  Assembly  continue  its  connection  with  the  Con¬ 
ference. 

(b)  That  the  report  be  printed  in  the  Appendix  to  the  Minutes 
of  the  Assembly. 

(2)  That  the  Committee  be  continued. 

1920,  p.  67.  We  recommend  that  the  General  Assembly  con¬ 
tinue  its  connection  with  the  World  Conference  on  Faith  and  Or¬ 
der,  to  be  represented  by  Drs.  Russell  Cecil  and  W.  H.  Marquess,, 
and  J.  Horace  Lacy  as  alternate  of  either  of  the  others,  and  that 
Dr.  S.  H.  Chester  be  appointed  to  represent  our  Assembly  at  the 
preliminary  meeting  to  be  held  in  Geneva,  Switzerland,  August  12> 
1920. 

1921,  p.  26.  The  report  of  Rev.  Russell  Cecil,  D.  D.,  of  the 
Committee  on  World  Conference  on  Faith  and  Order,  was  pre¬ 
sented  and  referred  to  the  Standing  Committee  on  Foreign  Cor¬ 
respondence.  ( See  Appendix. ) 

1921,  p.  35.  The  report  of  the  World  Conference  on  Faith  and 
Order,  together  with  the  report  of  our  Committee  in  that  Confer¬ 
ence,  has  been  placed  in  our  hands. 

The  Executive  Committee  of  the  World  Conference  is  planning 
for  a  Conference  of  all  the  churches  throughout  the  world  in  the 
interest  of  Christian  Unity.  A  preliminary  meeting  was  held  at 
Geneva,  Switzerland,  in  August,  1920,  at  which  our  Church  was 
represented  by  Rev.  S.  H.  Chester,  by  appointment  of  last  Assem¬ 
bly,  and  he  was  made  a  member  of  the  Conference  Continuation 
Committee.  A  meeting  of  this  Committee  has  been  appointed  at 
Annadale,  New  York,  August  17-25,  of  this  year. 

We  recommend  that  the  General  Assembly  continue  its  connec¬ 
tion  with  the  World  Conference  of  Faith  and  Order,  to  be  rep¬ 
resented  by  Dr.  Russell  Cecil,  Dr.  S.  H.  Chester  and  Dr.  J.  Horace 
Lacy,  with  Dr.  J.  H.  Taylor  as  alternate  to  either  of  the 
others,  and  that  the  Treasurer  of  the  Assembly  be  authorized  to 
pay  the  expenses  of  these  Committeemen  in  attending  the  meetings 
of  their  respective  Committees. 

1922,  p.  33.  We  have  read  carefully  the  report  of  the  Com¬ 
mittee  on  the  World’s  Conference  on  Faith  and  Order,  and  rec¬ 
ommend  that  the  Committee,  composed  of  Rev.  Russell  Cecil,  D. 
D.,  and  Rev.  J.  H.  Lacy,  D.  D.,  be  continued  as  the  representa- 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


1092 


[Book  VII 


tives  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.,  until  the  next  As¬ 
sembly. 

1514.  Christian  Faith  and  Social  Service 

1913,  p.  66.  A  communication  from  the  Rev.  Dr.  R.  H.  Flem¬ 
ing,  asking  that  this  Assembly  appoint  a  committee  to  meet  similar 
committees,  if  appointed  by  the  other  Assemblies  now  in  session  in 
the  city,  in  order  that  these  committees  may  prepare  a  joint  dec¬ 
laration  on  the  relation  of  the  Christian  Faith  and  Social  Service, 
to  be  adopted  by  their  respective  Assemblies.  In  response  thereto 
your  Committee  recommend  that  this  Assembly  appoint  an  Ad 
Interim  Committee  of  five  to  meet  similar  committees,  if  appointed 
by  the  other  Presbyterian  Assemblies,  and  that  this  Committee  be 
charged  with  the  duty  of  preparing  in  conjunction  with  these  other 
committees,  if  they  be  appointed,  or  alone  if  these  said  committees 
be  not  appointed,  a  full  statement  upon  this  whole  subject  of  the 
relation  of  the  Christian  Faith  and  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  to 
Social  Reform  and  Social  Service,  and  report  the  same  to  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  of  1914. 

1914,  p.  28.  The  report  of  this  Committee  was  adopted  and  is 
as  follows  (p.  161): 

The  report  of  the  Joint  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  United 
Declaration  on  Christian  Faith  and  Social  Service  by  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States,  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North 
America,  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
U.  S.  A.,  the  Associate  Reformed  Presbyterian  Synod  of  the  South. 

Tfie  Joint  Committee  would  respectfully  submit  the  following 
report : 

We  were  appointed  in  response  to  a  proposal  that  our  four  Pres¬ 
byterian  Churches  should  prepare  and  publish  a  united  declaration 
of  their  common  faith  in  the  great  truths  of  the  gospel  in  relation 
to  what  has  come  to  be  known  as  Social  Service.  We  understand 
from  the  action  taken  by  the  respective  bodies  which  appointed  us 
that  our  Churches  call  for  such  a  declaration  as  will  make  clear 
to  the  world  the  true  place  of  Social  Service  in  Christian  life  and 
work. 

Our  United  Declaration 


In  preparing  this  United  Declaration,  we  use  the  words: 

“Christian  Faith”  to  designate  the  teachings  of  the  Holy  Scrip¬ 
tures,  the  essential  doctrines  of  which  are  held  in  common  by  all 
Uvangelical  Churches  and  are  embodied  in  the  ecumenical  creeds  of 
Christendom. 

“Church”  to  designate  an  organized  body  instituted  by  Christ 
and  exercising  her  corporate  functions  through  her  courts  and  of¬ 
ficers. 

“Social  Service”  to  designate  the  practice  of  the  principles  set 
forth  in  God’s  holy  law  which  regulate  the  relations  by  which  men 


Sec.  1514]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1093 

are  bound  together  in  the  social  order,  this  practice  being  a  part 
of  those  good  works  of  which  our  Confession  of  Faith  teaches 
that  they  are  only  such  as  God  hath  commanded  in  His  Holy  Word, 
and  are  done  in  obedience  to  God’s  command,  and  are  the  fruits 
and  evidence  of  a  lively  faith,  and  at  best  cannot  merit  pardon  of 
sin  or  eternal  life  at  the  hand  of  God. 

Accordingly,  our  Churches  unite  in  saying: 

I. 

We  believe  that  man’s  chief  end  is  to  glorify  God  and  to  enjoy 
Him  forever,  and  that  the  first  duty  of  all  men  is  to  seek  God,  to 
repent  of  sin,  to  accept  the  offer  of  salvation  through  Jesus  Christ, 
and  to  dedicate  their  lives  unreservedly  to  His  service. 

II. 

We  believe  that,  from  the  creation  of  man,  God  has  ordained 
for  us  those  social  relationships  which  are  to  His  glory  and  to  the 
happiness  and  usefulness  of  mankind,  and  that  in  every  age  He 
has  made  known  His  will  that  he  that  loveth  God  must  love  his 
brother  also. 

III. 

We  believe  that  the  moral  principles  upon  which  all  social  rela¬ 
tions  are  based  were  written  in  the  heart  of  man  when  he  was  made 
in  the  image  of  God,  that  these  principles  have  been  obscured  by 
sin  and  are  revealed  anew  in  the  Holy  Scriptures.  Inasmuch  as  all 
evils,  social  and  individual,  have  their  source  in  human  sin  and 
selfishness,  they  can  be  remedied  only  by  the  divinely  appointed 
plan  for  salvation  from  sin,  and  through  the  divinely  given  mo¬ 
tive  which  is  the  love  begotten  in  our  hearts  through  God’s  love 
for  us  in  the  gift  of  His  Son. 

IV. 

We  believe  that  the  Church,  holding  the  Gospel  of  Jesus  Christ, 
is  not  only  the  appointed  means  to  salvation  from  eternal  death, 
but  that,  with  the  State  and  family,  she  has  a  distinctive  work  to 
do  in  bettering  the  social  relations  of  men  in  this  present  world.  The 
power  given  to  the  Church  is  spiritual,  ministerial  and  declarative, 
and  her  function,  through  the  Word  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  is  to 
inculcate  and  apply  those  principles  and  to  quicken  those  motives 
which  are  essential  to  all  true  and  lasting  reform. 

V. 

We  believe  that  the  social  conditions  of  our  day  require  emphasis 
upon  the  divine  message  for  the  following  reasons: 

1.  The  tremendous  advance  in  our  time  of  scientific  discovery 
and  invention  and  of  commercial,  industrial  and  civic  enterprises 


1094 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


[Book  VII 


by  which  men  have  been  brought  into  closer  relations  of  reciprocal 
dependence  and  service  towards  one  another  as  individuals  and 
towards  society  as  an  organized  body. 

2.  The  vast  increase  of  wealth,  its  unequal  and,  often,  unjust 
distribution,  and  the  consequent  increase  of  the  power  of  the  priv¬ 
ileged  few  to  exploit  their  fellowmen  for  private  and  selfish  ends. 

3.  The  development  of  great  business  corporations  which  dis¬ 
charge  many  of  the  functions  once  belonging  to  individuals,  and 
as  a  result  of  this  the  weakening  of  the  sense  of  individual  respon¬ 
sibility  for  social  wrongs. 

4.  The  fostering  or  protection  of  vice  as  an  instrument  to  pri¬ 
vate  gain  or  to  selfish  ambition  for  place  and  power. 

5.  The  submergence  of  large  classes  in  ignorance  and  poverty, 
so  that  the  difficulty  of  reaching  them  with  the  message  of  Christ 
is  greatly  increased. 

These  reasons  require  that  the  Church  of  Jesus  Christ,  which 
takes  its  stand  as  Christ  did  against  the  sins  of  social  injustice  and 
tyranny,  as  well  as  against  other  forms  of  sin,  should  emphasize: 

1.  The  duty  of  man  toward  his  fellowmen  as  individuals,  and 
towards  society,  with  reference  to  the  life  that  now  is  as  well  as 
the  life  which  is  to  come. 

2.  The  duty  of  men  to  put  into  practice  the  Christian  principles 
of  Love,  Justice,  and  Truth  in  all  their  social  relations,  economic, 
industrial  or  political;  as  officials  or  citizens  of  the  State;  as  em¬ 
ployers  and  employees;  as  capitalists  and  laborers;  as  stockholders 
or  officers  in  corporations,  and  in  all  similar  relationships. 

3.  The  responsibility  of  men  both  for  the  manner  in  which  they 
acquire  positions,  possessions  and  power  in  their  social  relations, 
and  for  the  manner  in  which,  as  stewards  of  God,  they  use  these, 
lest,  in  the  great  day  of  judgment,  they  be  found  unfaithful. 

4.  The  responsibility  of  every  individual,  not  only  for  those 
social  wrongs  to  which  he  may  be  a  contributing  cause,  but  for 
those  which,  by  his  prayers  and  efforts,  he  could  assist  in  abolishing. 

5.  The  duty  of  Christian  citizens  to  observe  those  principles  of 
our  religion  which  require  that  every  man  do  his  full  share  of 
the  world’s  work;  which  oppose  injustice  and  tyranny,  even  when 
these  are  entrenched  in  the  usages  of  our  civilization;  which  lead 
men  to  endeavor  to  maintain  themselves  in  a  self-respecting,  God¬ 
fearing  way,  this  self-maintenance  being  understood  to  include  a 
fair  return  for  labor,  sufficient  to  support  the  man  and  his  family 
against  illness  and  old  age,  and  relief  from  labor  on  one  day  in 
seven;  which  lead  to  movements  to  secure  childhood  against  forced 
labor,  and  woman  against  conditions  degrading  womanhood. 

6.  The  duty  of  every  man  to  accept  Jesus  Christ  and  obey  His 
teachings  as  the  only  cure  for  the  injustice,  tyranny  and  sins  now 
looming  so  large  upon  the  world’s  horizon. 


Sec.  1514]  Correspondence  With  Other  Bodies  1095 

VI. 

We  believe  that,  inasmuch  as  many  of  these  evils  are  rooted  in 
the  past  and  have  grown  with  the  development  of  civilization,  they 
can  be  cured  only  by  concerted  and  organized  effort  on  the  part  of 
all  good  citizens.  Our  Churches,  therefore,  should  always  encour¬ 
age  voluntary  organizations  for  the  betterment  of  social  conditions 
and  urge  their  members  to  co-operate  in  them,  leaving  private 
judgment  to  decide  what  means  or  methods,  or  what  organizations, 
are  best  adapted  to  the  promotion  of  these  desirable  ends. 

Your  Joint  Committee  would  respectfully  recommend  to  the 
General  Assemblies  and  to  the  Synod  which  appointed  that: 

1.  This  report  be  adopted. 

2.  This  report  be  printed  by  the  Boards  of  Publication  of  our 
Churches,  or  by  one  of  these  Boards  acting  for  the  others,  in  the 
number  of  at  least  ten  thousand  copies  for  distribution. 

3.  This  report  be  transmitted  to  the  supreme  judicatories  of 
our  sister  Churches  in  the  Federal  Council  for  their  consideration 
by  the  Clerk  of  this  Committee,  Rev.  D.  F.  McGill,  Ben  Avon,  Pa. 

4.  Our  Churches  cordially  recognize  and  encourage  the  Federal 
Council  as  affording  a  common  ground  where  all  who  love  and 
serve  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  may  meet  for  conference  and  co-opera¬ 
tion  in  the  vast  and  holy  enterprise  of  Christian  Social  Service,  and, 
to  the  end  that  these  conferences  may  continue  to  be  truly  Chris¬ 
tian  and  this  co-operation  really  effective,  the  representatives  of 
our  Churches  in  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  Federal  Council 
be  directed  to  endeavor  at  all  times  to  have  the  Federal  Council 
distinctly  recognize  the  great  truths  of  the  Christian  faith  held  in 
common  by  the  Evangelical  Churches,  and  thus  avoid  and  allay 
misunderstandings.  Further,  that  these  representatives  be  directed 
to  report  to  the  subsequent  Assemblies  the  result  of  their  endeavors. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

I,  the  undersigned,  do  hereby  certify  that  the  accompanying  is 
a  true  and  correct  copy  of  the  report  of  the  Joint  Committee,  ap¬ 
pointed  to  prepare  a  United  Declaration  on  Christian  Faith  and 
Social  Service  by  the  General  Assemblies  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  U.  S.,  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.  A.,  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church  of  N.  A.,  and  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod 
of  the  South,  and  that  the  following  persons  have  authorized  me 
to  affix  their  signatures  to  the  report: 

For  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the\ 
U.  S. — J.  S.  Lyons,  Louisville,  Ky. ;  James  R.  Howerton,  Lexing¬ 
ton,  Va. ;  Robert  E.  Vinson,  Austin,  Texas;  Thornton  Whaling, 
Columbia,  S.  C. ;  A.  M.  Scales,  Greensboro,  N.  C. 

For  the  General  Assembly  of  the!  United  Presbyterian  Church  of 
N.  A. — John  A.  Wilson,  Pittsburg,  Pa.;  J.  K.  McClarkin,  Pitts¬ 
burg,  Pa.;  D.  F.  McGill,  Ben  Avon,  Pa.;  George  M.  Paden,  Pitts¬ 
burg,  Pa.;  John  E.  Shaw,  Pittsburg,  Pa. 

For  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  U.  S.  A. 
— W.  S.  Plumer  Bryan,  Chicago,  Ill.;  J.  Ross  Stevenson,  Balti- 


Relations  With  Other  Bodies 


1096 


[Book  VII 


more,  Md.;  Charles  R.  Erdman,  Princeton,  N.  J.;  J.  C.  McCombs, 
Pittsburg,  Pa.;  S.  E.  McClelland,  Decatur,  Ill. 

For  the  Associate  Reformed  Presbyterian  Synod  of  the  South. 
— A.  S.  Rogers,  Rock  Hill,  ,S.  C. 

1515.  Southern  Baptist  Convention 

1911,  p.  18.  To  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention ,  Jacksonville , 
Fla. : 

The  greetings  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  United  States,  in  session  at  Louisville,  Ky.  “Now  the  God 
of  peace  himself  give  you  peace  always  by  all  means.  The  Lord 
be  with  you  all.”  2  Thes.  3:  16. 

1911,  p.  20.  General  Assembly  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States,  Louisville,  Ky.: 

Southern  Baptist  Convention  heartily  responds  to  greeting.  Deep 
spirituality  and  missionary  zeal  mark  our  sessions.  Grateful  for 
blessings  upon  your  work  and  ours  for  a  common  Lord. 

Similar  greetings  were  exchanged  in  1919  (Minutes  pp.  11,  21); 
1922,  p.  23. 

1516.  Russia 

1917,  p.  24.  A  communication  from  the  “Gospel  Committee  for 
Work  among  War  Prisoners,”  requesting  that  greetings  be  sent  to 
the  Evangelical  Christians  of  Russia  at  this  time  of  trial  and  suf¬ 
fering,  when  their  government  has  granted  them  religious  liberty; 
we  recommend  that  the  following  resolution  be  adopted: 

Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  U.  S.,  in  session  in  Birmingham,  Ala.,  U.  S.  A.,  expresses  to 
the  Evangelical  Christians  of  Russia  its  heartiest  greetings,  re¬ 
joicing  with  them  in  the  dawn  of  a  new  day  of  religious  liberty. 
We  extend  to  them  the  hand  of  Christian  fellowship  as,  with  new 
hope  and  faith,  they  shall  seek  to  extend  the  Kingdom  of  our 
Lord  and  spread  abroad  the  knowledge  of  His  Gospel.  We  further 
assure  them  of  our  intercession  in  their  behalf  in  these  coming  days 
of  enlarged  responsibility  and  opportunity. 

(This  to  be  addressed  to  some  representative  of  the  Evangelical 
Christians  of  Russia.) 

1517.  China 

1919,  p.  54.  Your  Committee  recommends 

That  this  Assembly  take  knowledge  of  the  fact  and  express  its 
commendation  of  the  organizing  of  the  Provincial  General  Assem¬ 
bly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  China;  that  it  make  special 
prayer  for  the  newly  formed  Church,  that  in  all  its  plans  and  work 
it  may  have  the  Divine  guidance;  and  that  the  Stated  Clerk  of 
this  Assembly  be  directed  to  communicate  this  action  to  the  said 
Provincial  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  China. 


BOOK  VIII 


Judicial  Cases 

1518.  The  right  to  overture,  appeal  and  complaint  cannot  he  abridged 

1878,  p.  610.  The  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  report  on 
Overture  from  the  Synod  of  Texas,  asking  the  Assembly  to  decide 
that  “all  overtures,  appeals,  complaints,  etc.,  should  proceed  in  regu¬ 
lar  gradation  from  the  Session  to  the  Presbytery,  from  the  Presby¬ 
tery  to  thq  Synod,  and  from  the  Synod  to  the  General  Assembly,  and 
vied  versa,  without  omitting  any  of  the  intermediate  courts.” 

The  following  reply  is  recommended: 

1.  As  to  judicial  cases  we  refer  to  Chap.  VI.,  Sec.  III.,  Art. 
VI.,  Book  of  Discipline. 

2.  That  while  the  General  Assembly  may  recommend  that  over¬ 
tures  should  ordinarily  be  sent  from  the  Synod,  it  cannot  deny  the 
right  of  the  Presbyteries,  the  constituent  elements  of  the  Assem¬ 
bly,  nor  of  individuals,  to  overture  the  General  Assembly  whenever 
circumstances  may  require. 

3.  That  the  General  Assembly  has  the  right  to  send  its  deliver¬ 
ances  directly  to  the  Presbyteries.  Adopted. 

1519.  Counsel  for  the  accused 

1879,  p.  51.  Resolved,  That  when  our  Book  says  that  an  ac¬ 
cused  person  may,  if  he  desires  it,  be  represented  in  the  superior 
courts  by  “any  member  of  the  court”  (or  as  the  old  Book  expresses 
it,  “by  any  minister  or  elder  belonging  to  the  judicatory,”)  the  de¬ 
sign  according  to  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly,  is  not  to  allow 
any  array  of  counsel,  but  the  privilege  is  to  be  limited  to  the  aid 
which  one  advocate  can  give  him. 

1520.  Refusal  to  obey  a  citation  from  the  Session 

See  Chapter  on  the  Session,  (p.  85.) 

1521.  Who  are  entitled  to  sit  in  a  judicial  case 

In  the  minute  touching  the  Park  case  the  following  is  found: 

1882,  p.  530.  After  the  reading  of  the  record  in  the  case  it 
was  decided  that  members  of  the  General  Assembly  who  were  ab¬ 
sent  during  the  proceedings  of  the  trial  by  permission  of  the  court 
were  entitled  to  sit  in  judgment  in  the  case. 

1522.  Courts  are  not  parties  in  Judicial  Cases 

In  the  minutes  of  the  Commission  which  tried  the  fourth  ap¬ 
peal  of  W.  S.  Turner  against  the  Synod  of  Georgia  the  following 
is  to  be  found: 

1883,  p.  46.  It  was  moved  that  Rev.  J.  Woodrow,  D.  D.,  of 
the  Synod  of  Georgia,  be  allowed  to  appear  before  the  Commission 


[Book  VIII 


1098  Judicial  Cases 

and  plead  in  behalf  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  Carried,  with 
one  dissenting  vote. 

The  appellant  requested  that  his  dissent  to  the  admission  of  Dr. 
Woodrow,  as  counsel  in  the  case,  be  noted  in  the  Minutes  of  the  Com¬ 
mission,  on  the  ground  that  he  is  neither  an  original  party  in  the 
cause  nor  a  member  of  the  court. 

While  the  finding  of  the  Commission  was  adopted  by  the  Assem¬ 
bly,  this  particular  action  of  the  Commission  was  virtually  disap¬ 
proved  later,  as  follows: 

P.  48.  Exception  to  the  Minutes  of  the  Synod  of  Georgia:  On 
page  27,  Synod  appointed  a  member  to  represent  it  before  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  in  an  appeal  case.  Your  committee  think  that  our 
courts  are  not  parties  in  judicial  cases,  and  hence  are  not  entitled  to 
be  represented  in  the  superior  courts.  Adopted. 

1523.  Difference  between  an  appeal  and  a  complaint 

1889,  p.  615.  Objection  to  the  action  of  the  Presbytery  of  Savan¬ 
nah,  in  dissolving  a  certain  pastoral  relation,  was  considered  by  the 
Synod  of  South  Georgia  and  Florida  as  an  appeal  from  the  decision 
of  the  Presbytery.  This  was  irregular,  inasmuch  as  Chapter  XIII., 
Section  III.,  Paragraph  2,  shows  that  appeal  can  be  taken  only  in 
cases  where  there  has  been  a  regular  judicial  trial.  The  case  should 
have  been  considered  as  a  complaint. 

1524.  Who  are  the  appellant  and  the  appellee 

1889,  p.  715.  The  Presbytery  of  Florida  asks:  In  an  appeal  from 
a  lower  to  a  higher  court,  who  is  the  appellant  and  who  is  the  appellee? 

Ansiver:  The  appellant  is  the  party  against  whom  judgment  has 
been  rendered;  the  appellee  is  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States. 

1525.  Proposed  change  in  the  Rules  of  Discipline  as  to  the  parties 

to  a  cause. 

1897,  p.  40.  The  Presbyteries  of  New  Orleans  and  South  Caro¬ 
lina  overtured  the  Assembly  to  make  the  following  necessary  changes 
in  our  Rules  of  Discipline,  Chapter  XIII.,  Section  IV: 

P.  267.  I.  Line  two,  after  the  word  “against”  insert  “some  de¬ 
cision  of.” 

P.  269.  III.  To  substitute  for  the  whole  of  this  Rule  the  follow¬ 
ing:  “The  court  against  whose  decision  a  complaint  is  taken  shall 
appoint  a  representative  to  defend  that  decision,  who  shall  be  called 
the  respondent.  After  the  superior  court  has  ascertained  that  the 
complaint  is  regular,  its  first  step  shall  be  to  read  ‘the  record’  of  the 
case;  its  second  to  hear  the  complaint;  its  third  to  hear  the  respon¬ 
dent;  its  fourth  to  hear  the  complainant  again,  and  then  it  shall  con¬ 
sider  and  decide  the  case.” 

P.  271.  V.  Line  one,  in  place  of  the  word  “which”  put  “whose 
decision.” 


Secs.  1522-1527] 


Judicial  Cases 


1099 


The  object  of  this  overture  is  to  conform  these  three  Rules  to 
Chapter  V.,  III.  (163),  and  Chapter  XIII.,  II.  (239),  and  to  the 
principle  that  the  courts  are  not  parties  in  cases  of  process  and  that 
when  a  matter  is  transferred  from  an  inferior  to  a  superior  court,  it 
is  not  the  inferior  court  that  is  transferred,  but  only  the  cause. 

Answer:  We  recommend  that  the  changes  asked  for  be  made  and 
that  this  overture  be  sent  down  to  the  Presbyteries  with  the  direction 
that  the  Presbyteries  vote  for  or  against  the  proposed  changes,  and 
report  the  result  to  the  next  General  Assembly.  Adopted. 

1526.  Taking  the  testimony  of  distant  witnesses 

1892,  p.  419.  The  Presbytery  of  Roanoke  overtures  the  Assembly 
to  the  effect  that  the  Book  of  Discipline  be  amended  in  Chapter  IX., 
Section  X.,  so  as  to  provide  for  the  taking  of  testimony  of  witnesses 
at  a  distance  not  alone  by  a  Commission,  which  is  often  impracti¬ 
cable,  but  by  a  co-ordinate  court  contiguous  to  the  place. 

Your  committee  recommend  that  the  overture  be  granted,  and  that 
the  Assembly  send  down  to  the  Presbyteries  the  following  amend¬ 
ments  for  consideration  and  adoption,  viz. : 

1.  At  the  close  of  Chapter  VI.,  Section  VIII.,  that  the  words  be 
added  “or  co-ordinate  court.” 

2.  That  in  Chapter  IX.,  Section  X.,  after  the  words  “a  Commis¬ 
sion  shall  be  appointed,”  add  “or  co-ordinate  court  requested.”  Again 
further  on,  after  the  words  “of  which  Commission,”  add  “or  co-ordi¬ 
nate  court.”  Again,  further  down,  after  the  words  “that  a  Com¬ 
mission,”  add  “or  co-ordinate  court”  as  in  the  former  case,  etc.  And 
near  the  close  of  the  Section,  after  the  words  “taken  by  the  Commis¬ 
sion,”  add  “or  co-ordinate  court.”  Adopted. 

1893,  p.  23.  Of  forty-three  reporting  Presbyteries,  all  but  one 
have  approved  and  adopted  this  overture.  This  is  more  than  a 
majority  of  all  the  Presbyteries. 

The  Assembly  did  thereupon  formally  enact  the  above  amendment 
to  the  Rules  of  Discipline,  thereby  constituting  it  a  part  of  our  Book 
of  Church  Order. 

pP.  30,  31.  The  report  in  which  the  above  action  is  embraced  was 
reconsidered  and  recommitted,  but  afterward  reported  back,  with 
no  change  in  this  part  of  the  report,  and  readopted. 

1527.  Counting  the  vote  in  Judicial  Cases 

1907,  p.  56.  In  answer  to  an  overture  the  Assembly  said:  There 
is  no  authority  in  Paragraph  262,  Sec.  8,  or  in  Paragraph  270,  Sec.  4, 
Rules  of  Discipline,  for  a  vote  “not  to  sustain  in  part.”  A  vote  to 
sustain  in  part  should  ordinarily  be  counted  as  a  vote  to  sustain. 

P.  57.  An  ad  interim  Committee  was  appointed  to  consider  an 
overture  asking  that  the  Book  of  Church  Order,  Chap.  13,  Sec.  4, 
be  amended  by  inserting  five  additional  sections  upon  the  method  of 
taking  and  counting  the  vote,  and  report  to  the  next  Assembly. 


1100 


Judicial  Gases 


[Book  VIII 


1908,  p.  24.  That  Committee  recommended  that  the  Assembly 
send  down  the  proposed  amendment  to  the  Presbyteries  with  a  recom¬ 
mendation  that  they  adopt  the  same,  as  follows: 

First — To  amend  the  Book  of  Church  Order,  Chap.  XIII.,  Sec.  4, 
by  inserting  after  the  present  Paragraph  “4”  the  following  new  para¬ 
graphs,  viz.: 

“5.  In  voting  upon  a  complaint,  the  vote  shall  be  either  to  sustain 
to  sustain  in  part,  or  not  to  sustain. 

“6.  The  effect  of  a  vote  to  sustain  shall  be  to  sustain  each  and 
all  of  the  items  or  counts  of  the  complaint;  that  of  a  vote  not  to 
sustain  shall  be  to  annul  each  and  all  of  the  items  or  counts  of 
the  complaint,  and  that  of  a  vote  to  sustain  in  part,  shall  be  to  sus¬ 
tain  one  or  more  specific  items  or  counts  of  the  complaint. 

“7.  Those  voting  to  sustain  in  part  shall  be  required  when  voting 
to  state  what  item  or  items,  count  or  counts  of  the  complaint  they 
desire  to  sustain. 

“8.  In  making  up  the  vote  on  the  complaint,  only  those  items  or 
counts  shall  be  declared  to  be  sustained  for  the  sustaining  of  which 
a  majority  of  the  votes  cast  has  been  given. 

“9.  The  foregoing  provisions  shall  apply  mutatis  mutandis  to 
voting  upon  appeals.” 

Second — That  the  remaining  paragraph  of  this  section  be  num¬ 
bered  ‘TO,”  instead  of,  as  at  present,  “6.”  Adopted. 

1909,  p.  49.  Seventy-four  out  of  seventy-six  Presbyteries  adopted 
the  amendment.  Thereupon  the  Assembly  enacted  the  same. 

1528.  A  Judicial  Tribunal 

1908,  p.  59.  Resolved,  That  an  ad  interim  Committee  of  five 
be  appointed,  who  shall  prepare  and  submit  to  the  next  Assembly 
a  plan  for  the  erection  of  a  separate  tribunal  for  the  hearing  of 
judicial  cases,  to  the  end  that,  when  needful,  future  Assemblies  may 
be  relieved  of  the  burden  of  judicial  business  and  may  devote  them¬ 
selves  to  their  other  functions. 

1909,  p.  69.  The  committee  appointed  under  the  above  resolution 
reported  an  amendment  to  the  Book  of  Discipline,  which  was  re¬ 
ferred  to  the  next  Assembly,  and  is  found  in  the  Appendix  to  the 
Minutes  (p.  131). 

1910,  p.  68.  Put  on  the  docket  for  the  next  Assembly. 

1911,  pp.  46-49.  The  matter  was  referred  to  the  Presbyteries  for 
their  advice  and  consent. 

1912,  p.  36.  It  failed  to  receive  the  votes  of  a  majority  of  the 
Presbyteries. 

1529.  A  Judicial  Commission  proposed 

1916,  p.  80a.  A  resolution  to  create  a  Standing  Judicial  Com¬ 
mission  was  placed  on  the  docket  for  the  next  Assembly. 

1917,  p.  18,  26.  The  matter  was  referred  to  an  Ad  Interim  Com¬ 
mittee. 

1918,  p.  57.  The  plan  was  not  adopted. 


Secs.  1527-1531] 


Judicial  Cases 


1101 


1530.  A  Commission  may  try  a  case 

1913,  p.  30.  Amendment  to  form  of  government,  Paragraph  94, 
by  striking  out  the  whole  of  the  first  sentence  in  the  paragraph 
and  substituting  the  following  words  in  its  place:  “The  Synod  and 
the  General  Assembly  may,  at  their  own  discretion,  commit  any  case 
of  trial,  coming  before  them  on  appeal,  to  the  judgment  of  a  com¬ 
mission,  composed  of  others  than  members  of  the  court  from  which 
the  case  shall  come  up.  Except  that  all  cases  affecting  doctrine 
shall  be  tried  by  the  court  itself.  The  commission  of  a  Synod,” 
etc.  (Paragraph  to  continue  as  at  present.)  (1912,  p.  36.) 

The  vote  of  the  Presbyteries  on  this  matter  was  as  follows: 

“Aye”  53; 

“No”  17. 

No  answer  15. 

1531.  Complaint  of  Rev.  W.  I.  Sinnott,  against  the  Presbytery  of 

North  Alabama 

1910,  p.  16.  A  complaint  of  Rev.  W.  I.  Sinnott  against  the 
Presbytery  of  North  Alabama  was  referred,  without  reading  to  the 
Judicial  Committee. 

P.  25.  Your  Judicial  Committee  would  respectfully  report  that 
the  only  matter  referred  to  us  was  the  complaint  of  the  Rev.  W.  I. 
Sinnott  against  the  Presbytery  of  North  Alabama. 

We  have  examined  the  records  of  this  case  and  find  them  in  order. 
We  have  also  heard  a  statement  of  the  representative  of  the  Presby¬ 
tery,  and  our  conclusion  is  that,  owing  to  the  .nature  of  the  case  and 
the  probability  that  it  would  produce  a  lengthy  and  unprofitable 
discussion  if  tried  by  the  Assembly  in  open  session,  we  recommend 
that  the  complaint  be  referred  to  a  Commission  to  be  appointed  by 
the  Moderator,  who  shall  adjudicate  the  matter  and  report  its  find¬ 
ings  to  this  Assembly.  Adopted. 

P.  26.  The  Moderator  announced  the  following  Commission  to 
try  the  complaint  of  Rev.  W.  I.  Sinnott  against  the  Presbytery  of 
North  Alabama: 

Ministers:  W.  McC.  White,  D.  D.  (Chairman),  W.  W.  Akers, 
J.  H.  Patton,  D.  D.,  D.  F.  Wilkinson,  H.  M.  Sydenstricker,  L.  F. 
Ross,  T.  C.  Barrett,  D.  D.,  Melton  Clark,  W.  T.  Matthews,  T.  B. 
Craig,  W.  ,S.  Porter,  A.  D.  Watkins,  T.  R.  Sampson,  D.  D. 

Elders:  F.  M.  Smith,  W.  S.  Preston,  W.  D.  Hooper,  C.  A.  Leonard, 
W.  D.  Johns,  L.  L.  Prince,  P.  Pearsall,  H.  W.  Shannon,  W.  N. 
Craig,  F.  H.  Leslie,  G.  C.  Pollock,  Jacob  Bates,  S.  L.  Dodd. 

P.  43.  The  Commission  made  a  report: 

The  full  statement  of  the  case,  as  contained  in  this  report  was 
read  before  the  Assembly,  which  approved  the  same  and  made  its 
own  the  decision  of  the  Commission. 

The  report  is  as  follows: 

The  commission  appointed  to  adjudicate  the  complaint  of  W.  I. 
Sinnott  against  the  Presbytery  of  North  Alabama  met  on  May  23d 


1102 


Judicial  Cases 


[Book  VIII 


and  was  called  to  order  by  Chairman  W.  McC.  White.  The  Com¬ 
mission  was  constituted  with  prayer  by  the  Chairman.  The  follow¬ 
ing  were  present: 

W.  McC.  White,  Chairman;  C.  W.  Humphreys,  W.  W.  Akers,  J.  H. 
Patton,  H.  M.  Sydenstricker,  L.  F.  Ross,  T.  C.  Barrett,  Melton  Clark, 
T.  B.  Craig,  W.  S.  Porter,  Asa  D.  Watkins,  T.  R.  Sampson,  F.  M. 
Smith,  W.  S.  Preston,  W.  D.  Hooper,  C.  A.  Leonard',  P.  Pearsall,  W. 
-N.  Craig,  F.  H.  Leslie,  G.  C.  Pollock,  Jacob  Bates,  S.  L.  Dodd. 

Absent  from  all  sessions  W.  T.  Matthews,  W.  D.  Johns,  L.  L.  Prince, 
H.  W.  Shannon,  D.  F.  Wilkinson. 

The  Commission  was  duly  charged  by  the  Chairman.  Elder  W.  D. 
Hooper  was  elected  Clerk. 

The  Commission  then  proceeded  to  the  trial  of  the  case  submitted 
to  it,  in  accordance  with  the  law  of  the  Church. 

The  record  of  the  case  was  read,  the  argument  of  the  complainant 
was,  in  his  absence,  read  in  full;  the  representatives  of  the  Presbytery 
were  heard  in  behalf  of  the  Presbytery,  and  the  rejoinder  of  the  com¬ 
plainant  was  read  in  full. 

It  appears  from  the  statement  and  argument  of  the  complainant, 
and  from  the  statements  of  the  representatives  of  the  Presbytery,  that 
the  complainant,  a  member  of  that  body,  during  a  heated  campaign 
on  the  question  of  the  adoption  of  a  Constitutional  Amendment  Pro¬ 
hibiting  the  manufacture  and  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  in  the  State 
of  Alabama  printed,  or  allowed  to  be  printed,  communications  over 
his  name  in  the  daily  press  of  the  State  opposing  the  principle  of 
prohibition  in  general  and  the  provisions  of  the  Constitutional  Amend¬ 
ment  in  particular.  These  communications,  being  seized  on  by  the 
opponents  of  the  Amendment  and  scattered  broadcast  over  the  State, 
with  the  statement  that  they  were  written  by  the  Stated  Clerk  of 
the  Synod  of  Alabama  and  of  the  Presbytery  «f  North  Alabama,  in 
the  opinion  of  the  Presbytery  greatly  prejudiced  the  standing  of 
the  Presbytery  and  the  Church  in  the  estimation  of  the  people  of 
the  State. 

Under  these  circumstances,  the  Presbytery  of  North  Alabama,  in 
“session  at  Anniston,  on  October  28,  1909,  passed  a  series  of  resolutions, 
as  follows: 

“1.  That  we  heartily  endorse  this  amendment  to  the  Constitution 
'of  the  State  and  urge  our  people  to  give  it  their  support  so  that  in 
the  event  of  its  adoption  prohibition  of  the  liquor  traffic  will  be  the 
permanent  policy  of  the  State. 

“2.  That  we  view  it  as  a  non-partisan  and  non-political  moral 
measure  and  we  approve  the  action  of  the  Legislature  in  authorizing 
a  special  election  thereon  thus  presenting  to  the  people  the  bare  issue 
;of  constitutional  prohibition  without  entangling  it  with  any  party, 
factional,  or  personal  politics. 

“3.  That  we  believe  the  adoption  of  the  amendment  will  greatly 
strengthen  the  cause  of  temperance,  promote  the  purest  and  best 
interests  of  our  homes  and  redound  to  the  welfare  and  prosperity 
of  our  people.” 

Against  this  action  W.  I.  Sinnott  complained  to  the  Synod  of  Ala¬ 
bama.  The  records  of  that  Synod  show  that  “with  the  consent  of  the 
complainant  the  complaint  was  referred  to  the  next  General  Assembly 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States,  in  accordance  with 
the  Book  of  Church  Order,  Paragraph  No.  248,  on  acconut  of  the 
tense  and  divided  feeling  in  the  Synod  on  the  proposed  amendment.” 

Opportunity  having  been  given  for  the  members  of  the  Commission 
to  express  their  opinion,  the  roll  was  called  on  the  question  of  sus¬ 
taining  or  not  sustaining  the  complaint.  The  vote  was  as  follows: 

To  sustain,  7;  not  to  sustain,  14. 

Absent  and  not  voting:  D.  F.  Wilkinson,  W.  T.  Matthews,  W.  D. 
Johns,  L.  L.  Prince,  H.  W.  Shannon — 5. 

The  Chairman  not  voting. 

The  Chairman  thereupon  declared  the  complaint  not  sustained. 


Sec.  1531] 


Judicial  Cases 


1103 


and  a  committee  was  appointed  to  formulate  the  judgment  of  the 
Commission.  The  report  of  this-  committee  was  adopted,  as  follows: 
Your  Commission  in  voting  “not  to  sustain”  did  not  mean  to  recede 
from  or  compromise  the  principle  of  non-intrusion  into  civil  affairs 
or  affairs  which  concern  the  Commonwealth,  but  to  leave  our  courts 
free  as  to  the  mode  of  dealing  with  a  gigantic  moral  evil,  which  mode* 
in  this  case,  was  the  urging  upon  our  people  in  the  State  of  Alabama 
to  vote  for  constitutional  prohibition. 

The  Presbytery  of  North  Alabama  did  not  originate,  or  advise  the 
State  to  adopt,  this  mode,  but,  in  accordance  with  the  oft-repeated 
instruction  of  our  General  Assembly  to  “use  all  legitimate  means”' 
to  banish  the  liquor  traffic  from  our  land,  after  the  State  provided 
this  means,  urged  upon  its  constituency  to  use  this  means,  and  did 
so  expressly  on  moral  and  non-political  grounds. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  Commission  condemns  the  action,  language, 
and  spirit  of  the  complainant  as  highly  unbecoming  in  a  minister  of 
the  gospel. 

To  this  decision  the  following  protest  was  ordered  entered  on  the 
record: 

Under  a  deep  sense  of  duty,  and  actuated  by  loyalty  to  the  Con¬ 
stitution  of  our  Church,  the  undersigned  minority  members  of  the 
Commission  appointed  to  adjudicate  the  complaint  of  W.  I.  Sinnott 
against .  the  act  of  the  Presbytery  of  North  Alabama  desire  to  protest 
against  the  finding  of  the  Commission  in  said  case. 

We  emphatically  disclaim  all  sympathy  with  the  position  taken 
by  the  complainant,  which  led  to  the  action  against  which  he  makes, 
complaint;  we  appreciate  thoroughly  the  delicate  and  embarassing 
position  in  which  the  Presbytery  was  placed  through  no  fault  of 
its  own;  we  greatly  admire  the  spirit  which  actuated  that  body  and 
which  caused  it,  as  we  think,  to  err;  but  the  fact  remains  that  the 
Presbytery,  instead  of  disavowing  the  views  of  the  complainant  and 
condemning  his  manner  of  expressing  them,  did  officially,  while  sit¬ 
ting  as  a  court  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States,  recom¬ 
mend  the  adoption  of  an  amendment  to  the  Constitution  of  the  State 
of  Alabama,  and  this  in  direct  contradiction,  as  we  hold,  of  the  Con¬ 
stitution  of  said  Church,  and  its  steadfast  maintenance  of  this  funda¬ 
mental  principle  laid  down  in  that  instrument. 

Under  these  circumstances  it  was  our  painful  duty  to  vote  to  sustain 
the  complaint,  and  we  consider  it  no  less  our  duty  now  to  enter  this, 
our  solemn  and  respectful  protest,  against  the  decision  of  the  majority 
in  this  case. 

(Signed)  J.  H.  Patton,  L.  F.  Ross,  T.  C.  Barrett,  Melton  Clark, 
T.  R.  Sampson,  W.  D.  Hooper,  Jacob  Bates. 

The  Minutes  of  the  meetings  of  the  Commission  are  submitted 
herewith. 

1911,  p.  33.  The  Standing  Committee  on  Judicial  Business 
made  the  following  report  on  the  petition  of  Rev.  W.  I.  Sinnott  for 
a  re-hearing  of  his  complaint  before  the  last  Assembly,  which  was 
adopted : 

1.  Upon  consideration  of  the  petition  of  the  Rev.  W.  I.  Sinnott, 
your  committee  submit  that  the  same  should  be  disallowed,  and 
denied  on  the  ground  that  the  judicial  deliverances  of  the  General 
Assembly,  of  Lewisburg,  W.  Va.,  are  not  reviewable  by  a  subsequent 
General  Assembly,  upon  petition  to  rehear  the  case,  decided  by  the 
former  court. 

2.  In  response  to  the  overtures  from  the  Presbyteries  of  Transyl¬ 
vania,  King’s  Mountain,  Lexington,  Asheville,  Holston,  Lafayette, 
New  Orleans,  and  Savannah,  touching  the  judgment  of  the  General 


1104 


Judicial  Cases 


[Book  VIII 


Assembly  at  Lewisburg,  in  1910,  in  the  case  of  Rev.  W.  I.  Sinnott, 
your  committee  recommends  that  the  General  Assembly  re-affirm 
with  emphasis  its  adherence  to  our  Confession  of  Faith  as  set  forth 
in  Paragraph  4,  Chapter  31. 

And  further  that  “cases  extraordinary”  are  to  be  decided  accord¬ 
ing  to  nature  of  each  case,  and  when  the  General  Assembly  has  de¬ 
termined  that  question  in  any  concrete  case,  it  is  not  competent  for 
any  subsequent  Assembly  to  question  such  decision  by  a  re-hearing 
of  the  same  case. 

1911,  p.  62.  The  following  protest  [with  four  signatures]  relat¬ 
ing  to  the  Sinnott  complaint  case,  was  presented  and  admitted  to 
record  without  answer: 

We  would  respectfully  enter  our  solemn  protest  against  the  action 
of  this  Assembly  in  refusing  to  grant  the  petition  of  Rev.  W.  I. 
Sinnott  for  a  rehearing  in  the  matter  of  his  complaint  against  the 
Presbytery  of  North  Alabama,  for  the  following  reasons: 

1.  Because  precedents  for  the  re-opening  of  a  case  by  the  court  of 
last  resort  are  not  wanting  either  in  civil  or  ecclesiastical  procedures. 
Not  to  cite  others,  we  would  refer  the  Assembly  to  the  decision  of 
the  old  school  Assembly  of  1864,  found  in  Moore’s  Digest,  page  652. 
In  that  decision  the  Assembly  asserts  its  power  to  reverse  the  judi¬ 
cial  act  of  a  former  Assembly  “in  cases  of  such  palpable  error  as 
would  manifestly  tend  to  interfere  with  the  substantial  administra¬ 
tion  of  justice.” 

At  similar  decision  of  a  civil  court  is  found  in  seventieth  Alabama 
Reports,  page  401,  in  which  Chief  Justice  Brickell,  speaking  for 
the  Supreme  Court  of  Alabama,  says: 

“When  a  court  has  rendered  a  judgment  or  decree  void 
on  its  face,  either  from  a  want  of  jurisdiction  of  the  sub¬ 
ject  matter,  or  of  the  parties,  a  due  regard  to  its  own 
dignity,  the  protection  of  its  officers,  the  prevention  of  the 
abuse  of  its  process,  and  the  preservation  of  the  sanctity 
of  the  judgments  it  may  rightfully  render,  demand  that 
it  should,  on  a  proper  application,  coming  from  a  party 
having  rights  and  interests  immediately  involved,  at  any 
time  subsequent  to  its  rendition,  vacate  such  judgment  or 
decree.” 

Your  protestants  would  respectfully  urge  that  both  these  decisions 
apply  to  the  case  which  this  Assembly  has  declined  to  reconsider. 

2.  Because  in  this  case  the  judgment  of  the  last  Assembly  is  void 
on  its  face  by  reason  of  the  following  errors  and  irregularities: 

(1)  The  complainant  was  subjected  to  a  sentence  of  censure 
when  he  was  not  on  trial  and  not  in  court. 

(2)  Had  the  Assembly  proceeded  formally  to  try  him  in  his 
absence  its  procedure  would  have  been  void  for  want  of  jurisdiction. 
(See  Par.  161-196  of  Book  of  Church  Order.) 

(3)  The  complaint  was  tried  by  a  commission  without  his  con¬ 
sent,  whereas  our  law  gives  no  authority  for  trial  by  a  commission 


Sec.  1531] 


Judicial  Cases 


1105 


of  the  Assembly  save  with  consent  of  the  appellant  or  complainant. 
(See  Par.  94,  Book  of  Church  Order.) 

(4)  The  commission  erred  grievously  in  traveling  outside  of  the 
record,  as  appears  from  their  own  statement  of  the  case. 

(5)  The  commission’s  own  statement  shows  error  on  the  face  of 
it,  in  that  it  omits  a  vital  part  of  the  action  complained  of.  But 
for  such  omission  a  grave  mistake  would  have  appeared  plainly  in 
their  rehearsal  of  the  facts.  The  omitted  part  of  the  preamble  to 
the  resolutions  complained  of  sets  forth  in  part  the  ground  on  which 
Presbytery  based  its  deliverance,  namely,  its  previous  action  in 
endorsing  the  principle  of  prohibition,  and  its  advising  the  Legisla¬ 
ture  to  submit  a  constitutional  amendment  to  the  vote  of  the  people 
•of  Alabama.  Notwithstanding  this,  the  commission  says  that  the 
Presbytery  did  not  give  such  advice. 

(6)  The  grave  injustice  in  this  case  is  the  more  apparent  when 
we  remember  that  the  complainant  Was  not  accusing  his  brethren  of 
any  unchristian  conduct,  but  merely  of  an  error  of  judgment,  and 
was  honestly  seeking,  with  all  the  decisions  of  the  General  Assem¬ 
bly  behind  him,  to  bring  the  Presbytery  back  to  obedience  to  our 
constitution. 

3.  Finally,  we  protest  because  this  decision  is  a  palpable  viola¬ 
tion  of  a  solemn  covenant,  implicity  entered  into  by  our  Church 
with  the  Synod  of  Kentucky,  namely,  the  agreement  under  which 
that  body  united  with  our  Assembly.  If  this  Assembly  may  assume 
jurisdiction  over  a  minister,  and  without  process  sentence  him  for 
“action,  language  and  spirit  highly  unbecoming  a  minster  of  the 
gospel,”  it  may  on  the  same  principle,  in  the  same  summary  fashion, 
and  with  equal  reason,  hear  ex-parte  accusations  as  to  grievous  sin 
and  proceed  to  excommunicate  any  member  or  depose  any  minister 
in  our  bounds. 

1912,  p.  70a.  The  Judicial  Committee  in  the  matter  of  the 
memorial  of  sundry  persons,  and  the  overtures  from  the  Synod  of 
Virginia  and  sundry  Presbyteries  for  a  re-hearing  of  the  complaint 
of  Rev.  W.  I.  Sinnott  against  the  Presbytery  of  North  Alabama, 
recommends : 

(i)  That  the  prayers  of  said  memorial  and  overtures  be  denied, 
on  the  ground  that  the  case  of  W.  I.  Sinnott  against  the  Presbytery 
of  North  Alabama  was  finally  adjudicated  by  the  General  Assem¬ 
bly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  sitting  in 
Lewisburg,  West  Virginia,  May,  1910,  and  the  judicial  deliverances 
of  that  Assembly  are  not  reviewable  by  a  subsequent  General  As¬ 
sembly  on  memorial  and  overtures  to  re-hear  the  case  decided  by 
the  former  court;  and  on  the  further  ground  that  the  General 
Assembly  sitting  in  Louisville,  Kentucky,  May,  1911,  after  con¬ 
sideration  of  the  petition  of  Rev.  W.  I.  Sinnott  for  a  re-hearing  of 
said  complaint,  disallowed  the  petition  and  denied  its  prayer  for 
that  “the  judicial  deliverances  of  the  General  Assembly  of  Lewis¬ 
burg,  West  Virginia,  are  not  reviewable  by  a  subsequent  General 


Judicial  Cases 


1106 


[Book  VIII 


Assembly  upon  petition  to  re-hear  the  case  decided  by  the  former 
court.” 

(2)  That  in  response  to  the  overtures  from  Sundry  Presbyteries 
touching  the  judgment  of  the  General  Assembly  at  Lewisburg,  West 
Virginia,  1910,  the  General  Assembly  reaffirm  its  adherence  to  our 
Confession  of  Faith,  as  set  forth  in  Paragraph  4,  Chapter  XXXI. 

(3)  That  the  General  Assembly  approve  and  re-affirm  the  de¬ 
liverances  of  the  General  Assembly  at  Louisville,  Kentucky,  May, 
1911,  touching  the  petition  of  the  Rev.  W.  I.  Sinnott  for  a  re-hear¬ 
ing  of  his  complaint  against  the  Presbytery  of  North  Alabama. 

The  following  resolution  was  adopted: 


RESOLUTION  ON  THE  SINNOTT  CASE 

Resolved,  By  the  General  Assembly  sitting  at  Bristol,  Tenn.,  May 
21,  1912,  in  the  matter  of  the  memorial  of  sundry  persons  and 
overtures  from  the  Synod  of  Virginia  and  sundry  Presbyteries,  ask¬ 
ing  for  a  re-opening  of  the  case  of  Rev.  W.  I.  Sinnott  vs.  the  Pres¬ 
bytery  of  North  Alabama,  that  it  approves  the  finding  of  the  Judicial 
Committee  as  to  the  re-opening  of  said  case,  but  feels  that  this 
Assembly  can  with  propriety  express  the  opinion  that  the  reference 
in  the  judgment  of  the  Assembly  at  Lewisburg  to  the  “action, 
language,  and  spirit  of  the  complainant”  was  unwise  and  appears 
to  have  been  informal.  This  Assembly  disclaims  any  intention  to 
criticise  the  Lewisburg  Assembly,  or  to  disturb  in  any  way  its  judg¬ 
ment. 

1912,  p.  70.  The  following  resolution  was  offered  by  Rev.  E. 
M.  Green,  D.  D.,  and  referred  to  a  select  committee  consisting  of 
Rev.  D.  M.  Mclver,  Rev.  J.  B.  Ficklen  and  Elder  R.  W.  Daily: 

Resolved ,  That  it  is  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly  that  no 
church  court  can  constitutionally  either  recommend  political  meas¬ 
ures  for  adoption  by  the  state  legislature,  or  attempt  to  control 
the  votes  of  the  citizen. 

1912,  p.  70g.  The  Select  Committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the 
resolution  of  Dr.  E.  M.  Green,  presented  majority  and  minority 
reports. 

The  minority  report  was  adopted,  and  is  as  follows: 

In  reference  to  the  resolution  proposed  concerning  political  de¬ 
liverances  by  church  courts,  your  committee  would  report  as  follows: 

Inasmuch  as  the  General  Assembly  is  on  record,  having  already 
made  numerous  deliverances  on  this  subject,  we  would  refer  this 
Assembly  to  these  deliverances. 

1913,  p.  68.  The  report  of  the  Standing  Committee  on  Judicial 
Business  was  adopted,  and  is  as  follows: 

Your  committee  respectfully  reports  that  a  memorial  from  Rev. 
W.  I.  Sinnott  to  this  venerable  body  was  placed  in  their  hands. 
The  memorialist  recites  that  the  Minutes  of  the  General  Assembly 
of  1910  contain  statements  erroneous  as  to  facts;  and  asks  this  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly  to  “adopt  a  paper  or  pass  an  act  that  will  correct 
these  errors  as  to  facts.” 


Sec.  1531] 


Judicial  Cases 


1107 


Your  Committee  recommends  that  the  General  Assembly  decline 
the  request  of  the  memorialist,  on  the  ground  that  this  General  As¬ 
sembly  is  not  in  a  position  to  judge  of  the  facts  complained  of  by 
the  Rev.  W.  I.  Sinnott. 

The  memorialist  further  recites  that  the  Synod  of  Alabama  has 
for  three  successive  annual  meetings  failed  to  review  the  minutes 
of  the  Presbytery  of  North  Alabama  for  the  Fall  Meeting  of  1909 
and  the  Spring  Meeting  of  1910;  and  asks  that  the  General  Assem¬ 
bly  “require  the  Synod  of  Alabama  to  comply  with  the  Book  of 
Church  Order  and  review  said  minutes.” 

We  recommend  that  a  negative  answer  be  given,  because  the 
minutes  of  the  Synod  of  Alabama  for  1909  and  1910  have  been 
reviewed  and  approved  by  the  General  Assemblies  of  1910  and  1911. 
With  this  approval  the  rights  of  appeal,  complaint  and  memorial 
touching  the  review  of  the  same  are  estopped. 

1914,  p.  21.  The  Standing  Committee  on  Judicial  Business 
made  the  following  report,  which  was  adopted: 

The  Judicial  Committee  would  respectfully  report  that  we  have 
had  brought  before  us  a  memorial  from  Reverend  W.  I.  Sinnott, 
asking  that  this  Assembly  vacate  the  judgment  of  the  Assembly  of 
1910  against  himself.  We  recommend  that  no  action  be  taken 
•except  to  refer  him  to  the  Minutes  of  the  General  Assembly  for 
1913,  pages  68  and  69. 

1920,  p.  73.  The  Standing  Committee  on  Judicial  Business 
made  a  report,  which  was  adopted.  It  is  as  follows: 

The  only  matter  before  the  Committee  is  the  memorial  of  Rev. 
W.  I.  Sinnott,  complaining  of  certain  language  used  by  the  General 
Assembly  of  1910,  when  his  case  was  before  it. 

The  question  to  be  considered  in  this  case  is  that  of  jurisdiction 
and  law.  Has  the  Assembly  any  power  to  pass  upon  the  merit  of 
this  case? 

It  appears  from  the  memorial  of  Mr.  Sinnott  and  the  Assembly 
records  of  1910  that  this  case  was  decided  by  the  highest  court  of 
the  Church,  and  the  statements  by  which  Mr.  Sinnott  feels  he  has 
been  injured  are  embodied  in  said  decision. 

It  is  a  principle  of  law,  held  in  the  highest  courts  of  the 
States,  and  by  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States,  that  public 
policy  requires  that  there  shall  be  an  end  of  litigation,  and  this  is  ' 
as  true  in  the  government  of  the  Church  as  in  the  government  of  the 
State  and  Nation.  We  think  that  this  is  the  correct  position,  and 
express  the  opinion  that  the  conclusion  of  the  case  has  been  reached 
by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Church,  which  your  Committee  re¬ 
gards  as  final. 

Your  Committee  therefore  rcommends  that  the  memorial  of  Rev. 
W.  I.  Sinnott  be  denied.  At  the  same  time  we  desire  to  express  the 
opinion  that  Mr.  Sinnott  is  a  minister  and  a  man  of  the  highest 
Christian  character. 


Judicial  Cases 


1108 


[Book  VIII 


1532.  Complaint  of  Rev.  J.  F.  Cannon  and  others  against  the 

Synod  of  Missouri 

1911,  p.  30.  The  Judicial  Committee  reported  to  the  General 
Assembly  in  the  case  of  the  complaint  of  Jno.  F.  Cannon  and  others 
against  the  Synod  of  Missouri, 

First,  that  we  find  the  complaint  in  order.  Second,  that  it  be 
heard  by  the  General  Assembly,  after  the  following  manner,  namely: 

First,  that  the  records  of  the  case  be  read. 

Second,  that  the  complainant  be  heard  for  forty-five  minutes. 

Third,  that  the  respondents  be  heard  for  sixty  minutes  . 

Fourth,  that  the  complainant  be  heard  for  fifteen  minutes. 

Fifth,  that  the  Assembly  consider  and  decide  the  case. 

1911,  p.  38.  The  hearing  the  complaint  of  Rev.  J.  F.  Cannon 
and  others  against  the  Synod  of  Missouri,  was  resumed.  The  com¬ 
plainant,  Rev.  J.  F.  Cannon,  was  heard  for  forty-five  minutes.  The 
respondent,  through  J.  M.  Chaney  and  John  F.  Green,  was  heard 
for  one  hour.  The  complainant  was  heard  in  reply  for  fifteen 
minutes. 

It  was  ordered  that  the  roll  be  called  and  that  one  minute  be  given 
to  each  member  to  express  his  opinion. 

1911,  p.  45.  The  complaint  case  of  Rev.  J.  F.  Cannon  and 
others  against  the  Synod  of  Missouri  was  resumed.  The  roll  was 
called  and  each  member  was  given  the  opportunity  to  speak  one 
minute. 

Rev.  J.  E.  Abbott  and  Rev.  R.  S.  Eskridge  were  excused  from 
voting.  The  complaint  was  then  read  and  the  vote  was  taken, 
resulting  as  follows:  To  sustain,  84;  to  sustain  in  part,  14;  not  to 
sustain,  23. 

The  Moderator  appointed  the  following  select  committee  to  for¬ 
mulate  the  judgment  of  the  Assembly:  R.  W.  Jopling,  A.  A.  Little, 
F.  B.  Webb,  W.  H.  Raymond,  and  J.  A.  Lyon. 

1911,  p.  62.  The  select  committee  appointed  to  formulate  the 
judgment  of  the  Assembly  in  the  complaint  case  of  J.  F.  Cannon  and 
others,  against  the  Synod  of  Missouri,  made  the  following  report, 
which  was  adoped: 

First t  That  the  votes  of  the  Rev.  R.  S.  Brank  and  Rev.  C.  H. 
Talbot,  who  had  been  dismissed  by  the  Presbytery  of  St.  Louis  to 
the  Presbyteries  respectively  of  Savannah  and  Louisville,  and  who 
had  not  been  received  by  said  Presbyteries  at  the  time  of  said  vote, 
were  legal  and  valid,  in  accordance  with  Book  of  Church  Order, 
Chapter  15,  Paragraph  280. 

Second,  That  the  Synod  of  Missouri  erred  in  pronouncing  judg¬ 
ment  that  the  action  of  St.  Louis  Presbytery  complained  of,  was 
unwise  and  unjust,  and  therefore  the  action  of  the  Synod  be,  and 
the  same  is  hereby,  annulled,  and  that  of  the  Presbytery  of  St. 
Louis  is  hereby  affirmed. 

Third,  The  General  Assembly  furthermore  expresses  its  convic¬ 
tion  that  Presbyteries  have  jurisdiction  in  matters  pertaining  to  the 
location  of  church  buildings. 


Secs.  1532-1533] 


Judicial  Cases 


1109 


1911,  p.  68.  Rev.  J.  V.  McCall  presented  the  following  protest 
against  the  action  of  the  Assembly  in  the  complaint  case  of  Rev.  J. 
F.  Cannon  and  others  against  the  Synod  of  Missouri.  It  was  ad¬ 
mitted  to  record  without  answer: 

PROTEST 

With  respect  to  the  action  of  the  Assembly  in  the  complaint  of 
Rev.  John  F.  Cannon  and  others  against  the  Synod  of  Missouri,  I 
do  most  respectfully  and  most  earnestly  protest  against  said  action 
by  reason  of  the  fact  that  after  the  close  of  the  argument  in  said 
cause,  and  when  the  Assembly  adjourned  for  noon  recess  on  May 
24,  1911,  before  voting  upon  said  complaint,  complainant  caused  to 
be  distributed  among  the  members  of  the  Assembly  a  printed  pam¬ 
phlet  containing  a  large  number  of  alleged  facts  which  constituted  no 
part  of  the  record  in  said  cause,  together  with  complainant’s  argu¬ 
ment  thereon. 

I  protest  against  the  action,  because  it  was  an  introduction  of 
new  and  additional  matter,  outside  of  the  record  in  the  cause,  con¬ 
trary  to  the  provisions  of  Paragraph  189,  Book  of  Church  Order; 
and,  further,  because  it  brought  to  the  individual  members  of  the 
court,  not  in  open  court,  arguments  which  had  not  been  introduced 
in  open  court,  in  the  presence  of  representatives  of  respondent. 

1533.  Complaint  of  J.  K.  Dowman  and  others  against  the  Synod 

of  Virginia 

1911,  p.  30.  In  the  case  of  the  complaint  of  J.  K.  Dowman  and 
others  against  the  Synod  of  Virginia,  the  Judicial  Committee  re¬ 
ported. 

First,  that  the  complaint  is  in  order. 

Second,  that  it  be  heard  by  a  commission  (p.  32  of  Minutes) 
after  the  following  manner: 

First,  that  the  record  be  read. 

Second,  that  the  complainants  be  heard. 

Third,  that  the  respondents  be  heard. 

Fourth,  that  the  complainants  be  heard. 

Fifth,  that  the  Commission  consider  and  decide  the  case. 

Sixth,  that  the  time  given  to  the  complainants  and  respondents 
for  argument,  be  fixed  by  the  Commission. 

1911,  p.  38.  The  commission  to  try  the  complaint  of  J.  K. 
Dowman  and  others  against  the  Synod  of  Virginia  made  a  report, 
which  was  recommitted. 

1911,  p.  51.  The  commission  to  try  the  complaint  of  J.  K.  Dow¬ 
man  and  others  against  the  Synod  of  Virginia  was  read  and  ap¬ 
proved,  and  the  minutes  ordered  spread  upon  the  minutes  of  the 
Assembly. 

The  report  is  as  follows: 

The  judicial  commission  appointed  by  the  Moderator  to  try  the 
complaint  of  J.  K.  Dowman  and  others,  members  of  the  Synod  of 


1110 


Judicial  Cases 


[Book  VIII 


Virginia,  against  the  action  of  the  Synod  of  Virginia  in  disap¬ 
proving  the  standing  rule  of  the  Presbytery  of  Kanawha  as  to  the 
election  of  commissioners  to  the  General  Assembly,  met  in  the 
Foreign  Mission  room  of  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church,  Louis¬ 
ville,  Ky.,  May  23rd,  1911,  at  8:15  p.  m.  The  roll  was  called  and 
the  following  were  present:  W.  D.  Morton,  Chairman;  M.  H.  Kerr, 
Hervey  McDowell,  C.  J.  Ralston,  A.  H.  Atkins,  R.  I.  Long,  C.  L. 
Ewing,  J.  V.  McCall,  Louis  Voss,  H.  V.  Escott,  J.  G.  Venable,  J. 
E.  Henderson,  F.  R.  Graves,  D.  A.  Caldwell,  C.  S.  Forbes,  C.  S. 
Tabb,  L.  P.  Ault,  R.  C.  Dale,  O.  B.  Beatie,  W.  R.  Lampson,  W. 
J.  Martin,  J.  E.  Buchan,  H.  E.  Ravenel  and  F.  S.  Day. 

Rev.  J.  G.  Venable  led  the  commission  in  prayer.  R.  I.  Long 
was  elected  clerk.  It  was  ordered  that  the  complainant  and  the 
respondent  have  40  minutes  each  to  present  the  case. 

The  complainant  to  have  20  minutes  to  open  the  case.  The  two 
representatives  of  the  Synod  of  Virginia,  Rev.  A.  C.  Hopkins,  D.  D., 
and  Rev.  R.  H.  Fleming,  D.  D.,  to  have  20  minutes  to  close.  The 
chairman  of  the  commission  read  the  charge  from  the  Book  of 
Church  Order.  The  record  of  the  case  was  read. 

The  commission  then  heard  Rev.  W.  L.  Bedinger,  representing 
the  complainants,  Rev.  Dr.  A.  C.  Hopkins  and  Rev.  Dr.  R.  H.  Flem¬ 
ing,  representing  the  respondent,  and  the  closing  of  the  argument  by 
Rev.  W.  L.  Bedinger  representing  the  complainants. 

It  was  ordered  that  each  member  of  the  commission  be  allowed 
three  minutes,  if  he  so  desires,  to  express  his  views.  The  roll  was 
called  and  a  full  discussion  followed. 

The  vote  was  then  taken  to  sustain,  to  sustain  in  part  or  not 
to  sustain. 

The  roll  was  called  and  the  vote  stood  to  sustain  20,  not  to  sus¬ 
tain  2. 

The  following  committee  was  appointed  to  express  the  judgment 
of  the  commission:  Rev.  W.  D.  Morton,  Rev.  H.  V.  Escott,  Elder 
W.  J.  Martin,  and  Rev.  M.  H.  Kerr. 

The  commission  adjourned  until  8.45  tomorrow  morning,  May  24. 

The  commission  met  according  to  adjournment  at  8.45  a.  m. 
The  roll  was  called,  showing  a  quorum  present. 

The  minutes  of  last  night’s  session  were  read  and  approved. 
The  committee  appointed  to  formulate  the  judgment  of  the  commis¬ 
sion,  submitted  the  following,  which  was  adopted: 

The  commission  appointed  to  adjudicate  the  complaint  of  certain 
members  of  the  Synod  of  Virginia  against  the  action  of  that  Synod 
in  disapproving  of  the  standing  rule  of  the  Kanawha  Presbytery  as 
to  the  election  of  commissioners  to  the  General  Assembly,  decides 
to  sustain  the  plea  of  complainants  on  the  following  ground: 

That  the  Presbytery  acted  within  its  constitutional  rights,  under 
the  Book  of  Church  Order. 

The  minutes  of  today’s  session  were  read  and  approved.  The 
minutes  adopted  as  a  whole.  The  commission  adjourned. 

By  order  of  the  General  Assembly  the  commission  met  again  in 


Secs.  1533-1534] 


< 

Judicial  Cases 


mi 


one  of  the  class  rooms  of  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church,  May  24, 
1911,  at  2:30  p.  m.,  to  put  its  judgment  in  a  more  complete  form. 
The  roll  was  called  showing  a  quorum  present.  The  following  was 
adopted  as  the  judgment  of  the  commission: 

The  commission  appointed  to  try  the  complaint  of  J.  K.  Dow- 
man  and  others  of  the  Synod  of  Virginia  against  the  action  of  the 
Synod  of  Virginia,  in  disapproving  of  the  standing  rule  of  Kanawha 
Presbytery  as  to  the  election  of  commissioners  to  the  General  As¬ 
sembly  which  rule  reads  thus:  “That  it  be  made  a  standing  rule 
of  this  Presbytery  that  the  minister  who  is  the  oldest  member  of  the 
Presbytery,  shall  be  the  ministerial  commissioner  to  the  General 
Assembly,  unless  the  Presbytery  shall,  by  a  two- third  majority,  de¬ 
termine  otherwise,”  sustain  the  plea  of  the  complainants  on  the 
ground  that  the  Presbytery  acted  within  its  constitutional  rights  under 
the  Book  of  Church  Order.  The  minutes  of  today’s  session  were 
read  and  adopted.  The  commission  adjourned. 

1534.  Complaint  of  the  Lafayette  Church,  New  Orleans,  against 

the  Synod  of  Louisiana 

1911,  p.  66.  The  report  of  the  Standing  Committee  on  Judicial 
Business  in  the  complaint  of  the  Lafayette  Church,  Presbytery  of  New 
Orleans,  was  taken  from  the  docket.  Majority  and  minority  re¬ 
ports  were  presented  and  the  minority  report  was  adopted,  and  is 
as  follows: 

Inasmuch  as  this  case  is  now  before  the  Synod  of  Louisiana,  and 
a  day  for  its  hearing,  has  been  appointed,  both  parties  having  been 
notified  to  appear  at  the  hearing  the  Assembly  declines  to  entertain 
this  complaint. 

1912,  p.  70a.  The  Judicial  Committee,  to  which  was  referred 
the  appeal  of  the  Session  of  the  LaFayette  Church  of  New  Orleans 
from  the  decision  of  the  Synod  of  Louisiana,  failing  to  sustain  a 
complaint  of  the  said  Session  against  the  Presbytery  of  New  Orleans, 
recommends  that  the  appeal  be  dismissed,  as  the  record  of  the  case 
shows  on!  its  face  that  the  entire  proceedings  in  the  case  are  irregular 
and  void;  for  that 

(1)  The  said  Session  does  not  complain  of  “some  decision ”  made 
by  the  Presbytery  of  New  Orleans,  as  required  by  Sec.  4.  Chap. 
XIII,  Rules  of  Discipline,  which  defines  a  complaint  as  a  “repre- 

r  sentation  made  to  a  superior  court  against  some  decision  of  an  in¬ 
ferior  court”;  but  the  Session  merely  complains. 

(2)  “The  Session  of  the  LaFayette  Church  complains  to  the 
Synod  of  Louisiana  against  the  Presbytery  of  New  Orleans.”  One 
church  court  cannot  complain  to  a  superior  court  against  another 
church  court.  Sec.  4,  Chap.  XIII,  limits  the  right  of  complaint  to 
“any  member  of  the  Church  submitting  to  its  authority.” 


1112 


Judicial  Gases 


[Book  VIII 


1535.  Sale  of  lot  of  Westminster  Church,  Springfield,  Mo., 

authorized 

1913,  p.  33.  The  Committee  on  Judicial  Business  presented  the 
following  report,  which  was  adopted: 

Your  Committee  respectfully  report  that  certain  communications 
from  Westminster  Church,  Springfield,  Mo.,  were  placed  in  their 
hands,  reciting  that  the  General  Assembly  has  a  contingent  rever¬ 
sionary  interest  in  the  lot  on  which  the  church  building  of  the 
Westminster  Church  stands,  and  asking  the  General  Assembly  to 
relinquish  its  claim  and  thus  permit  the  Westminster  Church  to 
sell  the  property  and  reinvest  the  proceeds  in  other  property,  which 
will  be  much  to  the  advantage  of  the  Church. 

Your  Committee  recommend  that  this  request  be  granted  by 
adopting  the  following  paper: 

Whereas,  on  the  third  day  of  March,  1894,  John  G.  Russell  and 
Pauline  P.  Russell,  his  wife;  T.  B.  Townsend,  and  Jere  C.  Cravens, 
by  their  certain  instrument  in  writing  and  deed  of  said  date,  re¬ 
corded  in  the  office  of  the  Recorder  of  Deeds  in  and  for  the  County 
of  Greene,  in  the  State  of  Missouri,  in  Book  136,  at  page  216,  con¬ 
veyed  unto  Jesse  W.  Hogg,  F.  C.  Roberts,  and  Ed  A.  Barbour,  as 
trustees  for  the  body  of  Christian  people  known  and  designated  as 
Westminster  Presbyterian  Church  of  Springfield,  Missouri,  said 
Church  being  identified  and  holding  connection  with  that  body 
known  as  the  Synod  of  Missouri,  identified  and  holding  connection 
with  that  body  known  and  designated  as  the  General  Assembly  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States,  the  following 
described  tract  or  parcel  of  land,  situated  in  the  County  of  Greene, 
in  the  State  of  Missouri,  that  is  to  say,  “Beginning  at  the  northeast 
corner  of  Jefferson  and  Ei.  Elm  streets,  in  the  City  of  Springfield, 
Missouri;  thence  north  on  the  east  line  of  Jefferson  street  eighty-four 
feet,  more  or  less,  to  Pauline  P.  Russell’s  lot;  thence  east  one  hun¬ 
dred  and  thirty  feet;  thence  south  eighty-four  feet,  more  or  less,  to 
the  north  line  of  East  Elm  street;  thence  west  one  hundred  and  thirty 
feet  to  the  beginning,  it  being  expressly  understood  and  condi¬ 
tioned  that  should  said  Westminster  Presbyterian  Church  at  any 
time  withdraw  from  or  cease  to  be  connected  with  the  said  Synod  of 
Missouri,  or  in  anywise  or  from  any  cause  cease  to  be  connected 
with  the  said  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States  (so  long  as  said  General  Assembly  continues  its  sepa¬ 
rate  organization  as  then  constituted)  then,  and  in  either  of  any  such 
events,  the  said  trustees  named,  their  heirs  and  successors  in  office, 
shall  thereby  and  forthwith  become  the  trustees  of  and  accountable 
in  said  trust  to  the  said  General  Assembly,  and  shall  have  the 
absolute  right  both  in  law  and  in  equity  to  the  possession  and  con¬ 
trol  of  said  property — 

And  whereas  said  Westminster  Presbyterian  Church  of  Spring- 
field,  Missouri,  and  said  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States  are  desirous  of  selling  and  disposing  of 


Secs.  1535-1536] 


Judicial  Cases 


1113 


said  real  estate  and  the  interests  of  said  Church  and  General  Assem¬ 
bly  therein,  and  of  reinvesting  the  proceeds  of  such  sale  in  other 
real  estate  to  be  held,  possessed  and  controlled  by  said  Westminster 
Presbyterian  Church — 

And  whereas  said  Westminster  Presbyterian  Church  of  Spring- 
field,  Missouri,  and  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States  believe  it  to  be  to  the  best  interests  of  all 
concerned  and  more  conducive  to  the  objects  and  purposes  of  said 
trust  that  such  sale,  conveyance  and  reinvestment  be  made — 

Now,  therefore,  be  it  resolved  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  that  Ed  A.  Barbour  and 
Jesse  W.  Hogg  (F.  C.  Roberts  being  dead),  trustees  as  aforesaid,  be 
and  they  are  hereby  authorized,  empowered  and  directed  for  and  on 
behalf  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States  to  sell  and  dispose  of  any  and  all  interests,  vested  or 
contingent,  of  the  said  General  Assembly  01  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  United  States  in  and  to  said  real  estate  unto  such  person  or 
persons,  natural  or  artificial,  and  for  such  sum  or  sums  as  they 
may  deem  just  and  proper,  and  to  execute,  acknowledge  and  deliver 
to  the  purchaser  or  purchasers  such  conveyance  or  conveyances  as 
may  be  necessary  to  convey  unto  such  purchaser  or  purchasers  the 
interests  of  said  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 
the  United  States  therein,  severally  or  jointly,  with  a  conveyance 
of  the  interests  of  said  Westminster  Presbyterian  Church  of  Spring- 
field,  Missouri,  and  to  reinvest  the  proceeds  of  such  sale  or  sales 
in  such  real  estate  as  they  may  deem  proper  to  be  held,  possessed 
and  controlled  by  Westminster  Presbyterian  Church  of  Springfield, 
Missouri. 

1536.  Complaint  of  Robert  A.  Lively  against  the  Synod  of 

Oklahoma 

1913,  p.  43.  The  Committee  on  Judicial  Business  made  a  report 
on  the  complaint  of  Robert  A.  Lively  vs.  the  Synod  of  Oklahoma. 
The  report  was  adopted  and  is  as  follows: 

In  the  complaint  of  Robert  A.  Lively  and  others  your  Judicial 
Committee  finds  this  complain  irregular  in  the  following  partic¬ 
ulars  : 

First.  There  is  no  official  “record”  of  the  cause  transmitted  to 
this  court  by  the  Synod  of  Oklahoma,  as  required  by  Paragraph 
189,  Rules  of  Discipline. 

Second.  The  complainant  failed  to  lodge  his  complaint  with  the 
Stated  Clerk  of  this  Assembly  before  the  second  day  of  its  sessions, 
as  required  by  Paragraphs  268  and  260. 

With  reference  to  the  second  irregularity,  your  Committee  finds 
that  the  complainant  was  providentially  hindered  from  reaching  this 
court  on  time,  and  that  he  presented  his  complaint  at  the  earliest 
possible  time,  and  that  therefore  this  irregularity  should  be  waived. 

With  reference  to  the  first  irregularity,  we  find  that  the  attached 
papers  constitute  substantially  the  record,  though  they  are  not  of- 


1114 


Judicial  Oases 


[Book  VIII 


ficially  attested.  We  find  further  that  Rev.  E.  Brantly,  represent¬ 
ing  the  Synod  of  Oklahoma,  and  Mr.  Orme,  representing  the  com¬ 
plainant,  desire  the  case  to  be  heard,  and  agree  to  its  submission  on 
the  basis  of  the  unofficial  record  attached. 

We,  therefore,  recommend 

(1st)  That  the  Assembly  waive  the  irregularity  noted  and  hear 
the  case,  as  provided  in  Book  of  Church  Order,  Paragraph  269. 

(2nd)  That  the  case  be  heard  through  a  Commission,  (p.  44 
of  Minutes.) 

(3rd)  That  the  steps  be  taken  in  their  order  by  the  Commission 
as  provided  in  said  paragraph. 

(4th)  That  the  Synod  of  Oklahoma  be  solemnly  reminded  of 
its  neglect  in  not  sending  up  the  record  of  this  case,  as  provided  in 
the  Book  of  Church  Order,  and  that  they  be  urged  to  use  greater 
care  in  the  future. 

1913,  p.  70k.  The  Judicial  Commission  to  try  the  case  of 
Robert  A.  Lively  and  others  vs.  the  Synod  of  Oklahoma  made  a 
report,  which  was  approved  and  the  judgment  of  the  Commission 
was  entered  as  the  judgment  of  the  Assembly  in  the  case.  The 
report  is  as  follows: 

It  is  the  judgment  of  your  Commission  that  the  action  of  the 
Synod  of  Oklahoma  in  this  case  was  irregular,  in  that  the  Judicial 
Committee  of  said  Synod  exceeded  its  authority  by  recommending 
action  in  regard  to  a  complaint  referred  to  it,  when  it  should  have 
merely  reported  the  regularity  or  irregularity  of  the  complaint;  and 
the  complaint  is  sustained  and  the  case  remanded  to  the  Synod  for 
re-hearing. 

1537.  “Complaints”  not  to  be  included  with  “appeals” 

1913,  p.  70k.  In  answer  to  the  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Louisville,  asking  the  General  Assembly  to  take  steps  to  amend 
Paragraph  94  of  the  Book  of  Church  Order  by  including  “com¬ 
plaints”  along  with  “appeals”  in  the  provision  of  this  paragraph, 
provided  a  sufficient  number  of  Presbyteries  shall  have  voted  for 
the  amendment  proposed  by  the  last  Assembly  to  make  said  amend¬ 
ment  effective,  we  recommend  that  this  overture  be  answered  in  the 
negative. 

1538.  Complaint  of  Rev.  J.  M.  Holladay  against  the  Presbytery 

of  Bethel 

1914,  p.  21.  The  Judicial  Committee  reported  a  complaint  of 
Rev.  J.  M.  Holladay  against  the  Presbytery  of  Bethel,  referred  by 
the  Synod  of  South  Carolina  to  this  Assembly.  We  have  found 
the  complaint  in  order  and  recommend  that  the  Assembly  hear  said 
complaint  according  to  paragraph  269,  Book  of  Church  Order,  and 
that  Reverend  S.  C.  Byrd,  D.  D.,  be  recognized  as  the  representative 
of  said  complainant. 


Secs.  1536-1539] 


Judicial  Cases 


1115 


We  would  recommend  that  in  the  trial  of  the  complaint  of  Rev. 
J.  M.  Holladay  against  the  Presbytery  of  Bethel,  the  order  be: 

(1) .  That  the  record  be  read. 

(2) .  That  Rev.  ,S.  C.  Byrd,  D.  D.,  be  heard  for  the  complainants. 

(3) .  That  the  respondent  be  heard  through  its  representative, 
Rev.  Alexander  Martin. 

(4) .  That  the  complainant  be  heard  again. 

(5)  That  the  Assembly  consider  and  decide  the  case. 

1914,  p.  28.  The  hearing  of  the  complaint  of  Rev.  J.  M.  Holla- 
day  against  the  Presbytery  of  Bethel  was  resumed. 

The  Moderator  charged  the  court. 

The  record  was  read. 

The  complainant  was  heard  through  Rev.  S.  C.  Byrd,  D.  D. 

The  respondent  was  heard  through  Rev.  Alexander  Martin. 

The  complainant  was  heard  again. 

The  vote  was  then  taken,  resulting  as  follows:  to  sustain  the  com¬ 
plaint,  91;  not  to  sustain,  15. 

The  Moderator  appointed  the  following  Select  Committee  to  for¬ 
mulate  the  judgment  of  the  Assembly  in  the  case:  Rev.  T.  P.  Hay, 
Rev.  W.  W.  Arrowood,  Elder  J.  K.  Goodman. 

1914,  p.  33.  The  Select  Committee  appointed  to  formulate  the 
judgment  of  the  court  in  the  complaint  case  of  Rev.  J.  M.  Holladay 
against  the  Presbytery  of  Bethel  made  the  following  report,  which 
was  adopted: 

The  Committee  appointed  to  explain  the  vote  of  the  Assembly  on 
the  complaint  of  Rev.  J.  M.  Holladay  against  the  Presbyery  of 
Bethel,  which  was  specifically  against  the  action  of  the  Presbytery 
in  omitting  the  examination  and  sermon  for  ordination  of  a  candi¬ 
date  who  had  recently  been  licensed  to  preach  the  gospel,  recommend 
the  following: 

The  Assembly,  in  voting  to  sustain  this  complaint,  would  be 
understood  as  expressing  its  judgment  that  in  all  cases  of  trial  for 
ordination  for  the  ministry,  however  soon  they  may  follow  the  trial 
for  licensure,  the  Presbytery  should  not  omit  examination  of  the 
candidate,  and  should  require  an  ordination  sermon. 

1539.  Appeal  of  Rev.  Lloyd  B.  Field  against  the  Synod  of 

Arkansas 

1915,  p.  27.  The  .Standing  Committee  on  Judicial  Business 
made  the  following  report,  which  was  adopted. 

1.  That  we  find  the  appeal  to  be  drawn  in  regular  form,  and 
recommend  that  it  be  heard  by  a  Judicial  Commission  composed  of 
fourteen  teaching  and  thirteen  ruling  elders,  and  that  this  Commis¬ 
sion  be  permitted  to  meet  during  the  sessions  of  the  Assembly,  (p. 
28  of  Minutes.) 

2.  That  the  cause  be  heard  as  prescribed  in  Paragraph  261, 
Book  of  Church  Order. 

3.  There  has  also  been  referred  to  us  an  overture  from  the  Pres¬ 
bytery  of  Pina  Bluff;  and,  as  this  is  a  plea  for  a  certain  decision  in 


Judicial  Oases 


1116 


[Book  VIII 


this  judicial  case,  we  recommend  that  it  be  referred  to  the  Judicial 
Commission  to  be  appointed. 

1915,  p.  49.  The  Judicial  Commission  to  try  the  case  of  the 
appeal  of  Lloyd  B.  Field  against  the  Synod  of  Arkansas  presented 
the  minutes  of  the  Commission,  which  were  approved  and  ordered 
spread  upon  the  Minutes  of  the  Assembly.  The  Assembly  was  then 
led  in  prayer  by  Rev.  J.  E.  Thacker,  D.  D. 

The  minutes  of  the  Judicial  Commission  are  as  follows: 

The  Commission  appointed  by  the  General  Assembly  to  try  the 
appeal  of  the  Rev.  Lloyd  B.  Field  against  the  Synod  of  Arkansas 
met  in  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  Building  May  24th,  1915,  at  10:00  a.  m. 
There  were  present:  D.  K.  Walthall  D.  P.  McGeachy,  E.  C.  Mur¬ 
ray,  E.  H.  Lyle,  C.  H.  Rogers,  F.  A.  Drennan,  I.  S.  Anderson, 
R.  S.  Boyd,  G.  T.  Storey,  H.  S.  Bradshaw,  W.  R.  Anderson,  M.  E. 
Gilmore,  F.  S.  Robbins,  W.  E.  Bingham,  J.  ,S.  McCutchan,  R.  B. 
Caldwell,  Hugh  Davidson,  J.  A.  Patterson,  James  Whittet,  James 
McD.  Adair,  F.  B.  Offutt,  A.  D.  McGill,  E.  W.  Sydenstricker,  and 
H.  A.  Watkins.  The  chairman  not  being  present,  Rev.  D.  K. 
Walthall,  at  the  request  of  the  Moderator  of  the  Assembly,  called 
the  Commission  to  order,  and  was  by  it  elected  Chairman.  The 
Commission  was  opened  with  prayer.  Rev.  D.  P.  McGeachy  was 
elected  Clerk,  with  Ruling  Elder  James  Whittet,  Assistant.  Ruling 
Rider  R.  B.  Caldwell  was  elected  Reading  Clerk.  Rev.  Messrs.  F. 
T.  McFaden,  J.  W.  Stagg,  and  0.  L.  Altfather  were  excused  on 
account  of  delayed  arrival  owing  to  other  business. 

The  following  papers  were  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Commis¬ 
sion: 

The  record  of  the  appeal  of  Rev.  L.  B.  Field  from  the  Synod  of 
Arkansas,  and  an  overture  on  this  subject  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Pine  Bluff;  also  the  report  of  the  Judicial  Committee. 

The  Rev.  L.  B.  Field,  the  appellant,  and  Rev.  R.  B.  Willis,  rep¬ 
resenting  the  Synod  of  Arkanses,  were  present  at  the  reading  and 
discussion  of  the  record,  as  were  also  Hon.  G.  A.  McLean,  Com¬ 
missioner  to  the  Assembly  from  the  Presbytery  of  Central  Missis¬ 
sippi,  W.  M.  Hamner  and  A,  W.  Dent,  of  Meridian  Presbytery,  as 
representatives  for  the  appellant.  The  chairman  then  charged  the 
court.  The  record  was  then  read.  Pending  the  reading  of  the  record 
recess  was  taken  till  2.00  p.  m. 

The  Commission  reconvened  with  prayer  at  2.00  p.  m.  All  the 
members  of  the  Commission  were  present  except  those  excused.  The 
reading  of  the  record  was  completed.  The  overture  from  Pine  Bluff 
Presbytery  was  read.  The  Commission  took  recess  till  8.30  p.  m. 

The  Commission  resumed  its  session  at  8.30  p.  m.,  and  was 
opened  with  prayer  by  Rev.  I.  S.  Anderson.  Present  all  members 
of  the  Commission  except  those  excused.  The  appellant  was  heard 
through  his  representative.  The  appellee  was  heard  through  its 
representative.  The  appellant  closed  through  his  representative. 

The  Commission  went  into  executive  session.  The  roll  was 
called  for  expressions  of  opinion  on  the  part  of  members  of  the 


Sec.  1539] 


Judicial  Cases 


1117 


Commission.  The  vote  was  taken  with  the  following  result:  To 
confirm  the  action  of  the  lower  court  in  full,  22;  to  confirm  it  in 
part,  1 ;  the  Moderator  not  voting. 

A  committee  consisting  of  D.  P.  McGeachy,  G.  T.  Storey,  and 
R.  B.  Caldwell  were  appointed  to  draft  the  opinion  of  the  court. 

Adjourned  with  prayer  till  Tuesday  morning  at  9.15. 

The  Commission  met  as  above  at  9.30  a.  m.  Opened  with 
prayer  by  Ruling  Elder  James  Whittet.  Present,  all  members  of 
the  Commission  except  those  excused. 

The  following  paper  was  presented  by  the  committee  appointed 
to  draft  the  judgment  of  the  Commission: 

It  is  the  judgment  of  the  Commission  in  the  case  of  the  appeal  of 
Rev.  L.  B.  Field  from  the  Synod  of  Arkansas: 

First. — That  the  appeal  should  be,  and  is  hereby,  dismissed. 

Second. — That  the  judgment  of  the  Synod  of  Arkansas  be,  and 
the  same  is  hereby,  confirmed  in  so  far  as  it  adjudges  the  appellant 
guilty  on  both  counts  of  the  indictment,  and  also  in  restoring  the 
appellant  to  the  sacrament  of  the  Church. 

Third. — That  the  judgment  of  the  Synod  of  Arkansas  be,  and 
the  same  is  hereby,  reversed,  in  so  far  as  it  modifies  the  judgment 
of  the  Presbytery  of  Pine  Bluff  by  substituting  indefinite  suspension 
of  the  appellant  from  the  ministry  in  lieu  of  deposition  from  the 
ministry.  It  is  our  judgment  that,  under  all  the  facts  and  circum¬ 
stances  of  the  case,  the  Rev.  L.  B.  Field  should  be  deposed  from 
the  ministry,  but  restored  to  the  sacrament  of  the  Church,  and  that 
the  courts  below  be,  and  they  are  hereby,  instructed  to  take  such 
steps  as  may  be  necessary  to  put  this  judgment  into  effect. 

This  report  was  adopted,  the  first  and  second  sections  unani¬ 
mously,  and  the  third  section  by  the  following  vote: 

Ayes — McGeachy,  Murray,  Lyle,  Rogers,  Drennan,  Boyd,  Storey, 
W.  R.  Anderson,  Robbins,  Bingham,  Caldwell,  Davidson,  Patterson, 
McGill,  Watkins,  and  Sydenstricker — 16. 

Noes — Walthall,  I.  S.  Anderson,  Bradshaw,  Gilmore,  McCut- 
chan,  Whittet,  Adair,  and  Offutt — 8. 

The  report  was  then  adopted  as  a  whole.  The  minutes  of  all 
sessions  of  the  Commission  were  read  and  approved.  The  Commis¬ 
sion  then  adjourned  sine  die,  after  prayer  by  the  Chairman. 

1915,  p.  80e.  The  following  protest  against  the  action  of  the 
Assembly  in  approving  the  report  of  the  Judicial  Commission  in 
the  appeal  of  L.  B.  Field  from  the  Synod  of  Arkansas  was  admitted 
to  record  without  answer: 

Fifteen  persons  protested  against  the  action  of  the  Assembly  in 
the  case  of  Lloyd  B.  Field  vs.  the  Synod  of  Arkansas,  because  of 
what  is,  in  our  opinion,  an  error  of  judgment  in  the  following  par 
ticulars : 

1.  Irregularity  and  illegality  of  procedure  on  the  part  of  the 
trial  court.  Oh  the  one  hand,  instead  of  granting  relief  to  the 
appellant  from  the  decision  of  the  lower  court,  that  decision  was 
reversed,  and  for  it  was  substituted  the  extreme  censure.  This 


1118 


Judicial  Cases 


[Book  VIII 


judgment,  in  our  opinion,  was  excessive,  and  we  believe  a  lighter 
sentence  would  have  achieved  all  the  designed  ends  of  discipline. 
On  the  other,  an  overture  was  admitted  to  record  contrary  to  the 
Rules  of  Discipline. 

2.  A  full  statement  of  the  case  was  not  given  by  the  Commission 
to  the  Assembly,  as  is  required  in  the  Book  of  Church  Order, 
Article  94,  III. 

3.  Discussion  of  the  question  to  approve  records  of  the  Commis¬ 
sion  having  been  denied,  in  our  opinion,  the  Assembly  could  not 
arrive  at  a  fair  and  intelligent  judgment  of  the  cause. 

1540.  Complaint  of  F.  G.  Ruff  against  the  Session  of  the  'Clear¬ 
water  Church 

1916,  p.  41.  The  Standing  Committee  on  Judicial  Business 
made  the  following  report,  which  was  adopted: 

There  has  come  before  us  a  complaint  of  F.  G.  Ruff,  a  member  of 
the  Clearwater  Church,  St.  Johns  Presbytery,  against  the  Session 
of  said  church. 

Your  Committee,  on  investigation,  find  that  the  complaint  has 
not  been  made  to  the  Presbytery,  and  as  that  is  the  first  court  to 
which,  according  to  our  Book  of  Church  Order,  such  a  complaint 
should  be  referred,  your  Committee  recommends  that  the  complainant 
be  so  advised. 

1541.  Complaint  against  Savannah  Presbytery 

1922,  p.  55.  A  communication  from  a  member  of  the  Savannah 
Presbytery,  protesting  against  the  action  of  the  Presbytery  in  regard 
to  certain  matters,  as  follows: 

(a)  The  action  of  the  Presbytery  in  requesting  and  securing 
one  who  is  not  a  member  of  the  Southern  Presbyterian  Church  to 
serve  in  an  advisory  capacity  on  the  Presbytery’s  Committee  of 
Home  Missions.  In  answer  to  this  protest,  your  Committee  recom¬ 
mends  that  the  action  of  the  Presbytery  be  sustained. 

(b)  In  regard  to  the  listing  of  gifts  to  the  benevolent  causes  from 
a  church  which  does  not  belong  to  our  communion,  we  recommend 
that  such  gifts  be  classed  as  “miscellaneous  offerings,”  in  order  to 
avoind  confusion  and  misunderstanding. 

(c)  Touching  the  permission  granted  to  a  minister  to  labor  with¬ 
out  its  bounds,  your  Committee  recommends  that  this  matter  com¬ 
plained  of  be  referred  to  the  Savannah  Presbytery,  since  it  is  pro¬ 
vided  for  in  the  manual  of  said  Presbytery. 

(d)  As  to  the  complaint  concerning  the  reception  by  the  Presby¬ 
tery  of  a  candidate  for  the  ministry  who  is  not  a  member  of  the 
Southern  Presbyterian  Church,  your  committee  recommends  that  the 
attention  of  the  Presbytery  be  called  to  the  rules  of  our  Church, 
which  cover  the  ground  of  said  complaint. 

(See  new  section  in  the  Book  of  Church  Order,  Chapter  V|I,  Sec¬ 
tion  7,  adopted  at  New  Orleans,  May,  1919.) 


BOOK  IX 


GENERAL  STATISTICAL  INFORMATION 


SUCCESSION  OF  MODERATORS  PLACE  OP 

A.  D.  NAMES.  PRESBYTERY.  ASSEMBLY 

1861.  Rev.  Benj.  M.  Palmer,  D.  D.* . New  Orleans...Augusta. 

1862.  Rev.  J.  L.  Kirkpatrick,  D.  D.* . Concord’ . .Montgomery. 

1863.  Rev.  James  A.  Lyon,  D.  D.* . Tombeckbee . Columbia. 

1864.  Rev.  John  S.  Wilson,  D.  D.* . .Flint  River . Charlotte. 

1865.  Rev.  George  Howe,  D.  D.* . Charleston . Macon. 

1866.  Rev.  Andrew  Hart  Kerr,  D.  D.* . .Memphis . Memphis. 

1867.  Rev.  Thos.  Vernor  Moore,  D.  D.*...,F!,ast  Hanover..Nashville. 

1868.  Rev.  John  N.  Waddel,  D.  D.* . Chickasaw . Baltimore. 

1869.  Rev.  Stuart  Robinson,  D.  D.* . Louisville . Mobile. 

1870.  Rev.  Robert  L.  Dabney,  D.  D.* . .West  Hanover..Louisville. 

1871.  Rev.  Wm.  S.  Plumer,  D.  D.* . Harmony . Huntsville. 


1872.  Rev. 

1873.  Rev. 

1874.  Rev. 

1875.  Rev. 

1876.  Rev. 

1877.  Rev. 

1878.  Rev. 

1879.  Rev. 

1880.  Rev. 

1881.  Rev. 

1882.  Rev. 

1883.  Rev. 

1884.  Rev. 

1885.  Rev. 

1886.  Rev. 

1887.  Rev. 

1888.  Rev. 

1889.  Rev. 

1890.  Rev. 

1891.  Rev. 

1892.  Rev. 
1»93  Hon. 


Thomas  R.  Welch,  D.  D.* . Arkansas!, . Richmond. 

Henry  Martyn  Smith,  D.  D.*New  Orleans. ...Little  Rock. 

John  L.  Girardeau,  D.  D.* . Charleston........ .Columbus. 

Moses  D.  Hoge,  D.  D.* . .East  Hanover..St.  Louis. 

Benjamin  M.  Smith,  D.  D.*...,West  Hanover.-Savannah. 

C.  A.  Stillman,  D.  D.* . .Tuscaloosa . New  Orleans. 

T.  E.  Peck,  D.  D.* . Roanoke . Knoxville 

Joseph  R.  Wilson,  D.  D.* . Wilmington . Louisvi  e. 

T.  A.  Hoyt,  D.  D.* . Nashville . Char  es  on. 

Robert  P.  Farris,  D.  D.*....f..Ht.  Louis  .  aun  on 

R.  K.  Smoot,  D.  D.* . .Central  Texas.  Atlanta. 

T.  Pryor,  D.  D.*  . . East  Hanover.  Lexington,  Ky 

T.  D.  Witherspoon,  D.  D.* . Louisville . Vicksburg. 

H.  R.  Raymond,  D.  D.*  . Tuscaloosa . Houston. 

J.  H.  Bryson,  D.  D.*  . North  Alabama  Augusta. 

G.  IB.  Strickler,  D.  D.* . Atlanta . St.  Louis. 

J.  J.  Bullock,  D.  D.* . Maryland . Baltimore. 

H.  G.  Hill,  D.  D . Fayetteville . Chattanooga. 

Rev.  James  Park,  D.  D.* . Knoxville . Asheville. 

Hampden  C.  Du  Bose,  D.  D.*..Pee  Dee . Birminghom. 

Samuel  A.  King,  D.  D.* . Central  Texas..Hot  Springs. 

J.  W.  Lapsley*  . North  AlabamaMacon. 


1894.  Rev.  James  R.  Graham,  D.  D.* . Winchester . Nashville. 

1895.  Rev.  C.  R.  Hemphill,  D.  D . Louisville . Dallas. 

1896.  Rev.  R.  Q.  Mallard,  D.  D.* . New  Orleans.. ..Memphis. 

1897.  Rev.  George  T.  Goetchius,  D.  D.*....Che;rokee . Charlotte. 

1898.  Rev.  E.  M.  Green,  D.  D . Transylvania. ...New  Orleans  . 

1899.  Rev.  John  F.  Cannon,  D.  D.* . St.  Louis . Richmond. 

1900.  Hon.  Joseph  W.  Martin,  LL.  D.*.... Arkansas . Atlanta. 

1901.  Rev.  Neander  M.  Woods,  D.  D.* . Memphis . Little  Rock. 

1902.  Rev.  William  T.  Hall,  D.  D.* . Bethel . Jackson. 

1903.  Rev.  Abner  C.  Hopkins,  D.  D.* . Winchester . Lexington,  Va. 

1904.  Rev.  S.  M.  Neel,  D.  D.* . . [Jpper  MissouriMobile. 

1905.  Rev.  J.  T.  Plunket,  D.  D.* . Augusta . . Ft.  Worth. 

1906.  Hon.  Allen  G.  Hall,  LL.  D.* . Nashville). . Greenville. 

1907.  Rev.  J.  R.  Howerton,  D.  D . . . Asheville...... . iBirmingham. 

1908.  Rev.  W.  W.  Moore,  D.  D . West  Hanover. .Greensboro. 

♦Deceased. 


1120  Statistics  [Book  IX . 

1909.  Rev.  Wm.  E.  Boggs,  D.  D . Suwanee...., . Savannah. 

1910.  Rev.  J.  W.  Bachman,  D.  D . Knoxville . Lewisburg,  W.  Va. 

1911.  Rev.  Russell  Cecil  D.  D . East  Hanover.  Louisville. 

1912.  Rev.  Thos.  S.  Clyce,  D.  D . Dallas . Bristol. 

1913.  Rev.  J.  S.  Lyons,  D.  D . Louisville...., . Atlanta. 

1914.  Wm.  J.  Martin,  LL.  D . Concord . Kansas  City. 

1915.  Rev.  W.  McF.  Alexander,  D.  D.New  Orleans...  ^Newport  News. 

1916.  Rev.  C.  W.  Grafton,  D.  D . Mississippi . Orlando. 

1917.  Jno.  M.  Wells,  D.  D . Wilmington . Birmingham. 

1918.  James  T.  Vance,  D.  D . Nashville . Durant. 

1919.  A.  M.  Fraser,  D.  D . Lexington . ....New  Orleans. 

1920.  Rev.  W.  L.  Lingle,  D.  D . Concord . Charlotte. 

1921.  Rev.  A.  B.  Curry,  D.  D . Memphis . st.  Louis. 

1922.  Rev.  R.  C.  Reed,  D.  D . Atlanta . Charleston,  W.  Va, 


GENERAL  STATISTICS 

For  statistics  prior  to  1911  see  Alexander’s  Digest,  1910. 


1911 

1912 

1913 

1914 

1915 

1916 

Synods . 

14 

14 

14 

14 

15 

16 

Presbyteries . 

88 

86 

85 

84 

85 

85 

Candidates . 

436 

465 

478 

470 

475 

489 

Licentiates . 

42 

41 

31 

36 

30 

36 

Ministers . 

1,712 

1,734 

1,781 

1,819 

1,850 

1,861 

Churches . 

3,375 

3,392 

3,409 

3,430 

3,438 

3,437 

Licensures . 

44 

61 

55 

86 

58 

78 

Ordinations . 

46 

50 

57 

79 

60 

67 

Installations . 

232 

231 

249 

259 

212 

218 

Ministers  Deceased . 

31 

34 

33 

33 

39 

28 

Pastoral  Dissolutions . 

Ministers  received  from  other 

205 

186 

203 

197 

174 

193 

denominations . 

Ministers  dismissed  to  other 

23 

31 

35 

27 

30 

19 

denominations . 

10 

11 

12 

20 

13 

15 

Churches  organized . 

88 

57 

49 

74 

48 

58 

Churches  dissolved . 

Churches  received  from  other 

27 

38 

27 

39 

33 

43 

denominations . 

Churches  dismissed  to  other 

11 

5 

4 

3 

2 

denominations . 

7 

12 

9 

4 

2 

2 

Number  of  Ruling  Elders . 

10,903 

10,977 

11,390 

11,661 

11,803 

11,822- 

Number  of  Deacons . 

10,456 

10,637 

11,032 

11,266 

11,845 

12,211 

Added  on  Examination . 

13,437 

14,103 

15,979 

16,149 

20,156 

21,804 

Added  on  Certificate . 

13,744 

12,977 

14,660 

15,248 

15,232 

15,126 

Total  Communicants . 

287,174 

292,845 

300,771 

310,602 

332,339 

348,223 

Number  of  Adults  Baptized  ... 

5,721 

6,021 

6,769 

7,095 

8,998 

10,021 

Number  of  Infants  Baptized  . . . 
Total  Sunday  School  Enroll- 

5,016 

4,970 

5,439 

5,598 

5,761. . 

ment . 

224,497 

245,495 

260,838 

284,693 

310,278 

328,252: 

CONTRIBUTIONS 


1911 

1912 

1913 

1914 

1915 

1916 

Foreign  Missions . 

$  452,513 

$  501,412 

$  631,069 

$  561,179 

$  544,162 

$  527,665. 

Assembly’s  Home  Missions . 

128,752 

116,747 

150,061 

165,465 

165,718 

176,381 

Local  Home  Missions . 

263,197 

268,069 

310,056 

312,301 

*363,129 

443,618 

Christian  Education  and  Min¬ 
isterial  Relief . 

295,638 

229,743 

238,416 

239,246 

f272, 134 

264,88a 

Sunday  School  Extension  and 
Publication . 

20,580 

25,499 

29,418 

42,643 

32,827 

37,556 

Bible  Cause . 

7,578 

8,483 

9,204 

9,701 

9,465 

9,015. 

Orphans’  Homes . 

Pastors’  Salaries 

94,424 

86, 125 

97.029 

121,198 

114,533 

141,304 

1,320,059 

1,493,234 

1,385,455 

1,616,259 

1,449,068 

1,850,728 

1,413,630 

1,689,649 

1,522,616 

1,722,993 

Congregational,  etc . 

2,690,718 

Miscellaneous . 

215,362 

233,673 

305,107 

335,269 

187,613 

130,824 

$4,168,762 

$4,293,044 

$4,772,072 

$5,086,798 

$4,792,860 

$4,976,852- 

*Embracing  Synod,  $60,207;  Presbytery,  $171,419;  and  Congregational,  $131,443. 
t Including  $132,222  reported  as  contributed  for  Schools  and  C  alleges. 

These  figures  are  not  in  every  case  the  same  as  appear  in  the  report  of  the  Presbyteries,  but 
are  partly  derived  from  the  Executive  Committee’s  financial  reports. 


Statistics 


1121 


GENERAL  STATISTICS 


1917 

1918 

1919 

1920 

1921 

1922 

Synods . 

17 

17 

17 

17 

17 

17 

Presbyteries . 

87 

87 

87 

87 

88 

88 

Candidates . 

489 

432 

371 

337 

366 

470 

Licentiates . 

42 

37 

46 

42 

39 

42 

Ministers . . 

1,922 

1,960 

1,956 

2,013 

2,026 

2,056 

Churches . 

3,475 

3,442 

3,447 

3,359 

3,475 

3,492 

Licensures . 

71 

84 

74 

55 

51 

51 

Ordinations . 

71 

77 

62 

51 

40 

53 

Installations . 

269 

217 

259 

303 

300 

299 

Ministers  deceased . 

28 

30 

50 

37 

37 

32 

Pastoral  Dissolutions . 

Ministers  received  from  other 

199 

214 

228 

259 

266 

240 

denominations . 

Ministers  dismissed  to  other 

21 

14 

29 

26 

36 

29 

denominations . 

19 

14 

23 

9 

15 

5 

Churches  organized . 

71 

48 

29 

36 

47 

54 

Churches  dissolved . 

Churches  received  from  other 

32 

33 

47 

38 

45 

29 

denominations . 

Churches  dismissed  to  other 

2 

2 

2 

3 

8 

1 

denominations . 

2 

2 

6 

2 

2 

2 

Number  of  Ruling  Elders . 

12,289 

12,382 

12,611 

12,919 

13,395 

13,849 

Number  of  Deacons . 

12,592 

12,280 

12,877 

13,475 

14,220 

14, 632 

Added  on  Examination . 

19.804 

22,441 

13,587 

20,643 

24,369 

24,002 

Added  on  Certificate . 

16,009 

14,527 

14,361 

19,773 

21,889 

20,251 

Total  Communicants . 

359,335 

362,522 

364,230 

376,517 

397,058 

411,854 

Number  of  Adults  Baptised.  .  .  . 

9,427 

7,751 

6,224 

9,613 

11,892 

11,993 

Number  of  Infants  Baptized  .  . 
Total  Sunday  School  Enroll- 

6,054 

5,564 

4,780 

6,194 

7,210 

7,468 

ment . 

332,420 

336,480 

341,460 

357,848 

370,840 

396,850 

CONTRIBUTIONS 


1917 

1918 

1919 

1920 

1921 

1922 

Foreign  Missions . 

.$  570,856 

$  670,287 

$  791,441 

$1,108,758 

$  1,153,629 

$  1,281,323 

Assembly’s  Home  Missions. . . 

193,363 

233,991 

303,587 

407,652 

536,836 

543,438 

Local  Home  Missions . 

Christian  Education  and 

449,274 

399,419 

490,515 

*710,875 

900,150 

857,783 

Ministerial  Relief . 

517,585 

285,466 

214,803 

247,621 

968,955 

380,165 

Educational  Institutions . 

Sabbath  School  Extension 

279,928 

205,480 

721,586 

879,744 

739,776 

and  Publication . 

41,781 

47,424 

74,239 

94,892 

100,028 

96,704 

Bible  Cause . 

12,444 

18,824 

19,695 

22,935 

26,099 

24,007 

Orphans’  Homes . 

Pastors’  Salaries . . 

131,343 

153,015 

205,480 

385,441 

373,109 

363,469 

1,626,653 

1,505,003 

1,822,143 

2,186,075 

2,557,002 

2,663,192 

Congregational,  etc . 

1,589,347 

1,918,341 

1,971,974 

2,889,308 

3,673,657 

3,608,210 

Miscellaneous . 

641,194 

422,458 

416,946 

461,693 

955,682 

1,185,658 

Total . 

$5,934,156 

$6,516,303 

$9,236,836 

$12,124,891 

$11,743,725 

*Embracing  Synodical,  $207,085;  Presbyterial,  $454,216;  and  Congregational,  $238,849. 

These  figures  are  not  in  every  case  the  same  as  appear  in  the  reports  of  the  Presbyteries,  but 
are  partly  derived  from  the  Executive  Committee’s  financial  reports. 


PER  CAPITA  GIFTS 


(1921-1922) 

Benevolences . $  13. 2g 

Current  Expenses .  15.22 

Total  for  nil  pauses . . . . . $  28.50 


1122 


Statistics 


[Book  IX 


FOREIGN  MISSIONS 


Foreign  Workers 

Native  Workers 

Out  Stations 

Organized  Churches  j 

_ ‘ _ 1 

Communicants 

Added  on 

Confession 

Christian 

Constituency 

Sabbath  Schools 

Sabbath  School 

Membership 

Schools 

Students 

Income  from  Native 

Sources 

Native  Students  for 

the  Ministry 

1914 

339 

1,227 

983 

105 

30,107 

4,059 

103,946 

543 

30,264 

324 

12,375 

56,422 

105 

1915 

358 

1,078 

1,111 

501 

33,021 

3,768 

122,578 

626 

36,436 

457 

16,012 

113,298 

126 

1919 

377 

894 

1,211 

160 

38,169 

5,256 

76,178 

884 

60,550 

565 

24,004 

122,332 

205 

1917 

381 

1,073 

1,399 

181 

41,337 

5,972 

84,139 

965 

61,466 

715 

25,264 

121,097 

1918 

384 

3,024 

1,489 

185 

43,221 

5,491 

83,820 

638 

67,441 

752 

27,684 

159,640 

1919 

384 

2,802 

1,320 

241 

43,797 

4,617 

80,000 

1,014 

60,085 

739 

26,117 

290,717 

1920 

1921 

424 

2,874 

1,574 

239 

44,169 

44,834 

4,690 

4,731 

91,573 

1,142 

1,327 

68,584 

76,707 

884 

29,574 

307,285 

274,578 

k . 

\ 

In  1921-22  (p.  58)  40  new  missionaries  and  5  associates  workers  were  added  to  roll. 

For  every  dollar  contributed  by  the  Home  Church  about  25  cents  was  given  by  our  Native 
Churches;  the  amount  given  by  them  is  more  than  our  entire  missionary  income  for  1902. 


HOME  MISSIONS 


General 


m 

.2 

'Eh 

G 

o 


G 

O 

"G 

<D 

> 


a>  £ 


<B 


Mission  Schools 


o 

o 

hG 

w 

m 


OQ 

u 

o 

r3 

o 

d 

O 


cn 

Sh 

d 

F  < 

o 

Xi 

o 

CO 


Mountaineers 


m 

u 

o 

(-4 

o 

£ 


"d 

a 

d 

rrs  00 

co  rt 

£o 

o 

u  d 

3  -+-> 

JZW 

O 


03 

r—S 

o 

rd 

o 


Foreign 


d 

o 

•  rH 

c$ 

£ 


Colored 


OQ 

U 

v 

rO 


Frontiers 


03 

.2 

3 

£ 

o 

•  rH 

03 

03 


CO 

<D 

rd 

o 

4— 

3 

rd 

o 


CO 

03 

rO 


1915 

145 

92 

11 

42 

78 

32 

1916 

632 

5,624 

42 

149 

2,630 

138 

111 

3,589 

10 

33 

71 

2,800 

20 

43 

1917 

694 

5,351 

40 

125 

2,500 

213 

149 

2,419 

10 

33 

71 

2,800 

30 

45 

1,652 

1918 

701 

4,301 

40 

125 

2,500 

208 

3,643 

10 

33 

62 

2,700 

30 

45 

1,900 

1919 

764 

5,767 

47 

125 

2,500 

243 

3,797 

10 

37 

59 

2,106 

44 

43 

1,900 

1920 

809 

8,949 

44 

125 

2,711 

242 

7,000 

10 

31 

59 

2,372 

53 

49 

2,700 

1921 

905 

9,638 

47 

125 

2,500 

230 

7,230 

10 

38 

54 

2,350 

Statistics 


1123 


CHRISTIAN  EDUCATION  AND  MINISTERIAL  RELIEF 


Contributions  for  the  Years  from  1905  to  1922. 


Year 

Education  and 
Relief,  and  The 
Student  Loan 
Fund. 

1905 

$  42,493  38 

1906 . 

53;  191  61 

1907 . 

50, 088  50 

1908 . 

56,  381  95 

1909 . 

61,741  35 

1910 . 

67,420  63 

1911 . 

95, 929  00 

1912 . 

86, 722  65 

1913 . 

92,  323  29 

1914 . 

97,631  89 

1915 . 

101, 397  05 

1916 . 

96,291  10 

1917 . 

91,573  95 

1918 . 

130,740  15 

1919 . 

179, 034  54 

1920 . 

223,  508  81 

1921 . 

241,  793  60 

1922 . 

298,  688  38 

Endowment  Life  Annuity 
Fund  of  Minis-  Funds. 


Total 


terial  Relief. 


3,  927 
34,  665 

126,  387 
44,  206 
36,  524 
15, 021 
10, 678 
10,  424 

4,  972 
4,915 
7,  513 

20,012 
187, 357 
10, 105 
25,  568 
51,  426 
697, 461 
73,  757 


61 

96 

76 

54 
62 
40 
73 
66 
35 
47 
40 
40 
62 

69 
94 
27 

70 

55 


1,300  00 
6, 534  00 
5, 076  00 
10,  200, 00 
8,  436  05 
29,  700  00 
5,  620  00 


46,  420  99 
87, 857  57 
176, 476  26 
100, 588  49 
98, 265  97 
82,  442  03 
106,  607  73 
97, 147  31 
97, 295  64 
102, 547  36 
108, 910  45 
117,603  50 
285,465  57 
145,921  84 
214, 803  48 
283,371  13 
968, 955  30 
380, 165  96 


Total  amount  of  Student  Loan  Fund  $150,934  (in  1922.) 

In  addition  to  the  above  the  field  force  of  the  Executive  Committee  has 
raised  for  schools  and  colleges  in  the  Synod  of  Missouri,  $570,000;  North 
Carolina,  $1,300,000;  South  Carolina,  $1,130,000;  Appalachia,  $750,000; 
City  of  Memphis,  $580,000;  Greenbrier  County,  West  Virginia,  about  $75,000; 
a  total  of  $4,405,000. 

The  Committee  has  also  assisted  other  Synods  in  successful  financial 
campaigns  and  is  now  engaged  in  campaigns  for  $2,500,000  for  Synodical 
Schools  and  Colleges. 

For  a  list  of  Presbyterian  Educational  Institutions,  revised  to  May, 
1921,  see  Report  of  Executive  Committee  of  Christian  Education  and  Min¬ 
isterial  Relief  for  1921,  p.  174ff. 


PUBLICATION  AND  SABBATH  SCHOOL  WORK 
COMPARATIVE  SUMMARY 

A  comparative  table  will  be  found  below,  showing  the  growth  in 
the  volume  of  business  and  increase  in  assets  of  the  committee  from 
1903,  when  a  reorganization  was  effected,  to  the  end  of  the  fiscal  year 


of  1919: 

Comparative  Sale  Record  Net  Assets 

1903— $  45,587  00  . $  129,896  00 

1904— ,  92,201  00  .  101,919  00 

1905—  105,307  00  .  106,624  00 

1906—  116,951  00  .  110,123  00 

1907—  129,000  00  .  108,420  00 

1908—  146,064  00  .  110,963  00 

1909—  160,224  00  .  116,165  00 

1910—  164,067  00  .  117,591  00 

1911—  185,962  00  .  126,774  00 

1912—  202,046  00  .  138,965  00 

1913—  214,539  00  .  141,546  Of) 


1124  Statistics  \  |  Book  IX 

Comparative  Sale  Record  Net  Assets 

1914—  227,475  00  . 232,983  00 

1915—  237,225  00  . 272,565  00 

1916—  245,635  00  .  284,768  00 

1917—  251,351  00  .  288,356  00 

1918—  288,259  00  .  304,868  00 

1919—  285,388  11  .  336,920  87 

1920—  345,801  93  .  391,527  35 

1921—  465,664  10  .  397,349  75 

1922—  489,353  77  .  425,307  00 

The  Texarkana  Depository 

Annual  Sales  Our  Investment 

1907— $  7,600  00  . $11,783  00 

1908—  25,695  00  .  19,391  00 

1909—  30,145  00  .  23,288  00 

1910—  35,389  00  .  28,477  00 

1911—  43,712  00  .  36,853  00 

1912—  44,577  00  .  43,128  00 

1913—  47,252  00  .  47,561  00 

1914—  50,722  00  .  43,816  00 

1915—  49,926  00  .  48,314  00 

1916—  56,724  00  . . 

Stock  50,006  00 

Bldg.  50,028  00 

1917—  58,076  00  . . . . . 

Stock  52,281  00 

_  Bldg.  50,028  00 

1918—  74,549  00  . . 

Stock  47,430  00 

(Bldg.  50,028  00 

1919—  72,607  09  . 

Stock  46,345  00 

(Bldg.  50,028  00 

1920—  89,024  66  . h . . 

Stock  45,568  12 

(Bldg.  50,028  00 

1921—  121,925  31  . 

Stock  38,820  80 

(Bldg.  50,028  00 

1922—  124,155  24  . 

Stock  35,288  25 

Bldg.  47,528  00 

Sunday  School  Pediodicals  issued  by  Presbyterian  Committee  of 

Publication 

Single  copies  for  year  ending  March  31,  1902 .  3,616,000 

Single  copies  for  year  ending  March  31,  1903  .  4,619,850 

Single  copies  for  year  ending  March  31,  1904 .  5,333,100 

Single  copies  for  year  ending  March  31,  1905 .  7,378,100 

Single  copies  for  year  ending  March  31,  1906 .  7,572,294 

Single  copies  for  year  ending  March  31,  1907 .  7,731,204 

Single  copies  for  year  ending  March  31,  1908 .  8,462,177 

Single  copies  for  year  ending  March  31,  1909 .  9,008,560 

Single  copies  for  year  ending  March  31,  1910 .  9,506,250 

Single  copies  for  year  ending  March  31,  1911 . 10,118,200 

Single  copies  for  year  ending  March  31,  1912 . 10,123,800 

Single  copies  for  year  ending  March  31,  1913 . 10,674,090 

Single  copies  for  year  ending  March  31,  1914 . 11,183,268 

Single  copies  for  year  ending  March  31,  1915 . 11,434,697 

Single  copies  for  year  ending  March  31,  1916 . 12,451,609 

Single  copies  for  year  ending  March  31,  1917 . 13,034,587 

Single  copies  for  year  ending  March  31,  1918 . 13,349,955 


Statistics 


1125 


Single  copies  for  year  ending  March  31,  1919 . 13,924,800 

Single  copies  for  year  ending  March  31,  1920 . 12,077,925 

Single  copies  for  year  ending  March  31,  1921 . 12,570,330 

Single  copies  for  year  ending  March  31,  1922 . 13,894,743 


OFFERINGS  FOR  SABBATH-SCHOOL  EXTENSION 


The  gratifying  increase  in  the  offerings  for  Sabbath-School  Exten¬ 
sion  from  1903  (the  year  the  new  department  was  fully  organized) 
down  to  date  may  be  interpreted  as  an  expression  of  the  growing 
interest  of  the  Church  in  the  vitally  important  task  of  reaching  the 
neglected  young  people  of  the  South  with  the  gospel  and  training 
the  young  life  of  the  Church  for  effective  service. 


The  growth  in  offerings  is  shown  by  the  following  table: 


1903 

1904 

1905 

1906 

1907 

1908 

1909 

1910 

1911 

1912 

1913 

1914 

1915 

1916 

1917 

1918 

1919 

1920 

1921 

1922 


$  10,234 
12,565 
1 T232 

21.424 
15,140 
18,031 
17,131 
20,780 
21,123 
22,459 
29,418 
33,488 
32,721 
37,556 

,  40,089 

47.424 
,  67,001 

,  94,982 

100,028 

96,704 


15 

85 

98 
20 
38 
54 

44 

36 
48 
34 
05 

45 

37 
26 

99 
06 
13 

34 

35 
70 


SUNDAY-SCHOOL  EXTENSION  AND  BENEVOLENT 

WORK 

Reference  is  made  to  the  report  of  the  Superintendent  of  Sun¬ 
day  School  and  Young  People’s  Work  for  the  details  of  active 
and  fruitful  work  in  this  department.  The  report  shows  many  new 
Sunday  schools  organized,  entering  new  missionary  territory  and 
stimulating  better  methods  of  organization  and  improved  plans  for 
religious  education  in  both  our  Sunday  schools  and  Young  People’s 
societies.  Our  Church  is  beginning  to  realize  its  responsibility 
for  the  religious  nurture  of  the  great  throng  of  young  people  in  the 
South  who  are  out  of  the  Sunday  school  and  practically  religious 
illiterates  and  a  most  generous  response  was  made  to  the  appeal 
for  Sunday-School  Extension  funds.  The  effectiveness  of  the  Sun¬ 
day-School  Extension  Department  of  our  work  is  shown  by  the 
number  of  pupils  who  have  come  through  the  Sunday  schools  into 
our  churches. 

Since  the  organization  of  a  department  of  Sunday  School  work  m 
1903  special  emphasis  has  been  placed  upon  the  power  and  respon¬ 
sibility  of  the  Sunday  school  as  an  evangelizing  agency  and  the 


Statistics 


1126 


[Book  IX 


table  below  indicates  how  fruitful  has  been  the  effort  of  our  schools 
in  this  vitally  important  matter. 


ADDITIONS  TO  OUR  CHURCHES  ON  PROFESSION  OF 

FAITH 


From 

Total 

Total 

Year 

Sunday  Schools 

Additions 

Enrollment 

1902  . 

170,266 

1903  . 

.  5,338 

10,489 

1904  . 

.  4,736 

11,072 

1905  . 

.  5,293 

12,410 

1906  . 

.  5,320 

13,476 

1907  . 

.  5,460 

14,367 

1908  . 

.  5,610 

14,153 

1909  . 

.  5,715 

15,998 

1910  . 

.  5,620 

13,392 

226,648 

1911  . 

. , .  5,519 

13,437 

234,497 

1912  . 

6,715 

14,103 

245,495 

1913  . 

. .  7,423 

15,979 

260,838 

1914  . 

.  7,099 

.  16,149 

297,993 

1915  . 

.  10,992 

20,156 

320,278 

1916  . 

.  11,011 

21,804 

317,904 

1917  . 

11,268 

19,804 

332,420 

1918  . 

.  11,847 

22,441 

335,076 

1919  . 

. . .  9,463 

13,587 

342,720 

1920  . 

.  12,119 

20,643 

357,848 

1921  . 

.  13,917 

24,369 

370,840 

1922  . 

.  13,540 

24,000 

396,850 

YOUNG  PEOPLE’S  SOCIETIES 

1919 

1920 

1921 

1922 

Adult  Organized  Classes  . . 

446 

486 

525 

Membership  . . 

.  2,767 

3,576 

4,624 

Secondary  Organized  Classes  . 

.  209 

305 

402 

Membership  . 

.  1,604 

2,618 

3,843 

Christian  Endeavor  Societies  . 

971 

1,128 

1,293 

1,379 

Christian  Endeavor  Members  . 

.  30,741 

32,929 

35,684 

43,278 

STATISTICAL  SUMMARY  OF  THE  WOMAN’S  AUXILIARY 

From  1910  to  1922 


Year 

No.  Soc. 

Membership 

Benevolent  Gifts 

Misc.  Ben. 

Cur.  Ex.  & 

Local  C. 

Total  all 

Causes 

Foreign 

Missions 

Assem.  H.  M. 

Local  H.  M. 

C.  E.  &  M.  R. 

S.  S.  Ext.  & 
Pub. 

^Schools  &  Col. 

Orphans 

Homes 

1910 

2  217 

52  871 

72  536 

42,958 

161,562 

38  715 

315  571 

1911 

2' 265 

54  361 

78  643 

49,008 

165,842 

42  287 

335  488 

1912 

2  *  528 

60  474 

104  204 

52,161 

161, 165 

62, 126 

383  726 

1913 

2' 606 

66  684 

124  553 

52,464 

166,567 

57,935 

401  519 

1914 

2;  618 

66^521 

104,095 

21,662 

35,362 

13,914 

2,020 

20,437 

161,278 

53,259 

4 10 i 425 

1915 

2,684 

67,643 

105,570 

21,663 

65,591 

10,379 

2,348 

9,907 

30,368 

146,502 

442,982 

1916 

2,603 

68,259 

122,470 

25,810 

58,809 

22,018 

4,439 

15,262 

25,401 

57,786 

121,626 

502,200 

1917 

2,678 

70,444 

110,479 

24,680 

58,680 

13,974 

2,959 

12,061 

26,833 

44.690 

144,507 

439,973 

1918 

2,572 

72,135 

125,949 

33,680 

62,863 

17,714 

4,199 

18,442 

40,850 

92,519 

102,683 

501,881 

1919 

2,347 

65,405 

141,324 

37,847 

72,355 

26,030 

6,904 

26,030 

48,391 

112,746 

95,909 

565,278 

1920 

2,334 

72,073 

239,494 

53,141 

86,252 

30,649 

9,239 

42,772 

63,186 

148,158 

107,683 

783,109 

1921 

2,120 

82,099 

226,788 

70,114 

132,443 

110,331 

12,298 

48,976 

91,335 

275,585 

87,415 

1,059,574 

1922 

2,108 

89,000 

246,939 

74,663 

136,156 

50,806 

12,609 

64,319 

76,263 

242,572 

234,147 

1,143,318 

INDEX 

The  references  are  to  the  number  of  the  page. 

In  a  few  cases  numbers  are  included  in  (  ),  to  indicate  that  the  docu¬ 

ments  to  which  they  refer  are  reports  to  the  Assembly,  not  acts  of  the  As¬ 
sembly. 


Absentees, 

From  the  ordinances  of  the  church, 
25. 

From  Synod  must  be  noted  in  the 
record,  124. 

Address  to  churches  through¬ 
out  the  earth,  885. 

Ad  Interim  Committees, 

Expenses  of,  149. 

Items  referred  to,  shall  be  printed 
in  Minutes,  141. 

Reports  of,  149. 

Advisory  Committee  of  Domes¬ 
tic  Missions,  238. 

Affiliate  membership,  33. 
Africa,  227. 

Afro-American  Synod,  112. 
x\ge  limit  in  Columbia  Semi¬ 
nary  removed,  478. 

Agencies  of  the  church,  169. 

Relation  of  diaconate  to,  78. 

Agreement,  Charlotte  Articles 
of,  1053. 

Alliance,  General  Presbyte¬ 
rian  (Western  Section), 

641,  1032,  1037. 

Constitution  of,  1033. 

Delegates  to,  how  accredited,  1035. 
Delegates  to,  how  chosen,  1036. 
Dabney  resolutions,  as  to,  1035. 
Expenses  of,  1037ff. 

Standing  Committee  to  correspond 
with,  1037. 

Eastern  Section,  1048. 

Alphabetical 

List  of  churches,  614. 

Order  for  Synods  and  Presbyteries 
in  Minutes,  140. 

Alternates, 

Eligibility  of,  643. 

Taking  place  of  principal,  130,  605. 

Amending  Constitution 

As  to  powe1  of  Assembly  to  effect 
union,  coi  respondence,  etc.,  1028. 


Amendments  to  Confession  and 

Book  of  Church  Order, 

How  made,  2. 

Proposed,  16. 

Amusements,  Worldly, 

850,  854. 

Pastoral  letters  on,  851. 

Annuities,  187,  250,  380,  395. 
Anti-Saloon  League,  859. 
Apostles’  Creed,  Revision  v 
of,  11. 

•  Appalachia  Synod,  111. 

Appeal, 

Right  to  cannot  be  abridged,  1097. 
Different  from  complaint,  1098, 
1114. 

Of  R.  B.  Williamson,  [660]* 

Of  Stuart  Robinson  and  others, 
[664]* 

Of  Ouachita  Presbytery,  [690]*. 

Of  Charleston  Presbytery,  [691]* 

Of  Presbytery  of  Western  Texas, 
[693]*. 

Of  B.  D.  D.  Greer,  [695]* 

Of  E.  T.'  Hoge,  [703]* 

Of  Presbytery  of  Lafayette,  [712]* 

Of  G.  C.  Overstreet,  [716]* 

Of  Presbytery  of  Eastern  Texas, 
[720]* 

Of  F.  E.  Robbins,  [720]* 

Of  E.  T.  Baird  [667]* 

Of  J.  E.  White,  [666]* 

Of  D.  C.  Robinson,  [675,  677]* 

Of  W.  S.  Turner,  [669,  672]* 

Of  L.  B.  Field,  1115. 

Appeals,  Special,  187. 

Appellant  and  Appellee,  who 
are,  1098. 

Apportionments  for  collections, 
369,  598,  609,  (620),  641, 
655,  657ff,  (667),  (717), 
720,  738. 

Not  assessments,  125. 

How  ascertained,  (636),  641. 

*  Numbers  in  [  ]  refer  to  Alexander’s 
Digest  (1910). 


1130 


Index. 


Arbitration,  882,  903. 

Armenians,  sympathy  with, 

865,930. 

Army,  chaplains  in,  276. 

Articles  of  Agreement,  Char¬ 
lotte, 

Reformed  Churches  in  America 
holding  the  Presbytery  System, 
1053. 

Aspersions  removed,  1049. 

Assembly,  see  General  Assem¬ 
bly. 

Assembly’s  Home  Missions, 

238. 

Assembly,  “Sunday  School,” 

,  565 

Assemblies,  Provincial,  1028. 

Assessments  for  contingent 
fund,  145,  609. 

Assistant  Pastor,  48. 

Associate  Reformed  Synod, 

Relations  with,  910. 

Union  with  two  Presbyteries  of, 
714f. 

Atlanta  Convention,  127. 

Atlanta  University,  419f. 

Auditing, 

Reports  of  Executive  Committees, 
150,  777f. 

Reports  of  Treasurers  of  Executive 
Committees,  151. 

Form  to  be  used,  778. 

Committee  to  be  one  of  the  Stand 
ing  Committees,  150. 

Auditing  Committee, 

Recommendations  of,  151. 

Auditing  Committees,  Local, 

777. 

Auditors, 

To  inspect  books  of  all  the  Com¬ 
mittees,  704,  (709). 

Augusta,  Ga.,  First  Presbyte¬ 
rian  Church,  943. 

Austin  Theological  Semi¬ 
nary,  481. 

Authority  of  deliverances, 

164,  167. 

Authorized  Version  in  Sabbath 
School  exercises,  547. 

Auxiliary  schools  in  colored 
work,  338. 

Auxiliary,  Woman’s,  see  Wo¬ 
man’s  Auxiliary. 


Bachelor  of  Divinity,  496. 
Baldwin,  Mary  J.,  legacy,  244. 
Ballot  not  required,  34. 
Baltimore  Conference, 

Proceedings  of,  973. 

Baptism, 

Not  a  burial,  835. 

Romish,  836,  839. 

May  Presbyterians  immerse,  838. 
By  Campbellites  and  Unitarians, 
839,  844. 

Swedenborgian,  840. 

Of  Quakers,  840. 

Of  children  of  non-professors,  840. 
Of  children  of  suspended  members. 
841. 

Of  unconscious  adults,  841. 

In  extremis ,  842. 

Infant,  neglect  of,  841. 

When  valid,  838,  839,  842. 

Baptismal  formula,  14. 
Baptized  non-communicants, 

22,  23. 

Benediction,  847. 

Beneficiary  education  of  candi¬ 
dates,  346. 

Benefit  fund,  396. 

Benevolences, 

Assembly’s  share,  160. 

Goals,  608,  612,  (627). 

Receipts,  643. 

Bequests, 

Trustees  to  pay  over,  441. 

Form  for,  426,  793. 

Bethels,  Seamen’s,  275,  814. 
Bible, 

Cause,  Permanent  Committee  on, 
802. 

Day,  551. 

English,  in  Seminaries,  477,  489. 
Inspiration  of,  in  Seminaries,  481. 
In  public  schools,  449. 

In  state  schools,  449. 

Repprt  of  Standing  Committee, 
803,  809. 

Revision,  811. 

Three  hundredth  anniversary  of 
Authorized  Version,  153,  803. 
School  at  Montreat,  Summer,  429. 
Society,  British  and  Foreign,  810. 
Confederate  States,  National,  799. 

Bible  Society,  American,  598, 
798f,  810. 

Added  to  list  of  benevolent  causes, 
801. 

Relations  with,  804. 

Report  of  Ad  Interim  Committee 
on,  805. 


Index. 


1131 


t 


Bibles, 

For  children  who  repeat  the  Shorter 
Catechism,  559. 

Kennedy  bequest  for,  524. 

Scholars  should  use,  558. 

Bi-Centennial, 

Of  first  Presbytery  in  U.  S.,  945. 

Biennial, 

Meetings  for  Assembly  and  Synods, 

137. 

Blanks  (see  also  Statistical  Re¬ 
ports), 

Spaces  in  S.  S.  blanks  for  all 
causes,  549. 

For  S.  S.,  559. 

Sessional,  74,  597. 

Presbyterial,  597f. 

Blanks, 

“Ministers  otherwise  paid,”  not  to 

be  added,  (37. 

Ministerial  Relief,  38G. 

Systematic  Beneficence.  774. 

*/ 

To  be  supplied  by  Publication  Com¬ 
mittee,  787. 

Stations,  791. 

For  Young  People’s  Societies,  566f. 
For  all  societies,  571. 

Separate,  571. 

For  Women’s  Societies,  573. 

For  Statistical  Reports,  787. 
Column  for  Tuscaloosa  Institute, 
326. 

Changed  to  Colored  Evangeliza¬ 
tion,  790. 

Column  for  Bible  Cause,  801. 
Column  for  Evangelistic  fund,  264. 
For  Progressive  Program,  749f. 
Changes  proposed,  791. 

Boards  discarded  for  Commit¬ 
tees,  897. 

Bohemia,  930. 

Bond  of  Treasurer  for  Domes¬ 
tic  Missions,  241  f. 

Book  of  Church  Order,  new, 

11.  525. 

Book  of  Discipline,  Revision 
of,  11. 

Books,  character  of, 

Sold  by  Publication  Committee, 
500,  503. 

By  our  own  ministers  or  members, 
506. 

Boundaries  of  Synods  changed, 

114ff. 

Boy  Scouts,  579. 

Branch  Depository  at  Texark¬ 
ana,  508,  611. 

Elsewhere,  507. 


Brazil, 

Mission  to,  222. 

Synod  of,  222,  936. 

General  Assembly  of,  223,  936. 

Brief  Statement  of  Belief,  7. 
Brotherhoods,  572. 

Budget  Plan,  593. 

Budget  (Auxiliary), 

745f,  750. 

Bulletin  for  Foreign  Mis¬ 
sions,  204. 

Bureau  of  Information,  288. 
Burial  Service,  847. 

By-Laws, 

For  Board  of  Trustees,  794. 

For  Sustentation,  287. 

Caldwell,  Wm.,  complaint  of, 

[707]* 

Calendar,  Church,  749. 

Of  Prayer,  Foreign  Missions,  203, 
610. 

Of  Prayer,  Home  Missions,  253, 

610. 

Called  meetings  of  Presby¬ 
tery,  104. 

Calling  pastor,  40. 

Calvin  celebration,  928. 
Campaign  Committee, 

655,  (679),  (682),  690. 

Reports  to  be  published  in  Assem¬ 
bly  Minutes,  655. 

Campbellite, 

Baptism,  839,  844. 

Doctrine,  845. 

Campinas  Institute,  223. 
Candidates. 

Amendments  touching,  58. 

Changes,  61. 

Of  non-co-operating  Presbyteries, 
may  not  be  aided,  359. 
Certificates  in  lieu  of  examination, 
65. 

Presbyteries  shall  require  reports 
from,  350. 

Reports  from  institutions,  350. 

Care  in  receiving,  348. 

Presbytery  cannot  refuse  to  re¬ 
ceive,  on  account  of  race  or  color 
[695]*. 

Maximum  appropriations  for,  355. 
At  what  period  should  aid  be  giv¬ 
en,  359. 

Sanction  for  work  by,  64. 

*  Numbers  in  [  ]  refer  to  Alexander’s 
Digest  (1910). 


1132 


Index. 


Candidates, 

Authority  of  Presbytery  over,  350, 
353. 

Financial  aid,  353. 

Loans  to,  357,  361. 

Home  Mission  aid,  292. 

Pledges  to  must  be  absolute,  354. 

Aid  from  other  sources  must  be  re¬ 
ported,  360. 

Only  partial  support  contemplated, 
360. 

Support  of  special,  360. 

No  aid  to  post-graduates  nor  to 
sub-collegians,  357. 

Special  aid,  to  be  sent  through 
Executive  Committee,  359. 

Those  who  have  dropped  out  must 
return  moneys  received,  354,  361. 

Should  get  credentials  from  their 
Sessions,  350. 

Transfer  of,  from  one  Presbytery 
to  another,  351. 

Attending  institutions  beyond  our 
bounds,  35  L  492. 

When  applications  for  aid  for. 
should  be  sent  in,  370. 

Form  of  application  for  aid  for, 
370. 

Should  complete  course,  497. 

Credit  on  loan,  362. 

As  colporteurs,  354. 

Prayer  for  increase  in,  371. 

Plan  for  training  colored,  306. 

Color  of,  to  be  reported,  370. 

Colored,  course  of  study  for,  307. 

Card  playing,  850,  852,  854.' 

Catalogue,  Annual  (Publica¬ 
tion),  510. 

Catechetical  instruction,  832. 
Catechism, 

How  amended,  2. 

Bibles  for  children  who  repeat  the 
Shorter,  559. 

Simplified  form  declined,  10. 

On  Church  and  Church  Govern¬ 
ment,  452. 

On  the  History  of  the  Church,  452. 

On  Church  Polity,  534. 

To  be  taught  in  Sabbath  Schools, 
531,  547. 

* 

Catechist, 

Office  of,  proposed,  67. 

Causes.  Give  to  our  own,  688.  ! 

Censure,  ecclesiastical,  in  case 
of  disobedience  to  civil 
magistrate,  [675]* 

Legal  force  of,  terminates  when  in¬ 
flicted  [669]*. 


Member  entitled  to  letter  of  dis¬ 
mission  after  censure  if  desired 
[669]*. 

Census,  the  Federal,  906. 

Centennial  of  first  General  As¬ 
sembly  in  America,  152. 

Central  America,  232. 

Central  University  of  Ken¬ 
tucky  [713,  716,  717]* 

Certificate  of  reception,  in  case 
of  dismissed  members,  20. 

Certificate  for  graded  les¬ 
sons,  532. 

Chaplains  in  the  army,  276. 

Chapman,  thanks  to  Mrs.,  433. 

Charge,  to  the  people  or  pastor, 
by  an  elder,  43. 

Charity  to  other  churches,  844. 

Charleston  Union  Presbytery, 
Secession  of,  98. 

Charlotte  Articles  of  Agree¬ 
ment,  1053. 

Charter, 

For  Committee  of  Publication,  513. 

For  Committee  of  Foreign  Mis¬ 
sions,  173. 

For  Committee  of  Home  Missions, 
240. 

For  the  Assembly,  793. 

Trustees  organize  under,  7 $3. 

Amended,  793. 

Charters,  Committee  to  exam¬ 
ine,-  765. 

Child  labor,  874. 

Children, 

Of  deceased  ministers,  396. 

Included  with  parents  in  letters 
of  dismission,  22. 

Attendance  of,  on  public  worship, 
833. 

Children’s  Day,  190. 

Children's  Friend ,  539. 

China  Mission,  220. 

Union  Presbyterian  Church,  220. 

Thirtieth  anniversary,  220. 

Biblical  Encyclopedia,  221. 

Action  in  regard  to  riot  and  fam¬ 
ine  in,  221. 

General  Assembly,  1096. 

Chinese  Exclusion  Act,  864. 

*  Numbers  in  [  ]  refer  to  Alexander’s 

Digest  (1910). 


Index. 


1133 


Choctaw  Bible,  219. 

Nation,  Orphans’  Home  in,  293. 

Christian  Education  and 
Ministerial  Relief,  343. 

Christian  education,  397. 

Christian  Endeavor.  388  184, 
570. 

Six  missionary  meetings,  199. 

Summer  conference,  572. 

Christian  (Campbellite)  Bap¬ 
tism,  843. 

Christian  Reformed  Church  of 
North  America,  941. 

Christian  religion  in  Constitu¬ 
tion  of  U.  S.,  898. 

Christian  Science,  874. 

Christmas  and  Easter  Les¬ 
sons,  558. 

Christmas  not  holy  day,  847. 

Christmas  program,  448. 

Church, 

Meaning  of,  20. 

Its  non-political  character,  885, 
900. 

♦  Spirituality  of,  885,  901. 

Dismissing  to  another  denomina¬ 
tion,  89. 

Citation  of,  44. 

Building  across  State  line,  89,  100. 

Church  edifices. 

By-laws  in  reference  to,  282. 

Loans  for  completing,  282. 

Church  and  Christian  Educa¬ 
tion,  397. 

Church  Schools, 

Constitution  for,  398. 

Necessity  of,  408. 

Church  extension,  282. 

Church  Order,  Book  of,  see 
Book,  etc. 

Church  property,  form  of  law 
as  to,  14. 

Church  and  college  prop¬ 
erty,  425. 

Church  control,  Colleges  not  to 
be  separated  from,  428. 

Churches  of  the  World, 

Conference  on  life  and  work,  1087. 

Churches, 

Presbytery  has  discretion  as  to 
mode  of  organizing,  105. 

Not  in  our  connection,  When  our 

ministers  may  supply,  45. 

The  grouping  of,  268,  289. 


Church  and  Christian  Work¬ 
ers, 

National  Federation  of,  944. 

Cigarettes,  use  of,  discour¬ 
aged,  579. 

Circle  Plan,  577,  723. 

Citation, 

By  the  Session,  85. 

Of  Church,  44. 

Citizens,  Duties  of,  to  the 
State,  899. 

Civil  governments, 

Our  relations  to,  899. 

When  to  seek  intervention  of,  902, 
906. 

Clearing  House  Plan,  724, 
(735). 

Clergy’s  Friendly  Society,  384. 

Clerks  of  the  Assembly, 

Have  privileges  of  the  floor,  133. 

Term  of  service,  135. 

List  of,  136,  134. 

Instructions  to,  concerning  Min¬ 
utes,  142. 

To  correspond  with  Presbyterian 
Alliance,  1037. 

Stated,  to  publish  list  of  reports 
required,  140. 

Equipment  and  salary  of,  133. 

To  tabulate  reports  on  Sunday 
Schools  and  Societies,  578. 

Of  Presbyteries,  must  sign  Narra¬ 
tives,  109. 

How  send  papers  to  Assembly,  109. 

Of  Sessions,  to  be  omitted  from 
Minutes,  141. 

Closer  relations, 

Of  Churches  holding  the  Presby¬ 
terian  system,  999f  1017,  1051. 

Articles  of  Agreement,  1053. 

Collections, 

Fifth  Sabbath,  255. 

Should  be  weekly,  767. 

For  benevolence,  Presbytery  must 
inquire  and  report,  767,  769,  773. 

Dates  for,  597. 

To  be  made  in  vacant  churches  by 
Supplies,  770. 

For  Schools  and  Colleges,  369. 

Envelope  system,  582. 

College  property,  425. 

Colleges  not  to  be  separated 
from  Church  control,  428. 

Colombia,  U.  S.  of,  mission 
to,  222. 

Colored  candidates,  on  trial, 
316. 


liu 


Index. 


Colored  churches, 

Plan  of  separate  organization,  316. 
Statistics  of,  316. 

Colored  Evangelization,  301. 

Combined  with  Home  Missions, 
580f. 

Colored  exliorters  to  be  li¬ 
censed,  303,  306. 

Colored  ministers,  306. 

Conferences  with,  308. 

Colored  people, 

Under  care  of  Domestic  Missions, 
301. 

Pastoral  letter  on  religions  instruc¬ 
tion  of,  301. 

Religious  literature  for,  524. 

A  plan  for  religious  instruction 
of,  302,  305. 

Ministers  to  preach  to  once  a 
month,  308. 

Separate  Churches  for,  316,  322. 
Separate  Presbyteries  and  Synods, 
316,  322. 

Branch  congregations  for,  303. 
Sabbath  Schools  for,  303. 

Auxiliary  schools  for,  338. 
Co-operation  with  Northern  Board 
as  to  work  among,  304. 
Co-operation  with  Council  of  Re-' 
formed  Churches,  308. 

Aid  for,  from  Sustentation  fund, 
310f. 

Policy  in  regard  to,  316. 
Presbyteries  to  report  all  work 
among,  311. 

Missionary  among,  322. 

Rather  than  Freedmen,  325. 
Progress  of  work  among,  312. 
Executive  Committee  appointed, 
314,  325. 

Colored  women, 

Conference  for,  (697),  706,  747. 

Colored  work, 

To  be  studied  in  Women’s  Soci¬ 
eties,  338. 

In  cities,  338. 

Combined  with  Home  Missions,  339, 
582,  599. 

Colored  students, 

Aid  to,  for  summer  work,  315. 

Colportage, 

Undertaken,  516. 

Remitted  to  the  Presbyteries,  517. 
Again  undertaken,  518. 

Candidates  employed  in,  354,  520. 

Colporteurs,  duties  of,  519. 

Columbia  Presbytery,  IT. 
Columbia  Seminary,  476f. 


Comity,  1031,  1062. 

Breaches  of,  1070. 

Permanent  Committee  on  Federa¬ 
tion  and  C.,  (1508). 

Commission, 

Judicial,  1100. 

May  try  a  case,  1101. 

Some  latitude  allowed  in  perform¬ 
ance  of  its  duties  [684]*. 

Of  elders  to  supervise  colored  con¬ 
gregations,  303. 

Of  Presbytery,  1061T. 

Commissioners. 

To  higher  courts  may  be  required 
to  report  on  other  matters  than 
their  diligence,  168. 

Elders  as,  not  limited  to  members 
of  Presbytery,  128. 

Not  more  than  four  from  one  Pres¬ 
bytery,  128. 

Four  necessary,  if  Presbytery  is 
large  enough,  128. 

Travelling  expenses  and  entertain¬ 
ment,  145. 

Committee,  General,  of  Confer¬ 
ence,  920. 

Committees, 

Presbyterial,  what  elders  may  Ije 
appointed  on,  102. 

Rather  than  Boards,  897. 

Communion,  see  Lord’s  Sup¬ 
per. 

Complaint, 

Right  to,  cannot  be  abridged,  1097. 
Different  from  appeal,  1098,  1114. 
Should  go  to  Synod  before  Assem¬ 
bly  [666]*. 

Of  James  Sinclair,  [660]*. 

Of  A.  W.  Miller  and  others,  [660]*. 
Of  Samuel  Galloway  [660]*. 

Of  J.  J.  Cooke,  [660]*. 

Of  S.  J.  Baird  [662]*. 

Of  I.  W.  Canfield,  [663]*. 

Of  R.  K.  Smoot  and  others,  [668]*. 
Of  R.  S.  McAllister  and  M.  B. 

Shaw,  [666]*. 

Of  J.  H.  Moore,  [666]*. 

Of  J.  E.  White,  [667]*. 

Of  I.  W.  and  W.  Q.  Canfield, 
[664]*. 

Of  E.  E.  Bacon,  [668]*. 

Of  Presbytery  of  Memphis  [672]*. 
Of  W.  McKay,  [673]*. 

Of  C.  A.  Baker,  [674]*. 

Of  F.  P.  Ramsay,  [675]*. 

Of  Presbytery  of  Mecklenburg, 
[676]*.  ’ 

Of  W.  T.  Russell,  [684]*. 

Of  James  Woodrow,  [686]*. 

*  Numbers  in  [  ]  refer  to  Alexander’s 
Digest  (1910). 


Index. 


1135 


Complaint, 

Of  Presbytery  of  Memphis,  [689]*. 
Of  J.  A.  Enslow,  [695]*. 

Of  E.  M.  Richardson  and  others, 
[697]*. 

Of  S.  S.  Laws,  [698]*.  . 

Of  W.  M.  McPheeters,  [699]*. 

Of  J.  S.  Shaw,  [700]*. 

Of  J.  B.  McNeilly  and  others, 
[702]*. 

Of  E.  W.  Bedinger,  [702]*. 

Of  E.  T.  Hoge,  [702]*. 

Of  Z.  B.  Graves,  [704]*. 

Of  J.  M.  Wells  and  others,  [704]*, 
Of  N.  D.  Thurmond,  [705]*. 

Of  Wm.  Caldwell,  [707]*. 

Of  J.  M.  Chaney,  [713]*. 

Of  Bennett  H.  Young  and  others, 
[713,  716]*. 

Of  W.  A.  Gillon,  [718]*. 

Of  J.  W.  McLeod,  [718,  720]*. 

Of  Sory  and  Long,  [723]*. 

Of  W.  H.  Mills,  [724]*. 

Of  H.  C.  DuBose,  [725]*. 

Of  W.  I.  Sinnott,  llOlf. 

Of  J..  F.  Cannon,  1108. 

Of  J.  K.  Dowman,  1109. 

Of  LaFayette  Church,  1111. 

Of  R.  A.  Lively,  1113. 

Of  J.  M.  Holladay,  1114. 

Of  F.  G.  Ruff,  1118. 

Against  Savannah  Presbytery,  1118. 
May  be  against  other  than  a  judi¬ 
cial  decision,  [674]*. 

Concert,  Monthly,  of  prayer  for 
Missions,  180. 

Concerts,  for  Church  purposes, 
773. 

Conference  Committee  with 
Northern  Church,  1029. 
Conference, 

World  Missionary  in  Edinburgh, 
204. 

With  Northern  Church,  in  regard 
to  Home  Missions,  1031. 

Conferences, 

For  Young  People’s  Movement,  572. 
On  Stewardship,  692. 

Confession  of  Faith, 

How  amended,  2. 

Amended,  2ff. 

Conformity,  Worldly,  853. 
Congo  Atrocities,  227,  906 
Congo  boat,  227. 

Congregation,  The,  18. 
Congregational  meetings, 

For  what  purposes  may  be  held, 
34. 

Who  may  preside  at,  34. 


Consolidation  of  Executive 

Committees,  599,  601. 

Constitution,  The,  1. 

Constitution, 

Adopted,  1. 

How  amended,  2. 

Constitution  of  Executive 
Committee  of  Domestic 
Missions,  238. 

Constitution  for  Church 

Schools,  398. 

Constitution  of  United  States, 

Amendment  to,  883,  898,  903. 

Contingent  fund  for  Assem¬ 
bly,  144. 

“Contributed”  interpreted,  775. 
Contributions  to  special  object 
in  Missions,  183. 

Contributions  to  outside  causes, 

To  be  classed  as  miscellaneous,  791. 

Contributions, 

Information  to  be  taken  from 
printed  reports  of  Treasurers  of 
Executive  Committees,  142. 
Statistics  of,  180,  247. 

Control,  Church,  for  Col¬ 
leges,  428. 

Convention,  Atlanta,  127. 

Convention  at  Huntsville  on 
education,  418. 

Conventions, 

Of  Elders  and  Deacons,  76. 

Sunday  School,  552. 

Co-operation, 

In  the  foreign  field,  213. 

In  Foreign  Missions,  213. 

In  Theological  Seminary  and  School 
work  in  China,  221.' 

Co-operative  Alliance  with  De¬ 
formed  Church,  541,  956. 

Co-operative  union  with  North¬ 
ern  Church,  986,  1029. 

Defective  for  Home  Missions,  993. 
In  colored  work  not  adopted,  994. 

Co-operative  work, 

Conference  on,  1029. 

Co-ordinate  Secretary, 

For  Foreign  Missions,  177. 

For  Home  Missions,  241. 

*  Numbers  in  [  ]  refer  to  Alexander’s 
Digest  (1910). 


1136 


Index. 


Correspondence, 

Solicited  with  various  churches, 
923. 

With  M.  E.  Church,  South,  922. 

With  M.  E.  Church,  North,  924. 

With  U.  P.  Church  of  Scotland, 
926. 

With  Free  Church  of  Scotland,  926. 

With  Reformed  Episcopal  Church 
in  U.  S.,  937. 

With  State  Sunday  School  Conven¬ 
tion,  937. 

With  Evangelical  Alliance,  938. 

With  the  Bishops  of  the  P.  E. 
Church,  939. 

With  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
Church,  952. 

With  Colored  Cumberland  Assem¬ 
bly,  954. 

With  Reformed  Church,  955,  959. 

With  Northern  Presbyterian 

Church,  with  reference  to  union, 
961. 

Pastoral  letter  on  this  subject, 
966. 

With  Synod  of  Greek  Evangelical 
Church,  938. 

With  Reformed  Church  in  U.  S., 
960. 

With  Presbyterian  Church  in  In¬ 
dia,  945. 

With  Korea,  .948. 

With  United  Presbyterian  Church, 
947. 

With  Y.  M.  C.  A.,  938. 

With  Southern  Baptist  Conven¬ 
tion,  1096. 

To  be  by  letter,  958,  977. 

Corresponding  members,  102. 
Counsel  for  the  accused,  1097. 
Counting  vote  in  Judicial  cases, 
1099. 

Country  Church,  255,  (650). 
Courts, 

Not  parties  in  Judicial  Cases,  1097. 

Not  compelled  to  bring  trial  be¬ 
cause  charges  are  brought  [671]* 

Have  power  to  make  deliverances 
affirming  what  is  an  offense,  164. 

Courts,  Church,  81. 
Covenanters,  572. 

Cradle  Roll,  563. 

Creed,  Apostles’,  amending,  11. 
Cuba,  232. 

Cumberland  Church. 

Correspondence  with,  952. 

Union  with  Northern  Church,  946. 

Colored,  954. 


Dancing,  854ff. 

Dancing  schools,  854. 

Danville  Seminary,  1030. 
D’Aubigne,  928. 

Day  of  prayer, 

Eor  youth,  366. 

For  schools  and  colleges,  366. 

Eor  more  candidates,  365. 

Days,  Appointed,  to  be  pub¬ 
lished  in  Minutes,  140. 
Deaconess,  80. 

Deacons,  77. 

Demission  of,  70. 

Their  relation  to  the  Session,  77. 
May  assist  in  Communion,  835. 
Mav  be  Trustees,  78. 

Relation  to  temporal  affairs,  178. 
Rotation,  71. 

May  not  change  pastor’s  salary 
without  congregation,  78. 

Cannot  call  congregational  meet¬ 
ing,  78. 

Enlargement  of  work,  79. 

Training  course,  692,  (699). 

Deceased  wife’s  sister,  2. 

Deed  of  gift  to  college,  427. 

Delegates, 

Elders  are  representatives,  not 
delegates,  102. 

Deliverances, 

•  Courts  have  power  to  make, 
defining  what  is  an  offense,  164. 

In  thesi,  their  nature  and  author¬ 
ity,  164. 

Force  of  logical  inferences  from, 
167. 

Demission  of  elders  and  dea¬ 
cons,  70. 

Deposed  ministers, 

Mode  of  restoring,  50. 

By  degrees,  [669]*. 

Depositories  for  Publication 
Committee,  501,  508f. 

Branch,  507ff. 

Diaconate, 

Its  relation  to  the  Agencies  of  the 
Church,  78. 

Digest,  144,  579. 

Diploma  for  normal  course, 
532. 

Directory  of  Worship,  revision 
of,  il. 

Directory  for  the  Oblation, 
784,  847. 

*  Numbers  in  [  ]  refer  to  Alexander’s 
Digest  (1910). 


Index. 


1137 


Disabled  ministers’  fund,  373. 
Discipline,  Book  of,  see  Book, 
etc. 

Its  two-fold  meaning,  165. 

Necessity  of,  in  certain  cases,  853. 

Comity  in  matters  of,  between 
Northern  and  Southern  Churches, 
1031. 

Without  trial,  [679]*. 

Of  retail  liquor  dealers,  857. 

Dismission, 

Of  a  church  to  another  denomina¬ 
tion,  33. 

Of  members,  to  churches  not  con¬ 
nected  with  the  Assembly,  20, 
[669]*. 

Of  ministers  to  other  denomina¬ 
tions,  37. 

Of  non-communing  members,  22. 

Of  members,  notification  to  Church 
to  which  they  are  dismissed,  20. 

Letter  of,  to  be  granted  only  by 
Session,  21. 

Letter  may  not  be  declined  by  Ses¬ 
sion,  21. 

Letter  of,  when  returned,  reinstates 
in  membership,  24. 

Letter  to  include  baptized  children, 

22. 

In  blank,  irregular,  21. 

Form  of  certificate  to  be  prepared 
by  Publication  Committee,  516. 

Dissenting  ministers,  55. 
“Distinctive  Principles,”  908. 

Dissolution  of  pastoral  rela¬ 
tion,  44. 

Divested  minister, 

To  be  assigned  membership  in 
church,  [703]*. 

Reinstatement  of,  50. 

Divorce,  867,  873. 

Doctrines  of  the  Church, 

To  be  taught  in  Sunday  School, 
531. 

Domestic  Missions, 

Southwestern  Advisory  Committee, 

238. 

Constitution  of  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee,  238. 

Change  of  location  for  Committee, 

239. 

Executive  Committee  consolidated 
with  Foreign  Missions,  239. 

Auditing  reports  of  Treasurer,  242. 

Salary  of  Treasurer,  241. 

*/ 

Non-co-operating  Presbyteries,  242. 

Donation  Fund,  Special,  185. 


Double  delegation  to  Assem¬ 
bly,  128. 

Duplex  envelopes,  582. 

Durant  College  for  Girls,  293. 

Dutch  Reformed — Reformed 

Church  in  America,  955. 

Earnest  Worker ,  541. 

Advertisements  in,  504. 

Easter  not  holy  day,  847. 

Cards  in  Sunday  School,  558. 

Observances,  558. 

Edifices,  Church  loans  for,  283. 

Edinburgh  World  Missionary 
Conference,  204. 

Editor,  Missionary ,  178. 

For  Publication  Committee,  543. 

Education  for  the  Ministry 
/and  Missionary  Service, 
346. 

Beneficiary,  346. 

Church  and  Christian,  397. 

Executive  Committee  constituted, 
343,  457. 

Scope  of  work,  347. 

Evolution  of,  457f. 

United  with  Publication,  343. 

Name  changed,  344f,  373. 

Duties  and  powers,  349,  354. 

Provisional  committee,  344. 

Secretary,  179,  604,  623,  640. 

Secretary  to  visit  Synods  and 
Presbyteries,  346. 

Travelling  agent  for  the  Commit¬ 
tee,  345. 

Christmas  program  for  Sunday 
Schools,  368,  448. 

Months  for,  368. 

In  Sunday  Schools,  368. 

Money  for,  how  remitted,  349. 

Location  of  Executive  Committee 
changed,  343. 

Powers  of  Committee  not  enlarged, 
349. 

Receipts  and  disbursements  to  be 
printed,  453. 

Education. 

An  apportionment  for,  369. 

Ecclesiastical  year  for,  369. 

Presbyterial  reports  on,  364. 

Duties  of  Presbyterial  chairmen, 
364,  368. 

Three  years’  program,  453. 

Recommendations  of  Reformed 
CMirches  in  America,  449. 

*  Numbers  in  [  ]  refer  to  Alexander’s 

Digest  (1910). 


Index. 


Education, 

Centennial  of  organized  work  of 
education,  455. 

Statistics,  1123. 

Ministerial,  Address  on,  364. 

Standard  of,  481. 

Theological,  no  change  in  mode 
and  standard,  482. 

Secular,  407. 

Convention  at  Huntsville,  418. 

Educational, 

Association  of  the  South,  Presby¬ 
terian,  409. 

Institutions,  number  of  Presbyte¬ 
rian,  428. 

Loan  Fund,  454. 

Educational  campaign  for  be¬ 
nevolences,  607,  (627) 

Educational  Secretary  of 
Church  Benevolences,  623, 
(635),  640,  (653). 

Efficiency  Chart  in  Sunday 
School,  534. 

Efficiency  Standard,  534. 

Elders,  68. 

Membership  in  Presbytery  contin¬ 
ues  until  next  stated  meeting,  68, 
102. 

llepresenting  associated  churches, 

68. 

Church  organized  without,  84. 

To  conduct  services  in  neighboring 
congregations,  68. 

Presbyterial  courtesies  to,  69. 

Those  who  have  moved  from  their 
bounds,  69. 

Keturning  letters  of  dismissal  re¬ 
sume  their  functions,  70. 

Demission,  70. 

Function  of  single,  81. 

Examination  on  the  standards,  72. 

Potary,  71. 

May  deliver  the  charge  to  the  peo¬ 
ple  or  pastor,  43. 

In  Presbyterv  are  representatives, 

102. 

Presbytery  may  have  original  juris¬ 
diction  over,  91. 

Dissolving  relation  of,  69,  72. 

Licensure  of,  75. 

Ordination  of,  as  deacons,  75. 
as  evangelists,  75. 

Urged  to  pastoral  duties,  76. 

Church  without  elders  may  be  en¬ 
rolled,  84. 

As  commissioners  to  Assembly,  not 
limited  to  members  of  Presby¬ 
tery,  128. 


In  Presbvterv  and  Svnod,  records 
should  show  what  church  each 
represents,  124. 

On  Presbyterial  Committees,  102. 
Moderators,  73. 

Elect  Infants,  3. 

Electioneering  pamphlets,  138. 
Elocution  in  Seminaries,  493. 
Enacting  power  of  Assembly, 
132. 

Endeavor,  Christian,  570. 
Endowment  Fund,  392. 

Increasing  gifts,  393. 

Gift  of  Mr.  Inman,  393. 

Gift  of  Mr.  Graham,  395. 
Statistics,  1123. 

English  Bible  in  Seminaries, 
489. 

Enroll  members,  not  while 
house  is  voting,  168. 
Envelopes,  Duplex,  582. 

Episcopal  Church, 

Protestant,  939. 

Deformed,  937. 

Equipment  Day,  760. 
Equipment  Fund,  760,  762. 
Equipment  and  Reinforcement. 

216,  621f,  744. 

Erection,  Church,  744. 

Collection  for,  282. 

Grant  or  loan  for,  283. 

Manual  changed,  283. 

Value  of  property,  284. 

Errors  in  records,  how  to  cor¬ 
rect,  168. 

Established  Church,  Constitu¬ 
tional  provision  against, 
approved,  898. 

Evangelical  Alliance,  938. 
Evangelical  Churches  o  f 
France  and  Geneva,  928. 

Evangelism,  260,  (644),  (648). 

In  the  Seminaries,  263. 
Presbyteries  not  required  to  re¬ 
port  to  Assembly,  264. 

Irregular,  280. 

Apportionments  for  Synodical, 
125. 

And  Stewardship,  (618),  621, 

(627),  (633),  639,  (644),  (648). 
Separate  from  Sustentation,  263. 
In  Synods  and  Presbyteries,  269. 
Synodical  conferences,  (645). 
Superintendent,  271,  (645),  (648), 
(734). 


Index. 


1139 


Evangelism, 

Suggested  program,  271. 

Pre- Assembly  conference,  272. 

Personal,  273. 

Not  merged  with  Presbyterial 
Home  Missions,  273. 

Combined  with  Home  Missions, 
280. 

Joint,  281. 

Evangelist,  duties  and  powers. 
48,  260. 

Ecclesiastical  character  and  pow¬ 
ers  of  foreign,  207ff. 

Evangelists, 

Presbyteries  not  required  to  re¬ 
port  to  Assembly,  264. 

Grouping  churches  under,  262. 

The  churches  served  must  help  sup¬ 
port,  262. 

For  each  Presbytery,  268. 

Lay,  52. 

Irresponsible,  52. 

Salaries,  280. 

Evangelistic  fund,  column  for, 
in  Presbyterial  blanks,  264. 

No  aid  to  be  given  from,  to  non¬ 
co-operating  churches,  243. 

Evangelistic  work, 

Licentiates  in,  63. 

In  Texas,  340. 

By  individual  churches,  265. 

Committee,  264. 

Permanent  Committee,  265. 

Report  of  Select  Committee,  266. 

Report  of  Standing  Committee,  266. 

Combined  with  Home  Missions, 

599. 

Every  Member  Canvass  Plan. 
(591),  (593),  598,  607, 

(6181 .  621.  639,  6111. 

(645f),  (648),  (660). 

(666),  (6C4) ,  692. 

Evangelistic  work  in,  628. 

Recommendations  as  to  method, 
(637). 

Conferences  of  leaders,  (667). 

Literature,  (668),  (685),  ( 7 1 6f ) , 

Special  features,  (668). 

Tliree-fold  forward  movement, 

(668). 

Weakness  of,  (664),  (684),  (686). 

Suggested  program,  (670). 

Churches  making  E.  M.  C.  to  be 
designated  in  Minutes  by  X,  674. 

Gifts  to  Assembly’s  causes  to  be  at 
least  60%  of  total  benevolences, 
674. 

Comparison  of  enlisted  and  non- 
enlisted  churches,  (661),  (683). 


A  spiritual  factor,  (684). 

In  Sunday  School  literature,  692, 
(699). 

In  January,  February  and  March, 
705. 

Evolution,  493. 

Examination  of  Elders  on  the 
Standards,  before  ordina¬ 
tion,  72. 

Examination  rule,  not  made 
optional,  37. 

Adopted  into  Constitution,  38. 

Examining  physicians  for  ap¬ 
plicants  for  appointment 
as  missionaries,  207. 

Exclusion  Act,  Chinese,  864. 

Excommunication  for  dancing, 
856. 

Executive  Committee  of  Gen¬ 
eral  Presbyterian  Alliance. 
1056. 

Executive  Committees, 

To  be  all  constituted  alike,  764. 

Composition  of,  640. 

How  chosen,  764. 

Location  of,  768. 

Consolidation  of,  768. 

Publishing  reports  of,  776. 

Abstracts  of  reports  to  be  pub¬ 
lished  in  Appendix  to  Minutes, 
776. 

Reports  to  be  of  uniform  size,  776. 

Reports  of  Treasurers  of,  777. 

How  these  reports  shall  be  audited, 
150f,  778. 

Secretaries  are  ex-officio  Trustees  of 
the  Assembly,  793. 

Have  privileges  of  the  floor  in  As¬ 
sembly,  133. 

Tenure  of  office,  764,  766. 

Salaries  to  be  fixed  by  Executive 
Committees,  765. 

Member  absent  from  three  con¬ 
secutive  meetings  to  be  dropped, 
640. 

Reports  to  Assembly,  640. 

One  Committee  proposed,  (696), 
declined,  703,  724. 

Exhorters, 

Colored,  to  be  licensed,  303. 

Lay,  52. 

Extension,  Church,  282. 

Extension,  Sabbath  School, 
549,  564. 

Extraordinary  cases  in  licen¬ 
sure  and  ordination,  49. 


1140 


Index. 


Fac-similes  of  signatures  of 
first  Assembly,  162f. 

Faith,  Christian,  and  Social 
Service,  1092. 

Faith  and  Order,  World  Con¬ 
ference,  1090. 

F  amily , 

Training,  pastoral  letter  on,  S32. 

Religion,  818,  833. 

Worship,  831. 

Fasting  and  prayer,  day  of. 
848,  899. 

Fatalism  in  the  Confession,  15. 

Federal  Council  of  Churches 
of  Christ  in  America,  1077. 

Federal  Union,  1011. 

F ederal  Union  among  Reform¬ 
ed  Churches,  623,  1048. 

Federation,  National,  of 
Churches,  944. 

Federation,  Union  and,  1002. 

Fifth  Sabbath  collections,  255. 

Finance,  Standing  Committee. 
150. 

Financial  plan  to  be  taught  in 
Seminaries,  494,  672. 

To  be  presented  in  Presbytery  and 
Synod,  C75. 

Flinn,  thanks  to  Dr.  R.  O. 
(638). 

First  Presbytery  in  U.  S.,  Bi¬ 
centennial,  945. 

Five  Year  Budget,  (729),  739. 

Florida  as  a  mission  field,  340. 

Florida  Land  Company,  453. 

Foot  note  to  Confession,  3. 

Foreign  Correspondence,  923. 

Foreign  evangelist,  207. 

Foreign  field,  ordination  in. 
51. 

Foreign  Missions,  169. 

Declaration,  171. 

Constitution  for  Executive  Commit¬ 
tee,  1G9. 

Committee  organized,  171. 

Location  of,  171. 

Treasurer’s  bond,  205. 

Duties  of  Secretaries,  178. 

Salary  of,  205. 

Changes  in  Secretaries,  176. 

Assistant  Secretary  and  Treas¬ 
urer,  177. 

Co-ordinate  Secretary,  177f. 

Associate  Secretary,  179. 


Work  of  Provisional  Committee, 
170. 

Executive  Committee,  incorporated, 
173. 

Duties  of  the  Committee,  173. 
Manual,  172,  199. 

Not  to  consolidate  with  Northern 
Board,  172. 

Corresponding  members  of  Execu¬ 
tive  Committee,  176. 

Pastors  to  preach  on,  196. 
Separated  from  Home  Missions, 
172. 

An  evening  for,  in  the  Assembly, 
196. 

Co-operation  in,  213. 

Executive  Committee  to  elect  all 
officers  except  Secretary,  172. 

To  avoid  debt,  173. 

Employ  expert  accountant,  173. 
Sub-committees,  174. 

Bound  books  for  records,  174. 

Low  expense,  175,  205. 

Items  to  be  reported,  610. 

Report  commended,  175. 

Every  church  in  one  Presbytery 
made  an  offering,  175. 

Debt,  181. 

Four  dollars  per  member,  195. 

New  financial  plan,  181. 

Percentage,  182,  657. 

Reserve  fund,  182,  (631). 

Three  million  dollar  campaign,  182. 
Definite  responsibility,  185. 
Platform,  193. 

Months,  186. 

Children’s  Day,  190. 

F.  M.  and  Sabbath  Schools,  196. 
Monthly  or  quarterly  bulletin,  204, 
Stereopticon  slides,  204. 

Reports  from  foreign  field,  21 6f. 
Equipment,  216. 

Monthly  payments,  217. 

Furlough,  217. 

Conference  of  Secretaries,  (631). 
Successful  year.  (649),  (662). 
Statistics,  180,  1122. 

Foreign  Speaking  Peoples, 

299. 

Form  of  Government,  how 
amended,  2. 

Forms  of  bequest,  426. 

Forward  Movement 

In  Foreign  Missions,  191,  617. 

In  Home  Missions,  250. 

For  Schools  and  Colleges,  402. 

Foundation,  Presbyterian,  759. 
Four  and  a  half  million  dollar 
drive  (729),  738. 


Index. 


1141 


France  and  Belgium  Relief , 
882. 

France,  Evangelical  Churches 
of,  928. 

Fraternal  correspondence  with 
various  churches,  928. 

Fraternal  relations  with  North¬ 
ern  Church,  967. 

Fredericksburg  College,  467. 

Free-will  offerings,  183,  448. 
.623,  656,  705,  782. 

Frontier,  The,  339. 

Gambling,  862f. 

Gavels,  161. 

General  Presbyterian  Alliance, 
641,  1032,  1037. 

General  Assembly,*  127. 

Organized,  127. 

Evangelistic  conference  before,  272. 

Not  a  continuous  court,  12S. 

Elder  may  be  a  commissioner, 
though  not  a  member  of  Pres¬ 
bytery,  128. 

No  Presbytery  can  have  more  than 
four  commissioners,  128. 

Double  delegation  necessary,  128. 

Rules  for  election  of  commission¬ 
ers,  129. 

Basis  of  representation,  129f. 

Commissioners  may  be  chosen  for 

>  two  years,  129. 

Joint  meetings,  153. 

Commissioners  leaving  before  ad¬ 
journment,  130. 

Substitution  of  alternate  for  prin¬ 
cipal,  130. 

Lord’s  Supper,  131. 

Secretaries  and  Clerks  have  privi¬ 
leges  of  the  floor,  133. 

Stated  clerk  to  publish  what  re¬ 
ports  are  required,  140. 

Beports  to  be  read  bv  Stated 
Clerk,  138. 

Notices  to  be  read  by  Clerk,  138. 

Salary  of  clerks,  133. 

Resignation  of  Dr.  Law,  134. 

Office  of  Permanent  Clerk  abolished, 
135. 

Term  of  officers,  135,  137. 

Treasurer  of,  130. 

His  accounts  to  be  published, 
136. 

Moderator  not  to  be  ex-officio  a 
member  of  the  next  Assembly, 
131. 

Bi-ennial  meetings,  137. 

Pules  adopted  and  revised,  127. 


Prayer  for,  141. 

Price  of  Minutes,  142. 
Quarter-centennial,  152. 
Semi-centennial,  152. 

Centennial  of  first  Assembly  in 
America,  152. 

Enacting  power  of,  132. 

Secretaries  to  be  elected  by  Asem- 
bly,  136. 

Invitations,  137. 

Has  right  to  send  deliverances  di¬ 
rectly  to  Presbyteries,  1097. 

May  approve  decision  of  lower 
court  without  approving  reasons 
[665]*. 

May  base  decision  solely  ( on  prin¬ 
ciple  and  not  on  merits  of  case. 
[674]*. 

Not  proper  for  Assembly  to  assume 
jurisdiction  while  case  is  pend¬ 
ing  in  lower  court  [662]*. 
Without  power  to  organize  or  dis- 
s.olve  a  Presbytery,  100. 

Relation  to  churches  in  mission 
territory,  209. 

What  control  over  foreign  evan¬ 
gelist,  209. 

General  Powers  of  Church 
Courts,  464. 

General  Regulations  for 
Church  Agencies,  764. 
Geneva, 

Evangelical  Churches  of,  928. 
Theological  Seminary  of,  946. 

Gideons,  803. 

Giving, 

Christian,  15. 

Pastors  to  preach  on,  773. 

Golden  Rule  interpreted,  894, 
Government,  Form  of,  see 
Form,  etc. 

Graded  lessons  in  Sabbath 
Schools,  532. 

Graham  building,  395. 

Graham  plan  for  equipment, 
736f,  742. 

Gravbill,  Rev.  A.  T..  founds 
the  Mexican  mission,  224. 
Greece,  mission  to,  225. 

Greek  Evangelical  Synod,  938. 
Greek,  study  of  364. 

Grinnan,  Rev.  R.  B  ,  founds 
the  Japan  mission,  226. 
Group  calling  a  pastor,  47. 
Grouping  churches,  268,  289. 

*  Numbers  in  [  ]  refer  to  Alexander’s 
Digest  (1910). 


1142 


Index. 


Hampton  Institute,  955.  ' 

Hangchow  Presbytery,  99. 

Herald ,  Home  Mission.  252, 
604. 

Heretical  books,  503. 

Historical  Society, 

Presbyterian,  811. 

Southern  Presbyterian,  813. 

History,  collecting  materials 
for,  813. 

Home  and  School,  458. 

Separated  from  Fredericksburg  Col¬ 
lege,  464. 

Consolidated  with  Education  and 
Relief,  465,  582,  601. 

Transferred  to  Synod  of  Virginia, 
469. 

Home  department  in  Sunday 
School,  529. 

Home  Missionary  Societies, 

251. 

Home  Missionary  Journal,  251. 

Home  Missionary  Herald ,  252, 
604. 

Home  Missions,  238. 

Assembly’s,  defined,  247. 

Local  (Presbyterial) ,  243,  246. 

Harmonizing  Synodical  and  As¬ 
sembly’s  plan,  244f. 

Synodical,  Gifts  to  Nacoochee,  247. 

Executive  Committee  created,  238. 

Separated  from  Foreign  Missions, 
239. 

Work  beyond  bounds  of  organized 
Presbyteries,  341. 

To  be  included  in  program  of  Semi- 
Centennial,  152. 

Forward  Movement,  250. 

One  dollar  per  member,  250. 

Small  cost  of  operation,  240. 

Fine  reports  of  Executive  Commit¬ 
tee,  241,  258,  (710). 

Successful  year,  (663). 

Change  of  location,  239. 

Changes  of  name,  239. 

Manual,  238. 

Incorporated,  240. 

Non-co-operating  Presbyteries,  242. 

Study  classes,  257. 

Percentage,  246,  658. 

Semi-centennial,  248. 

Memorial  fund,  248. 

Individual  support,  250. 

Secretary  to  visit  throughout  the 
Church,  239. 

The  Secretaries,  241. 

Secretary,  on  Comity  Committee, 
247. 


Secretary  to  attend  Home  Mission 
Council,  241. 

The  Treasurer,  241f. 

Schools,  297. 

Amount  of  money  asked  for,  247f. 

Appropriations  to  be  made  in  lump 
to  Presbyteries,  243. 

Each  Presbytery  may  draw  out  its 
own  contributions,  243. 

Convention,  250. 

Journal,  251  f . 

Children’s  Day,  253. 

H.  M.  Week,  253,  611. 

Synodical  Superintendents,  (632). 

Importance  of,  256. 

Difficulties,  260. 

Ministers  to  present,  257. 

Conference  of  Chairmen,  269. 

Equipment,  290. 

Salaries,  291. 

Sunday  Schools  and  H.  M.,  253. 

Evangelism,  see  Evangelism. 

Items  to  be  reported,  611. 

Conference  with  Northern  Church 
to  remove  friction,  255. 

Small  cost  of  operation,  240. 

Statistics,  247f,  1122. 

Honorary  titles,  141. 

Huntsville  Educational  Con¬ 
vention,  418. 

Huss  Memorial,  256. 

Hymn  Book,  555. 

Rouse’s  version  of  the  Psalms, 
915.  . 

Hymn  Books  for  Sunday 
Schools,  556. 

Immersion,  835. 

Not  scriptural  but  valid,  838. 

Independent  Presbyterian 

Church, 

Union  with,  916. 

Independent  Church  for  col¬ 
ored  people,  316. 

Independent  Presbytery  in 
China,  220. 

Independent  Presbyterian 
Church  of  Savannah,  45. 
921. 

India,  correspondence  with 
Presbyterian  Church  in, 
945. 

Indian,  Presbytery  of,  trans¬ 
ferred  to  Synod  of  Texas, 
115. 


Index. 


1143 


Indians, 

Missions  among,  218. 

Religious  literature  for,  525. 
Schools  among,  218,  292. 

Transfer  to  Home  Missions.  219. 
340. 

Individual  Missionaries, 

Assuming  support  of,  183. 

Infant  Paper,  543. 

Infants,  Elect,  3. 

Informality  in  sending  over¬ 
tures,  15. 

Information 

Bureau  of,  288. 

Dissemination  of,  368. 

On  Foreign  Missions,  203. 

Inman,  Hugh  T.,  gift  to  Minis¬ 
terial  Relief,  393. 

Inquiry,  Committee  of,  as  to 
organic  union  with  North¬ 
ern  Church,  982. 

Inslee,  Rev.  E.  13.,  founds  the 
China  Mission,  220. 

Inspiration  of  the  Scriptures 
in  Seminaries,  481. 

Installation,  42. 

Institutes,  Sunday  School,  552. 
Intemperance,  850. 

Interchurch  World  Movement, 
215,  (713),  723,  (727f), 

738,  1087. 

International  friendship,  933. 
International  Lessons,  532, 
544f. 

Inter-Racial  Committee,  339. 

In  thesi  deliverances,  164,  1GG. 
In  transitu ,  Ministers,  39. 
Invalid  scheme,  375. 

Endowment  for,  304. 

“Invalid  Fund”  not  “Relief  Fund,” 
392. 

Investments,  382,  792. 
Invitations,  accepting,  137,  907. 
Irish  Presbyterian  Church,  934. 
Italian  Mission,  221. 

Itinerary  of  returned  mission¬ 
aries,  216. 

Jamestown  Exposition,  877. 
Japan,  Mission  to,  22G. 

School  for  girls,  235. 


Jews,  Missions  among,  230, 
(632). 

Evangelization  of,  in  our  bounds, 
273. 

Judgment,  private,  167. 

Judicial  Cases,  1097. 

Who  are  entitled  to  sit  in,  1097. 

Courts  not  parties  in  1097. 

And  so  not  entitled  to  be  repre¬ 
sented  on  appeal,  1098. 

Counting  vote  in,  1099. 

When  take  the  vote,  15. 

Appeal  lies  only  when  there  has 
been  a  judicial  trial,  1098. 

Co-ordinate  court  may  take  the 
testimony  of  distant  witness, 
1099. 

Counsel  for  accused  limited,  1097. 

Who  are  appellant  and  appellee.. 
1098. 

Parties  absent  during  trial  by  per¬ 
mission  of  court,  entitled  to  sit 
in  case,  1097. 

Judicial  Commission,  1100. 

May  try  a  case,  1101. 

Judicial  committee  may  not 
pass  final  judgment  on  a 
case  [675] * 

Judicial  Deliverances  different 
from  in  thesi  deliverances, 
166. 

Judicial  Tribunal,  1100. 

Junior  College,  Presbyterian, 
416. 

Jurisdiction  over  a  minister  of 
another  Presbytery,  100. 

Jurisdiction,  Original,  of  Pres¬ 
bytery,  91. 

Justice, 

Assembly  approves  substantial  jus¬ 
tice  of  a  sentence,  but  does  not 
give  sanction  to  irregularities, 
[668]*. 

Kennedy  bequest  for  Bibles 
and  tracts,  524. 

Kentucky,  Legacy  for  evange¬ 
listic  work  in,  244,  407. 

Kentucky, 

Synod  of,  unites  with  the  Assem- 
blv,  916. 

Reply  to  Synod  of,  in  regard  to 
Central  University,  [717]*. 

Theological  Seminary,  479. 

Consolidated  with  Danville,  480. 

*  Numbers  in  [  ]  refer  to  Alexander’s 

Digest  (1910). 


1144 


Index. 


King  College,  407. 

Knox,  John,  Anniversary  of 
birth  of,  927. 

Korea,  230. 

Correspondence  with  church  in, 
946. 

LaGrange  College,  406. 

Lane,  Ilev.  E.,  founds  the  Bra¬ 
zilian  mission,  222. 

Latin  thesis,  65. 

Lay  preachers  and  evangelists, 
52f. 

Lay  Workers’  Training  School, 
433. 

Laymen, 

Use  of,  35. 

To  manage  church  enterprises,  277, 
765. 

Laymen's  Missionary  Move¬ 
ment,  192,  250,  614. 

League,  Westminster,  566. 

Lectureships  in  Seminaries, 
494. 

Legacies,  method  of  distribut¬ 
ing,  244. 

Expense  of  collecting  certain,  795f. 

Legacy, 

Of  W.  A.  Moore,  283. 

Of  Susanna  P.  Lees,  283. 

Of  Miss  Mary  -J.  Baldwin,  244. 

Of  Miss  Mary  Stuart,  387. 

Of  Wm.  Workman,  -244,  407. 

Of  Stuart  Robinson,  396. 

Of  Robert  Lusk,  362. 

Letter. 

Correspondence  to  be  by,  958,  977. 

Dismissing  members  to  other  de¬ 
nominations,  20,  [669]*. 

For  a  member,  must  include  his 
children  also,  22. 

Of  dismission,  return  of,  reinstates 
a  party  in  membership,  24. 

Libraries,  555. 

License, 

And  ordain  not  at  same  meeting, 
60. 

Before  ordination,  60. 

Changes,  60. 

Licensure, 

Standard  for,  59. 

In  extraordinary  cases,  49f. 

Licentiates, 

In  evangelistic  work,  63. 

May  declare  a  church  vacant,  66. 

Presbytery  may  recall  license  of, 
[66*0]  *. 


Life  Work  Secretaries,  372. 
Linn,  Kev.  S.  P.,  case  of  [669]*. 
Liquor, 

Traffic,  suppression  of,  857. 
Retailers  of,  857. 

And  fire-arms  in  South  Sea  Islands, 
906. 

Literature, 

For  the  colored  people,  524. 

For  the  Indians,  525. 

Liturgy  for  public  worship, 
846. 

Loans, 

For  completing  church  edifices,  282. 
To  candidates,  357,  361. 

Loan  Fund,  Educational,  454. 
Loan  Fund,  Student’s,  456f, 
(633) 

Loans, 

Rather  than  gifts,  (651). 

To  prospective  medical  mission¬ 
aries,  358. 

To  young  women,  358. 

Local  Home  Missions,  239,  246. 
Lord’s  Day  Alliance,  757,  828f. 

Lord’s  Supper,  834. 

Elements  in,  834. 

Deacons  and  others  may  assist  in 
835. 

Losses  in  Membership,  24. 
Lotteries,  863. 

Louisiana  Svnod  organized, 

110. 

Louisville  colored  mission,  338. 
Louisville  conference,  1030. 
Louisville  Theological  Semi¬ 
nary,  479. 

Consolidation  with  Danville,  480. 

Luebo  Church  and  School,  229. 
Lusk,  Mr.  Kobert,  legacy  of. 
362. 

Mail,  Sunday,  826. 
Management  of  Executive 
Committees,  602. 

Manses,  288f. 

Manual  for  Foreign  Missions, 
199. 

Marriage, 

Theories  of,  870. 

Of  Minors,  866. 

Maryville  College,  405. 

M  asonry,  35. 

*  Numbers  in  [  ]  refer  to  Alexander’s 
Digest  (1910). 


Index. 


1145 


McAlpine,  a  founder  of  the 
Japanese  mission,  226. 
McNeilly,  Eev.  J.  H.,  resigna¬ 
tion  of,  175. 

Medical  missionaries, 

Call  for,  234. 

Loans  to  prospective,  358. 

Melvin, 

Thanks  to  Dr.,  455. 

General  Secretary  of  Steward¬ 
ship  Committee,  750,  755. 

Members  of  the  Church, 

Affiliate,  33. 

How  received  from  other  denomi¬ 
nations,  20. 

By  certificate  unless  examined  by 
Session,  18. 

On  re-statement,  19. 

Letter  of  dismission  necessary,  18. 

Dismissing  to  churches  not  con¬ 
nected  with  the  Assembly,  20. 

Non-communing,  dismission  of,  22. 

Non-communing,  a  roll  of,  to  be 
kept,  22. 

Losses  of,  not  to  be  reported,  24. 

Transfer  of,  under  the  twelve 
months’  rule,  19. 

Neglecting  to  transfer  for  twelve 
months,  on  separate  roll,  19. 

Not  to  be  dismissed  in  blank,  21. 

Presbytery  may  have  original  juris¬ 
diction  over,  91. 

Not  necessary  to  notify  church  to 
which  dismissed,  20. 

Non-attending,  25. 

Session  cannot  lawfully  pass  sent¬ 
ence  on  member  in  his  absence 
from  court,  on  single  citation, 
[679]  *. 

When  in  good  standing,  18. 

Entitled  to  letter  of  dismission 
after  censure,  if  desired,  [669]*. 

Is  in  “good  and  regular  standing” 

after  censure,  [669]* 

Membership, 

Courts  cannot  make  new  rules  of, 
87,  164. 

Suspension  from,  without  trial 
[679]*. 

Memorial  Scholarships,  457. 
Men, 

Program  for,  (633),  748. 

And  Religion  Forward  Movement 
35. 

Men’s  work,  permanent  com¬ 
mittee,  761. 

Mexican  mission,  224. 

Presbytery  of  Tamaulipas,  225. 

Synod  of  Mexico,  942. 


Mexicans,  Home  Missions 
among,  341. 

Mileage,  146. 

Presbyteries  urged  to  adopt  As¬ 
sembly’s  system,  109. 

Minimum  amounts  for  causes, 
642. 

Minimum  requirements  for 
church  schools,  413. 

Ministers,  36. 

Reception  of,  without  letters  of 
dismission,  36. 

Examination  rule  for,  37. 

Dismission  of,  to  other  denomina¬ 
tions,  37. 

Dismission  by  Stated  Clerk,  not 
allowed,  36. 

Subscribing,  when  received  into  a 
Presbytery,  39. 

Transferred  to  another  Presbytery 
37. 

In  transitu,  39. 

Not  belong  to  two  courts  at  once. 
39. 

“Otherwise  paid”  not  in  blanks. 
140. 

Jurisdiction  over  lOOf. 

Not  preaching,  45. 

When  they  may  supply  churches 
out  of  our  connection,  45. 

May  not  become  such  supply  per¬ 
manently,  45. 

Suspended,  40. 

Mode  of  restoring  the  deposed,  50 

Assigned  to  church  membership 
51. 

Out  of  doctrinal  accord  with  the 
church,  54. 

Who  doubt  their  having  a  call,  54 

Received  from  other  denominations 
36,  37. 

Alarming  need  of  more,  364. 

Presbytery  can  restrain  minister 
from  exercise  of  functions,  with¬ 
out  judicial  process,  if  of  un¬ 
sound  mind,  [664]* 

Colored,  305. 

Ministerial  Education,  see  Edu¬ 
cation. 

Ministerial  Relief,  Invalid 
Fund,  392. 

Ministerial  Relief,  see  Relief. 

Ministerial  Support,  390. 

Ministerial  Union  of  Rich¬ 
mond,  940. 

*  Numbers  in  [  ]  refer  to  Alexander’s 

Digest  (1910). 


1146 


Index. 


Ministry, 

Extraordinary  recruit  for;  491. 

Claims  of,  on  Christian  workers, 
365. 

Claims  of,  to  be  presented  in  Col¬ 
leges  and  Universities,  497. 

Minors,  Marriage  of,  866. 
Minutes  of  the  Assembly, 

To  be  published  by  Committee  of  Pub¬ 
lication,  142. 

Price  of,  142. 

Abstracts  of  reports  of  Executive 
Committees  to  be  published  in  ap¬ 
pendix,  776. 

Items  in,  136,  141,  613,  655,  674, 
692,  708,  776. 

Report  of  Trustees  in,  794. 

Column  for  Young  People’s  Soci- 
ties,  571. 

Column  for  Invalid  Fund  and  Con¬ 
gregational  Expenses,  788. 

Printing  Chairmen  of  Home  Mis¬ 
sions,  273. 

Tables  in,  (635). 

Minutes  of  a  Court,  168. 
Miriams,  568. 

Miscellaneous  contributions, 
791. 

Miscellaneous  gifts,  distribu¬ 
tion  of,  783. 

Mission, 

Court,  234. 

Field,  united  Presbyterian  church, 

212. 

Schools,  292,  557. 

Station  treasurer,  234. 

Study  classes  for  men,  672. 

Study  course,  197,  707. 

Work  beyond  bounds,  341. 

Missionaries, 

Expenses  of  new,  206. 

Qualifications  of,  206. 

Relations  of  Presbyteries  and  Exe¬ 
cutive  Committee  to  appoint¬ 
ment  of,  210. 

How  transfered  to  foreign  Presby¬ 
tery,  212. 

Entitled  to  copy  of  Executive  Com¬ 
mittee’s  record  affecting  them¬ 
selves,  in  certain  cases,  217. 

List  of,  to  be  published  twice  a 
year,  233. 

Call  for  more,  234. 

Annual  support,  (617). 

School  for  children  of,  472. 

Loyalty  to  the  faith,  210. 

Individual  supporters  to  be  re¬ 
ported,  611. 


Sanitary  houses,  236. 

New  appointments,  236. 

Among  the  colored  people,  322. 
Women  as,  205. 

Missionary, 

Aims  in  Sunday  School,  546. 
Literature,  544. 

Memorial  day,  235. 

Education  (Seven  Year  Plan),  198. 
Meetings  in  Presbytery,  196. 
Conferences,  174. 

Conference  in  Edinburgh,  204. 
Conference  at  Panama,  204. 
Platform,  193. 

Missionary ,  The ,  200,  604. 

Missionary ,  The  Children' s, 

202. 

Missionary  Societies, 

Women’s  and  Young  People’s,  187. 
Men’s,  190. 

Statistics  of,  1126. 

Missions, 

Monthly  meetings  in  interest  of, 
171. 

Lessons  on,  546. 

Prompt  payments  to,  207. 

Missouri,  Synod  of,  unites 
with  Assembly,  918. 

Mixed  Presbyteries,  in  foreign 
field,  211. 

Mob.  law,  866. 

Moderator, 

An  elder  may  be,  73. 

Of  Session,  who  may  be,  83. 

Of  Congregational  meeting,  34. 

Of  Assembly,  not  to  be  ex-officio  a 
member  of  next  Assembly,  131. 
Moderators  of  the  Assembly, 
1119. 

Money, 

Methods  of  raising,  773. 

Use  of,  (667). 

Monmouth  monument,  865. 
Monthly, 

Concert  for  Foreign  Missions,  171, 

180. 

Payments  for  mission  stations, 
(650). 

Months, 

For  collections,  582,  597. 

For  Foreign  Mission,  186. 

For  Home  Missions,  254,  693. 

Use  of  (E.  M.  C.),  (637),  641,  674. 

Montreal,  429ff. 

Summer  Bible  School,  429. 

On  budget,  (734),  744. 

Moore  Fund,  283. 


Index. 


1147 


Moral  and  Secular  Topics, 
850. 

Moravian  Church,  943. 

Morrison,  Trial  of,  227. 

Mortgage  on  edifice,  not  re¬ 
quired  for  loan,  283. 

Morton,  Rev.  G.  Nash,  founds 
Brazilian  mission,  222. 

Mountaineers,  297. 

Mount  Bethel  Church,  sale  oj, 
90. 

Music  to  be  under  charge  of 
Session,  848. 

Nacoochee,  247 

Names  of  Presbyterian  Institu¬ 
tions,  416. 

Narratives,  155. 

Topics  for,  9 1  f . 

Must  be  signed  by  clerk,  109. 

Near  East  Relief,  740,  931. 

“Necessity  and  Mercy,”  7. 

Negro  Girls’  Training  School, 
332. 

Negro  Women,  see  Colored 
Women. 

Newspaper,  Presbyterian,  544, 
864. 

Newspapers,  Sunday,  823. 

Non-attendance,  26. 

Non-communicants,  Baptized, 

22. 

Non-co-operating  churches,  243. 

Non-co-operating  Presbyteries, 
242. 

Non-denominational  books  sold 
by  Publication  Committee, 
503. 

Non-ministerial  mission  work¬ 
ers,  235. 

Non-political  character  of 
church,  885,  900. 

Non-resident  members,  26,  31. 

Not  same  as  retired  members,  32. 

Noonday  prayer  for  Missions, 
180. 

Normal  course  for  training 
teachers,  528. 

Diploma  in,  532. 

North  Alabama  Presbytery, 
116. 


Oblation,  Directory 
847. 


for, 


784, 


Offense,  Courts  may  make  de¬ 
liverances  defining  what 
constitutes,  164. 

Offenses, 

Not  all  to  be  dealt  with  by  judicial 
process,  164. 

Official  records,  168. 

Oglethorpe  University,  420. 

Oklahoma,  342. 

Synod  organized,  110. 

Home  Missions  in,  342. 

School  for  boys,  296. 

Presbyterian  College  for  girls  (  = 
Durant  College),  293. 

Dutch  Deformed  work,  342. 

One  dollar  per  member  for 
Home  Missions,  250. 
Onward ,  543. 

Order,  Book  of  Church,  525. 
Ordinances,  816. 

Ordination, 

Only  as  pastor  or  evangelist,  48. 

In  extraordinary  cases,  49f. 

In  foreign  field,  51. 

Not  merely  to  qualify  as  chaplain, 
49. 

Not  as  private,  60. 

Cannot  be  partial,  [673]*. 

Sine  titulo,  48. 

Changes,  60. 


Organic  union,  909. 

With  Northern  church,  Correspond¬ 
ence,  961,  1001,  1026. 

Pastoral  letter  on,  966. 

Amending  powers  of  Assembly  to 
effect,  1028. 

Resolve  to  maintain  independent 
stand,  1028. 

Declined,  995. 

Committee  of  inquiry,  982. 

With  other  bodies,  92 If. 

Of  all  Presbyterian  and  Reformed 
Churches  in  U.  S.,  922. 

Original  jurisdiction, 

When  Presbyteries  may  have,  over 
elders  and  members,  91. 

Orphanages, 

Column  in  statistical  reports  for 
contributions  to,  452. 

Orphans’  Home,  Choctaw,  293. 

Overture,  the  right  to,  cannot 
be  abridged,  1097. 

*  Numbers  in  [  ]  refer  to  Alexander’s 

Digest  (1910). 


1148 


Index. 


Overtures, 

Informality  in  manner  of  sending 
down,  15. 

Printing  in  the  Minutes,  140. 
Should  come  through  lower  courts, 
125,  139. 

To  be  sent  to  Stated  Clerk  and 
Moderator,  160. 

And  memorials  may  be  referred 
without  reading,  139. 

Pages,  Testaments  to,  161. 
Painter,  G.  W.,  Ordination  of, 
207. 

Pan-Presbyterian  Council,  641, 
1032,  1037. 

See  General  Presbyterian  Alliance. 

Paper  Week,  Church,  749. 
Parents,  Relation  of,  to  Sun¬ 
day  School,  528. 

Park,  Rev.  Samuel,  case  of. 
[672]* 

Parliamentary  Rules,  127. 
Parties  to  a  cause,  who  are. 

1098. 

Pastor, 

Who  may  vote  for,  40. 

Course  of  call  for,  41. 

Amending  form  of  call  for,  41. 

Call  for,  without  promise  of  ade¬ 
quate  support,  41. 

Bv  whom  installed,  42. 

In  Sabbath  School,  557. 

Salary,  41,  91. 

Pastoral  relation, 

Not  to  be  lightly  broken,  44. 
Dissolution  of,  44. 

Pastoral  letter, 

On  organic  union  with  Northern 
Church,  966. 

On  religious  instruction  of  colored 
people,  301. 

On  claims  of  gospel  ministry,  367. 
On  parental  training,  832f. 

On  worldly  amusements,  851. 

To  non-resident  members,  31. 
Against  errors,  865. 

Pastorates,  Term,  41. 

Pastors  should  preach  to  the 
children,  556. 

Patapsco,  Presbytery  of,  unites 
with  Assembly,  909. 

Peace  Conferences,  866,  903. 
Pearls  for  the  Little  Ones ,  543. 
Pending  Question,  14. 

Pension  System,  379. 


Per  capita  for  benevolences. 
738,  743,  1121. 

Percentages,  621,  (637),  641f, 
655f,  657 f ,  673,  690,  704, 
721,  739. 

Permanent  Committees  instead 
of  Standing,  608. 

Permanent  Standing  Commit¬ 
tee,  138. 

Pernambuco,  Mission  founded 
at,  222. 

Phillips,  Dr.  A.  L.,  memorial 
to,  554. 

Physicians,  Examining,  for  ap¬ 
plicants  for  appointment  as 
missionaries,  207. 

Pilgrimage,  Monmouth,  865. 

Pilgrims,  Church  of,  285. 

Plan  of  Union, 

Presbyterian  and  Reformed  Church- 
es  in  U.  S.  of  America,  1006. 

United  Assembly,  1015,  1018. 
Powers  of,  1020. 

Basis  of  Union,  1018. 

Platform,  Missionary,  193. 

Pocket  Testament  League,  804. 

Policy, 

Missionary,  194. 

Sunday  School,  563. 

Polity,  Church,  Catechism  on, 
534. 

Poly  gamy,  873. 

Postoffice,  Sunday  closing,  826. 

Pozsonv  Reformed  Presbytery., 
Hungary,  232  942. 

Prayer, 

For  the  General  Assembly,  141. 

For  increase  of  candidates  for  min¬ 
istry,  365,  371. 

In  installation  service,  43. 

Day  of,  for  Missions,  179f. 

For  youth,  448. 

For  schools  and  colleges,  366. 

For  public  schools,  448. 

Fasting  and,  848. 

Thanksgiving  and,  849. 

Topic  at  Assembly,  831. 

Week  of,  448,  935. 

Calendar,  Foreign  Missions,  203. 

Calendar,  Home  Missions,  253. 

Prayers,  Book  of,  556. 

Preaching  of  the  gospel,  907. 

*  Numbers  in  [  ]  refer  to  Alexander’s 

Digest  (1910). 


Index. 


1149 


Preparatory  School,  Presbyte¬ 
rian,  415. 

Presbyterial, 

And  Synodical  Unions  of  Women’s 
Societies,  190. 

Changes  in  Synod  of  Georgia,  96. 
Narratives,  108. 

Schools,  419. 

Chairmen  for  Foreign  Missions, 
duties  of,  176. 

Chairmen  for  Education,  duties  of, 
.368. 

Supervision  of  Sunday  Schools,  539. 

Presbyterian  Church,  North, 

Correspondence  in  reference  to 
union,  961,  1026. 

Fraternal  relations,  967-977,  978. 
Correspondence  by  letter,  977. 
Fraternal  delegates,  981. 

Organic  union,  982,  986,  995  (de¬ 
clined),  1001. 

Co-operation,  989. 

Closer  relations,  999,  1052. 

Union  and  federation,  1002. 
Regional  assemblies,  1011. 

Further  correspondence,  1026. 
Aspersions  removed,  1049. 

Presbyterian 

And  Reformed  Churches,  1006. 
College,  415f. 

Educational  Association,  409. 
Educational  Institutions,  number 
of,  428. 

Ministers’  Fund,  384. 

Preparatory  School,  415. 
University,  417. 

Presbyteries, 

The  original,  96. 

New,  97. 

That  have  disappeared  from  roll,  98. 
Of  Potomac  and  Winchester,  96. 
Mixed,  in  foreign  field,  21  If. 

For  colored  people,  322. 

Presbytery,  96. 

Elders  not  appointed  may  not  sit 
in,  102f. 

An  elder  necessary  to  a  quorum, 
103. 

Meeting  out  of  proper  place,  103. 
Meeting  out  of  its  own  bounds,  103. 
To  meet  twice  a  year,  104. 

Called  meeting,  104. 

Corresponding  members,  102. 

Power  to  dissolve  pastoral  relation, 
44. 

What  control  over  her  .  foreign 
evangelist,  210. 

When  it  has  original  jurisdiction 
over  elders  and  members,  91. 
Assembly  without  power  to  or¬ 
ganize,  100. 


Dismissing  a  minister  still  within 
its  bounds,  101. 

Makes  its  own  rules,  109. 

Organize  new  churches,  105. 

Power  over  missions,  90. 

Missionary  meeting  at,  196. 

Assembly  has*  right  to  send  deliv¬ 
erances  directly  to,  1097. 

May  recall  license  of  probationer, 
[660]*. 

May  forbid  the  public  contending 
against  decision  of  Assembly, 
[683]*. 

Must  assign  minister  divested  of 
office,  membership  in  church, 
[703]*. 

Not  allowed  to  vote  on  review  of 
its  own  records,  [668]*. 

Can  restrain  minister  from  exercise 
of  function  without  judicial  trial, 
if  of  unsound  mind,  [664]*. 

Synod  cannot  interpose  its  author¬ 
ity  to  interfere  with  Presbytery 
in  judging  qualifications  of  its 
ministers,  [664]*. 

Presbytery’s  quota,  (636). 

Presbytery, 

Of  Charleston  Union,  98. 

Of  Sao  Paulo,  98. 

Of  Hangchow,  99. 

Formed  in  Greece,  226. 

First  in  U.  S.,  bi-centennial  of,  945. 

Principals,  eligibility,  643. 

“Principles,  Distinctive,”  908. 

Printing  plant,  510. 

Prison  evangelist,  273. 

Private  judgment,  Night  of, 
167. 

Profanity,  864. 

Progressive  Program,  Presby¬ 
terian  (715),  740,  751,  753, 
760,  762f. 

Eight  objectives,  (715),  722,  (730). 

Goal,  749. 

Blank,  749f. 

Prohibition,  see  Temperance 

Proof  Texts,  Revision  of  12. 

Property,  Church  and  College, 
14,  425. 

Pro  re  nata  meeting 

Of  Presbyterv,  see  Called  Meeting. 

Of  Synod,  104,  122. 

Protest,  limitation  on  right  of, 
167 

Provincial  Assemblies,  1028. 

Proxy  voting,  34. 

*  Numbers  in  [  ]  refer  to  Alexander’s 

Digest  (1910). 


1150 


Index. 


Psalms  and  Hymns,  555. 
Psalms,  Rouse’s  version  of,  915. 
Public  Schools, 

Day  of  prayer  for,  448. 

Christian  influences  in,  448. 

The  Bible  in,  449. 

Publication  and  Sunday 
School  Work,  500. 

Executive  Committee  constituted, 
500. 

Property  of  Synod  of  Mississippi 
tendered  to  Assembly,  for,  505. 
Location  of  the  Committee,  505. 
Depositories,  501,  505,  507f. 
Quorum  of,  500f. 

Manual  for,  521. 

Endowment  for,  510. 

Benevolent  work  of,  511. 

Printing  plant,  510. 

Annual  catalogue,  510. 

Publishing  House,  514. 

Property  in  Richmond,  523. 

Change  of  name,  524,  (618). 
Applications  for  aid  to  be  endorsed, 
511. 

* 

Money  to  be  used  only  for  publica¬ 
tion,  512. 

Business  capital  not  to  be  used  for 
benevolence,  522. 

Management  of  Committee  and 
Secretary  endorsed,  512. 
Executive  Committee  incorporated, 

513. 

Business  to  be  done  by  contract, 

514. 

Cheaper  publications,  523. 
Restrictions  on  sales  removed,  520. 
Regulations  for  Committee,  521. 
Gratuitous  distribution,  521f. 
Relations  of  Committee  with  Phil¬ 
adelphia  Board,  523. 

Co-operate  with  other  denomina¬ 
tions,  578. 

Proposed  consolidation  with  Edu¬ 
cation,  523f. 

Committee  to  pay  salary  of  Secre¬ 
tary,  506. 

Date  for  collections  for,  525. 
Provision  for  expense,  516. 
Committee  to  have  supervision  of 
Sunday  School  work,  515. 
Assuming  entire  control  of  issuing 
our  Sabbath  School  literature, 

515. 

To  publish  Missionary  literature, 
544. 

Rule  about  examining  books,  500. 


Copy  of  every  book  published  to 
be  given  to  each  member  of 
Executive  Committee,  522. 
Publish  books  by  our  own  minis¬ 
ters,  506. 

Publishing  annual  receipts,  511. 
Non-denominational  books,  503. 
Ecclesiastical  year  for,  512 
Secretary  to  visit  Synods  and 
Presbyteries,  521. 

Secretary  made  Treasurer,  521. 

His  salary,  524. 

Attendance  of  Treasurer  at  Assem¬ 
bly,  511. 

Itemized  statements  in  Treasurer’s 
report,  524. 

Statistics,  526,  1123. 

Publications 

Of  other  houses,  our  imprimatur 
to  be  placed  on,  506. 

Character  of  books  sold  by  Publica¬ 
tion  Committee,  500. 

For  freedmen,  524. 

For  Indians,  525. 

Publicity,  159. 

Publishing  agent,  507. 
Publishing  bouse,  514. 

Quakers,  baptizing  of,  840. 
Qualifications  of  missionaries, 
206. 

Quarter-centennial  services  of 
assembly,  152. 

Quorum, 

Of  a  Session,  83. 

Of  Presbytery,  elder  necessary  to, 
103. 

Of  Commission  of  Presbytery,  106. 
Of  Synod,  123. 

Of  courts,  167. 

Quota  of  Presbytery,  641. 
Quotas  of  Synods,  (717) 

To  be  fixed  by  Synods,  740. 

Rally  Day,  551. 

Reception  of  members  from 

other  denominations,  20. 

Certificates  of,  2 1  f . 

Reception  of  ministers  without 
letters,  36. 

From  foreign  countries,  36. 

Records,  Official,  168. 

Red  River  country  as  mission 
field,  340. 

Reduction  of  armaments,  1086. 
Reformation  Dav,  875. 

*  %j  / 


Index. 


1151 


Reformation, 

Four  hundredth  anniversary,  454. 

Reformed  Church  in  America 

(Dutch  Reformed), 

Co-operative  alliance  with,  547,  955, 
958f,  960. 

Co-operation  in  publishing  Sunday 
School  journals,  542. 

Reformed  Churches  in  Amer¬ 
ica,  1053. 

Council,  1054. 

Reformed  Churches  in  U.  S. 

( Presbyterian  System ) , 

Federal  union  among,  623,  1048. 

Regional  Assemblies,  1011. 

Register  of  baptized  children 
to  be  kept,  22. 

Of  non-communing  members  ,23. 

Reinforcements,  234. 

Reinstating  a  divested  minis¬ 
ter,  50. 

Relations  of  Church  with 
Other  Bodies,  885. 

Relief  Fund, 

Scheme  for,  375. 

The  scheme  goes  into  operation, 
378. 

Regulations  for,  378,  380. 

Plan  modified,  381. 

Investing  Committees  for,  382. 

Investment  of,  under  whose  con¬ 
trol,  382. 

Taken  from  under  church  control, 
383. 

Supervision  of  contract  with  Clergy 
Friendly  Society  transferred  to 
Foreign  Missions  Committee,  384. 

Transferred  to  Presbyterian  Minis¬ 
ters’  Fund,  384. 

Details  of  administration,  390. 

History  of,  396. 

Relief,  Ministerial,  373. 

Executive  Committee  appointed, 
385. 

Consolidated  with  Education,  388. 

Endowment,  392. 

Gift  of  Mr.  Inman,  393. 

Statistics,  1123. 

Relief,  Protestant,  in  Europe, 
928,  930. 

Religion,  Decline  of,  in  the 
home,  833. 

Re-open, 

Assembly  declines  to  reopen  case  al¬ 
ready  adjudicated,  [667]*. 


Reports, 

List  of,  to  be  published  by  Stated 
clerk,  140. 

Statistical,  from  foreign  field,  216. 

Representatives,  Elders  are,  not 
delegates,  102. 

Requirements,  Educational, 
Minimum,  413. 

Reserve  Fund  for  Foreign  Mis¬ 
sions,  182,  (631). 

Resident  and  non-resident 
members,  32. 

Responsive  readings  in  Sunday 
School,  548. 

Re-statement,  Members  re¬ 
ceived  on,  19. 

Restoring  a  deposed  minister, 
50,  [669]* 

Retired  members,  32. 

Retired  ministers,  378. 

Retrenchment  and  reform,  779. 

Revision,  American  of  Bible. 

May  be  supplied  for  memorizing 
Catechism,  559. 

Revision, 

Of  “Apostles”  Creed,  11. 

Of  Directory  of  Worship,  11. 

Of  Book  of  Church  Order,  2,  11. 

Of  Proof  Texts  to  Standards,  12. 

Righteousness,  Civic,  883. 

Robinson,  Rev.  Dr.  Stuart, 

Legacy  of,  for  invalid  fund,  396. 

Roll  of  Honor  (Ministers), 
379. 

Romanism,  505. 

Romish  baptism,  836,  839. 

Ronzone,  Miss  Christina, 

founds  Italian  mission,  221. 

Rotary  eldership  and  diacon- 
ate,  71. 

Rouse’s  version  of  the  Psalms, 
915. 

Rules  of  parliamentary  order, 
127. 

Ruling  elder,  see  Elder. 

Russia,  233,  1096. 

Sabbath,  816. 

Assembly  affirms  universal  and 
perpetual  obligation  to  keep  Sab¬ 
bath  holy,  [691]*. 

*  Numbers  in  [  ]  refer  to  Alexander’s 

Digest  (1910). 


1152 


Index. 


Sabbath, 

Observance  of,  824,  907. 

Conference  on,  827. 

Mails,  826. 

Closing  postoffices,  826. 

Permanent  Committee  on,  816. 
Standing  Committee  on,  818. 
National  Committee  on,  821. 
Presbyterial  Committees  on,  820. 
Ministers  to  preach  on,  830. 
Application  to  civil  authorities  as 
to  observance,  820. 

Petitions  to  railroads  and  cor¬ 
porations,  827. 

Co-operation  in  movement  as  to, 
821. 

Discipline  for  violation  of,  823. 
Newspapers  and  railway  trains  on, 

823. 

Travel,  823. 

Amusements,  827. 

Pastoral  letter  on  desecration  of 

824. 

Closing  World’s  Fair  on,  826. 
Meeting  of  Synod  on,  821. 

Union,  American,  819,  822. 

Lord’s  Day  Alliance,  828f. 

And  Family  Religion,  818,  831, 

833. 

Lessons  on,  546. 

Sabbath  School  Day  (Rally 
Day),  551. 

Sabbath  School  Extension,  549. 
Sabbath  Schools,  see  Sunday 
Schools. 

Salaries, 

Statistical  column  for,  67,  137. 

Of  Secretaries,  205,  765. 

Average  and  Minimum,  paid  our 
ministers,  289. 

For  Missionaries,  (650). 

Larger,  for  ministers,  707. 

Sao  Paulo  Presbytery,  98. 
Savannah  Independent  Presby¬ 
terian  Church,  921. 

Sayre  Female  Institute,  405. 
Schism,  Charge  of,  against  our 
Church,  973. 

Scholarships,  Memorial,  457. 
“Scholars”  substituted  for 
“Children”  in  Sunday 
School  reports,  561. 

School  for  Missionaries'  chil¬ 
dren,  472. 

Schools,  Mission,  557. 

Among  the  Indians,  218,  292. 

Home  Mission,  297. 


Schools,  Presbyterial  and  Sy¬ 
nodical,  419. 

Constitution  for,  398. 

Statistics  of,  [749-755]*. 

Schools  and  Colleges,  397. 

Church  connection,  *414. 

Standardization,  413,  415. 

Presbyterian  Preparatory  School, 
415. 

Presbyterian  Junior  College,  416. 

Collegiate  Institute,  416. 

Names  of  Presbyterian  Institu¬ 
tions,  416. 

Activities  of  Church  and  Sunday 
School  to  be  taught  in,  565. 

Financial  problems,  416. 

Better  equipment,  417. 

Day  of  Prayer  for,  366. 

Collections  for,  369. 

Consolidated  with  Ministerial  Edu¬ 
cation  and  Relief,  582,  601. 

Executive  Committee  established, 
400. 

Scouts,  Boy,  579. 

Seamen,  275,  814. 

Seaports,  Residents  in  foreign, 
233.  ' 

Secretaries  of  Executive  Com¬ 
mittees, 

To  be  elected  by  Assembly,  604f, 
640,  749,  764/ 

Appointed  for  three  years,  164. 

Not  to  be  on  Systematic  Bene¬ 
ficence  and  Stewardship  Com¬ 
mittee,  348,  606. 

Secretaries  and  Clerks, 

Have  privileges  of  floor  in  As¬ 
sembly,  133. 

Secular  education,  407. 

Semi-centennial  of  Assembly, 
152,  248. 

Seminaries,  see  Theological 
Seminaries. 

Sensational  exercises  and  liter¬ 
ature, 

To  be  avoided,  557. 

Session,  81. 

Mav  one  elder  constitute  a  valid, 
81. 

May  pastor  be,  when  there  is  no 
elder,  84. 

Quorum  of,  82f. 

Opening  with  prayer,  88. 

Powers  of,  85. 

No  meeting  without  sanction  of 
pastor,  84. 

*  Numbers  in  [  ]  refer  to  Alexander’s 

Digest  (1910). 


Index. 


1153 


Session,  81. 

Relation  to  deacons,  76. 

Narratives  of,  91. 

Moderator  of,  83,  87. 

Control  all  church  organizations, 
87. 

Has  charge  of  music,  848. 

Has  control  of  Sunday  School,  530. 
May  not  instruct  its  representa¬ 
tives  how  to  vote,  86. 

Provisional  or  special,  85. 

Flags  in  churches,  88. 

Record  reports  to  Presbytery,  95. 
Care  of  absent  members,  83. 
Citation  by,  85. 

Cannot  lawfully  pass  sentence  on 
member  in  his  absence  from 
court,  on  single  citation,  [679]*. 
Legal  force  of  censure  terminates 
when  inflicted,  [669]*. 

Not  required  to  try  accused  mem¬ 
ber  because  charges  are  Defer¬ 
red,  [670]*. 

Sessional  Narratives,  91. 
Sessional  powers  for  unor¬ 
dained  missionaries,  87. 
Seven  Year  Plan  of  Mission¬ 
ary  Education,  198. 

Shares  in  Mission  work,  194, 
234. 

Sheppard,  Trial  of,  227. 

Side  rolls,  23,  95. 

Simultaneous  meetings,  191. 
Singers,  professional  and  hired, 
848. 

Slavery,  891. 

Slides,  stereopticon,  204. 

Smith,  Rev.  J.  Rockwell, 
founds  Pernambuco  Mis¬ 
sion,  222. 

Snedecor,  Dr.,  331. 

Snedecor  Memorial  Synod,  112. 
Sociology  in  Seminaries,  494. 
Soldiers, 

Educational  work  among,  455. 
Pastoral  letter  about,  277. 
Reception  of,  33. 

Soul  Winners’  Society,  297. 
Southern'  Presbyterian  Univer¬ 
sity,  417,  420. 

Southwestern  Advisory  Com¬ 
mittee, 

Of  Domestic  Missions,  238. 
Southwestern  Presbyterian 
University, 

Theological  Department,  479. 


Special, 

Appeals,  187,  740. 

Donation  Fund,  185,  610. 

Objects,  contributions  to,  185. 
Topics  at  Assemblies,  160. 

Spencer  Academy,  218. 

Spillman,  J.  B. 

Thanks  to,  705,  724. 
Apportionment  plan,  721. 

Spirituality  of  the  Church,  901. 

Deliverances  on,  to  be  published, 
901. 

Standard 

For  licensure,  59. 

Of  minimum  requirements,  413. 

Standardization,  413. 

Of  Christian  Schools,  413,  415. 

Standing  Committees, 

Permanent,  in  the  Assembly,  138, 
608. 

Printing  reports  of,  139. 

Committee  on  Auditing,  added  to, 
150. 

On  Evangelistic  Labor,  262,  264. 

On  Correspondence,  977. 

On  Sunday  Schools,  538. 

State  aid  for  schools,  369. 
State  Universities, 

Care  of  Presbyterian  students  in, 
450. 

State  Schools,  Bible  in,  449. 
State, 

Province  and  relations  of  Church 
and,  888,  902. 

Appeal  to,  in  case  of  Morrison  and 
Sheppard,  229. 

Our  duty  to,  899. 

Stated  Clerk, 

To  publish  list  of  reports  required, 
140. 

To  tabulate  reports,  578. 

See  also  under  Clerks. 

Of  Presbyteries,  to  forward  Ses¬ 
sional  reports  to  Publication 
Committee  before  May  1,  640. 

Stated  Supply, 

Official  status  of,  47. 

By  what  title  to  be  reported,  47. 

Stations,  to  be  represented  by 
numerals,  791. 

Statistical  Report  and  Syste¬ 
matic  Beneficence,  774. 
Statistical  Reports  (see  also 
Blanks), 

Home  Department  and  Cradle  Roll, 
not  separate  column,  529. 

*  Numbers  in  [  ]  refer  to  Alexander’s 
Digest  (1910). 


1154 


Index. 


Statistical  Reports  (see  also 
Blanks) , 

Changes  declined,  dismissals,  etc., 
95. 

Baptized  non-communicants,  22. 
Column  omitted,  23. 

Pastor’s  salary,  67. 

From  foreign  field,  216. 

Colored  churches,  316. 

Orphanages,  452. 

Assembly’s  Home  Missions  and 
Local  Home  Missions,  246. 

On  Systematic  Beneficence,  769. 
“Contributed”  interpreted,  775. 
Items  to  be  reported,  788,  791. 
Blanks  for,  787. 

Four  new  columns  added,  789. 
“Scholars”  substituted  for  “chil¬ 
dren,”  561,  790. 

Outside  causes  as  ’’Miscellaneous,” 
791. 

Sessional,  to  include  blank  for 
Every  Member  Canvass,  706. 

Statistical  tables,  general  and 
special,  1120ff. 

Statistics,  1119. 

Blanks  for,  787. 

What  items  to  be  reported,  787. 

Stereopticon  slides,  204. 
Stewardship  Bay,  691. 

Contest,  691. 

Stewardship  Committee  (As¬ 
sembly’s),  655,  (679),  704, 
(714),  722. 

Conferences,  692. 

Reports  (627),  (644),  (660), 

(666),  673,  (698). 

Secretary,  (651),  655,  (660),  671, 
688,  750. 

Combined  with  Systematic  Bene¬ 
ficence,  723. 

Name,  751. 

Nature  and  duties,  751. 

Membership,  752. 

Organization,  753. 

General  Secretary  and  staff,  754. 
Expenses,  754. 

Report  to  Assembly,  754,  756,  758. 

Stillman,  Dr.,  334. 

Stillman  Institute  (see  Tusca¬ 
loosa),  324. 

Self  support  at,  333. 

Importance  of  Institute,  333. 

Title  to  property,  333. 

Changes  in  organization,  334,  336. 
Permanent  quarters,  331. 

Work  of,  331. 

New  site,  333. 

Local  Advisory  Board,  333. 
Conference  for  colored  women, 
(679). 


Stites,  thanks  to  Mr.,  456,  611. 
Stuart,  legacy  of  Miss  Mary, 
387. 

Student  Loan  Fund,  456,  (633) 
Study  Course,  Mission,  197. 
Subscribing  of  ministers,  when 
received  into  Presbytery, 
39. 

Summer  Bible  School  at  Mon¬ 
treat,  429. 

Conferences  for  Young  People’s 
Movement,  572. 

School  of  Theology,  498. 

Sunday  mail,  826. 

Sunday  Schools,  527. 

What  is  a,  527. 

What  it  should  embrace,  528. 

Salvation  of  pupils  the  primary  ob¬ 
ject,  538. 

Expenses  paid  by  church,  564. 

Separate  rooms,  528. 

Policy,  563. 

Control  of,  530. 

Teachers  of,  534. 

Reports  of,  559. 

Organization,  529. 

Home  Department,  529. 

Cradle  Roll,  563. 

Presbyterial  Committees,  539. 

In  relation  to  the  family,  528. 

Adults  in,  528. 

Attendance  of  Children  at  public 
worship,  529. 

Publication  Committee  has  over¬ 
sight  of  work  in,  539. 

Efficiency  chart,  531. 

Efficiency  standard,  534. 

Use  our  own  literature,  535. 

International  Lessons,  544. 

Supplemental  and  graded  lessons, 
53 1  f . 

Advanced  course,  546. 

Syndicate  treatment  of  Interna¬ 
tional  Graded  Lessons,  535. 

Lessons  on  the  Sabbath  and  on 
Missions,  533,  546. 

Catechisms,  etc.,  to  be  taught,  531. 

Catechism  and  doctrinal  questions 
on  lessons,  547. 

Study  activities  of  church,  (633). 

Presbyterianism  to  be  distinctly 
taught,  530. 

Responsive  readings,  548. 

Contributions  to  benevolent  causes, 
548f. 

Union  schools,  552. 

Conventions  and  teachers’  meet¬ 
ings,  552f. 

Libraries  and  hymn  books  for, 

555f. 

Co-operate,  538. 


Index. 


1155 


Sunday  Schools, 

Missions  schools,  557. 

Sensational  methods  and  litera¬ 
ture,  557. 

Use  of  Bible  in,  558. 

Standing  Committee  on,  538. 

In  the  Assembly,  560. 

For  colored  people,  561. 

Work  of  Foreign  Missions  in,  196. 

Convention  sends  greetings  to  As¬ 
sembly,  937 

Survey  for,  564. 

Statistics,  559,  1125f. 

“Sunday  School'’  Assembly, 
565.. 

Superintendent  of  Sabbath 

Schools, 

Presbyterial,  539. 

General,  561. 

Superintendents  of  Tuscaloosa 
Institute,  331*. 

Supper,  elements  in  Lord’s  834. 

Deacons  and  others  may  assist  in, 
835. 

Supply  of  churches  out  of  our 
connection  by  our  minis¬ 
ters,  45. 

^ Survey ,  Missionary ,  202,  547. 
.749. 

Suspension  of  a  member  with¬ 
out  trial  [679]* 

SUSTENTATION,  286. 

A  scheme  for,  286. 

Executive  Committee  appointed, 
239,  286. 

By-Laws  for  the  Committee,  287. 

Committee  changed  to  that  of 
Home  Missions,  239. 

Aid  for  candidates  doing  mission 
work,  292. 

Aid  for  colored  people  from  the 
Committee,  311. 

And  evangelistic  work  to  be  con¬ 
ducted  separately,  263. 

Fund,  388. 

Swedenborgian  baptism,  840. 

Synod,  100. 

Time  of  meeting,  121. 

Called  or  pro  re  nata  meetings, 

122. 

Biennial  meetings  not  approved, 
123. 

Suggested  change  in  constitution 
(in  regular  gradation),  120. 

Meeting  out  of  time  legalized,  121. 

Meeting  of,  ordered  by  Assembly, 

122. 

May  order  a  Presbytery  to  meet 
instcmter,  122f. 


Ordering  a  Presbytery  to  meet, 
must  specify  the  object,  122. 

Quorum  of,  123. 

Note  of  absentees  on  the  records, 

124. 

May  not  amend  the  record  of 
lower  court,  124.  , 

No  power  to  enjoin  assessment, 

125. 

Becords  should  name  the  churches 
its  elders  represent,  124. 

Records  should  not  contain  out¬ 
side  matter,  125. 

Assembly  may  demand  that  records 
be  sent  up,  126. 

Copy  of  records  sent  up  for  re¬ 
view,  126. 

What  should  be  included  in  re¬ 
cords,  125. 

Records  should  be  signed  by 
Clerk,  126. 

Requested  to  meet  before  Presby¬ 
teries,  762. 

Cannot  interpose  its  authority  to 
interfere  with  Presbytery  in 
judging  qualifications  of  its  min¬ 
isters,  [664]*. 

Of  Kentuckv,  unites  with  Assem¬ 
bly,  916. 

Of  Missouri,  unites  with  Assem¬ 
bly,  918. 

Of  Texas,  division  of,  refused,  120. 

Of  Brazil,  222,  936. 

Independent  (colored),  321. 

Two  hundredth  anniversary  of 
first,  120. 

Members  of  Presbytery  may  vote 
on  Presbyterial  records,  126. 

Synodical, 

Boundaries  changed,  114ff. 

Evangelist,  124. 

Schools,  419. 

Secretaries  and  agents,  774. 

Synods, 

The  original,  110. 

New,  110. 

How  divided,  126. 

And  Presbyteries  to  be  arranged  in 
the  Minutes  alphabetically,  140. 

“System  of  Doctrine”  inter¬ 
preted,  16. 

Systematic  Beneficence  (and 
Stewardship),  580. 

Duties  and  powers,  581,  (586), 

596,  615,  624,  740,  751. 

Committees  of,  596. 

Annual  spring  meeting,  581,  (590). 

Letter  from,  for  the  press,  (592). 

Two  meetings  of,  (584),  (595). 

*  Numbers  in  [  ]  refer  to  Alexander’s 

Digest  (1910). 


1156 


Index. 


Systematic  Beneficence  (and 
Stewardship),  580. 

Presbyterial  Committees  on,  582. 

Apportionment  for,  770. 

Permanent  Committee,  580. 

Separate  Treasurer  for  Benefi¬ 
cence,  581. 

Standing  Committees  changed  to 
Permanent,  582,  608,  638. 

Expenses  paid  by  Assembly,  583. 

Annual  Reports,  596,  606,  (630), 
(648),  (661),  (677),  (693), 

(708),  719,  (725). 

Reports  of  Standing  Committee, 
670,  687,  703,  719,  736,  756. 

Questions  added  to  blank,  675. 

Reports  of  Executive  Committees 
to  be  sent,  (592),  609,  624. 

Estimate  of  needs  of  benevolent 
causes,  (595). 

Systematic  Beneficence  (and 

Stewardship)  , 

Alternates,  605. 

Constitution  of  Committees,  605, 
(653),  656,  671,  723. 

Conferences  of  Presbyterial  and 
Synodical  Chairmen,  606f. 

Report  to  be  printed  in  Minutes, 
613. 

To  meet  prior  to  Assembly,  624. 

To  submit  report  in  writing,  624. 

Combined  with  Stewardship,  723. 

Name  changed,  751. 


Teachers,  Invalid,  Relief  Fund, 
379. 


Teachers’  Meetings,  553. 
Teacher  training,  554. 

Teachers  in  Sabbath  Schools, 
534. 

Temperance,  859f. 

Union,  935. 

Convention,  935. 


Tennessee  Synod  organized. 


110. 


Term  pastorates,  41. 

Testimony  of  distant  wit¬ 
nesses,  1099. 

Texarkana  depository,  508,  611. 
Texas, 

Aid  for  colored  Presbytery  of, 
935. 

Evangelistic  work  in,  340. 

Home  Missions  in,  339. 

Land,  884. 

Text  books  for  Academics  and 
Colleges,  450. 

Texts,  Proof,  Revision  of,  12. 


Thacker,  Work  of  Dr.,  278. 
Thanks,  Standing  Committee 
on,  138. . 

Thanksgiving,  159. 

Day  of  prayer  and,  849,  899. 
Theatrical  performances,  850, 
852. 

Theological, 

Change  in  mode  and  standard  of 
education,  482. 

Students,  Mission  work  for,  497. 

Theological  Seminaries,  475. 
Columbia,  476. 

Union,  475. 

For  the  Southwest,  479. 
Southwestern  Presbyterian,  479. 
Louisville,  479. 

Consolidation  of  Louisville  and 
Danville,  480. 

Austin,  481. 

Inspiration  of  Scriptures  in,  481. 
English  Bible  in,  477,  489. 

Teach  Sociology,  494. 

Terms  of  six  months,  489. 
Missionary  interest  in,  196. 

Health  in,  491. 

Patronizing  our  own,  492. 

Students  leaving,  496. 

Control  of  Assembly  over,  492,  498. 
Evangelism  in,  263. 

Reports  from  other  institutions  re¬ 
quested,  478. 

Evolution  in,  493. 

Items  to  be  reported  to  Assembly, 
498. 

Additional  endowments,  494. 
Scholarship  funds,  495. 

Thesis,  Latin,  65. 

Thomas,  Thanks  to  Dr.  Trigg 
A.  M.,  456. 

Three  million  dollar  drive 
(699),  705,  (714) . 

Three  and  a  half  million  dollar 
drive,  (7l7f). 

Three  Years’  Program  (Edu¬ 
cation),  453. 

Three  Year  Program  (Finan¬ 
cial),  722,  743. 

Tithe,  644,  708,  (716),  780. 
Title  of  Church,  1. 

Titles,  Honorary,  141. 

Tobacco,  862. 

Topics  at  Assemblies,  160. 
Tract  Society,  American,  813. 
Tracts,  Kennedy  bequest  for, 
524. 


Index 


1157 


Training  School. 

For  lay  workers,  433. 

On  budget,  720,  749. 

Training,  Teacher,  554. 
Transfer, 

Of  churches,  100. 

Of  church  membership,  27. 

Of  territory  transfers  the  minis¬ 
ters,  101. 

Travel,  Sunday,  823. 
Treasurer, 

Of  the  Assembly,  136. 

A  single,  for  all  the  funds  of  the 
Assembly,  756,  766. 

One  for  a  mission  field,  ( 650 ) . 

Treasurers, 

Of  Executive  Committees,  766. 
Items  to  be  reported  by,  602,  610. 
Bonds  of,  610,  766. 

Separate  for  benevolences,  767. 
(Mission)  not  to  overdraw,  (631). 
Of  churches  notify  Executive 
Secretaries,  656. 

Of  benevolences  in  church  papers, 
792. 

Tribunal,  Judicial,  1100. 
Trustees,  793. 

Of  Assembly  organize  under  the 
charter,  793. 

Secretaries  of  Executive  Commit¬ 
tees  ex-officio  members  of  Board 
of  Trustees,  793. 

Number  of,  reduced,  794. 

Divided  into  three  classes,  794. 

To  pay  over  bequests  to  Executive 
Committees,  795. 

Five  per  cent  deduction,  796. 
Form  of  bequest,  793. 

By-Laws  for,  794. 

Reports  of  the  Board,  794. 
Tenure  of  office,  794. 

Treasurer  of  the  Board,  794,  797. 
Expenses  of  the  Board,  794. 
Quorum  of  the  Board,  797. 
President  of  the  Board  ex-officio  a 
member  of  the  Assembly,  797. 
Members  of  the  Board  have  the 
privileges  of  the  floor,  797. 
Judicial  powers,  797. 

Trustees  of  congregation,  77. 
Tuberculosis,  875. 

Tuscaloosa  Institute  (see  Still¬ 
man  Institute), 

Origin  of,  324. 

Agency  for,  326. 

Commended,  326. 


Statistical  column  for,  326. 
Incompetent  students,  326. 

Change  in  financial  management. 
327. 

Progress  and  history  of,  327. 
Academic  Department  for,  329. 
Superintendents  of,  331. 

Under  Executive  Committee,  330. 

Tuscumbia  Presbytery,  116. 
Twelve  million  dollars  in  three 
years  (701f),  704f,  722. 
Twentieth  Century  Fund,  402. 

Undesignated  funds,  611. 
Union,  Plan  of,  1006. 

Union  Presbyteries  on  foreign 
soil, 

Reporting  ministers  in,  212. 

Union  Sunday  Schools,  552. 
Union, 

American  Sabbath,  819. 

Of  Women’s  Societies,  Presbyterial 
and  Synodical,  190. 

Union  Theological  Seminary, 

Assembly  assumes  review  and  con¬ 
trol,  475. 

West  .Virginia  to  share  in  control, 
475. 

Gift  of  C.  H.  McCormick  to,  475. 
Removed  to  Richmond,  475. 

Origin  of,  475. 

Faculty  changes,  475. 

Union,  Federal,  among  Re¬ 
formed  Churches,  623,  1048 
Unitarian  baptism,  839. 

United  Presbyterian  Church, 

Conference  with,  947. 

Suggested  basis  of  union,  949. 

United  Presbyterian  Church  in 
each  Mission  field,  212. 
United  Svnod  of  the  South, 

Unites  with  Assembly,  909. 

Universalists  not  to  use  our 
Church  buildings,  935. 

University,  Atlanta,  419. 

Southern  Presbyterian,  417,  420. 

Vacant  churches,  46,  268. 
Vacation  Bible  School,  553. 
Valid  baptism,  838f,  842. 
Voluntary  Agencies,  799. 
Voluntary  Societies,  784. 

*  Numbers  in  [  ]  refer  to  Alexander’s 
Digest  (1910). 


1158 


Index 


Vote, 

Counting,  in  Judicial  cases,  1099. 

When  taken,  15. 

Right  to,  not  abridged  by  race  or 
color,  [672]*. 

By  Proxy,  34. 

Waldensian  churches,  Aid  for, 
924. 

Waldensians  in  Uruguay,  Mis¬ 
sion  to,  232. 

Walkup,  It.  L.,  Secretary, 
Stewardship  Committee, 
655,  (660),  (664),  (714). 
722. 

War  work,  276,  879. 

Problems,  277. 

Offerings  under  “Miscellaneous,” 
579. 

Council,  (696). 

Watts,  Death  of  Mr.  George 
W.,  476. 

Week  of  prayer,  448,  935. 

Western  Section,  see  Alliance. 

Westminster  Assembly, 

Sketch  of,  to  be  added  to  Book  of 
Church  Order,  11. 

Two  hundred  and  fiftieth  anniver¬ 
sary  of,  153. 

Westminster  Church, 

Sale  of  lot  authorized,  1112. 

Westminster  League,  566. 

West  Virginia,  Synod,  110, 
125,  342. 

White  slave  traffic,  874. 

Whyte,  Robert,  Thanks  to,  233. 

Wilson,  J.  Leighton,  memorial. 
230. 

Wilson,  Prayer  for  President, 
877f. 

Winsborough,  Mrs.,  575,  706f. 

Witnesses,  taking  the  testi¬ 
mony  of  distant,  1099. 

Woman’s  Auxiliary,  573,  (619), 
622,  640,  (651),  (664), 

671,  (679),  (696),  706, 

(712),  722,  (734),  746f. 

Circle  plan,  577. 

Contributions  of,  693,  (734),  746. 


Membership  in  other  organizations, 
707. 

Presbyterial  and  Synodical  Unions, 
190. 

Tenth  anniversary,  577. 

Statistics,  577,  1126. 

Woman  Secretary  and  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Foreign  Mis¬ 
sions,  172. 

Woman’s  School  of  Missions  at 
Montreat,  746. 

Women, 

As  preachers,  55. 

Sphere  of  work,  56. 

As  missionaries,  205. 

Aid  for,  in  Training  Schools,  dis¬ 
continued,  360. 

Workman,  Wm.,  Legacy  of,  for 
evangelistic  work  in  Ken¬ 
tucky,  244,  407. 

World  Missionary  Conference 
in  Edinburgh,  204. 
Worldly  amusements,  850,  854. 
Conformity,  853. 

Pastoral  letter,  851. 

Worship, 

Family,  831. 

Public,  Attendance  of  children 
upon,  833. 

Revision  of  Directory  for,  11. 


Year  Book,  544. 

Year,  ecclesiastical, 

For  Education,  369. 

For  Publication,  512. 

Uniform,  784. 

Y.  M.  C.  A.,  815,  938. 

Y.  W.  C.  A.,  815. 

Young  People’s  Societies, 
566ff. 

Committee  in  each  Presbytery  and 
Synod,  573. 

Alliance  of,  946. 

Statistics,  1126. 

Youth,  day  of  prayer  for,  448. 


Zwingli,  Works  of,  502. 

*  Numbers  in  [  ]  refer  to  Alexander’s 
Digest  (1910). 


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